Lodge BOLD Exclusive 7 Quart Premium Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid - Dual Handles - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill or over the Campfire - Black

Well I cook for two hearty eaters...myself included. And before I begin this review on the Lodge 4 Quart Dutch Oven, I want to let you know that I currently own a Lodge 5 Quart Dutch Oven, 3 Quart Chicken Fryer, 12 inch Skillet, 10 inch Skillet, Round Griddle and 10 inch Chef Skillet...I cook with Cast Iron several times daily.I made a huge Beef and Vegetable Stew in this Dutch Oven and it served 4 people w generous helpings. I roasted this in my oven at 325 degrees for 2.5 hours and it was the best stew I ever made.- Reaon that I purchased this size Dutch Oven is Ithat I needed something in the 4 Quart size for small Roasts, Cut up Chicken, Stews and Soups etc. It is perfect for these types of Foods.- Four Quart vs Five Quart Info...Now you may be wondering if you should buy the larger 5 Quart or the small 4 Quart. So I first took a picture of them side by side (picture one).*** The 4 Quart is 9.5 inches across the top and 4.5 inches deep. On the bottom of the 4 quart, it is quite a bit NARROWER than the 5 quart.Only a very small whole chicken or 2 to 3 pound roast will comfortably fit into this 4 Quart.The 5 Quart is 10.25 inches across and about 4.75 deep.* The 5 Quart will fit a much larger roast. I have roasted a large whole chicken in it.See all of the pictures below.Diffetences in Ligic vs Pro Logic...This is the newer Lodge PRO LOGIC Cast Iron. The lid on this Pro LOGIC is very different inside from my older 5 Quart LOGIC Cast Iron. This lid does not have the small spices inside. Instead it has the smooth rings for self basting. It works well and is easier to clean over the old LOGIC style with the spikes inside.- Surfaces - Both the Logic and Pro Logic have somewhat rough surfaces. The old, old Lodge Cast Iron has very slick surfaces. I like the new slightly rough surface better because I find it is better for evenly browning meat.- Non Stick abilities...I have found that the first time or two, good sticks just a bit. However, I discovered that every time I cooked I the Lodge Cast Iron pots, the food slid right out and cleanup a breeze.- Iron benefits....It is all over the internet that cast iron cooking gives o e extra iron in food. What a great way to get more iron in the diet.- The taste of food when I cook with Lodge Cast Iron is magnificent. Such better than using regular pots and pans in my opinion.I highly recommend this 4 Quart Dutch Oven. If you cook for say four or more people, I suggest the 5 quart Dutch Oven or larger.--- Preseasoned by Lodge. However, I washed and dried it and rubbed it down with vegetable oil. Then when I cook, I use Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil. Then when I wash it and dry it, I lightly run it down with a light coat of veggie oil and store it. This way, my food never sticks and slides right out.

I bought this as a gift for my wife who loves to cook and bake. This cast iron Dutch oven has been used at least once a week for the past month. (Three times this week alone.).I am extremely pleased with this product. It arrived pre- seasoned but I still rinsed it and use olive oil to coat it when not in use. The cast iron gave off a black residue when rinsed and wiped. I don't know if this is residue from the product they used to pre-season or it is normal for cast iron. The handles are sturdy and the curved inside corners make it easy to stir and clean. The lid is tight although some steam will escape.I love the fact this is American Made cast iron. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.Lots of room in this pot. We cooked three good sized corned beefs at once for St. Pattys day and just finished a German Pot Roast. Rinsed last night and now being used for Italian sausage rigatoni with sauce (double batch). Excellent to go from the stove into the oven.The Lodge Pro series was slightly more money but worth it.Update 11/7/2012: We have used this product extensivly and has become one of our favorites to cook with. Easy to clean and kept seasoned with olive oil. Still love this product!

This is a large cast iron pot that is wonderful for cooking anything that benefits from simmering. The pot holds heat, heats evenly and is great for stews, pasta sauce and soups. Also, you can use tomato products in this pot. Just empty after cooking and wash that day. Don't store tomato products overnight, but don't hesitate to use them in cooking up a killer pasta sauce.

Like many people, I jumped on the sourdough bread trend. My bread wasn't turning out well -- the taste was good but it was too dense, it didn't rise well and the crust was weird. So many sourdough recipes recommended a dutch oven, so I bought this. Holy smokes! My bread has been perfect every single time since using the dutch oven. It was a game changer. Preheating the dutch oven, plus using the lid, creates the perfect environment for the dough. The 'oven spring' is amazing and it has all the classic features of sourdough: Cracked crust, elastic interior, good air pockets, beautiful color ... just flawless bread. 10/10 recommend for bread making. I have yet to use it for anything else, but having several cast iron skillets, I know it will heat evenly and cook beautifully. The box was a wreck when it arrived, but cast iron is basically unbreakable. Very happy with this purchase.

What's to say? A great pot! 4 quart size is smaller than many, but quite enough for my uses. Not so heavy as to be awkward, and fits well on my gas range. One of the most versatile designs I know of. A great pot/pan for frying! The taller sides keep most of the grease spatters in the pot and not on my stove! Comes pre seasoned and will get better with use. Brown some onions, fry your burger, put the buns inside on top and cover for a minute and everything is ready for a great hamburger! If I had to make do with one pot for all my cooking, this would be it. Note; After frying those onions I wouldn't use it for pineapple upside down cake for a while. I rate a lot of things with five stars because they do exactly what they're designed to do. I'd give this pot six if I could.