I received a Lodge Enamel 7-Quart Dutch Oven in Patriot Red as an early 2006 Christmas present. It is absolutely wonderful, cooks like a dream, and the gorgeous color couldn't be more festive. It's perfect for slow cooking cozy, wintry dishes like beef short ribs and lamb shanks. (And it does a marvelous job baking that New York Times No Knead Bread that is all the rage.) This is something I plan to keep forever. The Lodge Enamel Dutch Ovens recently rated highest in a comparison of similar items in Fine Cooking magazine--including Le Creuset. It also costs much less than Le Creuset. I went with the larger 7-quart size and am glad I did, but it does weigh about 17 pounds. Lodge also offers a 5-quart version (see the next page in this product category for a link & description).

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Product Description

The enamel coating eliminates the need to "season" the cast iron and creates a non-reactive surface that can be used for cooking as well as marinating, refrigerating or freezing. Lodge Enamel can be used on electric, gas and induction cooktops on low to medium temperatures. It can also be used in gas, electric or convection ovens below 500 degrees. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended for preserving the appearance of the enamel. Dutch ovens are considered the original slow cooker and have been a kitchen staple in American homes for more than two centuries. 7 Quart capacity. Liberty blue

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #167150 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Patriot Red
• Brand: Lodge
• Model: E7D40
• Released on: 2004-08-15
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 6.88" h x 13.00" w x 14.25" l,

Features

• Superior heat distribution and retention
• Enamel surface eliminates the need to "season"
• Self basting lid, grip handles
• Can be used on gas, electric and ceramic cooktops

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Customer Reviews

Amazing piece of cookware.
This dutch oven is simply great. It's hefty, beautiful, and cooks like a dream. The handle is really neat, too. The quality of the pan is top-notch. It cooks well and cleans up with ease. (...)

The pan does appear to be made in China to Lodge's specifications. It's clearly a Lodge pan with their name engraved on the handles. It doesn't bother me in the least, but if that's something that bothers you than best of luck.

For me, I have found a pan that's going to be in my kitchen for the rest of my life.

Gives Le Creuset a run for it's money
I've always wanted a Le Creuset Dutch oven for a long time, but they are just too expensive. I like my Lodge cast iron pan a lot so I decided give their enamel Dutch oven a shot. I was impressed the moment I opened the box. It looks and feels like a Le Creuset. I have used it for 2 slow-cooking dishes and it performed flawlessly. Nothing stuck to the inside or outside of the oven. When wearing oven mitts, I also like the handle more than that of Le Creuset.

"Love that Lodge"
Purchased the 7 quart model some months ago. Used it the day after it arrived. I noticed the pot had a hump in the center of the bottom. The high spot caused a hot spot and lent itself to burning no matter what I tried. I fired off an Email to Lodge, and explained my problem. Their reply was immediate, and said they would supply a UPS mailer so I could return it. (Glad I saved the original carton.) I had no problem with their customer service. My replacement came two weeks later, and this one had a flat bottom. After using it numerous times I've become a "Lodge Fan" I gave it 3 stars based on their quality control. Not on the pot's performance or their customer service which was superb. My inconvenience, and the cost of the replacement could have been avoided if quality assurance had been better. Especially when spending $[...] for this item or any tem of theirs for that matter.