Lodge L8DO3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

First of all this is made in the USA and of pure cast iron, no adulteration with chemicals or other metals. This is one of the reasons I chose Lodge, it’s top quality and worth every penny. I’ve had this for a few days and so far I love it The first thing I made in it was a loaf of crusty bread and it came out beautifully, soft inside and crisp outside with a beautiful light brown crust. The pot must be put cold into a cold oven then gradually warmed to 450 F before the loaf goes in. Using parchment paper to line it just before the loaf goes in ensures nothing sticks – doubt it would anyway. Even the handle is oven proof. After the loaf or other food is taken out, allow the pot to cool gradually as the oven cools

Today I used it outdoors in the snow to make a Tuscan stew. I bought their outdoor Sportsman Grill at the same time and used this right on top of it. It worked beautifully.I thought it might crack in colder weather but it was fine. I lit it, let the embers glow down and put the stew-pot on top of it. It finished cooking once the embers went out with its own heat from the iron. You can also put this pot directly on a campfire of smoldering coals.

I have a glass-topped stove but the manufacturer’s instructions say its safe if you don’t slide the pot around on it and let the pot and burner heat up together. I tried it and it was fine.

Tomorrow I am roasting a chicken in it, in its own juices. The underside of the pot lid has protuberances in that press into the top of the roast to cook and sear the top and baste it. Amazing feature. The manufacturer says not to cook tomato-based dishes in it right away but after several uses and more oil seasoning it’s fine; this is to make sure the acid in tomatoes doesn’t react with the raw iron.

The pot is heavy so be careful; it can weigh a ton when full. I have arthritis in my wrists but managed no problem which was a surprise.

I’m certain i’ll find many more uses for this and will edit my review to include them; I’m delighted with this. I bought their medium skillet as well and an omelette didn’t stick even on first use. This skillet can also be used on top of the grill, and the Dutch oven lid fits the skillet perfectly and is interchangeable. Perfect.

Wonderful product with a very reliable bail handle, which reduces the hassle of carrying almost completely. Carrying a hot and heavy object with both the hands is really cumbersome and risky. The bail handle has a spring action also, which is again very comfortable.

Lodge una marca che non tradisce. Pentola robusta, occorre sempre effettuare il trattamento che tiene lontana la ruggine

I used for one month value for money, only thing is a lodge cleaning scraper should come along with it.

It’s an excellent lifetime piece of cookware