Competes with Le creuset & No Lead!, (What's this?) I have been looking longingly at enameled cast iron dutch ovens for some time. Thought Le creuset was the only option. At north of $200 for the size I wanted, I could not justify buying one.
Then I saw that Lodge, an American company that makes great cast iron pans, was selling them. This looked interesting! I picked the L Series initially because I liked the more modern shape of it.
When it arrived I noticed the box said "Made in China". At that point, didn't even want to open the box because I was going to send it right back. With all the news reports about lead being found in things from China, I was quite dismayed because I was running under the impression that it was made in America. Nope. Should have studied more.
I fired off an email to the Lodge company asking for assurance that this product was safe. They responded with the following E-mail:
The steps below are taken in an effort to ensure that these items are of
the highest quality possible, and we will continue to monitor all Lodge
enamel cookware very closely.
* Representatives from the upper management level of our Company,
as well as some of our Manufacturing experts travel to China several
times a year to inspect the manufacturing facilities and the process
being used to make sure that our cookware is being produced per our
stringent guidelines.
* A third party American company located in China has been
enlisted to perform random inspections of the Chinese manufacture's
facilities and process.
* We periodically send imported product samples to independent
labs for analysis.
* Porcelain enamel is a glass coating, not lead paint, and is used
for a variety of food related purposes, including cookware, pottery and
grills. Porcelain enamel has proven to be safe and attractive coating
for cookware.
That was enough to satisfy me. Lodge is a good and reputable company.
Not what I expected, but I am pleased, (What's this?) After baking bread a few times and making a cobbler in the product, I can say it performs well. I purchased this item because I was concerned about baking with my Le Creuset dishes in a hot (500 deg F) oven. The ornamental stainless steel handle is surprisingly functional as well as heat resistant. The stainless inserts in the handles are a waste - frankly they look goofy on a cast iron product. I wish they had saved that cost and kept manufacturing in the USA.
That gets to my subtraction of a star. I didn't even think to look for a country of origin on a Lodge product. I was really disappointed when this one turned out to be made in China. Lodge has advertised American manufacturing for years, so I didn't even think to look. Hopefully the paint is safe!
If I need another cast iron vessel, I will buy Le Creuset again and plan on a homemade handle replacement if the polymer one ever burns up.
Very nice, solid construction, (What's this?) I too wanted a Le Creuset but could not justify the cost. This Lodge L-series appears just as robustly constructed as the Le Creuset models.
Chipped lid after first use, (What's this?) This is a really nice pot, but I put the lid in the dish rack after washing it the first time and the enamel chipped where it touched the plastic (at the screw underneath the lid.) I love Lodge and have many of their cast iron pans, but this will probably be the only enamel pot I buy from them.
Porcelain enamel eliminates the need to "season" cast iron Cast iron core for even heating Superior heat retention Can be used on stove tops and in ovens
Porcelain enamel eliminates the need to "season" cast iron.Cast iron core for even heating.Superior heat retention.Can be used on stove tops and in ovens. The "L" Series Dutch Oven is not only excellent for cooking, it is also the ideal vessel to serve meals in. Complimenting the stylish porcelain finish is the graceful "L" shaped stainless steel handle on the lid, providing a generous grip and perfect balance when handling while cooking or when cleaning. It can be used on all stove tops and in ovens, including induction, at temperatures below 500 degrees F. Not to be used in the microwave or on outdoor grills / campfires. Where the lid and pot meet, the visible black edge is a matte enamel undercoat more chip resistant than the primary colors. The white enamel cooking surface is FDA approved. Porcelain enamel eliminates the need to "season" cast iron, creating a non reactive surface perfect for all cooking techniques, as well as marinating, refrigerating or freezing. The corrosion resistant No. 304 stainless steel handle remain cool-touch while cooking on stovetop at moderate heat.
