Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Bail Handle - Heavy-Duty Campfire Ready Cooking Pot with Lid for Indoor & Outdoor Cooking - 9 Quart

S. HamiltonUnited States

PERFECT

Just love this cast iron dutch oven! I received stainless steel cookware as a wedding gift years ago, added various other pots, pans you name it over the last forty years...but my cast iron experience was limited to a small fry pan that I used to fry taco shells...but for some reason I never used cast iron other than a few LeCreuset pieces (an au gratin pan, large fry pan, huge dutch oven)which of course have a porcelain finish and after years and years of use the porcelain was wearing thin. My daughter, also a foodie, raved about cast iron, but really I thought maybe she just liked it because it didn't require "cleaning" on the other hand my Mother had been totally compulsive about her Lo-Heat stainless and cleaned it with KleenKing after every use for 60 years...it still looked like new but what a hassle! I'm an inveterate fan of dishwashers and yet just rinsing out a pan after using it and putting on the stove to dry sounded "iffy"...I knew I'd end up throwing it in the dishwasher and endlessly re-seasoning and watching it rust. Incidentally I did do that every time I used the small cast iron fry pan that I've fried thousands of taco shells in but hey, it worked, never rusted and has a lovely patina but then again I'd never used it for anything other than putting corn oil in it and frying corn tortillas...it was re-seasoned every time I used it! So while throwing it into the dishwasher was my "guilty secret". My 90 plus year old Mother passed away two years ago and while I kept her stainless for sentimental reasons, I re-discovered her 70+ year old collection of cast iron the source of countless roasts, fried chicken, stews and hamburgers. These pans were fantastic (of course they'd had 70 years of seasoning and love) after trying these cast iron "beauties" and discovering they were great...and no big deal to clean, I decided when I needed a new wok to try a cast iron wok...worked GREAT! Then I had a great recipe for no-knead bread and really thought I should try this dutch oven again just GREAT. I don't throw them into the dishwasher but I do gently swish them in a little mild dish soap, rinse them, dry them by putting them over a low flame on the stove to dry and "shine them" with a tiny film of oil and I mean really just the least amount possible it needs to disappear leaving nothing behind but the shine. So if you are looking at a relatively inexpensive pot that can become a cherished heirloom, is virtually indestructible, tolerates high temperature both oven and stove top and, while heavy, does a super job with very little effort I'd definitely recommend one of these healthy cast iron beauties.

MBeau58United States

Wanted this for about 6 months. Amazon had an open box deal for $42. SCORE!!!

I'm thrilled with this purchase. I purchased a 5qt Lodge Dutch Oven which I love. But, I wanted something that would fit a large roast or meal because I like cooking for my whole family. Even if it's just the two of us, I like cooking extra so I can freeze some. I've been looking specifically at this pan & wanted to buy it when the price was around $60. But, I needed other things at the time. This was a want, not a necessity. Then the price started going up to over $70. I found this offered by Amazon for $42 because the original packaging was damaged. But, the pan is brand new. It arrived & the Lodge box was in one piece but had been taped in several places. The pan was in perfect condition. I took the chance because Amazon would take the pan back if I wasn't happy with it. The pan is well made as are my other Lodge pans. I like using this brand because it is made in the US & I don't have to worry about questionable metals being used. The handle really makes it easy to lift the cover. I'm still getting used to cooking with cast iron. But, having this size pan will make it possible to cook larger items or large one pan meals. The pan is quite heavy. I'm 60 yrs old, female, & not in the best shape of my life right now. But, I can still lift the pan to use it. Of course, it will be even heavier when full. Still, I'm sure I'll be able to lift it. Just be aware that if you don't have arm strength, you might find this a bit difficult to maneuver. That said, it'll be worth it. I cooked fried chicken in it the other day. My chicken came out perfect & the pan cleaned up in a breeze. I've slowly been purchasing different Lodge cast iron pans as I have found that many things I cook come out better in the cast iron pans. Also, even though the pans are preseasoned, I season them 2 more times just to be safe. Foods rarely stick to the pans. When they do, I use the small scraper & brush that come in the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Care Kit Red Hot Handle Holder. I also use a cast iron chainmail cleaner. The pans are so much easier to clean than my expensive hard anodized nonstick Circulon pans or my stainless steel pans w/ copper bottoms. My daughter, son-in-law, & 2 grandkids love to go camping. They love using cast iron to cook over a campfire. My son-in-law was amazed at the price I paid for this pan on Amazon. It retails on the Lodge website for $120. Guess I'll watch for another bargain price on this & buy one as a Christmas gift for them.

Ailsa SCanada

I'm delighted with this versatile sturdy and well made cooking pot. Highly recommended.

First of all this is made in the USA and of pure cast iron, no adulteration with chemicals or other metals. This is one of the reasons I chose Lodge, it's top quality and worth every penny. I've had this for a few days and so far I love it The first thing I made in it was a loaf of crusty bread and it came out beautifully, soft inside and crisp outside with a beautiful light brown crust. The pot must be put cold into a cold oven then gradually warmed to 450 F before the loaf goes in. Using parchment paper to line it just before the loaf goes in ensures nothing sticks - doubt it would anyway. Even the handle is oven proof. After the loaf or other food is taken out, allow the pot to cool gradually as the oven cools Today I used it outdoors in the snow to make a Tuscan stew. I bought their outdoor Sportsman Grill at the same time and used this right on top of it. It worked beautifully.I thought it might crack in colder weather but it was fine. I lit it, let the embers glow down and put the stew-pot on top of it. It finished cooking once the embers went out with its own heat from the iron. You can also put this pot directly on a campfire of smoldering coals. I have a glass-topped stove but the manufacturer's instructions say its safe if you don't slide the pot around on it and let the pot and burner heat up together. I tried it and it was fine. Tomorrow I am roasting a chicken in it, in its own juices. The underside of the pot lid has protuberances in that press into the top of the roast to cook and sear the top and baste it. Amazing feature. The manufacturer says not to cook tomato-based dishes in it right away but after several uses and more oil seasoning it's fine; this is to make sure the acid in tomatoes doesn't react with the raw iron. The pot is heavy so be careful; it can weigh a ton when full. I have arthritis in my wrists but managed no problem which was a surprise. I'm certain i'll find many more uses for this and will edit my review to include them; I'm delighted with this. I bought their medium skillet as well and an omelette didn't stick even on first use. This skillet can also be used on top of the grill, and the Dutch oven lid fits the skillet perfectly and is interchangeable. Perfect.

Moo!!!United States

Great Quality Cast Iron Dutch Oven

I have been a fan of the French made enameled cast iron (Le Creuset) for years, and I almost completely forgot about good ol' American made cast iron from Lodge. Some dishes, of course, I'll prefer the enameled cast iron over the rawness of cast iron (and iron transfer), but there are some dishes like beans, chili, stew and soups that cast iron can't be beat. I know I'll be getting a 5-6 qt Le Creuset round French oven (I do not like Lodge quality with their enameled cast iron, and manufacturing in china does not match to the French made standards), so I didn't want the traditional Dutch oven setup in cast iron. I wanted a Dutch oven that will work great both indoors and outdoors. I love the wire handle!!! This piece is solid. Last night, I made a simple chicken soup in this Dutch oven. For flavoring, I only added a little dill weed, savory, thyme, sea salt, cayenne & fresh ground pepper. The flavor was delicate and outstanding...the iron truly finished it off. I made the soup the same as I would in any other pot (including even a Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven that I've borrowed/tested from family). I'm already loving this Dutch oven. First use...impressed. I'll be using this often. Highly recommended; even to Le Creuset fans. Also, if on the fence between getting enameled cast iron and cast iron, get the cast iron first...regardless of budget. If you are on a budget, forget the enameled cast iron, you will not find true quality at an inexpensive price (the closest I've seen and used; to even come close to Le Creuset on quality, craftsmanship, durability & such "at a budget price" are Kirkland - made in France). Save your money to invest in only quality. Lodge cast iron is high quality at an affordable price...you will be pleased with the results. Cheap enameled cast iron only chips, unevenly distributes heat & you'll end up tossing them into landfills after a few years. This Lodge Dutch oven will last long enough to hand down. Edit: forgot to add...the lid also fits the 10.25 skillet/fry pan perfectly. Lodge L8SK3 Cast Iron Skillet, Pre-Seasoned, 10.25-inch