At the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show, three cookware makers shared exciting updates to the hardworking kitchen mainstay, the Dutch oven.
[su_dropcap style=”flat”]T[/su_dropcap]he sturdy, versatile, cast iron Dutch oven traces its roots back to the early 1700s, the brainchild of an Englishman borrowing a casting technique developed in the Netherlands. At the Housewares Show, we saw some exciting variations on this venerable theme.
Staub. Cocotte is the French term for Dutch oven. In 1974, Francis Staub made his first cocotte in a former artillery factory in the Alsace region of France. Seeking to perfect this centuries-old kitchen workhorse, he enameled the black cast iron interior to create a rustproof, easy-to-clean surface and added basting spikes inside the tight-fitting lid that drip evaporated liquids back onto the food. He also created a range of vibrantly colored exteriors that let the cocotte go beautifully from oven to table. What’s new this year is one of these colors: La Mer, a rich, deep marine hue inspired by the sea. In the US, it’s currently available exclusively through Williams Sonoma. Shown above is the 5-1/2-quart Round Cocotte.
Nest Homeware. Pursuing a degree in industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design, Matt Cavallaro fell in love with the cast iron process. It lead him to create a line of beautiful, functional cast iron cookware. The interiors of his pieces are machined smooth to create a naturally nonstick surface, then double seasoned with flaxseed oil, so they’re ready to use. When we spoke with Matt at the Housewares Show, he said the handles are inspired by cherry tree branches, abstracted into a form that’s pleasing to the eyes and hands. You’ll find the 3-1/2-quart Dutch oven—and the complete line of cookware—at Anthropologie, various online retailers and the Nest Homeware website.
Combekk. Although the Dutch created the sand-casting process that led to Dutch ovens—and are credited in its name—according to Bloomberg, none had been made in the Netherlands since the 1970s. A few years ago, Dutch company Combekk brought Dutch-made Dutch ovens back. The Combekk Rails edition is made from 100% recycled iron, including train rails. Their hefty pots (the 6.3-quart model clocks in at 16-1/2 pounds) distribute heat evenly and retain it. In keeping with their industrial heritage, their cookware is available in two colors—concrete and dark grey. Combekk Dutch ovens are available online and through a handful of retailers. You can see their entire line on the Combekk website.
Really like the handles of the Nest Homeware design! Dutch ovens are great — I have several, in different sizes and shapes, that I use frequently. More so in cooler weather than at this time of the year — they’re wonderful for long, slow cooking. 🙂
I think I am going to stick with my Griswold Number 8 Dutch oven, that I glommed onto when my mother-in-law died. She got it in the 1950s. My middle son, the chef, wants it after I die.
I also have some Le Creuset pots and pans that my wife and I received as wedding presents in 1973. Still going strong.
John 1, we only have a few, but they all see action.
John 2, sounds like you are totally set. I just looked up the Griswold—looks like a mighty tool. Thanks for reading!