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and my next pot was….?
A few months ago, I mentioned that I was looking to buy a nice, big cast-iron enameled Dutch oven. Every kitchen should have one because of its versatility, from soups to stews to braises to spaghetti sauces and more. It goes from stovetop to oven and it cleans up almost as easily as a Teflon pan.
The problem is that good Dutch ovens are expensive. As I said at the time, I really wanted a Le Creuset or a Staub, but the models around 6 or 7 quarts were almost $200. (I think 6 quarts is the sweet spot for most home kitchens, if you’re going to have just one Dutch oven.) I had tried cheap Dutch ovens before, but the one I had immediately began flaking off its enamel coating.
But with the help of Cooks Illustrated, I found that Lodge made a decent enameled Dutch oven for only about $120. Score! I ordered it right up, undeterred by the notice that it was on back order. How long could it take?
So I waited. And waited. And finally I looked at the expected ship date: March 15! Were they coming by boat from China? I just didn’t want to wait that long so I went back and reconsidered my choices.
Initially I had considered and rejected the Mario Batali-branded Dutch oven because although it was only $99 and had received some good reviews on Amazon, it had also received some negative reviews noting quality control flaws. Yet, when I lookd at the Cooks Illustrated review of inexpensive Dutch ovens, the Batali pot came in an impressive second only to the Lodge and for some minor design differences. I decided to go for it.
So I cancelled the Lodge and ordered the Mario Batali Italian Essentials Enameled Cast Iron Pot - 6 Quart
I’ve made a pot roast, filling for lasagna, soups, stews, gumbos, and more in it. It’s quickly becoming the most used pot in my kitchen and I love it! None of the dreaded quality control issues have crept up: the enamel has no bubbling and the bottom is not warped. It’s in good condition with the interior bottom starting to get a nice seasoning to it. Clean up is a breeze. The lid has little spikes on it to channel condensation back into the pot and prevent a mess when you take it off.
Incidentally, Amazon has had this particular pot on sale in the past for as little as $65. At $99 it’s a good value. At $65 it’s a steal. Jump on it if you see for that little.
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