Le Creuset 2-3/4 Quart Round French Oven, Cherry

The George Clooney of Cookware
Like many people, after seeing "Julie & Julia" this summer I was inspired to cook hearty beef dishes, and had to have the gorgeous red cookware they used. I'd heard of Le Creuset before, but the price was off putting. But knowledgeable foodie friends insisted they were worth the price. Swoooooon! Now I'm such a believer. I didn't think it was possible to love a pot like I do this one. Everything cooks so beautifully, either on the stove, in the stove and I can still use it to store leftovers in the fridge. And when it's not cooking, I leave it sitting proudly on top because they're just so damn pretty. Another thing -- clean up. Easy. Every time I've used it was sure I was ruining the pot -- the food sticking to the interior would never come off, right? Not a problem! Easiest cleanup ever. I've only had the pot for a month or so, and I use it almost every week. It has everything -- looks, quality, and will last forever. It's the best investment you can make.

The ultimate in cooking equipment.
It makes cooking an experience in opulence even if you only boil potatoes in it.

Exceptional quality, exceptional guarantee.
I had this French Oven about six years. Super to use, easy to clean up. Soak and use a little baking soda on tough baked on spots. I boiled it dry (my bad) and the enamel coating cracked on the inside bottom. I contacted La Creuset, got a return ID, and they replaced it. They didn't have my color any more, but I love that they stand behind their product. SO happy to have my French Oven back!

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Lodge L12DCO3 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven, 8-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.

QUALITY: There...

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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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.

QUALITY: There...

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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Lodge Finish 6-Quart Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven

Accept no substitutes
A dutch oven is one of the most versatile items you can find. Many people I know are intimidated by cooking with dutch ovens, but when you take a few minutes to learn how, you can use it to cook anything! It can be used with variety of foods: stews, cakes, cobblers, breads, poultry, vegetables (basically anything you make in a conventional oven). If you happen to forget to pack your skillet when you go camping, turn over the lid and put it back on the dutch oven. Voila! Instant skillet-type cooking surface!

Having used a variety of dutch ovens in my life, I can tell you for sure, Lodge dutch ovens are the best. They are durable and well-crafted. If you have ever had the experience of cooking with a dutch oven that was not a Lodge, you will know what I mean.

You should look for a dutch oven that has a lip on the lid for keeping coals on, and sturdy legs, to keep from crushing the coals. Lodge dutch ovens have these features, and are made of quality cast...

Another fabulous Lodge product
This is the 2nd and most recent addition to our rapidly-growing family Lodge inventory. The size is excellent for our family of 5. Between this and our 14" deep camp Dutch Oven, I've almost decided to get rid of the RV oven! I can't believe we've camped for 7 years without a Dutch Oven.

The only thing I don't like about the original finish is the smell in the house during the seasoning process. I'd recommend "cooking" it for the hour in the morning before work then turning off the oven and leaving the house. An attic fan would've come in very handy.

You simply can't beat cast iron cookware, and Lodge makes the best. Don't let the price fool you. I'm in the process of throwing out all of my "nonstick" cookware and replacing it with Lodge cast iron.

Your lodge will outlive you
The effectiveness of this dutch oven lies in its design which served chuck wagons a century ago and campers today! Cast Iron is ALWAYS a good value for the money and it's indestructable (I'm still using my mother's Lodge skillet that she got for a wedding gift in 1954). This dutch oven, designed specifically for the camp or fireplace cook, goes from the fire to the table with ease. It stews and bakes beautifully - get a dutch oven cookbook and learn how to make campfire biscuits as well as those stews and chilis! Also makes a fabulous wedding, shower, or housewarming gift. Forget expensive wedding registries - buy the bride a lodge dutch oven and skillet. She'll hand them down to the next generation. Every camper can use this and so can every backyard griller. Highly recommend!

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