Review: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
By Kitchen Expert
Di Doherty
8 photos
The Curated Take
4.2/5
The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an ideal choice for home cooks, especially those who frequently prepare soups, stews, and chilis or engage in braising and roasting. Its excellent heat distribution and retention make it ideal for these cooking methods. Available in various sizes, it's a durable, versatile pot that has proven to withstand years of heavy use. This Dutch oven offers great value, delivering performance close to higher-end brands, making it a sensible choice for most home cooks.
Ideal for
- Excellent for braising and roasting
- Works very well for soups, chilis, and stews
- Admirable heat distribution and retention
Not ideal for
- Cast iron is heavy, meaning using this pot is a workout
- Not dishwasher safe
Weight
These aren't lightweight-style Dutch ovens; they're all-enameled cast iron. That means I must work at it whenever I pick them up, especially the 7.5qt. The Dutch ovens are heavy by...Read more
Heat Distribution
This is my favorite aspect of these Dutch ovens. They heat incredibly evenly, meaning I'm unlikely to get bits of food burned onto the bottom. They maintain their heat extremely...Read more
Size
I have a 6qt and a 7.5qt. The 6qt is a standard size and is right for most soup and chili recipes, with room to spare. The 7.5qt gives extra...Read more
Quality
I've been very pleased with the quality of both of my Dutch ovens. I've used them regularly for years, both on the stove and in the oven. I even use...Read more
Non-Stick Coating
I've had my Dutch ovens for several years and used them heavily. The enamel is wearing down a bit, I think, as I find they're a little less non-stick than...Read more
Handle Quality
The Dutch ovens' handles are plain, just cast iron loops. But they're sturdy, making me feel like my grip is secure. My hands fit well, and I don't feel like...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Di Doherty
About the kitchen products
- Model: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Test conditions
- When I bought these: 2019
- Where I’ve used them: At home
- How many times I've used it: 100
Expert Reviews of the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Di Doherty I own two Lodge Dutch ovens—a 6qt and a 7.5qt—and I use them constantly. They’re versatile kitchen tools that I’ve used for chili, chicken soup, bean and bacon soup, and deep-frying donuts. The fact that cast iron holds heat well and has an even heat distribution makes it easy to maintain the desired temperature. They’re also great for braising and roasting, and I’ve used my 7.5qt to make pulled pork that comes out wonderfully tender.
However, cast iron is heavy. The Dutch oven is noticeably heavy, particularly the larger one, meaning it’s difficult to move around. Once it’s full of soup, chili, or a roast, it requires muscle to get it out of the oven or off the stove. That means that it’s a no-go for those with mobility issues.
The enamel is good quality, and I’ve had no problem with cracks after years of use. I did manage to chip the enamel on the lid when it fell out of my over-the-sink dish drainer, but that’s hardly an average-use scenario. The enamel can be discolored if I burn something onto the bottom of the Dutch oven. I’ve managed to discolor the bottom of both of mine, though it hasn’t affected the performance.
Overall, Lodge makes an affordable Dutch oven with excellent performance. It being made in China may deter some people, but I highly recommend this item for those willing to overlook it.
Product Specs
| Features | Induction safe, Oven safe, Broiler safe, PTFE-free |
| Material | Cast Iron |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Review Ratings
Weight
2/5
Di Doherty gave 2 of 5 stars. These aren't lightweight-style Dutch ovens; they're all-enameled cast iron. That means I must work at it whenever I pick them up, especially the 7.5qt. The Dutch ovens are heavy by themselves but get much heavier once I fill them with liquid. I can manage it, indeed, and I'm not a very big person. But people with mobility issues or those who prioritize being able to move their pots around easily won't be happy with these.
Heat Distribution
5/5
Di Doherty gave 5 of 5 stars. This is my favorite aspect of these Dutch ovens. They heat incredibly evenly, meaning I'm unlikely to get bits of food burned onto the bottom. They maintain their heat extremely well, too, meaning that I can maintain a simmer or a boil easily. I even used one for deep-fat frying cake donuts. I had to keep adjusting the burner to maintain the temperature (adding the donuts would cool the oil), but the donuts came out great. I don't think it would have been possible with a standard steel stockpot.
Size
5/5
Di Doherty gave 5 of 5 stars. I have a 6qt and a 7.5qt. The 6qt is a standard size and is right for most soup and chili recipes, with room to spare. The 7.5qt gives extra space for larger recipes, such as a large batch of tomato sauce. It also handles a pork shoulder for pulled pork.
Quality
5/5
Di Doherty gave 5 of 5 stars. I've been very pleased with the quality of both of my Dutch ovens. I've used them regularly for years, both on the stove and in the oven. I even use them to serve out of, particularly the smaller oven. Other than minor cosmetic damage (I blackened the enamel inside), they still look good and function well. The cast iron itself is sturdy and smooth.
Non-Stick Coating
4/5
Di Doherty gave 4 of 5 stars. I've had my Dutch ovens for several years and used them heavily. The enamel is wearing down a bit, I think, as I find they're a little less non-stick than they used to be. But I can usually clean them up with a sponge and warm, soapy water unless something gets cooked onto the bottom.
Handle Quality
4/5
Di Doherty gave 4 of 5 stars. The Dutch ovens' handles are plain, just cast iron loops. But they're sturdy, making me feel like my grip is secure. My hands fit well, and I don't feel like they dig into my palms, even when the Dutch oven is full. Considering how much weight has to be balanced on the handles, that's quite a feat. The handle on top of the lid is a stainless steel knob affixed with a screw, ensuring the pot is completely oven-safe and allows for a secure grip.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Di Doherty I love two primary things about my Dutch ovens: versatility and even heat distribution. I've used them to make soups, stews, chilis, roasts, and even to fry or sauté. Then there's the fact that they heat relatively quickly and evenly, preventing me from burning the bottom of what I'm making and ensuring that everything's cooked through.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Di Doherty My favorite moment was when I came back to it. I had stayed at someone else's house for a few days and used their cookware. They had perfectly decent steel pots, but they were different. The shape could have been more ergonomic; they didn't heat as evenly and weren't anything to look at. I returned home and made soup in my Dutch oven, which worked so well. I realized how spoiled I'd been and resolved to stay that way.
Why did you choose this product?
Di Doherty I had been wanting a Dutch oven. I ended up with a Lodge Dutch oven mainly because it was available, at least when it came to the 6qt I bought first. I found it in a store. I'd had excellent luck with Lodge skillets, so it seemed like a good choice. It was also affordable, being under $100. I purchased the 7.5qt because I wanted a bigger pot, and the 6qt worked so well that I wanted to get the same brand.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Di Doherty It's a great value for the money. These Dutch ovens perform almost as well as premium brands like Le Creuset and Staub, but they cost about a third of what those options do. Most home cooks likely won't notice the difference in performance, meaning this is an incredibly economical option.
