Whats the loop wire on the handle for

[crispycrustking]

Have you noticed that a lot of Dutch ovens have this little wire thing on the handle? I can't seem to figure out what it's for.

 

[charli3do3s]

You might be referring to the bail handle or wire bail?
It's common for Dutch ovens intended for outdoor or camp cooking.
It's primarily used to suspend the Dutch oven over an open fire!

 

[crispybacon92]

If it's the enamel coated kitchen model then the wire is decorative or even a carryover from the traditional designs.

 

[literalironman]

Have you noticed that a lot of Dutch ovens have this little wire thing on the handle? I can't seem to figure out what it's for.

Yeah, that wire is actually a handle lock or holder, it's there so you can hook on a pot lifter or hang the lid while cooking, its uper handy when you're dealing with hot cast iron and want to keep things organized

 

[night game]

+1 @literalironman And also, the wire lets you hang the pot from a tripod.