topic Re: Dutch Oven recommendations in Kitchen

Dutch Oven recommendations

Knit-Chick — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 12:51:50 GMT

For those that have a dutch oven, what brand do you have and would you recommend? I'm leaning toward a cast iron enamal one and was thinking of getting the Food Network brand at Kohls... then saw some not so good reviews about cracking and issues with the enamal. I want a good, sturdy one, but really don't want to pay too much (i.e. Le Crueset price).

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

CrazyKittyLvr2 — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 12:58:40 GMT

@Knit-Chick I have a Lodge dutch oven. I love it. It's a 6 qt. in a pretty blue. It was around $70.00.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

software — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:07:55 GMT

@Knit-Chick wrote:
For those that have a dutch oven, what brand do you have and would you recommend? I'm leaning toward a cast iron enamal one and was thinking of getting the Food Network brand at Kohls... then saw some not so good reviews about cracking and issues with the enamal. I want a good, sturdy one, but really don't want to pay too much (i.e. Le Crueset price).

Have you ever used one?

I thought I wanted one until I started shopping.

They are HEAVY.

I would personally rather have a large covered skillet, usually referred to as a chicken fryer, or an electric skillet.

I have a cast iron skillet but that's all the cast iron I want.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Jaspersmom — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:08:03 GMT

I bought one from QVC many years ago that is equivalent to LeCreuset. Made in France. Doesn't have brand name on it. Maybe T-Fal? Maybe made just for QVC? I'm not sure if they carry it anymore, but I know I bought it for an excellent price and much cheaper than LeCreuset.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

KingstonsMom — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:17:28 GMT

@software

At 67, without the wrist strength and grip strength that I used to have, I re-homed all of my cast iron (Lodge brand) cookware, due to the heavy weight.

IMO though, for all of the years I had, used and loved my Lodge cast iron pieces, they performed beautifully, without the high LC prices.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Mimi 1883 — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:32:27 GMT

@Knit-Chick IF you can, buy a Le Creuset Dutch oven. Mine is probably 25 years old and still going strong and looks great. You can watch a YouTube video from America's Test Kitchen showing the differences between Dutch ovens and the Le Creuset comes out on top. I *think* QVC sells them. HTH

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Still Raining — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:34:01 GMT

Those large oval La Crueset ones are the best thing ever. After the kids were gone I passed down my huge one and went smaller.

They are great for slow stovetop too.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

KingstonsMom — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:36:11 GMT

@Mimi 1883

I also see a lot of Le Creuset cookware at TJMaxx, maybe she could check their online site.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Knit-Chick — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:47:16 GMT

@CrazyKittyLvr2 thank you!

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Knit-Chick — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:48:03 GMT

@software wrote:
@Knit-Chick wrote:
For those that have a dutch oven, what brand do you have and would you recommend? I'm leaning toward a cast iron enamal one and was thinking of getting the Food Network brand at Kohls... then saw some not so good reviews about cracking and issues with the enamal. I want a good, sturdy one, but really don't want to pay too much (i.e. Le Crueset price).

Have you ever used one?
I thought I wanted one until I started shopping.
They are HEAVY.
I would personally rather have a large covered skillet, usually referred to as a chicken fryer, or an electric skillet.

I have a cast iron skillet but that's all the cast iron I want.

Yes, I know how heavy they are. I want something more sturdy that I can use both on the stovetop and oven.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

msgb — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:49:49 GMT

I bought one that is a Le Creuset that was the TSV about a year and a half almost two yrs ago off QVC.

It has the option for the top to be a pan. It is a 4.25 qt pot.

Love it .

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

queendiva — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:53:09 GMT

Le Creuset, but for something more budget friendly Staub and Lodge.

Enameled cast iron, about 5 qts whatever brand you choose.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Toot1920 — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:06:43 GMT

I had one from Food Network at Kohl's and another brand. I ended getting a few different sizes of Le Creuset. I purchased them from either their outlet stores, QVC, and Marshall's. Even though they are all heavy, Le Creuset is lighter than the rest. Their handles seem to be bigger and easier to hold. I've not had any problems with cleaning and they still look good. I like the lighter interior instead of the black. I know that sometimes you can find them at TJMaxx, Home Goods, Marshall's, and Home Good's for some pretty decent prices. I purchased my 5.5 qt at Marshall's for $119.00. If you're particular about colors, it might not be as easy to find the ones you want at a good price. Even my husband has been pleasantly surprised on how well meals turns out and the clean up.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Knit-Chick — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:37:15 GMT

@Toot1920 thank you! a 5.5 quart for $119 is a pretty darn good price! I'm going to venture out and see if I can find anything at Marshalls, TJ Maxx or HomeGoods. I'd like to get one with a light interior too. Thanks for the info - it was helpful!

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Kachina624 — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:57:44 GMT

Beware of the weight of many of these cast iron pots. As you grow older, you may not be able to lift it. I remember when my mom had to give hers up and now I'm in the same boat. Remember, they get even heavier when filled with a sizable roast.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Toot1920 — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 16:09:47 GMT

@Knit-Chick, if there's not an outlet near you, you can call and sometimes they will ship to you for $9.99 or sometimes for free. Most of the outlets that I've dealt with are very helpful. I've dealt with the outlets in Ellenton, FL, Brentwood, TN, and Birch Run, MI. Just google Le Creuset outlets for locations and phone numbers.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

Nightowlz — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 16:33:39 GMT

I have a 7qt Tramontina dutch oven. I also have my dads 5qt Staub dutch oven.

I'm not paying the LeCreuset brand price. I doubt it's any better.

I bought the Tramontina from Sam's $40. I use it all the time with no problems.

Traditional European-style enameled cast iron cookware
Heavy-grade cast iron offers superior heat retention for optimum results
Self-basting condensation ridges allow for more flavorful stews
Porcelain-enameled interior is PFOA- and PTFE-free

They are sold out right now but they have a 5qt that comes with a 10" pre-seasoned cast iron skillet for $40 in stock.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

LizzieInSRQ — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 16:30:00 GMT

@Jaspersmom wrote:
I bought one from QVC many years ago that is equivalent to LeCreuset. Made in France. Doesn't have brand name on it. Maybe T-Fal? Maybe made just for QVC? I'm not sure if they carry it anymore, but I know I bought it for an excellent price and much cheaper than LeCreuset.

Might have been Staub.

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

homedecor1 — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:33:00 GMT

Editing: Looked up my purchase history it's a 7 qt. oval and I paid $89.98. That's when they had good prices & specials . This is a picture from Website.

Yesterday was the FIRST time in over 3 years I pulled out my "Staub" 8 qt. dutch oven. I had seen a Chef Michael Symon recipe and he showed how to make the perfect "Mom's Sunday" pot roast with pasta.

He used a 8 qt. dutch oven. This was from his FN series anyway this was the best chuck pot roast I made in years & I'm so glad I never gave it away!!!

This piece I bought from HSN years ago (Staub is manufacturered by Henkels the knife company) and its still as nice as the day I purchased it!

I'm sure the FN brand would be just as nice -- they are all made the same -- its paying for the LeCrueset name IMO.

You can find some nice buys at Marshalls and Home Goods on LeCrueset and other brands too.

Although, I will warn you it is heavy before you even put food in it!!!

Re: Dutch Oven recommendations

novamc1 — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 18:54:57 GMT

@Knit-Chick

Aldi often features its own Crofton brand of enameled cast iron pots, and I've bought two just to see if they wash well in the dishwasher. Wouldn't dare putting my LeCreuset items in the dishwasher for fear the finish would get ruined

These Crofton pots have held up well, still shiny inside and out, and clean up perfectly without having to handwash.

The Crofton 4.6-quart French oven is on sale either now or next week, not sure which. But for only $24.99, you can feel confident in at least trying it out.

Yes, it's heavy, but that's cast iron for ya, no matter which brand you get or how much you spend.