Reviews for Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid (Carribbean Blue)
People say Lodge is really similar to Le Creuset.
5.0
I luv Lodge
This is a modal window. No compatible source was found for this media. I bought the Lodge 3.6 Qt. braiser in Oyster and the 5 Qt. Dutch oven in Midnight. They coordinate well with neutral exterior and interior colors. The taper makes deglazing easy and circulates moisture from the lid to outer walls and toward the center, so braises are dreamy. Sauces are superior in these compared to more expensive brands I own. The sturdier cast iron core distributes and retains heat better and longer. The braiser’s base surface area is wide, so I can brown more items without crowding. I even use the lid resting in its 500°F flat knob to rest items before returning them to the base (less cleanup). Lodge allows me to transform brisket, eye of round and short ribs into culinary marvels. Mine haven’t chipped, they’re still like new. I use them a lot since the price point wasn’t so precious - I feel like I can really put them through paces. That said, I’m really sorry other reviewers’ chipped. I don’t use metal in mine, or bang utensils on the rims. I allow them to cool before hand washing and avoid thermal shock (abrupt temperature changes can craze enamel coated cast iron). Lodge is aces, if I had a problem, I’d definitely contact them. It cleans easily and hasn’t stained - deglazes easily - even with tomato paste and delicious frond from seared ribs. Lodge cast iron is manufactured in Tennessee, but like other brands, the enamel coated line is manufactured in China. They’re upfront ab... Read More
5.0
Great product - recommend highly
I cook a lot and needed a new cast iron option. Didn’t want to pay $400 for staube or le creuset. The lodge pans are awesome. I love them. Heat distribution is perfect and they look good enough to serve in. Great purchase.
5.0
A favorite pan
I currently now own 3 pieces of enameled cast iron cookware - this casserole, the more traditionally shaped Lodge 3 quart dutch oven, and a 5.5 quart Le Creuset. I've used all 3 of them, and have a definite bias - I prefer my Lodge cookware to my Le Creuset. I find the cooking performance identical, I wash all of them in the dishwasher (even though Lodge recommends against it, I believe to avoid altering the finish), and prefer both the look and the interior of the Lodge cookware. The bottoms of the Lodge cookware is sloped inwards (my Le Creuset has no slope; the sides angle in slightly but there is a definite "corner" and the bottom is then flat). I prefer that to help reduce liquids and for cleanup. I also prefer the Lodge interiors - it's white as opposed to a light yellow, and it just looks cleaner in my opinion. The Lodge cookware also appears to be more "modern" in external design, such as how the handles look. No functional differences, just aesthetics. (It probably doesn't help that the Le Creuset was $150 as a factory second and half off, so I am afraid of damaging it! Also, the Le Creuset lid doesn't sit flat, didn't come with rubber spacers to prevent the lid from chipping during storage, and is a little big as I usually cook for 1-2 people) In terms of this casserole dish versus the Lodge 3 quart Dutch Oven, I prefer this pan - it's wider and flatter, so I can use it like a regular pan (and it browns very nicely; you can see the fond easily against the white b... Read More
5.0
Performs as well as Le Creuset
I have used this pan several times since purchasing it a couple of months ago. I have used it mainly as a braiser, stove top and oven. Meat is extremely tender, sauces simmer wonderfully, chicken & dumplings turned out awesome. Washing the pan is a breeze. I am very impressed with this pan,?which is far less in price compared to Le Crueset with comparable performance
5.0
Wow! Wasn't expecting this quality
I have Le Creuset and love them...until...I bought this Lodge piece. This pan is so versatile that I use it pretty much for everything. The other reviews said it would be good for eggs but I didn't experience that since I don't want to use a lot of oil or butter. It is the most fantastic pan I've ever used for all of my meals...gourmet and "dog's dinners". It can get a bit crusty after frying meat or chicken and then renders the best deglazed sauces ever. After I've cooked, I put it in the sink and cover it with water and within an hour or so (I've left it overnight if I'm not in the mood), it just wipes clean with a sponge. How easy is that? I'm happy that it is made in USA and I think the quality is better than my LC's. I use it so often that it finds its way back on the range top than in the cupboard. I doubt I will have to replace it...ever...but if I did, I wouldn't hesitate. You will not be disappointed!
5.0
Best purchase ever!
I LOVE this pan. I use this very week, if not every day! Excellent heat distribution (as so expected with the enamel cast iron), and my gratin or saucy dishes came out absolutely perfect. I also love the fact I can bake/broil with this pan. Very versatile heavy-duty pan - I highly recommend it to any foodies out there (not to mention this will not break your budget... it is very cost-effective in comparison to Staub and/or Le Creuset, and works like a charm!).
5.0
Beauty & Function!
This is my second Lodge Dutch Oven purchase this past year. I also have a couple of Le Creuset and these are just as good at a 3rd of the price.
5.0
As good as Le Creuset and less in cost
I needed a braiser but couldn't afford a Le Creuset this time. So I went with Lodge because what isn't Le Creuset in my pantry is Lodge. This casserole is great, easy to clean and cooks evenly. I immediately made a chicken thigh in mustard sauce dinner in it. Started it on the stove uncovered and then put it in the oven covered. I only have one thing to add: This old lady can't lift the casserole with the food and the lid. Have to start by taking off the lid ... just as I have to with my Le Creusets. This casserole pan is one of those kitchen things I won't be giving up if I even have to downsize. In fact when the pandemic ends and we can entertain again, I'll be using this often!
4.0
Arrived chipped on Lid
I received this with a chip in the cast iron on the lid. Not too surprised since packaging was just a box and some plastic covers to separate lid from base. But despite the chip and newly discovered uneven lid to base. I used it and find that a week in it works well. I have used it for veg mainly and cooks and cleans well. Color is pretty, quality and long term use is questionable. But for the price compared to Le Creuset, I will forgive the flaws. It has cooked small things well so far. Paid $79 ish.
4.0
It's definitely larger than 3 quarts
Lodge seems confused on the size of this casserole. Their Web site lists it at 3.6 quarts, which a company representative told me over the phone is incorrect. She said it was 3 quarts, as indicated in the Amazon description. Well, when the piece arrived the outside box plainly said 3.6 quarts. So I checked, and sure enough, it's 3.6 quarts, which is a very good thing. They really should correct this because I initially bought the Tramontina 4 quart braiser (not the one listed here on Amazon, but a cheaper one available only from Walmart online) simply because it was larger. I had to send that item back because the lid didn't really seal, which was a shame because it was a beautiful piece. This Lodge casserole has a much better seal, but not as good the Lodge 6 quart enameled dutch oven that I also have. Can't have everything I guess, but that's the reason I'm only giving it 4 stars instead of 5. I do wish that the interior lid had those self basting ridges like the Tramontina and Le Creuset pots have. I think having a good seal on the lid is much more important though, so I'm sticking with Lodge. I also noticed that the enamel on the edges of the casserole and lid seems much thicker than that on my dutch oven. In fact, that seems to be the reason that the lid doesn't fit as tightly. The interior enamel is also much shinier and smoother than my dutch oven was when I bought it, so it seems they're continuing to try and improve the product. I do like the this casserole very m... Read More