Among cooks, there’s no disagreement that cast iron cookware is some of the best you can buy. When properly taken care of, cast iron can last for generations. In fact, cast iron cookware is commonly passed down from parent to child. The Dutch oven is among the most versatile cast iron cookware. Of all the cast iron cookware brands, Lodge is hard to beat.
The best Lodge cast iron Dutch oven is the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven. It is among the best-selling Lodge options and comes in four sizes.
Lodge offers many capacities and two shapes of its cast iron Dutch oven line.
Most Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens look the same. They’re round chunks of black metal with an old-fashioned aesthetic. If this doesn’t appeal to you, Lodge also offers enamel-coated models in dozens of colors.
Some Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens come in bundles. Most bundles include Lodge cast iron skillets of varying sizes. Some special bundles pair a skillet that doubles as the lid of the included Dutch oven. Others include accessories or cleaning kits.
Lodge cast iron Dutch oven lids have two aspects to check for: a handle and a seal.
Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens have a few types of body handles. The worst is a pan-like handle that protrudes outward. This option is challenging to manipulate. However, loop handles welded on the sides make it easy to manipulate the oven. Some also include a wire loop that attaches to the handles. This design is intended for campfire cooking, but you can remove the loop for use in a standard oven.
Most Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens come pre-seasoned, meaning an initial layer of oil has already been applied. You’ll still need to season it many times over the years, but it’s a good first step.
Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens typically cost $30-$150. Prices are mainly affected by the size of the Dutch oven. There are also bundles available that typically cost $100-$200.
A. All of them. There’s essentially nothing a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven can’t do. It can braise, fry, bake, roast, saute, boil, etc.
A. The proper way to clean cast iron is a point of contention among cooks. The basics are typically the same. Clean it right after you use it, and make sure it’s completely dry before storing it.
A. Yes, its Dutch ovens can be used on any stovetop. That said, be gentle when moving them around a glass stovetop. They have the potential to scratch or even shatter glass.
What you need to know: It doesn’t get better than Lodge’s classic Dutch oven.
What you’ll love: It’s available in 1-, 2-, 5- and 7-quart sizes, all of which come pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. It has durable loop handles and a lid that perfectly aligns with the edges to create a tight seal, except for a small spout that doubles as a vent.
What you should consider: A few consumers had issues with the pre-seasoning flaking away during cooking. Others had problems with the cast iron leaving rust stains on their countertops.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Five-Piece Set and Care Kit
What you need to know: This kit is the perfect way to stock up your kitchen.
What you’ll love: The cast iron set includes a small- and medium-sized skillet, a large griddle, a Dutch oven and a matching lid. The care kit includes a 6-ounce can of Ledge seasoning spray, a cleaning brush, a pan scraper, a handle holder and a care booklet.
What you should consider: The care booklet offers questionable advice. Namely, you should use mild dish soap to deep clean without mentioning that this can strip away weak seasoning.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
What you need to know: The enamel is attractive and adds unique properties.
What you’ll love: It’s available in 27 colors, including several shades of red and blue, plus it comes in six sizes. The enameled coating and cast iron core make the Dutch oven nonstick without the need for seasoning and it's still able to function on induction cooktops.
What you should consider: This is Lodge’s only product to be made outside of the U.S. The enamel is delicate and can shatter if subjected to sudden changes in temperature.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
