Lodge L8DOL3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Dual Handles, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart

The Little Pot That Could Do It AllI've always been a bit intimidated by cast iron. It seemed like something only seasoned chefs or rugged outdoorsmen used, requiring special care and a level of culinary expertise I wasn't sure I possessed. But I kept hearing about the magic of cast iron – the incredible heat retention, the way it can go from stovetop to oven, the promise of food cooked to perfection. I finally decided to dip my toes in the cast iron waters, and this Lodge 2 Quart Dutch Oven was my entry point. Let me tell you, it's completely won me over.This little pot is a powerhouse. Don't let the 2-quart size fool you; it's perfect for cooking for one or two people, or for making smaller batches of sauces, sides, or desserts. The pre-seasoning was a huge plus for a cast iron beginner like me. It meant I could start using it right away after a quick rinse. And they weren't kidding – the more I use it, the better that natural, easy-release surface gets. It's incredibly satisfying to see it develop.The heat distribution and retention are truly impressive. It heats up evenly and stays hot, which is fantastic for searing meats or simmering stews. I've used it on my gas stovetop, in the oven for baking small loaves of bread and cobblers, and I even took it camping once to cook beans over a fire (it handled it like a champ!). The tight-fitting lid is a game-changer for keeping moisture in, resulting in incredibly tender pot roasts and flavorful stews.Taking care of it is much simpler than I anticipated. A quick hand wash with hot water and a stiff brush (no soap needed most of the time!), a thorough drying, and a thin coat of oil keeps it happy. It's a small ritual that feels like caring for a valued tool.Knowing that Lodge is a family-owned company that's been making cast iron in the USA since 1896 also adds to the appeal. There's a sense of history and quality craftsmanship that you can feel when you use it.If you've been curious about cast iron but felt intimidated, or if you're looking for a versatile and durable small pot that can handle everything from searing to baking, this Lodge 2 Quart Dutch Oven is an excellent choice. It's a little pot that truly can do it all, and it's made me a cast iron convert.

Heavy and will last a long time. She's building a set of forever pans to pass on and loved this one. This size was perfect for both the conventional oven and the convection oven! It holds a temperature well and is large enough to feed the family of 4 with nice roast or stew.

I have been cooking with Lodge cast iron for about 7 years and own 8 pieces from their inventory. The Double Dutch Oven is my favorite Lodge cookware due to its versatility.When using a dutch oven, I usually sear the meat first to add flavor. Usually, this requires searing the meat in several batches. The best part about the Double Dutch is that you can sear the meat in the big pot and in the lid simultaneously, thus reducing the time needed to brown the meat by half. Since the lid is then used for the braising step (after deglazing), you're not increasing the number of items to be cleaned later.I like the lid so much that I often use it by itself for pan frying. Due to the smallish size (about 10 inches in diameter) and the inherent properties of cast iron, the lid can get incredibly hot if you want it to. Perfect for cooking a steak (it puts on a better crust vs my 12" Lodge skillet). I've even used it as a pie pan in a pinch. When properly seasoned, the lid also works great for cooking eggs without them sticking. A seasoned cast iron pan is the original nonstick and will outlast any synthetic-coated nonstick pan in the market (and without the toxic fumes).When used as a Dutch Oven, it works like it should. It retains heat well and cooks evenly. There is very little steam that escapes. The smaller 5qt capacity (vs a 7qt Dutch Oven, which I use less now that I've got this one) is also better for cooking moderate amounts of food. Generally, you want little empty space when using a Dutch oven.In response to the reviewer who has problems getting the lid off, I suggest the following. When setting the lid on the pot, don't align the handles of the two. This will allow you to remove the lid easily, without having to worry about injuries. I've owned another Lodge 5qt Dutch Ovenwith a more traditional handle - I don't miss that one at all...nor do I miss not having a standalone 10" skillet.UPDATE (December 2010):I've been using this thing for over two years now, several times per week. It is still my favorite, but ever more so. Here's one more thing that you can use this for: Baking super awesome bread that rivals anything you can get at your bakery. One of the secrets of making great rustic breads with a thick chewy/crunchy crust and great oven spring is to use a lot of steam for the first 10 minutes of baking. Bakeries use a steam-injected oven. For us at home, using a covered pot, such as this one, is the easiest way to replicate the effects of a steam oven. After shaping a boule, I place it on the lid, cover it with the main pot and let it proof (so the whole pot is upside down). When the dough is ready, I score it and place the covered pot on a preheated stone in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Then I remove the lid and let the top crust brown while the interior reaches the proper temperature. Depending on your oven, you might have to remove the bread from the lid halfway though cooking so the bottom doesn't burn - I usually put it on a cool baking tray on a rack without a stone. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's easier than trying to steam an oven with boiling water, ices cubes, mister, etc. And the results can't be beat!

I love this Dutch oven. I have never used one before, so I was not sure what to expect. I bought it because my sourdough recipe recommends the Dutch oven for baking. This is a cast iron Dutch oven, so it is very sturdy, and it really made a difference in the quality of my bread. The crust comes out crisp and the center of the bread is the perfect consistency. The Dutch oven is easy to clean with warm water and then I just apply a light layer of oil with a paper towel. So easy and the bread is delicious.

Love this Dutch oven! Lodge is the best! I am using this for artisan bread making, but one could also use it for meat dishes and stews. The cast-iron conducts the heat evenly, making an excellent, professional bread crust. The dutch oven comes conveniently seasoned for immediate use. When you go to the manufacturer's site you will also see additional tips, and care instructions - which is wonderful! My only issue was with the USPS shipping, the postal service was too rough with the package and a 1/4 inch chip to the cast iron finish was created in transit - will not affect my use, but it irritates me. If you are able, opt for the express shipping. Highly recommend!