I do a lot of French roasting (preheating the skillet to 400+ degrees in the oven, then placing it on stovetop over high heat to sear the meat/poultry, then placing back in the oven at reduced temperature). I don't have to be concerned about melting handles, ruining non-stick coatings or warping, and the heavy cast iron absorbs, distributes and retains heat beautifully, as advertised.

My first 'project' with it was my version of French 'Chicken In A Pot'. I seared a trussed, seasoned 5 ½ pound whole chicken on all sides in a stick of melted butter (it browned just beautifully!), added mirepoix, bouquet garni and chicken stock and put the Dutch oven in the oven uncovered at 375 degrees for 1 hour. I then added large-cut potatoes, carrot, celery, onion and leek and let it continue for about 1 ½ hours covered, basting about every 15 minutes until the chicken and vegetables tested done. The chicken was incredibly moist and tender (better than I've ever had) and the vegetables were al dente and very full flavored and colorful - all in one pot! The resulting juices made fantastic gravy.

Clear instructions for care and seasoning came with the Dutch oven. During the seasoning process it turned ugly (just like it's supposed to) and the kitchen took on the faint aroma of a foundry, but now it is truly non-stick, especially if you start off with it preheated in the oven to very hot (400+).

The flavors of foods are so much better with cast iron! I could say it was my imagination if not for the fact that I've heard this claim from so many other cast iron users.

I wash it with clear water and a soft brush, dry it with a dish towel, then place it in a warm oven for about 15 minutes to dry it thoroughly, then wipe a light coat of vegetable oil all over it and it's ready to go again. The 'household' understands that I am the only one who cleans it and that it is never to be soaked. The standing rule is "Just leave it and I'll take care of it". There are no objections.

I purchased the Dutch oven as a result of being so pleased with my recently purchased Lodge 12" skillet (especially after I read one of the other reviewer's tip that the Dutch oven's lid also fits the 12" skillet, which it does perfectly).

All this for a fraction of the price of the 'trendy' cookware (and it will easily outlive them). I would consider my new Lodge Dutch oven a bargain at twice the price.

Tom Chekouras

24 of 24 found the following review helpful:

This will last a lifetime!  Jan 14, 2004
By Lori Hinkle "Emerald"
Yes,this is a large, very heavy pot, but that's because it is worth it's weight in gold. You will never have to replace this pan, your great-great grandchildren could still be using it. The price is an unbelievable bargain. It makes enough chili or stew for a small army and is great for braising large roasts. It also bakes cakes beautifully! You will not be sorry you bought it. If you don't cook for over 4 people ever, you probably want the 5 qt.

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

Lodge is the best !  Apr 14, 2004
By S. Raman
This was my first cast iron cooking vessel. I just love the thing (tho' it is a little heavy for my 5 foot 1', 100 pound frame- in addition to cooking, it provides a really good daily workout). I have found this dutch oven to be so versatile that I cook almost everything in it. I am Indian and love cooking, and have cooked Indian, American, Chinese, Mexican food, and my own creations in it. It just keeps going from electric stove, to oven to dining table, and takes all of the abuse (I have used it to cook acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons, etc., alkaline foods, neutral foods, even Indian spices like turmeric do not destroy it- turmeric can spell doom for a lot of cookware). I have even used it on the stove top to cook cornbread and Indian flatbreads (my expensive non stick skillet did not survive the Indian flatbread cooking).

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

Lodge Lives Forever  Dec 07, 2004
By Fruit Loop
Cast Iron is ALWAYS a good value for the money and it's indestructible (I'm still using my mother's Lodge skillet that she got for a wedding gift in 1954). This dutch oven goes from the table to the campground with ease. It stews and bakes beautifully - get a dutch oven cookbook and learn how to make campfire biscuits as well as those stews and chilis at home! Cast Iron still manages to look dressy on a table and you can tote it from your stove to the church potluck! Also makes a fabulous wedding, shower, or housewarming gift. Forget expensive wedding registries - buy the bride this Lodge Dutch Oven and Lodge Cast Iron Skillet. She'll hand them down to the next generation. Also great for those kids who just moved into their first apartment - they'll never destroy THIS piece of cookware no matter what they burn! A must have for EVERY cook.


12 of 12 found the following review helpful:

Pre-seasoned is a plus, but not necessary. Fabulous Oven!  Oct 31, 2004
By S. Melendy "Cooking Creature"
This Dutch Oven is a workhorse in my kitchen. I purchased it pre-seasoned because I've never had a factory-seasoned piece of cast iron cookware. Bottom line: While the pre-seasoning was a plus, it's not necessary. Just follow the seasoning instructions that come with all the Lodge cookware, and you'll be fine.

My family has had cast iron for generations, and I won't pay the exhorbitant prices for those "upscale, professional" dutch ovens that are all the rage these days. This Lodge oven browns spectacularly, and while the dark interior may not show the developing fond as well as a lighter one, that's not a problem if one simply uses one's nose. We can all tell when enough is enough...

I particularly like the spikes on the lid of this oven which aren't present on the more expensive ones. These spikes allow condensation to fall back only my roasts while they cook and I don't have to worry about a dry product. The lid on this oven also fits the 12-inch skillet which I own, and that's a plus. It conducts heat well and when I use it camping as an oven, breads and biscuits come out as well as at home.

Yes, it's heavy, but that's the nature of cast iron, no?? If you want something lighter that comes close to the quality of this Lodge piece, be prepared to shell out big bucks.

See all 29 customer reviews on Amazon.com