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Is this a stupid idea
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Is this a stupid idea


Pretty much self explanatory.
I was only able to buy a mini oven in my apartment and I’ve been wanting to try the Dutch oven baking method. Well, without causing a nuclear meltdown in my complex…
The oven ceiling is dangerously close to the lid handle but a part of me believes it’s possible if I unscrew the plastic handle. Has anyone experienced a case like this? Or risked it? Anything helps! Thanks in advance

by PerspectiveFun3410

19 Comments

  1. PirkhanMan

    if it plastic just unscrew it and plug the hole with some dough drom the inside

  2. tylerbreeze

    OP, if that’s a Le Creuset, that plastic knob is only oven safe up to 350 F or something like that. I’d take it off and plug the hole with aluminum foil or a piece of dough like someone else suggested.

  3. TheJustBleedGod

    the handle might melt. you can buy metal handles on amazon

  5. FusionSimulations

    They sell replacement handles that are metal and safe at high temps. All shapes and sizes to suit your fancy, and most aren’t very expensive – maybe $20-30 for standard (i.e. no fancy design or shape).

  6. rnrfkmp

    I would also beware if that thing is enamelled. It might crack if heated empty.

  7. subtxtcan

    You can replace the handle with a metal one from the manufacturer website. The acrylic (I think) handle is only good up to about 350 before it goes all Raiders of the Lost Ark on you

  9. swabbie81

    Don’t worry, it will be fine. I also have mini oven and handle of the dutch oven is like 1cm or even less from the top of the oven. Handle on mine is from iron, not plastic but if plastic is resistant to hight temperature as stated in comments it’s no problem.

  10. villhest

    Why is there plastic on it? Otherwise, this looks perfect.

  11. Jitsukablue

    Just open bake on a pizza stone or cast iron. 30 min preheat on max crank, tray of water in the bottom, empty tray on to to shield it. 30 mins then take it the water and top tray.

  12. stan4you

    I have a lodge mini Dutch oven and cook in a small convection oven. The handle is metal and I haven’t had issues. I would try to return this and get one with a metal handle or remove the handle.

  13. mdimilo

    Remember to leave the pot holder on the lid while you transfer the loaf. It’s too easy to accidentally burn yourself putting it back on.

  14. konigswagger

    This is such a nice color dutch oven. I would buy a cheap black one off Amazon basics and use that instead, since high temps may discolor the paint faster

  15. beatniknomad

    I’m due to replace my oven and it’s hard to find a 50/50 oven. Since I got back into baking, this is what stops me from getting the 30/70 or 40/60.

  17. SugarMaven

    It is not the best idea.

    With French ovens–enameled Dutch ovens–the heating elements being that close to the enamel will encourage cracking the more you use them in such small ovens, especially at higher temps.

    I would just do an open bake or get a smaller Dutch oven.

  18. Old_fart5070

    If that is a Le Creuset pot, the phenol handle is safe until 450F but if it is close to the heating element, I would invest 20$ in a metal one. If the pot is a white interior, don’t heat it beyond 500F, those with black interior can go to 550F