Buy Lodge Pro-Logic P12D3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Black, 7-Quart

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List Price: $90.00
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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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Just received this pot and have used it twice. It comes well seasoned and is a joy to use. Keep in mind that this pot is very heavy (approx 14 lbs) and the good sized handles are a welcome addition. I was somewhat concerned about reports of shipping problems...mine arrived in good shape and the Lodge box was in a larger box with air filled packing.

This pot joins five other cast iron pans and is as good a build quality as ones purchased 30 years ago.

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Love the design, but think this new thinner line of Lodge products may not be as good as the regular finish which is thicker and like the piece that my elders have passed down to me, which have been on many a cattle round up, camping trip or home table. Their new enamel line I love.

I own so many Lodge products and love the new Enamel Dutch Oven, in Patriot Red, and the 5 quart size which are better in my opinion than the French Le Creuset and Emile Henry pieces that I own. And its great to be able to buy 'American Made'.

And yes some of their newer items are being made in China now, which is sad. Check thrift stores, eBay for older products they have made. They are awesome. Just wish Le Creuset had the vibrant Lodge colours.

Honest reviews on Lodge Pro-Logic P12D3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Black, 7-Quart

Unlike the previous reviewer, my pot was black and the pre-seasoning finish seems to be in fine shape. In fact, it went straight from the box to hosting a pot roast. Later, a lentil soup. Since both recipes start with oil, I didn't think it'd make a difference to lay on additional seasoning. I have seasoned since then, though. Nothing but excellent results and at an excellent price.

I agree with other regarding the wall thickness but I can't imagine this pot being any heavier. It seems to me that the lid is even heavier than the pot itself!

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I have a couple of different cast iron pans. This is my first dutch oven. My only 'complaint' if you can call it that is it isn't seasoned very well.

Yes, it is technically seasoned, but after one batch of spaghetti sauce, (acidic tomatoes) and the seasoning was just about gone.

Fortunately, cast iron is easy to reseason. (Just smokey is all) Other than that, it's a great pot. I've done whole chickens, cajun cooking, and other great stuff. It heats evenly on the stove or in the oven. If you're considering it, buy it. You won't regret it.