Lodge Cast Iron 9 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven With Bail Handle

I used it today and am very pleased with my purchase. I was disappointed that it did not have a 'mini' cookbook/tip book with it. The only improvement I can think of - is to say there should be more room between the handle of the lid (not the bail handle) and the base of the lid. There is not much room for your hand when you have a potholder in your hand.

I purchased a well used vintage Griswold #8 5 qt. Dutch oven online a few days prior for the same amount plus shipping cost as a baked bean pot. After spending weeks looking for a large #12 9 quart, I just could not justify the $300.00 ebay was getting for the vintage ovens. After reading many reviews for the Lodge ovens and comparing prices I decided to pull the trigger and order one from Walmart, and have it delivered for free. Hey I thought if it doesn't pan out, I will return it. "Flash forward, that is not going to happen". I am beyond pleased by the quality, value, and excellent workmanship of this oven. It is very heavy cast iron (about 12 lbs,) as it should be for proper heat transfer and retention. The lid mates perfectly with the deep smooth inner lip of the pot. The self basting inner lid is a plus, and the pre-seasoned oven baked finish is perfect. This is not a wax finish as some manufacturers provide, but a true oil baked on finish. The large spring handle centered on the heavy wire bale is a pleasant feature for added comfort when the oven is full. Couple all this with the fact that it is made in the USA by a family owned company for nearly 100 years, and you have the perfect package. Use this beauty on the stovetop, oven, grill, or camping, for the best, easiest, tastiest, healthy, and most durable cooking adventure you will ever experience. My wife and I are in our sixties, and have tried every type of cookware out there, including that stick to it glass Corning Vision Ware back in the early 80's, but have happily added the old cast iron back in the kitchen as of late. We still use our stoneware for some things, but for hearty meals, and an old fashioned tasty breakfast, cast iron cannot be beat. So if your thinking about it, do it, give it the good ole' American try, and you will not be disapointed. Oh, and the beef stew we cooked as the first meal out of this pot was just like mama used to make. Be well, J. Linton