Lodge Logic Dutch Oven with Loop Handles Review

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(More customer reviews)When I saw the price,free shipping, and factory pre-seasoning, this dutch oven proved irresistable. The size is great and the black color was attractive.Sadly, the factory pre-seasoning did not meet expectations! I learned to cook using cast iron, and I still own several "original finish" cast iron skillets, griddles and specialty pans (tri-ply stainless steel is wonderful, but some things just cook more evenly with cast iron). While cast iron is not difficult to season,it was just an added bonus to order a dutch oven that I thought would have an even, well applied finish to begin the seasoning process (properly seasoned cast iron pans only get better over the years). When the dutch oven arrived, I was surprised by what seemed to be a discoloration under the finish on the inner surface of the pot lid. I used the dutch oven for the first time to make chili. The steam from the chili caused the "pre-seasoning" on the inner surface of the lid to mottle badly, and the area that had initially appeared discolored was revealed to be covered with rust. A tell-tale metallic smell was also present (usually a sign that your pan might need to be seasoned again). Needless to say, I was disapointed. This pan proved to be MORE effort than the original finish pans since I had to scrub down the lid to remove the remaining mottled pre-seasoning, and to remove the rust. I then just seasoned the lid properly the old-fashion way in my oven. All in all, the Dutch oven is well worth $25 (and the saved $12.66 in shipping charges is also appreciated), but the Lodge Cast Iron Manufacturing Co. has a reputation for quality that this finish did not meet. I contacted the company to express my concerns (ie, did I need to take additional steps to remove all of the factory applied finish) and to ask if this problem was evident in other pans in the pre-seasoned line.The Lodge Co. has not responded to my email. Bottom line, before paying full price plus shipping, for anything in the pre-seasoned line, I would compare the cost to the original finish, or to the beautiful new Lodge enamel cast iron items.

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New style 5 qt dutch oven with loop handles. The original slow cooker, this seasoned-ready to use dutch oven with iron cover cooks meats to perfection.

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Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 3-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm giving Lodge a 5 star rating because of their customer service.The pot I received had some pin holes inside the pot,and developed a small chip outside on the rim after 1 use. I also bought the 6qt.dutch oven as well and that was in perfect condition. Lodge promptly sent me a UPS label and gave me a new one.These pots are quality,heavy duty pieces and I'm glad I went with a reputable company like Lodge.For the price and their grantee you can't go wrong.

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This 3 Qt enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, refrigeration and freezing.The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven.Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames.Not for use in microwaves. Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel on Cast Iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron.The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid.Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture.The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking.Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean.Lid knob is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.The black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron.Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food.Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance.9 3/4" diameter, 3" deep. Caribbean Blue. Made in China.

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Lodge Logic 5-Quart Double Dutch Oven and Casserole with Skillet Cover Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been cooking with Lodge cast iron for about 7 years and own 8 pieces from their inventory. The Double Dutch Oven is my favorite Lodge cookware due to its versatility.
When using a dutch oven, I usually sear the meat first to add flavor. Usually, this requires searing the meat in several batches. The best part about the Double Dutch is that you can sear the meat in the big pot and in the lid simultaneously, thus reducing the time needed to brown the meat by half. Since the lid is then used for the braising step (after deglazing), you're not increasing the number of items to be cleaned later.
I like the lid so much that I often use it by itself for pan frying. Due to the smallish size (about 10 inches in diameter) and the inherent properties of cast iron, the lid can get incredibly hot if you want it to. Perfect for cooking a steak (it puts on a better crust vs my 12" Lodge skillet). I've even used it as a pie pan in a pinch. When properly seasoned, the lid also works great for cooking eggs without them sticking. A seasoned cast iron pan is the original nonstick and will outlast any synthetic-coated nonstick pan in the market (and without the toxic fumes).
When used as a Dutch Oven, it works like it should. It retains heat well and cooks evenly. There is very little steam that escapes. The smaller 5qt capacity (vs a 7qt Dutch Oven, which I use less now that I've got this one) is also better for cooking moderate amounts of food. Generally, you want little empty space when using a Dutch oven.
In response to the reviewer who has problems getting the lid off, I suggest the following. When setting the lid on the pot, don't align the handles of the two. This will allow you to remove the lid easily, without having to worry about injuries. I've owned another Lodge 5qt Dutch Oven
with a more traditional handle - I don't miss that one at all...nor do I miss not having a standalone 10" skillet.
UPDATE (December 2010):
I've been using this thing for over two years now, several times per week. It is still my favorite, but ever more so. Here's one more thing that you can use this for: Baking super awesome bread that rivals anything you can get at your bakery. One of the secrets of making great rustic breads with a thick chewy/crunchy crust and great oven spring is to use a lot of steam for the first 10 minutes of baking. Bakeries use a steam-injected oven. For us at home, using a covered pot, such as this one, is the easiest way to replicate the effects of a steam oven. After shaping a boule, I place it on the lid, cover it with the main pot and let it proof (so the whole pot is upside down). When the dough is ready, I score it and place the covered pot on a preheated stone in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Then I remove the lid and let the top crust brown while the interior reaches the proper temperature. Depending on your oven, you might have to remove the bread from the lid halfway though cooking so the bottom doesn't burn - I usually put it on a cool baking tray on a rack without a stone. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's easier than trying to steam an oven with boiling water, ices cubes, mister, etc. And the results can't be beat!


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Lodge cast-iron cookware has long been admired for its superior heat retention and even heat distribution, but now the company adds another enticement with its Lodge Logic line. All Lodge Logic cookware, including this 5-quart Dutch oven, comes preseasoned via a proprietary "electrostatic" vegetable-oil spray system and is ready for cooking right out of the box--unlike traditional Lodge cookware, which needs seasoning in your home oven before use. During the timesaving pre-seasoning process, oil penetrates deeply into the cast-iron surface while a high-temperature gas oven seals it in, preserving the cookware for generations and creating an attractive heirloom finish.
The Dutch oven measures 10-1/4 inches in diameter and 4 inches deep--an ideal size for making a large batch of stew or outdoor casserole. The vessel is also suited for boiling water, making rice, or heating up soup, as its cast-iron material delivers a smooth, consistent temperature without wasting heat. The unit's esteemed heat retention particularly enhances slow-cooking recipes that call for tender meats and rich, seasoned flavors. For added versatility, the Dutch oven can be used without the lid as a casserole, and its 1-1/2-inch-deep domed lid doubles as a skillet--perfect for silver-dollar pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast fare. Sturdy, integrated side handles on the oven and its lid help ensure safe, secure transport. With proper care, Lodge Logic cast-iron cookware will last a lifetime. Lodge recommends hand washing the oven, which carries a lifetime warranty, with a stiff brush and hot water.

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