As someone who’s been a restaurant chef for over ten years, I’ve got plenty of cooking experience. In this review, I’m putting that to use by comparing two popular Dutch ovens: the Instant Pot Dutch Oven and the Cabela’s Camp Oven.
Both of these Dutch ovens are known for being strong, adaptable, and great at what they do in the kitchen.
I’ll be looking at a bunch of important things to see how they stack up against each other. We’ll check out:
- Material
- Weight
- Heat retention and compatibility
- Lid fit
- Handles and product design
- Colors
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
- Price
Instant Pot offers various cookware. The one I tested is the Instant Precision Dutch Oven. It is an innovative electric Dutch oven that distinguishes itself from its traditional counterparts. One of its key highlights is the user-friendly control panel located on the cooker base. It shares design elements with other Instant Pot models and boasts a touch-sensitive screen and a tactile dial for effortless temperature and cook time adjustments.
Cabela’s Camp Oven is a heavy-duty cast iron cooking pot designed for outdoor adventures. Its sturdy build and functional design make it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Below is a brief information about this Dutch oven built and its capabilities.
Instant Pot made it to the TOP-5 list of the best Dutch ovens currently on the market.
Stick around for the full comparison to figure out which Dutch oven is the best fit for your cooking needs.
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Material
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The Instant Precision Pot Dutch Oven is made of high-quality cast iron with an enameled surface. Hence, this Dutch oven is noted for its superior heat retention and uniform heat distribution. Its construction is ideal for slow cooking as well as searing. | Cabela’s Camp Oven is built with heavy-duty cast iron. Its impressive thickness ensures consistent cooking temperatures, while the overall build quality suggests durability and reliability. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Weight
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| In comparison to many other cast iron cookware alternatives, the Instant Precision Pot is relatively lightweight, which may make it easier to handle in the kitchen. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven is a bit heavier, tipping the scales at approximately 18 pounds. It’s a better fit for camping and outdoor use. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Heat Retention and Compatibility
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The Instant Precision Dutch Oven effectively traps heat and provides precise temperature control. As a result, my dishes always come out perfectly. It not only excels in heat retention but also offers remarkable heat compatibility. Its unique design allows seamless transitions from the electric cooker base to the stovetop and even into the oven. You can effortlessly remove the cooking pot from the cooker base and place it on the stovetop, in the oven, and even directly onto your dining table to serve your dishes. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven demonstrates good heat retention capabilities as it maintains stable and even heat during cooking. It offers versatility in heat compatibility, accommodating campfires, charcoal, and conventional ovens. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Lid Fit
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The Instant Precision Dutch Oven boasts a thoughtfully designed lid with a braising grid. This feature works efficiently, directing steam circulation within the pot and enriching the flavors of my dishes. | The Camp Oven‘s lid fits securely, although there was some moisture loss during cooking. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Handles and Product Design
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| I found the handles ergonomically designed during my hands-on assessment of this Dutch Oven. The handles ensure a secure and comfortable grip. After cooking, I easily lifted it from the cooker base and seamlessly transferred it to the stovetop, thanks to the practical addition of silicone handle covers. In terms of design, my testing revealed a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, making this Dutch Oven a visually captivating addition to your kitchen. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven has a functional design with sturdy and practical handles. For outdoor cooking, the version with legs is recommended for stability when cooking over wood or charcoal. Overall, its design is straightforward and suitable for outdoor use. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Colors
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The Instant Precision Dutch Oven offers limited color choices, including red, blue, black, and green. All of these color options are visually appealing. I personally chose the red one, as it stood out as the most attractive. | Cabela’s Camp Oven comes in a traditional cast iron color, which is ideal since it is made for outdoor use. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Maintenance and Cleaning
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The Instant Dutch Oven eases the cleaning process with its non-stick enamel coating. While the manual indicates that it’s dishwasher safe, I opt for handwashing, much like my other traditional Dutch ovens. A brief soak and a gentle scrub are typically needed to clean and upkeep this Dutch Oven. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven, like most cast iron cookware, requires careful cleaning, which can be a bit of a chore. Proper drying and re-seasoning are necessary to prevent rust. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Durability and Performance
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The Instant Precision Dutch Oven seems to be well-built and long-lasting. I’ve been using mine for more than six months, and it still works just as well as the day I first used it. I’m hoping it will last a long time to see my money’s worth. | In terms of durability and performance, the Camp Oven meets the basic expectations for a cast iron product. It can handle high heat and will likely serve adequately for an extended period. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Warranty
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The Instant Precision Dutch Oven includes a one-year limited warranty, which is the standard in the industry. However, it would be nice to have more extensive coverage. | The absence of clear warranty information adds uncertainty about the product’s long-term durability. However, you can find return and exchange information on the website, which may offer some clarity regarding their policies. |
Instant Precision VS Cabela’s: Price
| Instant Precision | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| This Dutch oven offers a competitive price point. It is an attractive option for those seeking quality and performance. The affordability, numerous features, and benefits make the Instant Precision Dutch Oven a valuable addition to any kitchen. | There is only a bit of a price difference between Instant Precision and Cabela’s. |
Cooking Test
A cooking test was conducted to determine each Dutch oven’s capabilities and compare them objectively. I prepared Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and considered three important parameters in evaluating these Dutch ovens: browning, moisture retention, and final flavor.
Browning
The Instant Precision Dutch Oven demonstrated superior browning results. The even heat distribution and snug-fitting lid allowed for precise control over browning, ensuring a beautifully caramelized exterior on our red wine-braised short Ribs. The Cabela’s Camp Oven, while competent in this aspect, didn’t quite match the precise browning achieved by the Instant Precision.
Moisture Retention
In terms of moisture retention, the Instant Precision Dutch Oven displayed exceptional performance. Its domed lid design, combined with an effective steam circulation system, facilitated the consistent moisture inside the pot.
The result was remarkably tender and succulent short ribs, as the condensation evenly dripped back onto the cooking food, enhancing its succulence. While the Cabela’s performed well, it couldn’t quite match the superior moisture retention observed in the Instant Precision model.
Final Flavor
Regarding the final flavor of the dishes, it was a close call. Both Dutch ovens produced delicious results, but Instant Precision had a slight edge due to its excellent moisture retention, contributing to a richer and more flavorful outcome.
The Cabela’s Camp Oven also delivered delectable dishes, but the extra moisture retained by the Instant Precision model gave it a slight advantage in this category.
How We Tested
My cook test started with searing the short ribs and critically assessing their browning capabilities.
Then, I transitioned to the braising phase, where I closely examined their ability to retain moisture. This is significant for achieving the desired tenderness and juiciness in the final dish.
Upon completing the braising, I assessed the final flavor and tenderness of the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs prepared in each Dutch oven. My evaluation scrutinized the intensity of flavors and the level of meat tenderness achieved.
This cooking test helped me gain valuable insights into the performance of the Instant Precision and Cabela’s Camp Dutch ovens.
Conclusion
After a comprehensive comparison between the Instant Precision Dutch Oven and Cabela’s Camp Oven, it’s evident that the Instant Precision Dutch Oven comes out on top. While both products have their merits, the Instant Precision Dutch Oven distinguishes itself in several key areas.
What sets the Instant Precision apart is its combination of versatility, user-friendliness, and innovative features. Its ergonomic design, effective heat retention, and compatibility with various cooking methods make it not just a kitchen appliance, but a culinary game changer. The user experience is further enhanced by its ease of cleaning and the range of attractive color options that cater to personal style preferences.
In terms of durability, both ovens perform admirably, but the Instant Precision edges out with its robust build that has proven to stand the test of time, even under frequent use. Additionally, its competitive pricing makes it an excellent value for money, offering high quality at a cost that doesn’t break the bank.
While Cabela’s Camp Oven holds its own, especially for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, the overall versatility, design, and value for money make the Instant Precision Dutch Oven the superior choice for a broad range of cooking needs. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, the Instant Precision Dutch Oven is a worthy investment that promises to elevate your culinary creations.
Take a look at the list of the best Dutch ovens this year.