TL;DR: Lodge Cast Iron is an American company that has been in existence for over 100 years. They specialize in making seasoned cast iron, which is manufactured in American foundries, including its Dutch ovens.

When I first learned to cook, I never paid much attention to what I cooked with. I actually found cast iron intimidating because my mom had a cast iron skillet that she loved and was possessive of. I knew it took extra care, so I avoided it. It seemed like a lot of effort, and I wasn't sure of the gain.

I've realized that that was a mistake. Cast iron is now my favorite cookware material, and the additional maintenance is more than worth the benefits. It's durable, has a nonstick surface, and excellent heat retention. I always get consistent results from my Lodge cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, loaf pan, and pizza pan. My good luck with their skillets encouraged me to expand into their other products, as you can see.

Thinking that a Lodge Dutch oven might be right for you? Unsure about how to properly take care of it? Reach out to a Curated Kitchen Expert! Our Experts are well-versed in all aspects of cookware and kitchen knives, making them familiar with different materials and care requirements. All for no extra cost!

Who Is Lodge Cast Iron?

Lodge Cast Iron was founded in 1896, and they still have foundries in Tennessee. Their cast iron products are made in the United States by the process of using a sand mold. The company is one of the best-known cast iron manufacturers, with their cast iron cookware making Curated’s best of lists for both cast iron skillets and cast iron pots.

The company's long history means that it survived through the depression (by selling novelty items, according to the company website) and has had skilled workers working for them for generations.

Why Pick Lodge Cast Iron?

Cast iron cookware inherently takes some extra time and attention to make sure it’s performing its best. That means that you want to make sure that you get a good product to start with so that the extra effort you put into your cookware will pay off. Here are some of the benefits of Lodge’s cast iron products.

• Long-lasting: A well-made cast iron skillet will last for generations, as will any other cookware or bakeware. As long as it’s protected from rust and isn’t cracked or warped by thermal shock, it’ll work as well as if it were brand new. There’s actually quite a market for vintage cast iron for this reason.
• Affordable: While Lodge isn’t the cheapest manufacturer out there, your money gets you a lot. Other American (like Finex) or European (like Staub) cast iron makers charge much higher prices for similar items. A lot of Lodge’s cast iron is seasoned rather than enameled, which does lower the price (Le Creuset and Staub only offer enameled cast iron), but the price difference is still marked.
• Made in the USA: Almost all of Lodge’s products are made in their stateside foundries. This not only has the benefit of a lifetime warranty due to a guarantee of craftsmanship but also cuts down on shipping (and carbon emissions).
• Pre-seasoned: Cast iron didn't used to be pre-seasoned. It wasn’t until 2002 that Lodge Cast Iron began offering products that already had a layer of seasoning. Ever since then, other manufacturers have started doing the same, meaning that you can use your cookware as soon as you receive it. Seasoning is a process that creates a protective coating on the cast iron, preventing rust and adding a nonstick coating. This is done by applying a thin coat of fat (usually vegetable oil) and then heating it to a high temperature. This polymerizes the oil, bonding it with the cast iron and creating the distinctive black exterior cast iron cookware is known for.

Top Recommended Lodge Dutch Ovens

Dutch ovens are a special type of pot with myriad uses. They work well in the oven and on the stovetop and are known for their durability, as they can last for generations. That can make picking one out feel like a weighty decision. To help with your search, I’ve compiled a list of Lodge’s best Dutch ovens.

1. Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned Dutch Oven

Before Lodge took on the name of its founder, it was called Blacklock Cast Iron. This line of products commemorates the company's long history with a new type of cast iron. These Dutch ovens are lighter than their equivalent counterparts as they're able to use a thinner metal and are coated with three layers of seasoning for a rugged enamel.

Currently, this Dutch oven only comes in a 5.5-quart package and is relatively expensive for a seasoned Dutch oven. But the lightweight design, aluminum knob on the lid, and long-lasting enamel will justify the extra money for most buyers.

2. Lodge Chef Style Double Dutch Oven

This Dutch oven is a two-for-one deal, as its lid doubles as a grill pan. That makes it both a space saver and a money saver, as it's less than buying a Dutch oven and pan separately. The 6-quart Dutch oven is great for soup, chili, and stew recipes, while the grill pan can be used to sear, bake, or on the stovetop.

It’s seasoned with 100% vegetable oil (Lodge uses canola oil), meaning you start using it right out of the box. While you can use the grill pan and Dutch oven simultaneously, that does leave your pot without a lid.

3. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Unlike most of Lodge’s products, their enameled Dutch ovens are made in China or Vietnam. Despite their relatively low price, they end up rivaling top-tier competitors (such as Staub) in performance tests. The enamel is smoothly applied, durable, and protects the cast iron from corrosion, and comes in a wide variety of colors.

The enamel coating makes this excellent for acidic dishes, like tomato sauce or citrus based dishes. It also allows you to wash them with soapy water just like you would a stainless steel pot. There are also five different sizes to choose from.

4. Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

For those looking for a plain, practical Dutch oven, this one is hard to beat. It comes in four different sizes, ranging from 1-quart to 7-quart, is completely made of cast iron, and is a workhorse. It can be used for anything from deep frying, braising, baking bread, boiling water, and making soups or stews.

The spikes on the tight-fitting lid cause the “rainforest effect,” which means that moisture condenses on them and drips back down into what you’re cooking, keeping it tender and juicy.

5. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven

Oval Dutch ovens are more of a specialty item for most home cooks. They’re designed to go in the oven, mainly for an oblong roast like a leg of lamb, a large chicken or turkey, and a rack of ribs. That isn’t to say that it can’t be used on the stovetop, but the heat distribution won’t be as even as a round Dutch oven.

Like its round counterpart, this Dutch oven is made overseas in either China or Vietnam. It currently only comes in a 7-quart size, though there is an option for red enamel if you prefer.

6. USA Enamel Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you're looking for an enameled Dutch oven that’s made in the USA, Lodge recently released a new line that’s just that. It has a sleeker design than their standard enameled line, though it currently only has three color selections and four sizes.

It comes closer to rivaling a Le Creuset Dutch oven in price, though it's still around $100 cheaper. It's oven-safe up to 500 degrees and, like all cast iron, is fully induction-compatible.

7. Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven

Cast iron cookware is a favorite for camping due to how well it handles high heat and temperature differences. Lodge makes a line of Dutch ovens that are designed to be cooked over a campfire. This Dutch oven has three sturdy legs that allow you to stand it up over an open flame. Or you can hang it from a tripod with its stainless steel handle.

The lid has a lip on it that allows you to stack the coals on top of it to simulate an oven, as it'll be heated from all sides. It comes pre-seasoned and ready to use and is equally effective on an outdoor grill. That being said, the legs make it so it won't work on a stovetop and likely won't sit evenly on an oven rack.

Find the Right Lodge Dutch Oven for You

Finding the best Dutch oven for you doesn't have to be a chore. Curated has Kitchen Experts standing by to answer questions, make recommendations, and give advice. They’re familiar with the different brands – such as Lodge – care requirements and what different types of cookware excel at. This service is part of Cuarted’s guarantee you’ll love what you buy, so it’s free!