Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

The Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, sold by Lodge as the 6 Quart Essential Enamel Dutch Oven, is an enameled cast iron pot with a lid and a stainless steel knob.

Who it suits

It suits cooks who make soups, braises and bread on the stove or in the oven and want a pot they can marinate and refrigerate food in. It is heavy, and Lodge says it is not made for grills or open fires; for that, look at bare cast iron. Our enameled vs bare cast iron Dutch oven guide compares the specs, and the Lodge Classic 12 inch skillet covers searing.

Key facts

• Capacity 6 quarts; 13.25 x 11.6 x 6.0 in, 13.52 lb (Lodge)
• Any stovetop, including induction, or oven up to 500°F; not made for use on a grill or over a fire (Lodge)
• Stainless steel knob, oven safe up to 500°F (Lodge)
• Includes pot protectors; made by Lodge’s partners in China or Vietnam (Lodge)
• Care: Lodge says it is “technically” dishwasher safe but prefers hand washing; wooden, silicone or nylon utensils; no seasoning needed (Lodge)

What reviewers say

BestReviews named it its top Dutch oven pick, reporting that it held heat for over an hour, cleaned up easily and had a wide knob that is easy to grip with pot holders. Good Housekeeping chose it as its best value pick, saying it browned and simmered food evenly in its tests.

Pros

• Enamel interior that Lodge says handles acidic ingredients and fridge storage
• Stainless steel knob rated to the same 500°F as the pot

Cons

• Heavy; BestReviews also noted light staining after one use and hot handles
• Good Housekeeping noted a slightly smaller base than some rivals and an exposed rim that can rust if not dried
• Not for grill or campfire use, per Lodge

Cautions

Lodge says not to heat the pot empty on the stovetop, not to add cold ingredients to a hot empty pot, and to dry the rim and rub it with a little oil to prevent rust.