This fryer is going to last forever. Its care is easy: I scrub it with hot water only, and dry it with an old rag and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil while the iron is still hot... a year and a half later, it's still rust-free and delivering the reliable service I have come to expect and admire. No scratches interfere with its performance, as is the case with my allegedly-long-lasting Wearever nonstick cookware set (what a waste of money THAT was!). In fact, in this particular chicken fryer, I've produced everything from french fries to spaghetti sauce to eggs and bacon to french toast! It's a dependable griddle, skillet, grill, and pot, and it goes right from the stovetop and into the oven for maximum versatility.

The best thing about the chicken fryer is its somewhat smaller circumference than the skillet or the Dutch oven. It takes up a bit less stovetop space and provides greater depth, making it ideal for small batches of soups, stews, or deep-fried goodies.

I am an avid home-chef, and I can say without exception that my cast-iron cookware is the best kitchen investment I've ever made.

58 of 58 found the following review helpful:

Versatile and well-made  Dec 21, 2005
By Y. Leventhal
I bought this one because I was looking for something to fry various things in without the pot warping (as stainless steel pots do). Since I got this pot, I have been using it to cook all sorts of dishes--soup, stew, reheating rice etc. It's big enough to hold enough fried rice, for example, for 4, and I can pop the entire pot, lid and all, into the oven to keep warm. But it's not so big as to be too heavy to handle.

The best part about this pot is how nicely the lid fits. I was surprised how tight the lid seals the pot. The steam starts to escape only when the liquid in the pot is boiling really hard. The interior of the lid is unusual looking. It is not flat nor smooth. It has a dozen small protruding tips shaped like candy cones. When steam condenses on the inside of the lid, the resulting liquid falls along those tips back into the pot, instead of dripping off the edge of the lid. Ingeneous, I thought.

I find this a very versatile and useful pot. Extremely well made--almost polished for a cast iron pot. It comes seasoned.

68 of 72 found the following review helpful:

Real measurements of the pan  Oct 17, 2004
By Anonymous
Well, no complaints exactly -- it's what I ordered and wanted -- but be aware of the exact dimensions of the pan. Though measured across the top the diameter of the pan is accurately 10 1/4 in., the sides slope in making the cooking surface a measly 8 in. -- kinda small of you're thinking of frying in larger batches.

I was also hoping to double this deep fryer as a frying pan (I saw the higher sides as a bonus, lessening grease splatter), but again the small 8 in. cooking surface limits what I can make ie. too small for bacon. Apparently, Lodge makes a larger fryer -- a 5qt 12" sucker -- that might be a better choice for a family, but alas, not available (currently) on Amazon.

Otherwise, a great pan, substantial and well made. The lid is a great bonus to have.

28 of 29 found the following review helpful:

Not Just For Chicken!  Dec 13, 2002

I think cast iron skillets are a necessity in every kitchen. I love mine. I make everything in it,from stews and roasts to steaks. I always buy the skillets with the tips on the lid. It really helps keep the food moist and delicious. Also, the pre-seasoned feature on this pan is fantastic! Well seasoned cast irons last forever! In fact, I still have and use my grandmother's pans. All around a great deal, I highly recommend this product.

40 of 44 found the following review helpful:

A Staple Cookware Item of Any True Cook  May 14, 2004
By Jeep 4x4 Enthusiast "jeep4x4enthusiast"
I flat out love this fryer. I purchased it to replace one of those fancy electric deep fryers. By doing so, I've saved counter space, because this fryer sits on your stove and can be stored permanently on the back of your stove full of grease with the cover on it. It will heat grease fast, and because its cast iron there is an exceptional taste difference in everything you fry. Also, you can use it as a regular pot. If you are assembling just the basics or a dream kitchen, a cast iron Skillet, Grill, and Fryer are a must have. There is no replacement item, or substitute for certain things you cook.

See all 53 customer reviews on Amazon.com