cast iron dutch oven, which kind?

[goatilocks]

I want a cast iron dutch oven. Not really a need, just a want at this point. Who knows, I will probably need at when TSHTF. So I see them with and with out little legs. Which one would be the most versitile? I dont know where or how I would use it, wether its over a campfire or stovetop.

 

[sufficientforme]

I have both, I love the legs for outdoor cooking with charcoal or over a fire but for everyday cooking you will get the most use out of a regular dutch oven. If you can afford a le Creuset that is my favorite, second would be lodge logic (which is made in USA other than the enameled ones are made in China) I use mine daily, they are a great addition to your kitchen! I have more cast iron pans than I do regular pans, they are perfect for the SS kitchen and cooking by other fuels (fire, charcoal, etc) if the SHTF happens.

 

[freemotion]

If you can find an antique one with a lid, snap it up! I have both Lodge and a variety of antique brands, and ALL the antique brands are better than Lodge. Don't get me wrong, my big frying pan is a Lodge and I use it a LOT. But the smoother surface of the antiques make them more non-stick and easier to clean.

You can't use the ones with legs on the stove top unless you have a gas stove and the legs fit between the bars of the cast iron on your stove top. Same with in the oven, the legs would be a pain to get in and out of the oven because of the oven grill.

 

[JRmom]

If you think you'll be using it mostly in the kitchen, forget the legs. Also, before buying new, you might want to check around at flea markets and such. I have 4 Griswold dutch ovens, and the most I paid was $45 for one, the others I got a better deal on.

I also have large enameled cast iron dutch oven that I got new, it's the Lodge Logic and so far so good, but Lodge is not the best cast iron in terms of quality.

I also have an antique enameled one that is from Germany that I bought in an antique consignment place for $12 - can't beat that!

So look around first for an antique one, they are available.

 

[freemotion]

If you think you'll be using it mostly in the kitchen, forget the legs. Also, before buying new, you might want to check around at flea markets and such. I have 4 Griswold dutch ovens, and the most I paid was $45 for one, the others I got a better deal on.

A Griswold Dutch oven with a lid is well worth $45!!! That you got four and the other three were less......where is the green with envy smilie?

 

[JRmom]

If you think you'll be using it mostly in the kitchen, forget the legs. Also, before buying new, you might want to check around at flea markets and such. I have 4 Griswold dutch ovens, and the most I paid was $45 for one, the others I got a better deal on.

A Griswold Dutch oven with a lid is well worth $45!!! That you got four and the other three were less......where is the green with envy smilie?

That's just the tip of the ice burg. My husband and I are collectors, we have pretty much one of everything, and multiples of quite a few. I use most of it. We are the "skillet flippers" you see at flea markets and such.

 

[TanksHill]

Ahh that explains it. JRmom do you know if anyone makes makes a lid that would fit my 15inch lodge skillet?

I would love a big dutch oven for indoors. I have a 12 inch lodge for camping. its really not big enough. If I could find a used one I would be in heaven.

g

 

[goatilocks]

Im an estate sale stalker. I find all my cast iron and a lot of my SHTF stuff at them.

 

[Farmfresh]

I too vote no legs ... at least for the first one. I used my flat bottomed Dutch Oven in many a campfire situation just by placing a few rocks in the fire to sit it on. I only got my spider a couple of years ago. Love that cast iron!

 

[TanksHill]

Spider????