Enameled CI dutch ovens (cooker, meals, crock pot, French)

[bpollen]

Originally Posted by Humble and Kind

I have a small, maybe 5 qt max?, enameled CI dutch oven and an 11 qt. Looking to get another that is between those two and was thinking of getting a 7qt.

Was wondering what size y'all find most convenient to use. 6? 7?7.5?

Was also wondering what brand. I have a La Chef and i don't remember what the small one is. I prefer lodge, but some of the reviews on Amazon don't sound so good. Sounds like they have chipping problems.

Thanks for all your help and opinions!

BTW, for a family of 3-4. I also plan on getting one for a friend who has a family of 4-5.

What is "CI"?

[P47P47]

Originally Posted by bpollen

What is "CI"?

Cast Iron.

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by Humble and Kind

I'm planning on under $100. I've seen many in the ~$50-80 range. Planning on ordering from amazon.

Check out that 6.2 liter Tramontina enamelware CI from WalMart. Less money than you're planning to spend and it will do very nicely.

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

I use a Lodge enameled CI Dutch oven for indoor cooking, and I have two Lodge CI Dutch ovens for outdoor cooking. I haven't had any chipping on my enameled CI, and I use it a LOT.

Nothing beats gumbo or burgoo cooked over an outdoor fire - YUM.

That's the brand I have too. I don't use it a lot, maybe once a month? But I've had no trouble with it chipping or anything, and it was pretty cheap.

[Dirt Grinder]

I'm cooking a batch of cabbage rolls in my Lodge enameled CI Dutch oven tomorrow night.

[lubby]

I have a Mario Bitali one but Le Cruscet makes them too and I think Rachel ray

[Debsi]

My Le C large oven (7 or 8 qt) is a second I bought at Tuesday Morning but I think it still cost $125. I’m curious about La Tramontina now.

[AnnieA]

This is the best thread. I agree with most everything said. I would like to have a Le C pot but I won't curl up and die if I don't get one before then. I have several Dutch oven style pots, plain cast iron, clad ci, and I have some of the Tramontina stuff. It is a good buy.


Good luck.


ps-I just read a big write up about Chris whats his name, leaving America's Test Kitchen. He has started his own business. Law suits are flying. Very interesting.

[mistyriver]

I have a membership to Cooks Illustrated. The CI Dutch oven they recommend after Le Creuset is this one, which is also their Best Buy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017HRLFC...oequippilot-20

After this is one is a Cooking With Calphalon, then a Lodge. Tramontina is farther down and only recommended with reservations.

[mistyriver]

I've loved my All Clad Stainless steel Dutch oven for years but got a 9 qt. Le Creuset a few years ago. It's pretty much everything I dreamed it would be. ��

I have a smaller Staub xpcast iron round one too but I do like the LC better.