Lodge L10CO3 Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven, 4-Quart

Cast iron is the most durable cookwear ever invented
This is the classic size Dutch Oven that is used by boy scouts, girl scouts, chuck wagon cooks, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. My review is mostly limited to the outdoor uses of this wonderful classic dutch oven, but I use one at home as well. This model is a #12 dutch oven which is the "standard" size most commonly used, but there many sizes bigger and smaller. This one holds 8 quarts, measuring 12" in diameter by 5" tall. It has the tripod legs and a recessed lid best suited for cooking in coals. But those legs make it harder to use in a conventional oven, you need to maneuver the legs if possible onto your grill rack. They make a legless version with the domed lid for a home oven, and I have used it in a fire as well. On this model, you can even flip this lid over and use it as a skillet in a pinch if you need to in camp. You can do it all with a Dutch Oven - cobblers, stews, beans, roasts, dumplings, you name it. It is the ultimate "one pot" pan.

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How to Care, Clean and Cook With Cast-Iron cookware
This is the classic Dutch Oven that is used by boy scouts, girl scouts, chuck wagon cooks, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. My review is mostly limited to the outdoor uses of this wonderful classic dutch oven, but I use one at home as well. Measures 10 across by 10 tall with legs and lid by 3-1/2 inches deep inside and hold 4 quarts/1 gallon. This model is about half the size of the "standard" popular #12 or 8 quart dutch oven most commonly used, but there many sizes bigger and smaller. It has the tripod legs and a recessed lid best suited for cooking in coals. But those legs make it harder to use in a conventional oven, you need to maneuver the legs if possible onto your grill rack. They make a legless version with the domed lid for a home oven, and I have used it in a fire as well. On this model, you can even flip this lid over and use it as a skillet in a pinch if you need to in camp. You can do it all with Dutch Ovens - cobblers, stews, beans, roasts, dumplings, you name it...

Cookware you have a relationship with.
People seem to either love, hate, or have total disinterest in cast iron cookware. I love it. It seems to have a lot more soul than "modern" utensils.

I've been reading "Little House on the Prarie" to my daughter and she enjoyed hearing how the Ingalls used a pot just like daddy has.

This dutch oven is quite versitile. I can use it with campfire coals, with charcoal, over my Coleman campstove, or in the oven at home. The legs are too long to use on my rangetop at home (without risking damage to the range surface).

Dutch oven cooking is an acquired skill (on top of the general cast iron learning curve), but I've had no problems so far. I have mostly used it to make chicken or beef stew when camping.

Once you get hooked on dutch ovens, then you start wanting accessories. I use a charcoal chimney to start the coals, a pair of metal tongs to move the coals around, and a metal oil drain pan to contain the coals. I've just ordered a Lodge...

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