Cast Iron & Pyrex: Essential Tools for Outdoor Cooking

MP Landscape Design
13 minutes ago
2 min read

Cooking outdoors is about more than just fire—it’s about choosing the right tools that bring flavour, consistency, and tradition to every meal. In this post, I’m sharing two of my favourites: cast iron pans and Dutch ovens, and Pyrex bowls with lids. Together, they unlock a world of possibilities in the wood‑fired oven, from searing steaks to slow‑cooked stews.

Cast Iron in the Fire

Cast iron thrives in high heat, making it perfect for wood‑fired cooking. Whether I’m searing, roasting, or baking, the material absorbs and holds warmth evenly, ensuring food cooks consistently.

Why I Love Cast Iron

Dutch ovens for slow cooking: Tuck a stew into the embers and return hours later to tender meat and rich flavours.
Perfect for bread: The heavy lid traps steam, creating that golden crust every baker dreams of.
Versatility: From meats to vegetables, cast iron adapts to almost any recipe.

Caring for Cast Iron

Cast iron rewards care. After cooking, I clean mine with hot water and a stiff brush, avoiding soap. If anything sticks, a little coarse salt helps lift it off. Once dry, I rub in oil to build a natural non‑stick surface and protect against rust. Over time, this develops into a patina that makes the pan even better.

Don’t Overheat Cast Iron

It’s tempting to push the temperature higher than necessary in a wood‑fired oven, but overheating can damage the seasoning you’ve worked hard to build. Burnt oil leaves the surface sticky or patchy, and extreme heat can cause warping or cracking. Controlled heat ensures your cast iron lasts a lifetime.

Pyrex in the Wood‑Fired Oven

Alongside cast iron, Pyrex bowls with lids are a staple in my outdoor kitchen. Once a week, after the main cooking is done, I use the oven’s residual heat to cook overnight. Stews, casseroles, or curries simmer gently, and by the next day they’re cooled, portioned, and frozen—ready for the week ahead.

Why Pyrex Works So Well

Insulation: Holds heat beautifully for low‑and‑slow cooking.
Moisture retention: The lid keeps food from drying out.
Durability: Quality Pyrex resists thermal shock, avoiding cracks.
Non‑porous surface: No lingering flavours between meals.
Easy clean‑up: Dishwasher safe and resistant to staining.
Versatility: Moves seamlessly between oven, fridge, freezer, and microwave.

The biggest benefit for me is consistency. I know that when I put those bowls in the oven, I’ll wake up to perfectly cooked meals that are ready to portion and freeze.

Outdoor Cooking Companions

Cast iron and Pyrex may be very different materials, but they share one thing: reliability. They bring durability, flavour, and tradition to every meal, and with the right care they’ll serve you faithfully for decades.

Explore More

If you’d like to discover more about outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and cooking inspiration, visit Food & Fire Outdoor Living.

Planning your own back‑garden transformation? Take a look at my Services to see how I can help design a space that blends cooking, entertaining, and garden living.