Enameled cast iron...anyone have a little advice

[BBQ Engineer]

Hi,

Been wanting an enameled dutch oven...I saw that Costco has one and I must say, it is really nice looking, with a stainless steel lid handle (versus phoneolic resin that I see on a lot of other manufacturers lids). Costco has an awesome return policy, so I like buying stuff there...Trouble is, it is made in China. Since I want to buy american if there is an american made product, I looked into the Lodge enameled dutch ovens...guess what, it is made in China too. I never would have guessed that.

So my question is this...since there aparently isn't an american manufacturer left (that I know of), what do you look for in an enameled dutch oven. I can almost guarantee that I am not going to spend 5 times as much for a LeCrueset (and they call them french ovens btw).

Any thoughts?

[SmokinLee]

Dont know. I'm sure them chinese figured out a way to add some lead in the cast iron mix.

[BBQ Engineer]

Or melamine or depleted uranium, or arsenic or..................

I would buy a lodge one, but they aren't made in the good ol' USA either...WTF?

This is from lodge's web page....


Made to our exact specifications in China, Lodge Enamel Cast Iron is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The cast iron piece is hand prepared before several layers of porcelain enamel are applied and baked in high temperature ovens.

As a result of the traditional sand casting and finishing process, you may notice small surface cosmetic irregularities that will not affect the quality and cooking performance.

http://www.lodgemfg.com/use-care-enamel.asp

[Meat Hunter]

I can almost guarantee that I am not going to spend 5 times as much for a LeCrueset (and they call them french ovens btw).

Any thoughts?

The wife and I checked out the enameled ones by Lodge Logic last year. I really like em, the wife not so much. She's still in the teflon camp.
The make DO, skillets, all sorts of ones enameled. Don't recall though if they are made here or elsewhere.

As far as LeCrueset, or French Ovens, they are good, but rumor has it they give up after a while

[BBQ Engineer]

As far as LeCrueset, or French Ovens, they are good, but rumor has it they give up after a while

[Fishawn]

I have a Red Martha Stewart DO, but it does have that Charcoal resin handle. It does not say on it where it was made & never bothered to look on the box. We got it @ Macy's I think. I would almost bet it was made in China also.... Interested to hear if one can be found.

[BBQ Engineer]

I'm not opposed to having things that are made in China, but if there is an american made alternative I would prefer that. In many instances there simply isn't. China can manufacture and hold tolerances and meet product requirements...I don't believe that I would suffer any health afflictions by cooking a roast or some chicken and dumplings in their dutch ovens. I also believe that it is the generic un-branded things that are obtained through nebulous and unidentified channels that are the things that we should really be on the lookout for.



What should I look for in an enameled dutch oven...lid fit? Potential pinholes through the enamel? shape? For those of you that have them, how have they held up...any cracks in the enamel? Would you recommend the brand that you have? How much did it set you back? Do you know if there is an american made alternative?

Thanks everyone...My research so far has been rather enlightening.

[Mikey]

http://www.cookware.com/All-Clad-LD3500-AAC1122.html

Here's one but I'm sure it's a bit on the pricey side for you. These folks have a whole section of items that are Made in the USA.
On Edit: Not enameled but made here. One out of two isn't bad.

[Hannibal]

I have had the one from Costco for a couple years and I really like it. I also have a couple smaller ones that I got as a gift, they are Martha Stewart brand. I like the Costco one a little better, plus it doesn't have that b***h's name on it.

I agree that if given the option, I like to buy American made, but I am not sure I am willing to burn all of that Saudi made oil in my Canadian built truck just to find one.


I would say that if you can't find a quality made, US product you won't be dissapointed with the one from Costco.

[MichChef]

I plan on buying a set of this and squirreling it away to give my to granddaughter who loves to cook for her wedding some day.

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=614479

[Tee2]

From http://www.cooksillustrated.com/equipment/overview.asp?docid=10622&Extcode=L0KN3

Just got an email from America’s Test Kitchen and there is a review on Dutch Ovens. My wife and I got a cooking class for a birthday gift. My first hands on with LeCrueset and boy was I impressed. If you watch any of the cooking shows there is only one thing you see on ALL the shows... LeCrueset. I even like how Emeril uses LeCrueset even though he has his own line of cookware. That said wow the price It's going to be awhile before I get one.

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/equi...code=L0KN3AA00

[ALX]

My brother got me a lodge about 5 years ago...I really like it...You have probably seen posts of mine like the soup yesterday using it...

I checked the instructions i saved and made in china.....I didnt buy it,but i also try to buy american...

Nothing kids should use etc..if scraped with metal....I do alot of stews/soups and it gets used alot(really holds heat evenly etc.).....

[Slanted88]

Louie & meself only use CI. Been passed down & well seasoned...we really take care of it. My thinks on the enamel is that I clang & bang...that stuff will chip off. Oh well...happy hunting....They are purty...however nobody really cares....they just want a good eat!

[HawgHeaven]

I don't have the enameled CI stuff, butt I bought one of my DOs at an antique store... a Wagner. The other one, I inherited from my Mom and Dad... it is the one with legs and a dished out lid, meant for stacking coals under/on top of it... not sure what brand that one is, but I think it's a Lodge. I'll give it a look and let ya' know...

Love them both!

[Mikey]

http://www.staubusa.com/

J.A. Henckels bought this company approx. 2 yrs ago. Made in France, a bit on the pricey side but has a lifetime warranty. I have my eye on a couple of items from them.
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/...25&OVKEY=staub