Dutch Ovens are hugely useful around the hearth. You want the cast iron oven with short legs. It is sometimes sold as a “camp oven.” Cast iron cookware holds heat nicely, and is a pleasure to work with in the kitchen, and around the hearth. Dutch ovens with legs are also often sold at camping supply stores.

Lodge: South Pittsburg, Tennessee

Lodge is the leading American producer of Dutch ovens and cast-iron cookware. Their cookware is widely distributed in the US and Canada. Go to the “outdoors” section of their web site to find Dutch ovens with legs. (423) 837-7181

Action Africa: Phoenix Arizona

Paul Zway imports, dessigns, and also manufactures a wide range of beautiful Dutch ovens. Much of his line is based on the South African potjie which is a cast iron Dutch oven based on a very old design. When ordering for hearth use, buyhis spider (three legged frying pan) or other pots with legs that are approximately 2 1/2 inches (5 cm) high. Go to the links page at the web site to find businessess carrying Action Africa products or call 1-888-762-8208.

Lehman’s: Kidron, Ohio

This company sells everything you need to set up a farm that is off the power grid. Lehman’s offers a wide selection of traditional kitchen equipment, including a crane, and an excellent selection of cast-iron cookware. (888) 438-5346

MACA Dutch Ovens

MACA is an industrial castings company. They make an extraordinary line of Dutch ovens. Their ovens are taller than standard—9 inches (20 cm) rather than the more standard 4 inches (10 cm) that Lodge makes. Taller can be helpful, but not necessarily! They also make oval ovens, a design that was retained in Europe but is less common in the US. Oval Dutch ovens are very useful for baking birds. Maca makes a Dutch oven larg enough for a turkey.

Sur la Table: Seattle, Washington

Sur la Table is a US chain that offers a fine selection of cast-iron and terra-cotta cookware suitable for hearth cooking.