SpecialSpecials: Lodge Color 6-Quart Dutch Oven by Lodge

Lodge Color is one of the newest lines from this respected American cast iron cookware company. Traditionally shaped and more affordable than some European brands, Lodge Color enameled cast iron is just as durable, requires no seasoning, and attractively serves at the table. Lodge infuses this 6-quart Dutch oven with two coats of hard-as-nails porcelain enamel, in a choice of several bright colors that are gradated (dark to light) on the exterior, and which are nicely set off by a cream interior. Embellished with concentric circles and a black knob, the lid, which also fits the Lodge Color 11-inch skillet, is oven-safe to 400 degrees F, so you can start a stew or casserole on the stovetop and finish by baking it in the oven. The 6-quart Dutch oven measures 10-3/4 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep.
Lodge enameled cast iron makes a smart choice due to its versatility-you can marinate raw meats in it, since it won't absorb odors or flavors, and you can braise, sauté, simmer, and bake in it. Made in China to Lodge's meticulous specifications, each cookware item is first clad in matte black enamel before the color is added. The black rim that shows on the oven is actually the scratch-resistant matte enamel, not the raw cast iron. Though the Dutch oven is dishwasher-safe, washing by hand is recommended to best preserve the glossy finish. Look also for the pricier Lodge Enamel series, with its unique L-shaped lid knob, in a different set of colors and sizes to suit any kitchen. All Lodge enameled ware is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects. -- Ann Bieri

Features

Color: Island Spice Red
Dishwasher-safe, but washing by hand recommended; lifetime warranty.
Lid fits 11-inch Lodge color skillet; oven-safe to 400-degree F
2 Coats of durable porcelain enamel in colorful exterior, cream-colored interior
Heavy cast iron pot cooks on stovetop or in oven; superbly retains heat
Lodge color series enameled cast-iron dutch oven; holds 6-quart

Le Creuset on a budget

Enamel on cast iron cookware like this, was, until recently, only available from makers like Le Creuset. Lately, several lower cost makers have come on the scene, like Target and Innova. The new budget priced Lodge cookware is in the same price range as the low cost alternatives but completely out performs them.

I have all of the brands I have mentioned. The Lodge is the same weight as the Le Creuset which is much heavier than the other budget models. The ridge where the lid and sides meet is a matt black porcelain on the Lodge and Le Creuset but is just exposed cast iron for the other budget models (which leads to rusting if you are not careful). The porcelain resists staining (even tomato sauces) in the Lodge and Le Creuset but the other budget models stain very easily. And finally, the Lodge and Le Creuset maintain a very polished interior finish that resists sticking which others do not. So, I see no performance differences at all between the Le Creuset and the Lodge whereas the comparably priced budget models are certainly inferior.

If you plan of using these pots very heavily (every day for example) you might want to upgrade to the higher priced Lodge product. It has 4 coatings of enamel as opposed to 2 in this model. But if you use them once or twice a week I dont think you will need the added wear resistance.-- By N. Lafond "Gentle Reader" (Manhattan, NY)