Heating up a Dutch oven – ways to operate the fire pot

March 12, 2026

A Dutch Oven is a true all-rounder for outdoor cooking.

It can be used to prepare stews, braised dishes, bread, and even desserts. But before you start cooking, the question arises: How do you properly heat a Dutch Oven?

Various heat sources are suitable as cooking stations – from classic charcoal to gas and even a campfire. Depending on the situation and equipment, the fire pot can be used flexibly.

Typical cooking stations for the Dutch Oven include:

Additional accessories for using the Dutch Oven:

Below, we will show the most important ways to operate a Dutch Oven.

Heating a Dutch Oven with briquettes or embers

The classic method is cooking with charcoal or grill briquettes. The briquettes are ignited in a charcoal starter and then distributed under the pot and on the lid.

The advantage of briquettes lies in their even and long burning time. This allows dishes such as layered meat, stews, or bread to be prepared at a relatively constant temperature.

This method is preferred by many Dutch Oven fans, as the heat can be controlled relatively well.

Dutch Oven Station (DOKING) – safe and practical

If you don't have a permanent fire pit in your garden, you can use a Dutch Oven Station like the DOKING.

This provides a stable cooking surface for the fire pot and can also be used on lawns or terraces. The design ensures that the heat remains concentrated inside and that the ground is protected.

This allows the Dutch Oven to be operated safely even without a traditional fire pit.

Dutch Oven table – comfortable working

A Dutch Oven table greatly simplifies working with the fire pot.

Briquettes can be distributed on the table, and the Dutch Oven can be conveniently placed on it. The raised position means you work much more ergonomically, as you don't have to constantly bend down to the pot.

In addition, the table can also be used as a preparation or storage surface.

Rocket stove and Dutch Oven – a strong combination

A rocket stove (Rocket Stove) is also a very good cooking station for the Dutch Oven.

Due to the so-called chimney effect, a strong airflow is created in the oven, which burns wood particularly efficiently and quickly reaches high temperatures.

The rocket stove is ideal for:

quick searing
cooking in a Dutch Oven
outdoor cooking without gas or electricity

Many BBQ-Toro rocket stoves are compact and can therefore also be used for camping or outdoor tours.

Using a Dutch Oven in the grill

The Dutch Oven can also be easily used on a gas grill or charcoal grill.

There are two options on the gas grill:

Direct heat:
The fire pot is placed directly over the burners. This method is suitable for searing meat or vegetables.

Indirect heat:
The Dutch Oven is placed in the indirect area. With the lid closed, even heat is created – ideal for braised dishes or bread.

Using a kettle grill with charcoal works similarly.

Dutch Oven on a gas grill table

The gas grill table from BBQ-Toro is another practical way to operate the Dutch Oven.

The two gas burners provide quickly available heat and enable precise temperature control. This makes the grill table particularly suitable for anyone who wants to cook quickly and easily in the Dutch Oven.

In addition, the gas grill table can also be used as a gas cooker for camping.

Fire bowl or campfire

The most original way to cook with a Dutch Oven is over a campfire.

The fire pot is either placed directly in the embers or suspended over the fire – for example, from a tripod.

Cooking over an open fire requires some experience, as the temperature can only be controlled to a limited extent. However, it creates a particularly authentic campfire atmosphere.

Hibachi-style grill – HIBA2 and HIBA3

The cast iron grill pots HIBA2 and HIBA3 can also be used as a cooking station for the Dutch Oven.

To do this, charcoal or wood is ignited in the grill pot, and then a grill grate is placed on top. The Dutch Oven is then simply placed on the grate.

The advantage of this method:

compact design
mobile and portable
ideal for camping or picnics

The HIBA2 is suitable for Dutch Ovens up to 9 QT, the HIBA3 for models up to 12 QT.

Dutch Oven over a gas fire pit

A gas fire pit can also serve as a heat source. Here, the Dutch Oven is usually operated hanging over the flame, for example from a tripod.

The advantage over a wood fire:
The temperature can be controlled much more easily via the gas regulator.

This method is particularly well suited for soups or stews.

Dutch Oven in the oven

The Dutch Oven can also be used in the oven. This method is particularly practical if the weather suddenly changes or outdoor cooking has to be moved indoors at short notice.

The pot is placed on a baking tray or the lower rack. It is important that the rack or tray can safely support the weight of the cast iron pot.

For braised dishes, the oven can first be preheated to 200°C top and bottom heat. Then, reduce the temperature to about 130–150°C so that the dish can cook slowly.