Petromax Dutch Oven - FT3-T

  1 of 15

  Build quality is excellent, I have had my eye on one of these since seeing them on a visit to the Woodlore shop a year ago. I debated long about whether to buy this 1.6 litre size or the next one up, which is 4.5 litres - and twice the weight. It's a shame there isn't one available midway between these two sizes. Curiosly there is a mention of a 3 litre on page 202 of 'Wilderness Chef.' Anyway, I've opted for the 1.6 litre. Probably a good size to learn on. The day it was delivered I made a spelt loaf in the home oven as I was keen to try it out. Very good result. Outside, I've done a coffee & walnut cake which looked and tasted good. The loaf was cooked directly in the camp oven while the cake was done in a tin. Be forewarned that many recipes specify cooking food in a container placed in the oven, not directly in the oven. Lakeland do a 15cm springform cake tin which is a perfect fit inside this smaller camp oven. I am looking out for a pie dish of similar size.  

  Alan Snook

  2 of 15

  Fantastic. Although not used on embers yet we can see that this will be an excellent pot to use.  

  Andy West

  3 of 15

  Great addition to my camping kitchen equipment, cooks everything to perfection, great quality and service as always .  

  David Fotheringham

  4 of 15

  What can I say, it’s a solid lump of cast iron. FT3 is the Perfect size for 1 or 2 people I would say, absolutely no more. I’d considered buying the smaller FT1 from other sellers but glad I didn’t seeing the size of this, it would just be too small I think even for solo which I had planned for. Very good quality item, great that it doesn’t have legs you so can also use in the oven at home as well as camp. I can see this item lasting many years. Would buy again.  

  Alex

  5 of 15

  It’s Thursday evening, the sun is streaming through the hazel stands of Dernwood farm at the end of our third day of camping. The FT3 has just produced some very welcome toad in the hole after a days canoeing on the Medway. It has been a busy few days for the little dutch oven. Roast potatoes on Monday to go with the roast chicken in its big brother and vegetables in the FT1, a white loaf yesterday and rice pudding last night. I really like the little gap that allows a thermometer probe to gauge the working temperature accurately. The fit and finish of the Petromax ovens are superb. After a lid full of embers is brushed away, the oven rinsed out and a coating of oil applied it looks brand new fantastic patina. Thanks Woodlore for a great product and fast service once again.  

  Richard Chalkley

  6 of 15

  Fantastic. Only 4.5kg and happily fits 2 red spuds, 2 sweet potatoes, 2 onions, 2 carrots, 2 chicken breasts (browned off in the lid first.) garlic, herbs and oil. Fantastic for 2 people, fantastic for baking sourdough bread in. Very happy with this dutch oven (and lets be honest, it's on the Ray Mears website so you'd expect it to be a quality item and this certainly does not disappoint.) Tech side. The oven comes pre seasoned, although I gave it another seasoning prior to its first use. The seasoning is pretty decent out of the box, a quick wipe and it is ready for immediate use. The handle is decent and strong as expected. The lid handle is a little small, but works perfectly (nothing a bit of ashwood cant fix). The lid and feet make a perfect frying pan or griddle and work very well. There is also a small steam vent which is very handy when cooking soups or stews and prevents the lid from rocking side to side. All in all, very well built and very handy. My only downside is, I wish I had of brought the FT4-T for baking bigger loaves, pizzas and BBQ ribs, squirrels and fish. The FT3-T is perfect for 2 people to cook an entire meal in, unless you are incredibly hungry. Due to its weight it is also very portable (for a dutch oven) and makes up 1/6th of my pack weight for 1-2 days. I would not recommend this for trail use, only static camping or short trips. A 16cm Zebra Billy Can is my preferred choice should I have to leave the baby Dutch oven. An FT4-T would be ideal for 2 to 4 people or 2 to 3 hungry people.  

  Richard Greenhough

  7 of 15

  This is a good size pot for 2-3 people for cooking on an open fire or on a stove. Made to the typically high standards that Petromax are famous for, this pot should last a lifetime. The lid fits well and has a marker to indicate where the steam hole is should you need it. The handle on the lid is small and if you have to handle the lid with big fire gloves then it becomes a bit of a challenge to not drop it while handling so I would suggest that you use some sort of hook from metal or even better from a fallen branch. The oven comes well packaged and seasoned ready for use after a quick rinse. The instructions and small recipe booklet are good but ensure that you read the instructions before use so that you dont wreck the patina. The main handle is sturdy and folds down out of the way easily if you are not hanging the pot. I prefer these pots without the feet on the bottom as they can then be used on a stove. The lid has a good sized lip and some fins to allow easy stacking of coals to cook from the top of the oven and also allow stacking of pots should you need to. All in all a good addition to the camping equipment that should last a lifetime.  

  Michael Windsor

  8 of 15

  Ray Mear’s website is my go to site for top quality products, especially the Petromax dutch ovens. This is my third one (of different sizes). They are superb quality, good enough that I can imagine them being passed down through the family as we get old and die. My wife was initially reluctant as she was only interested in lecrusset cookware, but I convinced her to try them. If nothing else I could use the Dutch ovens when Bush rafting, but they get used for most meals now indoors and out. Great service guys thank you!  

  Saul Cornwell

  9 of 15

  What a great piece ok kit! Have been wanting to try a Dutch oven for ages. With all kit from Woodlore this did not disappoint. As stated suitable for 2-3 people and the quality is amazing! It cooks in such a great way it now gets used in my kitchen! All in, I am very very happy! Also a special mention to the speed of service from Woodlore team.  

  Douglas Bennett

  10 of 15

  Great way to cook when at base camp just hang on a tripod over your fire and job done, I love making stews in a Dutch Oven always come out tasty, you can make good bread in them too. I brought this one for a friend for Christmas. Happy days, happy cooking.  

  Michael Ireland