How to Buy an Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Dutch Oven

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By G. K. Bayne
eHow Contributing Writer

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The decision to buy an enamel coated cast iron Dutch oven requires the knowledge that you will get what you pay for. Name-brand Dutch ovens can retail at well over $200 as of late 2009, while you can purchase cheap off-brand ovens for a fraction of that price. Other brands are available somewhere in between these two extremes. The key to buying an enamel coated cast iron pan is to know, in advance, what you can and cannot cook in one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Determine the price you are willing to spend. Plan on spending a minimum of $75 for a good quality 6-quart Dutch oven.
Step 2

Decide what size you need. Sizes can range from 2 quarts, which is about right when cooking for one person, to 16 quarts or larger, suitable for cooking for crowds.
Step 3

Compare weights on similar sizes. If at all possible, do this at a local store where you can feel the differences in the various brands firsthand. In general, the heavier the oven, the higher its quality.
Step 4

Shop around locally and online. The Dutch oven that costs $150 at one store may be on sale at another for $99. When you shop online, always include the shipping costs for various retailers as part of the overall purchase price.
Step 5

Ask about the store's return policy when you buy your Dutch oven. Since Dutch ovens are a large cash investment, insure that you will be able to return the oven if you discover a flaw, such as bubbled or chipped enamel, after you get the oven home.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid high heat when cooking in an enameled Dutch oven. Scorching can be a problem.
If your enameled Dutch oven is chipped, keep oil over the bare cast iron to avoid rust formation.
An enamel coated Dutch oven is heavy, weighing much more than stainless steel or other materials. When choosing your Dutch oven, understand that every gallon of liquid in the pot while cooking will cause the Dutch oven to weigh an additional 8 lbs. or so.