What do you need to buy?

So you are looking to get started cooking with Dutch ovens. You have a few questions, like,

• Where do I start?
• What size should I buy?
• What other items do I need?

Here is a list of different items you might need when starting out, or as you progress. Also a few categories of more advanced users. This is by no means a definitive list, but simply a general idea of what you may need at each level.

Beginner:

• One Dutch oven: either a 10 inch or 12 inch Dutch oven. Most recipes are designed for 12 inch Dutch ovens, but can easily be adjusted for a 10 inch. It all depends on the amount of food you want to make.
• Hammer/heavy pliers as a lid lifter.
• A cheap pair of metal tongs to move charcoal around.
  
• Bag of charcoal briquettes.
  
• Something to light the charcoal, A long lighter works best, but matches will work too.
  
• Charcoal Can: #10 can with holes punched into the sides to let air in to start charcoal.
• Something to use as a table to cook on.
  

Intermediate:

• Start with the above list and add...
  
• A 10 inch or 12 inch regular or deep Dutch oven. Again it depends how much food you want to make.
  
• An iron lid lifter.
• Tool bag/bucket to keep utensils in.
  
• Charcoal chimney.
• A pot scraper.
• A stiff brush.
  

Advanced:

• Start with the above lists and add...
• A 12 inch deep or 14 inch Dutch oven.
• Carry bags for your ovens.
• Cooking utensils.
  
• Heat Gloves.
• Thermometer.
• Lid stands.
  
• Dutch oven table w/ wind baffle.
• Shovel & broom for coals.

Expert/Cook Off Competitor:

• Start with the above lists and add...
• 8 inch and 14 inch or 16 inch Dutch ovens, with carry bags.
• Trash container.
• Fold-in-half table(s).
• Ice chest.
• Cooking utensils and chuck box.
• Mixing bowls.
• Wash basins, water pot.
• Propane stove, and bottle.
• IDOS membership www.idos.org