Trad Gang

Main Boards => Recipes/Grilling/ Barbecuing/Smokers => Topic started by: Tajue17 on January 19, 2021, 07:47:47 PM

Title: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Tajue17 on January 19, 2021, 07:47:47 PM
wondering if I should try cooking a venison roast with the dutch oven this weekend but I'm hearing temps are dropping..  I don't want to over heat it with extra coals and burn everything but just an idea for the weekend  if not worth it I'll hold off..   

Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Pine on January 19, 2021, 08:01:39 PM
If you dig a hole deep enough that the lid is below the surface, I think you will be just fine.
We used to cook that way in the Boy Scouts on winter camp outs.
Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 20, 2021, 07:12:34 AM
What pine said X's 2.
Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Tajue17 on January 21, 2021, 07:06:14 PM
hey you guys thanks for posting and I'm going to try just that I'm really dying to cook something this sunday its the last day of deer season so a great way to unwind.
Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 22, 2021, 07:31:34 AM
Take pictures for us:)
Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Pine on January 22, 2021, 11:43:07 AM
If you dig a hole deep enough that the lid is below the surface, I think you will be just fine.
We used to cook that way in the Boy Scouts on winter camp outs.
I didn't explain; keeping it in a hole that is just slightly larger than the Dutch Oven will keep the cold air from circulating around it.
And you wont have  to increase the amount of charcoal that you use.
Cooking time will still be about the same as you are used to.
Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 24, 2021, 07:02:16 AM
Today is the day, Ted.

Take pictures:)
Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Fat Daddy on January 27, 2021, 07:55:41 PM
As a Canadian it is often cold out when I cook using my Dutch Ovens outside. Additionally, the ground is often frozen so I don't have the option of digging a hole to cook in. That is the price of living in the North!

My personal technique to combat the cold is to ensure that I have a good wind break and then I add a couple of extra coals to make up for the temperature difference. If I am using briquettes, I add 2 extra briquettes (or more) to both the top and bottom, if I am using hardwood coals, I add a similar amount of red hot coals to both the top and bottom. One other thing that I do is to change out the briquettes/coals more frequently so as to ensure their quality of heat. It requires more coals, but ensures an even and consistent heat. I have used my many Dutch Ovens frequently in the -20 to -30 F range and have not had any difficulty in getting similar results to those that I do when cooking in summer time temperatures.

I hope it works out for you, and thanks for planting the idea to do some Dutch Oven cooking - might just have to get after it this coming weekend.

Cheers,
Title: Re: anyone cooked with a charcoal dutch oven in cold temps
Post by: Killdeer on May 14, 2021, 10:43:21 PM
Need more Dutch oven stuff! And where are the pics?

When advice is given, follow-up is the thank you!
Besides, I am just learning this, and wanna read more!

 :archer: :campfire: :wavey: