As a seasoned restaurant chef with a decade of experience, I’ve had my fair share of cooking with different Dutch ovens. In this article, I’m comparing two popular brands: Smithey and Bruntmor. These brands are known for their high-quality cookware, and I’ve personally tested their Dutch ovens to bring you this detailed comparison.
We’ll look at the following key aspects to help you decide which Dutch oven is the best fit for your kitchen:
- Material
- Weight
- Heat retention and compatibility
- Lid fit
- Handles and product design
- Colors
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
- Price
Smithey has secured its spot in the TOP-5 best Dutch ovens available today.
Let’s dive into the specifics of each Dutch oven and discover how they stack up against each other.
In this review, I provide an independent assessment of the pros and cons of Smithey and Bruntmor, based on my experience as a chef. If you choose to purchase it, please consider using the referral links included in this article. I earn a small commission from your purchases at no additional cost to you, which helps support this blog. Thank you!
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Material
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| Smithey Dutch Ovens are crafted from high-quality cast iron. They are hand-finished with a polished interior and a matte enameled exterior. Hence, it gives them a sleek and premium appearance. | Despite its affordable price, the Bruntmor Dutch Oven surprised me with its impressive build and overall quality. It has high-quality cast iron construction and an enamel-coated surface. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Weight
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| Because of its high-quality construction, Smithey Dutch Ovens are known for their heft. While the material used proves its durability, it can be a drawback for some people who are not used to heavy cookware. | The Bruntmor Dutch oven is heavy because it is made of cast iron. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Heat Retention and Compatibility
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| The Smithey Dutch Oven excels in heat retention, making it ideal for precise temperature control during cooking. Its cast iron body retains heat exceptionally well, which is crucial for recipes like braised short ribs, where a steady simmer is needed to tenderize the meat and enhance flavors.
The Dutch oven’s compatibility with various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, and open flames, allows for a seamless transition from searing to slow braising. |
The Bruntmor Dutch Oven excels in heat retention, maintaining even heat for consistent cooking, particularly when braising short ribs. It performs well across different heat sources, including gas, electric, and induction. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Lid Fit
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| The Smithey Dutch Oven comes with a well-fitting lid that helps to trap moisture and heat effectively, ensuring your dishes come out perfectly cooked.
It has self-basting spikes under the lid to ensure even moisture and flavor distribution, improving the taste and texture of dishes. |
The lid of this Dutch oven fits tightly. As a result, it forms a tight seal that traps moisture and flavor inside. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Handles and Product Design
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| The handles of the Dutch oven are thoughtfully crafted, offering a comfortable hold and effortless control. The handles’ ergonomic design makes it easy to lift and maneuver even when carrying a heavy pot filled with food.
The Dutch oven’s elegant appearance combines classic allure with modern sophistication. Smithey Dutch ovens truly serve as authentic, eye-catching centerpieces in any kitchen. |
The Bruntmor Dutch oven features ergonomic handles that make it easy to handle, even when it’s full. Its overall design is reminiscent of Staub, offering a classic and elegant style. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Colors
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| Smithey offers a limited color range. It has an enameled exterior, typically featuring a classic black finish. | Bruntmor has you covered with its diverse color choices. The available color palette includes eye-catching options like Pumpkin Spice, Purple, Silver, Red, Duke Blue, Olive Green, and Turquoise. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Maintenance and Cleaning
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| While cast iron requires a tad more maintenance than nonstick alternatives, the Smithey Dutch Oven‘s smooth interior enamel makes cleaning a relatively straightforward task.
I only need to soak it briefly and scrub it gently with a non-abrasive sponge to remove cooking residues. It’s essential to ensure thorough drying and apply a light oil coating to prevent rust to maintain its optimal condition. |
Cleaning the Bruntmor Dutch Oven is generally straightforward thanks to its enamel coating. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that red wine-based dishes may lead to staining that becomes progressively more challenging to remove after multiple uses. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Durability and Performance
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| Smithey undeniably upholds its dedication to durability, meticulously crafting this Dutch oven with top-tier materials.
The Dutch oven’s remarkable performance makes it a wise long-term investment. By giving proper care and maintenance, this Dutch oven can endure for many years and become a cherished heirloom passed down to the next generation. |
The Bruntmor Dutch Oven performs its intended functions effectively, enduring heavy use and high temperatures without showing wear or performance decline. While it’s durable and long-lasting, it may not match the durability of top-tier Dutch oven brands. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Warranty
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| Smithey offers a limited lifetime warranty on their Dutch Ovens. This warranty reflects the company’s confidence in the product’s durability. | Bruntmor provides a one-year limited warranty for their Dutch Oven, which is the standard duration. However, an extended warranty would provide added reassurance to customers. |
Smithey VS Bruntmor: Price
| Smithey | Bruntmor |
|---|---|
| Smithey Dutch Ovens are on the higher end of the price spectrum, justifying the investment with premium materials and craftsmanship. | The Bruntmor Dutch Oven is an affordable option for individuals seeking to elevate their dishes without spending too much. |
Cooking Test
During our cooking experiment, we made Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in both the Smithey and Bruntmor Dutch Ovens. This exercise enabled us to evaluate the performance of each Dutch oven in three key areas: their ability to brown meat, retain moisture, and influence the overall taste of the dish.
Browning
Getting the meat to sear perfectly is the first step in making delicious Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. The Smithey Dutch Oven’s remarkable heat retention produced a flawless sear.
Smithey made the ribs brown evenly and thoroughly, improving the dish’s overall look and flavor. The result was a visually beautiful and scrumptious base for braising.
The Bruntmor Dutch Oven has excellent browning capabilities. It’s superior heat retention and even distribution create a perfect environment for achieving a deep and flavorful sear on meats and other ingredients.
Moisture Retention
Both Dutch ovens exhibited impressive moisture retention capabilities during the lengthy braising process. The Smithey Dutch Oven is renowned for its ability to maintain a consistent simmer. It ensured that the short ribs remained juicy and tender. The braising liquid clung to the meat, resulting in a perfectly moist final dish.
The Bruntmor Dutch Oven keeps moisture locked in, making it ideal for dishes like braised short ribs or stews, ensuring succulent results.
Final Flavor
Both the Smithey and Bruntmor Dutch Ovens contributed to an extraordinary culinary experience. In the Smithey Dutch Oven, precise temperature control allowed the flavors to meld harmoniously. The short ribs developed a remarkable depth of flavor, their taste rich and satisfying.
The cast iron construction enhances the final flavor of dishes cooked in the Bruntmor Dutch Oven. It imparts a rich and deep flavor to the food, especially in slow-cooked dishes.
How We Tested
I conducted an in-depth cooking experiment using Red Wine Braised Short Ribs to assess the capabilities of the Smithey and Bruntmor Dutch Ovens. To maintain fairness, the same cooking methods were applied to both ovens.
The first aspect I scrutinized was their capacity for browning, observing their effectiveness in achieving the desired sear on the meat. Next, I focused on how well they retained moisture, a vital factor for a dish that demands extended braising. Finally, I evaluated the intensity and richness of the flavors to determine the overall outcome of the recipes.
Our evaluation was carried out with precision and uniformity, ensuring a reliable comparison of the Smithey and Bruntmor Dutch Ovens in these essential aspects.
Conclusion: Smithey is The Winner
In conclusion, after a comprehensive analysis and hands-on testing of both the Smithey and Bruntmor Dutch Ovens, it is clear that the Smithey Dutch Oven emerges as the superior choice. While both brands showed impressive qualities in terms of heat retention, moisture preservation, and flavor enhancement, Smithey consistently outperformed in key areas.
The Smithey Dutch Oven’s superior heat retention and even browning capabilities were evident in the perfectly seared short ribs. This, coupled with its remarkable moisture retention, ensured that the ribs remained succulent and tender, a crucial factor in slow-cooked dishes. Moreover, the precise temperature control of the Smithey Dutch Oven played a pivotal role in developing a more harmonious blend of flavors, resulting in a dish that was not only visually appealing but also rich and satisfying in taste.
However, if you are looking for an affordable Dutch oven for home cooking, then, Smithey might be a good option for you. If you decide to purchase it, please use my referral link.
Ensure you don’t pass up the chance to check out the list of top-5 Dutch ovens.