I've owned several other Lodge products, both natural finish and preseasoned.When possible, I've usually been willing to spend and extra buck or two to get the preseasoned version of a cookware, because they've been worth it.The preseasoned cast iron cookware comes pitch black, like someone has cooked 200 pounds of bacon in it.However, something is amiss with this 7qt Dutch Oven - it didn't meet my expectation of what a Lodge preseason cookware usually is.
When I got this Dutch Oven from Amazon, I was a bit shocked to find the finish was dark gray, instead of the deep black of evry other Lodge preseasoned item I own.But there were patches near the handle and rim of deep black coating.It seemed like something went wrong during the preseasoning process and that the coating had almost completely peeled off, leaving tiny remnants.There were several small pits on the lid as well.And the inside of the pot felt rough, not smooth like my other Lodge pans.
Amazon did not want the pot back and were nice enough to give me a refund without return.So I called up Lodge to see what was up.They have an incredibly friendly customer assistance team.They even returned my calls and remembered my name when I called them back.Lodge sent me a replacement dutch oven without any hassle.
Unfortunately, the second Dutch Oven looked just like the first.Maybe it was from the same batch, but it just seems like Lodge isn't doing a good job of quality control with this particular item.There was also a half pound difference between the two pots; perhaps this is normal.In addition, the replacement pot had a broken handle.
Having gotten the pot for free, I decided to try it out.But first I washed the pot and seasoned it properly myself!I melted some Crisco, rubbed the entire pot and lid (inside and out) with a LIGHT coating, and placed it upside down in a 425 oven for 1.5 hours (put some foil on the bottom to catch the drips).I turned the oven off and let the pot cool in the oven (otherwise it can crack).Then I repeated the procedure twice.Now I finally had a nice deep black pot!Plus, the inside of the pot had actually become smooth as well!
Due to the enormous size of the pot (12" wide and 16 pounds), the walls seem thinner than the smaller size dutch ovens.So the pot doesn't seem to heat as evenly as Lodge's other products.But perhaps it has something to do with my burners not being large enough for this big pot.
Despite the faults, I actually do like this Dutch Oven.It has always browned meats well and is absolutely perfect for braising on the stovetop or the oven.There's almost no leakage of steam from the lid, so you don't have to worry about adding water during long sessions in the oven.The inside of the lid is different from Lodge's other lids:There are concentric raised rings, as opposed to the spikes on the other models.I like the rings better since it makes the lid easier to clean and season, but it might be less efficient at keeping the food moist.I wouldn't worry about it.I do like the more modern style of the Pro Logic series.
So, if you find this cheap enough (I got mine for thirty-seven bucks), get it and season it yourself.Don't bother paying a premium over the non-seasoned model.But there's also another line of preseasoned Lodge cookware that's not Pro Logic.I've seen that line's Dutch Oven at the stores and it seems to be properly seasoned.
Lodge is still a much better deal than other manufacturers, specially for Dutch Ovens.Ultimately, this is still a good product and will get the job done.
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Lodge Pro-Logic Pre-Seasoned 7-Quart Dutch OvenProduct Description: At 12 inches in diameter and 4-3/4 inches deep, this 7-quart pre-seasoned Dutch oven holds a heap of chili, chicken and rice, or fruit cobbler. And thanks to its heavy-duty cast-iron construction, it cooks beautifully, spreading heat quickly and evenly throughout the bottom and all the way up the sides. The unit's esteemed heat retention makes it exceptionally convenient when making one-dish meals. Start by browning meats or sauteing onions, then add liquid and other ingredients to finish on the stovetop or in the oven.
The Dutch oven hails from Lodge's Pro Logic line, which updates the classic Lodge look with contemporary rolled edges and graceful curved lines. Pro Logic items are also pre-seasoned through a proprietary "electrostatic" vegetable-oil spray system. The pre-seasoning process readies the oven for cooking right out of the box, making it far more convenient than old-style cast-iron items that required oil and oven seasoning before use. The timesaving process also generates a nonstick finish that helps preserve the cookware for generations. As with most cast-iron cookware, Lodge recommends washing by hand with a stiff brush and hot waterto protect the surface. Chefs will also appreciate the oven's self-basting cover that helps trap in heat, moisture, and nutrients, as well as its large cast-iron loop side handles that make it easy to lift and transport from the stovetop to the oven (up to 500 degrees F) and back out again. Made in USA, the seasoned Dutch oven carries a limited lifetime warranty.
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Bought one of these recently to replace an older model that had been well-used. (These do need replacing every once in a while, as the diamond grit wears down.)Thought I'd share some tips here.
