Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Last updated: November 20, 2019


The popular Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven offers convenience with its easy-to-clean properties, sturdy handles and heavy-duty lid. The large capacity is ideal for feeding a large group or making stocks and sauces. And, it is aesthetically beautiful for an easy transfer from oven to table.

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

We looked at the top Cookware: Hard Enamels and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Cookware: Hard Enamel you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This incredible Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is perfect for recipes that require a transfer from stove top to oven.

In our analysis of 86 expert reviews, the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven placed 1st when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

This 6-Quart enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, refrigeration and freezing. The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven. Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames. Not for use in microwaves. Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel on Cast Iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid. Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture. The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking. Three layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean. Lid knob is oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron. Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware’s original appearance. 10 3/4″ diameter, 4 1/2″ deep. Caribbean Blue

Our Expert Consultant

Julie Chernoff
Culinary Expert

Julie Chernoff is a long-time member of Les Dames d’Escoffier (past president of the Chicago Chapter, and current co-chair of the LDEI Legacy Awards Committee), the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Chernoff is the dining editor of Better, a lifestyle website and print magazine. Her journalism started in the test kitchens of Weight Watchers Magazine. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has spent the last few decades styling, photographing, teaching, developing recipes, editing, thinking and writing about food.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

The enameled interior is easy to clean, and the oven has ample handles that make a big difference when cooking large recipes that may make the oven heavy to carry.
The Lodge Enamel Dutch Oven is a cast iron pot with a colorful exterior. The outer layer has a double coating of porcelain enamel that is chip resistant with a glossy look that is easy to clean. The interior has a cream finish to complement the colorful exterior which has a dark to light gradient for a more stylish look.
It has a stainless steel handle which looks very nice with the Lodge loge imprinted on it. The stainless steel means that it should withstand temperature changes easily.
Ranging in price from about $70 for the 1.5-quart size to $150 for the 7.5-quart size, this Dutch oven is exceptionally affordable.
Ease of cleaning was excellent.
​The porcelain enamel from this Dutch oven is chip resistant. Meaning it is harder to chip or break. Because of the chip-resistant enamel, the durability of this Dutch oven is much more.
It utilizes porcelain enamel on cast iron which means the glassy finish is bonded to the cast iron at high temperatures so that it becomes heat tolerant, while also impervious to water and other substances.
The pot is built sturdy but rather heavy at about 15 pounds
The price on this Dutch oven simply can’t be beaten, and you’re really not missing out on anything in terms of performance if you choose this over a more expensive one. I hope to invest in a French brand someday, but Lodge is a brand I’d never hesitate to recommend to anyone who doesn’t want to spend $300 on a pot.
The shape of the oven helps to spread heat evenly, which makes for good, tender meat meals.
Bonded with porcelain enamel, this pot is super-simple to clean and you won’t get food sticking onto it however long you’re cooking for.
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The heavy cast iron material makes this pot ideal for the stovetop or for using in the oven.
- Heavy
The product also offers a lifetime warranty and can withstand temperatures in the oven of up to 500°. The oven also comes with an iron pot and can retain heat affectively.
The EC6D43 Lodge is a 6-Quart Dutch Oven that has been made of the heavy cast iron and finished with smooth chip-resistant porcelain enamel.
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The Lodge Dutch oven is a versatile cookware that elevates the functionality of conventional cast iron Dutch ovens. It is an elegant piece that's worthy of your kitchen
Lodge is a family-owned business founded in 1896. They are known for making high-quality cast iron skillets, dutch ovens, and other cookware.
Maintains the heat pretty well, saving your bills on the energy. Features a classic shape and durable, solid materials
There is cast-iron loop side handles for a safe, secure grip when transporting it around the kitchen.
This even heat spread feature gives you uniform cooking. The heat retention capability reduces your energy requirements when cooking, as even low heat will work just as well.
It is also oven safe to resist heat up to 500 deg. F. It comes with handle and self-basting cover with capacity to retain heat, moisture and healthy nutrients of the food.
Lodge enamel Dutch ovens are very affordable – in comparison, retain heat superbly, and perform many cooking tasks extremely well.

What reviewers didn't like

Handles were also a big deal, and while the Lodge has comfortable ones, they aren’t quite as spacious as the ones on the Le Creuset Dutch oven.
Lid does not fit well – A few buyers have mentioned that the lid does not seem to fit as snugly as they would have liked causing moisture to escape. Complaints of the coating chipping have also been raised although the majority of buyers do not seem to have these problems.
Build does not match the Premium French models
Rounded bottom translates to smaller cooking surface
Sauce simmer was fair.
Hopefully, you already know that a cast iron Dutch oven is a heavy beast of a thing. This one is around 14 pounds, so when it’s filled it can be tricky to handle. However, the handles are great — sturdy and comfortable to hold.
The rounded bottom although easy for stirring can be quite awkward when you want to brown a large cut of meat.
Coating is not made in America as claimed
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Enamel chips relatively easily
- Heavy
The enamel coating chips, cracks, and stains easily.
The pot is quite heavy which means you'd need it to pick with your both hands
Not great for outdoor use.
Pre-heating may not be safe for its surface
After reading many Lodge enamel Dutch oven reviews it appears that the interior enamel may not be as durable as in higher priced competitors.
View our Cookware: Hard Enamel buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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