Kitchen Essential – Dutch Oven

Lodge Logic EC6D43 Enameled Cast-Iron
6-Quart Dutch Oven
Island Spice Red – $49.97

As my readers know, I have made it my mission (or at least my New Year’s Resolution) to reveal the best Kitchen Essentials for the single cook. I hadn’t quite gotten around to writing my post on Essential Pots and Pans when I noticed a deal I had to announce:

Amazon is selling the Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast-iron Dutch Oven in gorgeous Island Spice (aka red) for a steal: $49.97. This dutch oven usually retails for $75 – $90!

Why purchase this? You can do everything from popping popcorn, sautéing vegetables, simmering soups, to slow-braising stews. In fact, (and I’ll go on the record stating this), if you have this and a skillet, you will not need another pot in your kitchen (more on that soon).

I purchased my Lodge Dutch Oven about two months ago, and I simply don’t know how I lived without it. It’s durable (as long as you read the instructions), and so pretty. I’ve been using it for everything.

Are there other dutch ovens on the market? Sure, and  I’ve been fortunate enough to use two of the best: Le Creuset  and Staub. But anyone who has priced the comparable Le Creuset 5 1/2 Quart Round French Oven at $239.95 and the Staub Round Cocotte, 5 1/2 Quart at $199.95 might just become intimidated.

And my job isn’t to intimidate you. My job is to get you in the kitchen and cooking for yourself (and your occasional guests)!

Oh and this is the most important thing I will tell you (at least in this post): *Trust me when I say, that while  Le Creuset and Staub are amazing cookware, you do not need to spend over $200 for a dutch oven to make a delicious meal! (Unless you have the money, and then by all means, purchase one for yourself, and don’t forget your friendly single chef here, who’s on a meager budget.)

The Lodge is durable, it’s reliable, it’s well made, and it’ll be a solid workhorse you’ll be proud to own. So, buy it now, while the price is still low!

In case you hate red, there are other colors include this fetching Emerald Green (also $49.97), and this gleaming Caribbean Blue for just a few dollars more ($51.00).

Photo Credit: Lance Madson