My in-laws kindly gave me a Lodge Dutch oven when I graduated from college, and at the time, I had no idea what to do with it. Oh, how naive I was. Since then, I’ve thankfully discovered the many wonderful feats a Dutch oven can accomplish, like slow-cooking barbecue beans or baking crusty bread. After owning and loving my Lodge Dutch oven for over ten years, I can confidently say that it’s an essential—no, critical—part of my kitchen. Do I daydream about one day buying a Le Creuset? Sure. But am I happy with this Lodge workhorse that’s been our budget pick for years? Absolutely, especially since it costs hundreds less. In fact, it’s even cheaper now that it’s on sale for just $80.
The Takeaways
It Excels at Searing, Braising, and Baking
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I know people with much more expensive Dutch ovens, and there isn’t a single thing theirs can do that my Lodge Dutch oven can’t. It’s been my partner in crime through several Thanksgiving feasts, having baked tons of vegan stuffing and simmered butternut squash soup. Its enameled cast iron heats well and can sear a thick cut of cauliflower to ideal crispiness.
It Can Handle Very High Heat
The Lodge Dutch oven especially shines when it comes to baking sourdough bread. It’s churned out hundreds of loaves in three different kitchens throughout my time with it. Every loaf comes out crispy, golden, and with plenty of oven spring (pending a successful bulk fermentation, of course). Since baking sourdough requires a blast of intense heat at the start, this piece of cookware has seen oven temperatures up to 505°F without any signs of wear.
It’s Comfortable to Use
The wide handles have an exceptionally lovely curve to them, making it easy to carry the Lodge around my kitchen. I never have to worry about my grip on the Dutch oven because I’m able to grasp it firmly, even if I’m wearing bulky oven mitts. Its curved sides set it apart from other Dutch ovens for me. The gently sloped walls promote smooth stirring for saucing pasta and evenly dispersing ingredients in stews.
It Lasts for Ages (If Treated Nicely)
In our tests, the Lodge’s enamel did exhibit chipping when we knocked on its rim with a wooden spoon. However, in my 10-plus years of using it, my Lodge hasn’t chipped or scratched even once. Whenever it builds up staining from a particularly enthusiastic cooking project, I’m able to clear any brown spots with a scouring pad, regular dish soap, and warm water. While it may not be a Dutch oven to knock around the kitchen, it’ll last a long time if you maintain it with proper care.
Do I Recommend It?
After using the Lodge Dutch oven for over a decade, I can confidently say that this is the best Dutch oven you could get your hands on for under $100. It cooks thoroughly, has a pleasing design, and will last a long time if treated well. It’s a do-it-all piece of cookware that’s been our top budget pick for years, thanks to its impressive performance for the price. Speaking of price, it’s even cheaper now that it’s 40% off, making it a reasonable $80.
Lodge 6-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
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Why We’re the Experts
- An Uong is a writer for Serious Eats.
- An has been testing kitchen equipment for Serious Eats for two years.
- She’s a self-professed Lodge fan girl with an ever-growing collection of Lodge cast iron cookware.