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Topic: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot (Read 546 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
My dog's "special diet" is not due to any health issues, but I do prepare all of her food except for the kibble and plain yogurt. I'm happy to provide details through a PM; this topic is probably not one of interest to most people on the board.  ;)

Joan

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #1 –
Cheryl

I cook for Cedar to supplement his kibble because it's easy and convenient to do so, in the LD or at home.
Normally I give him boiled boneless/skinless chicken or raw beef stew meat or boiled chicken livers (he loves them).

As to method a pot of boiling water serves me best! I own and have used Dutch ovens for years but only over a campfire or briquettes and the effort involved would be counter productive just for dog food. I also have a Nissan Slow Cooker. It is handy for items like soups and stews but again you start with a pot on a stove. The magic comes when the concoction is ready, the inner pot is inserted into the outer insulated container and then sealed and set aside to wait for the evening meal, much like a Crock Pot. Again, more of an effort than I'm willing to take on an average day.

And I agree with Joan, not too many folks are interested in this topic, we all have our own ideas on how to keep our pets healthy but this is a forum about Lazy Daze Motorhomes, not pets.

I live by the "KISS" ethic, Keep It Simple Stupid!    8)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
 
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #2 –
While my DW and I have not, as of yet, taken a maiden voyage with our 3 little ones and their dietary needs are not likely to intell the need to cook their meals on the road, I am curious about the use of stove top pressure cookers and crock pot choices for our beloved LD.

My DW made her "wish list" for our S&B's kitchen. The one thing she requested? A slow/ fast pressure cooker. I have it stashed in the shower in the LD.

This would seem like a nice item to include for her dietary needs to be included in the rig. For me, a happy wife is a happy camper.

With this being said, I do recall the topic of RV slow cooking being covered some time ago on LDO.

In the mean time, we are still acclamating the young ones to Driveway LDing.

Kent

P.S. A quick search in Around The Campfire resulted in several inputs on the topic of "crock pots" and so I'm heading there right away.
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
In the mean time, we are still acclamating the young ones to Driveway LDing.

That's a good way to get the little critters used to the motorhome, Kent- I'll have to remember that for our little kitty when we get a LD!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #4 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 

"...I did do a search but the only thing I found was a discussion about 12-volt crock pots (they weren't recommended)..."


It's an interesting thing about the search function on LDO. After reading your post, I did a research and found only one response.

I then tried again and came up with about 9 responses covering a period from 2009 until the present.

Curious'er and Curious'er 🐰

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #5 –

And just in case someone wants to know more about the Slow Cooker that resides permanently in my Lazy Daze, here it is:

Amazon.com: Thermos Nissan Thermal Cookware: Sports & Outdoors

This comes in handy and has been seen at many GTGs from Oregon to Quartzsite to Morro Bay.   ;D

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #6 –
Hi Cheryl...consider a stainless pressure cooker...works great for cooking ingredients on your stove via propane, and has very short cook times [so uses little propane]. I bought one a few years back that has locking metal lid to gasket to metal bottom. Very safe, as well as there are 'small' [7qt.] to the larger [10 or 12 qt.].
I cook food for my Dobe as well, as well as more typical crock pot style dishes. Not that pricey compared to the thermal pots.
At 11:44 AM 11/27/2016, you wrote:

Quote

I have a 15 year old terrier-mix that was recently hospitalized with pancreatitis and diagnosed with stage 2 kidney disease. Because prescription diets don't fit her need for low fat (pancreatitis) and low protein (kidney disease), I've decided to revert to home cooking her food.
It's really not difficult, especially when I use a crock pot. I prepare either one lb. of boneless, skinless chicken breast or 93% lean ground been (rinsed after cooking to remove all fat). I put this in the crock pot with sweet potatoes, green beans, no-salt broth (beef or chicken), and sticky rice. I usually add a dollop of organic pumpkin on top and add the contents of a capsule of Slippery Elm and Salmon Oil. This usually makes a week's worth of food, and is more "cost effective" than the various prescription diets.

She's actually doing well on this diet, and since I'm going to Mexico next month for the winter I can get all of the ingredients there (I'll take extra meds/supplements so I don't run out.
I'm not going to be hooked up to electricity in Mexico, (but I have solar panels) so using a crock pot is out. I've read some previous comments about the use of Thermal Pots, but they're pretty pricey. So, I'm leaning toward just doing it the "old fashioned way" and cooking the food in a dutch oven on my stove-top.

Any other cooking and preparation suggestions when you're in an RV? Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V

Posting Information:

desertdivanm started the topic 'Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs.
Thermal Pot' on the 'Around the Campfire' Board.
You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply.
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index.php?action=notifyboard;board=6.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #7 –
Ok...So as this discussion brews, I began checking the prices on the Thermos Nissan Thermal Cookware.

Oh my. They cost as much as the Breville Slow/Fast Cooker I just purchased for my DW. Shhh...don't tell her 🙊.

Not to be deterred, I moved on to the Pressure Cooker idea. Seemed like a good alternative, but I thought I'd try one more thing-eBay.

Bingo and yahoo! Like new Thermos for $45 including shipping. Looks like I'll be living high on the hog in both homes . Well it sure looks like the Amazon listing, anyway. I'll soon know. But the price was right.🤓

Oh the sweet smell of beef stew. Mmmm. 😜

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #8 –
Congratulations on getting a bargain, Kent! It's true that insulated cookers such as the Nissan can be shockingly expensive when purchased new, but they work very well for mostly-liquid dishes such as soups or stews.

The key to getting the best performance from one of these is to have maximum thermal mass--in other words, fill it up. Cooking ribs or a chicken doesn't work so well, because the relatively small mass of the meat doesn't hold enough heat. Fill the container with soup or stew, on the other hand, and it'll cook happily for six to eight hours.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #9 –
Another option that might be worth researching for cooking while (essentially) boondocking are sun ovens.  They are basically a set of collapsible reflectors that focus solar energy.  You could probably use one in conjunction with a dutch oven for any sort of soup/stew/casserole dish.  A quick Google search shows a number of versions, plus even a solar oven "society".
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #10 –
Indeed, Michelle,

Not long ago, I saw this one being promoted.

https://youtu.be/OzyXye7rir8

The manufacturer was giving them away to some very deserving people. This one seemed super cool.

It's even on eBay and Amazon.

Another wish list item? Perhaps.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #12 –
Very nice. Seems like the standard. Costs are pretty competitive.

I think the intriguing thing about the "Go Sun" is its ability to cook at night or without the sun.

I'd be curious to see if either style is more sun efficient than another and how long it takes to perform its tasks.

It always amazes me how much can be done without "plugging in".

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #13 –
Cooking with sunshine sounds appealing, but most of these solar ovens seem to be pretty large. For example, the "All American" oven that Michelle linked to is 24 x 15.5 x 20.5 inches. I don't know where I'd store something that big. The GoSun Grill in the video Kent embedded looks to be at least as large, if not larger. Even GoSun's folding "Sport" model is 16 x 12 x 24 inches in its carrying case... and the actual cooking area is only two inches in diameter (about the size of a rolling pin), severely limiting what you can cook. Storage space being what it is in our rigs, I'd have to think long and hard about where I'd put such a device.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 

"...Cooking with sunshine sounds appealing,..

 ...Storage space being what it is in our rigs, I'd have to think long and hard about where I'd put such a device..."


Indeed, Solar cooking is a very clever and often useful option for providing a hot meal, but as LD owners, these wonders may have to reside in the toad (something I don't and probably will not own).

So for outdoor cooking, I'll stick with a grill or perhaps a Dutch Oven if it's practical. But at the end of the day, where could I possibly store all these cooking options?

Hmmm, I haven't yet filled the front drivers side bay. Might be a good place for the new Thermal Cooker. 😳

Kent  
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #15 –
Sunflair Solar Oven (folds flat and fits easily into a storage bay)

Instant Pot (electric programmable "everything" pressure cooker) - replaces your saute pan, yogurt maker, slow cooker, and stovetop pressure cooker. Fits under the sink in my TK, and gets used regularly. The single most useful appliance you'll own.

Amazon's got a Cyber Monday deal on the Instant Pot, at least till they run out. Otherwise, order direct from Instant Pot
fu
2015TK
Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #16 –

Thank you for your help and interest in this topic.  I sincerely appreciate all of the good suggestions.

I'd love to have a thermal cooker, but it seems the good ones are pretty expensive (However, Kent snagged a good deal!)  Solar ovens are really nice, and I've actually seen a live demonstration.  However, as Andy said they are pretty large - taking up a lot of space, and are priced at about $269.00 on Amazon.com.

So, I'm going to go with Gini's advice and buy a stainless steel pressure cooker.  The "good old" Presto brand is relatively inexpensive and comes highly rated. 

Amazon.com: Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker: Kitchen &...

Here is a link to some recipes specifically for the pressure cooker:
Pressure Cooker Recipes - Allrecipes.com

I'm originally from Indianapolis, and really miss Skyline Chili.  However, I even found a recipe for Cincinnati Chili:
Pressure Cooker Cincinnati Chili - Dad Cooks Dinner

My late mother instilled a "fear" in me regarding pressure cookers (exploding) and never used one.  However, I understand the newer ones are pretty "explosion safe."    ;)

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Indeed, Solar cooking is a very clever and often useful option for providing a hot meal
We have been in the Portland area for the last week.
If we depended on a solar cooker, we would have starved to death by now.
Nothing here but rain and overcast skies...and a lot of relatives.

Larry`

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 

"...If we depended on a solar cooker, we would have starved to death by now..."


I really don't think any of us would want that. However, I do enjoy a rainy day in the LD...for a little while.

After that I get like the pot on the stove-Stir Crazy.

Thank goodness for propane and a hot cup of coffee and perhaps a donut. 🍩

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #19 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 

"... I'm going to go with Gini's advice and buy a stainless steel pressure cooker...

...I'm originally from Indianapolis, and really miss Skyline Chili.  However, I even found a recipe for Cincinnati Chilli.."


Like my daughter says, " I loves me a good bowl of chili". Recipe saved. Thanks

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #20 –
Wow!  9:20pm and Kent has me thinking about hot coffee and donuts already.  What a great reason to hop out of bed tomorrow morning!
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #21 –
I have a Saratoga Jack's thermal cooker, but use it mostly as an incubator for my yogurt. Although it is pretty bulky to haul around, I do it anyway.

Today, after a couple of years of watching it, today I ordered an Instant Pot.  I'm hoping to replace several items in the motorhome with this one item.

What uses have you found for the Instant Pot?  Favorite recipes?

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:    Rodeo Sunset
   **********************************


Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #22 –
I forgot to add the URL for Saratoga Jack's thermal cooker.

Home Page | Thermal Cookers | Saratoga Jacks


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #23 –
Quote from: thefuofus  - 

Instant Pot (electric programmable "everything" pressure cooker) - replaces your saute pan, yogurt maker, slow cooker, and stovetop pressure cooker. Fits under the sink in my TK, and gets used regularly. The single most useful appliance you'll own.


I've had an Instant Pot for awhile now, and just purchased a new-to-me TK.  Good to know I can fit the Instant Pot in the RV--that's what I was hoping for!

Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 

What uses have you found for the Instant Pot?  Favorite recipes?

 Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
 

Judie-- I purchased this book, and have adapted several recipes for use in my Instant Pot.  Great Food Fast (Best of the Best Presents) Bob Warden's Ultimate Pressure...

The book is geared towards standard stove-top pressure cookers, so all I do is adjust the cook time a bit for the Instant Pot.  What I understand is the Instant Pot doesn't pressurize quite as high as a stove top cooker, so you need a bit more cook time in the Instant Pot.  Plus we live at altitude, so I adjust time for that as well.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 23.5 TK
Re: Re: Dutch Oven vs. Pressure Cooker vs. Thermal Pot
Reply #24 –

Here's a thermal cooker on amazon that's a lot less expensive than others I've seen. I don't own it, but considering getting it. Reviews are good.

Amazon.com: Tayama TXM-50CF Energy-Saving Thermal Cooker, 5 L, Black:...

If anyone here has any experience with this one, I'd like to know the pros and cons.

Thanks,
Nancy

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.