Hearth Dutch Oven 5.5 qt

The Hearth Dutch Oven 5.5 qt is the one-pot size for a household of four: 26 cm across (10.2 in), 13 cm tall, 5.2 liters, 5.2 kg (11.5 lb) with the lid. It takes a whole chicken with vegetables around it, a stew that feeds four with leftovers, or a boule from a full kilo of dough. The enamel runs inside and out, so the pot never needs seasoning; the cooking surface cleans with soap and water. The lid knob is stainless steel and the exterior comes in three enamel colors.

Cast iron walls 4 mm thick hold a steady low simmer for hours, and the self-basting lid drips condensation back onto whatever is under it. Wide loop handles on both sides fit gloved hands. It goes into a 260 °C (500 °F) oven and onto an induction cooktop. Hand wash, dry fully, and store with the lid propped open so air reaches the inside.

Questions

Is the 5.5 qt the right size for four people? Yes for stews, chili and braises: 5.2 liters is four generous servings plus leftovers. For batch cooking or a whole bird for six to eight, the Hearth Dutch Oven 7.5 qt is 30 cm across.

How do I get browned marks off the enamel interior? Soak it in warm water, then wash with soap and a soft sponge. Do not use the chainmail scrubber from the Bench Care Kit on enamel; that scrubber is for the bare iron surfaces of the Hearth skillets and the Forge pans.

Can I carry it to the table on the Bench Trivet? Yes. The Bench Trivet stands on silicone feet and is rated to hold the 7.5 qt, so the 5.2 kg of this pot is well within it.

Whitesmith: finished by hand, guaranteed for life.