I've Been Using This "Perfect" Dutch Oven Nonstop for 4 Years
Labor Day sales are already in full swing, and there are so many amazing deals that it’s hard to know where to start. The Kitchn crew is here to help — it’s our job to pinpoint all of the best brand sales and take it a step further by finding all of the best discounted products. Altogether, my teammates and I test hundreds of products every year, so you can be sure we know exactly what will give you the most bang for your buck.
Looking for more great deals? Check out our complete Labor Day sale coverage, and be sure to sign up for our Cook Shop newsletter for the latest sales and must-have kitchen finds.
We’ve tried some of the priciest pieces of cookware out there and their budget-friendly alternatives. In fact, we have a column dedicated to seeing how such items measure up against each other. A few months ago, we focused on how Le Creuset’s iconic Dutch oven compared to Lodge’s version. The only major difference we determined was the price: The former costs over $400, while the latter goes for hundreds of dollars less. Right now, Walmart has Lodge’s editor-loved Dutch oven priced at only $40. Find out why our editor still swears by it after four years.
Lodge Cast Iron 5.5qt Red Enameled Dutch Oven
Walmart
$39.97 (was $49.88)
What Is the Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven?
Our former senior commerce editor, Ian, has used Lodge’s 6-quart version for everything that it says it’s capable of, including whipping up soup, braised dishes, and even bread — and even years later, it still does it all with ease. The super-high walls prevent splattering, and the heat retention and even distribution are seriously impressive.
“I’ve dropped the lid from about 12 inches, I’m never gentle about plopping it on the stovetop, and I’ve even accidentally left an entire circular lasagna inside of it — unrefrigerated — for 10 days while I was on vacation in Ireland. (When I came home, I scraped it out and cleaned it with virtually no hassle),” Ian added. “If you asked me if there’s one piece of cookware that I wholeheartedly stand behind, it’s the Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven.”
What Walmart Shoppers Are Saying
Average Rating: 4.8/5
“I recently purchased this cast-iron pot, and it has been an excellent addition to my kitchen. The pot is incredibly sturdy and works great for a variety of cooking needs. While it is a bit heavy, this is to be expected with cast iron, and it adds to the overall durability and heat retention. One of my favorite features is the beautiful red color, which adds a vibrant touch to my kitchen. Cleaning the pot is a breeze, which is a huge plus. It’s particularly perfect for baking sourdough bread, providing even heat distribution and a perfect crust. Highly recommend this cast-iron pot!” — Ana
“I’ve been cooking in cast-iron Dutch ovens for 50 years and can honestly say once you try one, you’ll be sold on the difference in how your soups, bread, roasts, etc. taste when cooked in one of these. This pan rivals the French Branded one, and at a cost of close to $420 for a 5.5-quart Dutch Oven, I’m sure you’d agree this Lodge brand is an amazing bargain. I’m sold on this brand and hope to add more pans to my collection soon.” — 60andlovinit
“This is my first Dutch oven, and I am hooked. It made a perfect roast, which we turned into shredded beef nachos. And we used it to make awesome garlic shrimp and rice. It came with a recipe book, and we are looking forward to trying some of them. For the price, this is a powerhouse purchase.” — Em
If you’ve been eyeing Le Creuset but holding off because of the price, Lodge’s version is a fantastic bet, according to us and thousands of shoppers. Trust me, you need it for all of your fall cooking and baking in the coming months — so don’t wait!
Buy: Lodge Cast Iron 5.5qt Red Enameled Dutch Oven, $39.97 (normally $49.88)
Cook/Shop
A weekly newsletter to keep you up to date on all the latest cooking gadgets, must-have kitchen tools, and can’t-miss sales to shop.
Further Reading
It Turns Out You Don’t Need a Quarter for Aldi’s Shopping Carts — Not If You Have This!
This $10 IKEA Find Will Transform Everyone's Favorite Storage Solution
Tuscan Chicken Is the "Most Delicious" Dinner of All Time, Says Everyone Who's Tried It
