As a seasoned restaurant chef with over ten years of experience in the culinary industry, I’ve developed a keen eye for quality cookware. This expertise has led me to a comprehensive exploration of Dutch ovens, an essential tool in any kitchen. In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison between two popular Dutch ovens: the Cabela’s Camp Oven and the Our Table Dutch Oven. We’ll assess them based on crucial aspects that are vital for any cook, whether amateur or professional. These aspects include:
- Material
- Weight
- Heat retention and compatibility
- Lid fit
- Handles and product design
- Colors
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
- Price
Our Table is a relatively newer entrant in the Dutch oven market, offering a range of cookware designed to cater to modern cooking needs. Although not as steeped in history as Lodge, this Dutch oven has quickly gained popularity for its innovative designs and functionality.
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.
Despite not making it to the TOP-5 best Dutch ovens list for a few reasons, these two Dutch ovens are still excellent choices.
Join me in this exploration to discover which Dutch oven best suits your culinary needs and preferences.
Our table VS Cabela’s: Material
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Our Table Dutch Ovens are constructed from enameled cast iron, offering the benefits of cast iron with an added layer of enamel for a non-stick surface and easier maintenance. | 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. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Weight
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| These ovens are slightly lighter than traditional cast iron Dutch ovens, which can be a plus for those who prefer a more manageable weight. | 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. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Heat Retention and Compatibility
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Our Table Dutch Ovens provide excellent heat retention and are compatible with various heat sources, including stovetops and ovens. | 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. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Lid Fit
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Although the Dutch oven cover was tight, I observed a minor steam leak while cooking. This leak could potentially affect the cooking process. However, this minor flaw had no significant effect on the outcome of my dishes. | The Camp Oven‘s lid fits securely, although there was some moisture loss during cooking. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Handles and Product Design
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Our Table Dutch Oven features ergonomic, modern handles and a sleek design. Overall, this Dutch Oven’s design is functional and aesthetically pleasing. | 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. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Colors
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Our Table offers a few Dutch Oven color options (red, blue, and gray), so you can choose a Dutch oven that complements your kitchen decor. | Cabela’s Camp Oven comes in a traditional cast iron color, which is ideal since it is made for outdoor use. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Maintenance and Cleaning
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Compared to my experience with other Dutch ovens, maintaining the cleanliness of this particular one can be somewhat demanding. The enamel interior has a tendency to retain residue, and stubborn stains may require more work to remove. Furthermore, this Dutch oven isn’t suitable for dishwasher use, so manual handwashing is needed. | 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. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Durability and Performance
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Our Table Dutch Ovens provide excellent cooking performance and durability, though they may not last as long as traditional cast iron. | 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. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Warranty
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| This Dutch oven comes with a more limited warranty compared to other brands. Furthermore, there have been instances where users expressed frustration over their inability to receive refunds when the product did not meet their expectations. | 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. |
Our table VS Cabela’s: Price
| Our Table | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Our Table Dutch Ovens are competitively priced, offering a more affordable option for those looking for quality enameled cast iron cookware. | There is only a bit of a price difference between Our Table and Cabela’s, but it is likely due to its outdoor-oriented design and heavier construction. |
Cooking Test
To objectively compare the capabilities of each Dutch oven, I conducted a practical cooking test. The chosen recipe for this test was Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, a dish that allowed me to focus on three key factors in my evaluation: how well each Dutch oven handled browning, its effectiveness in retaining moisture, and the overall impact on the final flavor of the dish.
Browning
The Our Table Dutch Oven excelled in producing superior browning. Its even heat distribution, combined with a well-fitting lid, provided excellent control during the browning process, resulting in a perfectly caramelized exterior on the red wine-braised short ribs. The Cabela’s Camp Oven was capable in this regard, but it fell slightly short of achieving the precise browning accomplished by the Our Table model.
Moisture Retention
The Our Table Dutch Oven demonstrated effective moisture retention capabilities.
Although there was some steam leakage observed with the Cabela’s Camp Oven during the cooking process, the ribs prepared in it still turned out to be tender and succulent.
Final Flavor
The Our Table Dutch Oven excelled in producing braised short ribs that were both vibrant and rich in flavor.
While the Cabela’s Camp Oven also yielded delicious results, the Our Table model had a slight edge due to its superior ability to retain more moisture, enhancing the dish’s overall quality.
How We Tested
I began my cooking test by searing the short ribs in each Dutch oven, paying close attention to their performance in browning the meat. This initial step was crucial for setting the stage for flavor development.
Next, I moved on to the braising process, carefully observing how each Dutch oven maintained moisture. This aspect is essential for ensuring that the short ribs reach the ideal level of tenderness and juiciness.
After the braising was complete, I evaluated the overall flavor and tenderness of the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs cooked in each Dutch oven. During this stage, I focused on the depth of flavors infused in the meat and the extent of its tenderness.
Through this cooking test, I was able to gather important insights into how the Our Table and Cabela’s Camp Dutch ovens perform under practical cooking conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after a detailed comparison of the Our Table Dutch Oven and the Cabela’s Camp Oven, it’s evident that the Our Table Dutch Oven stands out as the superior choice. As a seasoned chef, I assessed both ovens on key factors such as material, heat retention, and performance.
The Our Table Dutch Oven excels in browning, moisture retention, and overall flavor, particularly showcased in the preparation of red wine-braised short ribs. Its even heat distribution and effective lid seal contributed to superior cooking results. In contrast, while the Cabela’s Camp Oven is a solid option, especially for outdoor cooking, it didn’t quite reach the level of cooking precision and quality offered by the Our Table model.
Given its high performance, aesthetic appeal, and competitive pricing, the Our Table Dutch Oven is the clear winner for anyone seeking a top-quality, versatile Dutch oven for a wide range of culinary needs.
Chef Bradley Thompson highly recommends to check his list of the best Dutch ovens.