Do you use a Dutch oven table?

SciAggie

I'm thinking of adding a Dutch oven table to my outdoor kitchen. Lodge & Camp Chef have models on Amazon. The Lodge model seems well liked but is reported to be poorly constructed. 
So here's my question: do you use either? I'd like your opinion on them. If you have a custom setup, please share your ideas. Frankly, making my own is the way I'm leaning at the moment. I'm interested in ideas. 

northGAcock

I'll ask....what is a Dutch Oven table?

Cookinbob

  The Dutch oven you are looking at is designed to be used in a campfire set in the coals and with more stacked on top. The Dutch oven table is designed for use when you don't have a campfire, but want to put charcoal briquettes below and above. If you're planning to use this with your egg, just buy a regular Dutch oven. No need for a table ever.

SciAggie

@Cookinbob I  was just thinking about this as another tool to complement the egg. I've cooked in Dutch ovens with wood coals and charcoal for years - I've just never used a table. As my back gets older I'm looking at ways to make my life easier, hence the table. I thought maybe there were folks here with ideas to share. I'm thinking in addition to CI ovens I could cook paella over wood instead of the egg - if the mood strikes me. 
Part of my idea is just a way to add fun to a get together with friends. Folks are always amazed at what can be cooked in a CI oven or the egg. WE know it's just cooking, but the guests think it's amazing. 
@northGAcockhttp://http//www.amazon.com/Lodge-A5-7-Dutch-Cooking-Table/dp/B0008G2W1Q
Thanks for the responses

SciAggie

For some of the folks browsing this thread, here's a YouTube with some interesting table ideas (Ignore the cooking.) I think the Dutch oven table is pretty neat. I can see the other as a way to maximize space with a blackstone. 
http://youtu.be/kU41RoXlfEk

northGAcock

SciAggie said:

http://youtu.be/kU41RoXlfEk

Thanks for the links. I have a better understanding of the concept. I put that in the catagory of more work/ more effort. I get the wow factor, and love cooking with Cast Iron. I however use the egg as the oven, and use cast iron as the vessal. I can see the use of cooking with the coals while camping, but don't see me headed down this road.That said, would love to see you post some of your cooks using this table. I am interested to see some of the joy it presents you. What is the clean up like?

SciAggie

@northGAcock cleanup is easy. I use a whisk broom to dust the charcoal dust off the ovens. Clean the inside with water just like any other CI; then apply a thin coat of oil as per any CI.
I concede the more work/more effort sentiment - it's true. This would be used less often than the egg for sure. I used these as a scout leader and a few years as part of the cooking crew for our rodeo association. I think they are fun. The table would give me a nice heat proof place for hot items like the placesetter and other items off the grill. 
I'm just kicking around ideas while planning a future outdoor cooking space. 

northGAcock

I'm intriged.....keep us posted as you proceed. Sorry I don't have any input / advice. This could be the next great thing sense Hatch Chilie season.

SciAggie

northGAcock said:

I'm intriged.....keep us posted as you proceed. Sorry I don't have any input / advice. This could be the next great thing sense Hatch Chilie season.

Will do. I will at least post a Dutch oven cook.

DMW

I got a Camp Chef table a couple years ago. I planned to use it for dutch oven cooking with briquettes, but haven't yet. It's great as a landing spot for hot ceramics, grids, etc. You can see it here between my XL and Hasty Bake.
 

SciAggie

@DMW I saw that in one of your posts and wondered about it. Are you satisfied with the build quality?

DMW

@SciAggie - Yes, it's been holding up great, and I don't cover it or anything. It's solid and I don't take care of it. I also use it for my butane burner when frying or for sauces, etc. If it's windy I use the 3 sided wind screen that came with the table, works great.

Skiddymarker

Table is good for two or more ovens or for the use as noted by DMW - it is a great fire proof work surface - clean it with a torch! I usually only have my 12" camp oven on at any one time and I just sit it in my kettle. 12" paver in the bottom and if it the wind comes up - put the lid back on.
@SciAggie - I like the old school camp oven and like you, hate bending down to the ground to tend it - back is OK, I usually spill my drink - wish the kettle came with a cup holder.. 

SciAggie

@Skiddymarker Thanks for the information.

55drum

Had one for 4-5 years...work great...no more bending over....GL