So after all these years Angie wants to go Dutch, which I think is totally unfair

JK

We have never owned a Dutch Oven. For years I have been saying I want to get one. Well yesterday, while babysitting GRANDdaughter2, we decided to run over to the Container Store to exchange a purchase for a different size. While we were at the mall Angie says "let's walk over to Williams-Sonoma, they have an avocado cuber I want to buy. So we did, and while she's busy with that GRANDdaughter2 and I stroll over to the Dutch ovens.

I had no idea how expensive they are!

Some of them were well over $200!

For a pot!!!

Now I know Williams-Sonoma is on the high end of stuff but still...come on

We actually found one, on sale, for $170 that may or may not work for us. It was only a 4 1/2 quart size. We didn't buy it as we decided to do some more research.

Now, I know that 4 1/2 quarts is big enough for Angie and I but after looking at recepies I see many of them are designed for a bigger pot.

So my questions for those that use Dutch ovens are...

Are they worth it?

Does size really matter?

Should I go cheaper, middle of the road or higher $$?

What do you use yours for?

We also borrowed the kidnapper's 5qt. Le Creuset for a few days to try it out, so we are looking for a good first try recipe

Thanks, as always, in advance gals

What do you use now ?

I have Le Crueset an dlove them.

That being said, i've had 2 accident sso far with cooking them on too high of heat, and replacing a $200 pot really, really stinks.

$200 for a pot? No way! I got my whole Calphalon set (9 pieces) for under $200, and it included two Dutch ovens (small and large). Do some research online; look at reviews and prices. Check out Marshalls, Ross, and Home Goods; they often have discounted quality cookware. I love doing roasts and stews in mine. Size depends on your needs. Enjoy using the borrowed pot!

I second HomeGoods... I got mine there and it was maybe $70.. that was a few years ago though!

The only time I've ever used a Dutch oven was in girl scouts on the fire. Made some pretty darn good cobbler though.

But I second the Marshall's , Ross and/or TJMaxx for discounted cookware.

High quality enamel pots are totally worth the cost. Really.

I have smallish (3.5 qts) Le Crueset one that I got as a wedding present that I absolutely love. I use it almost every day. Rice, small batches of soups, braises, whatever. It's awesome. Totally worth whatever my friends paid for it.

I also have a much larger (6qt) Lodge dutch oven that I bought on Amazon. I'm really impressed with the quality on this, actually, especially given how much less expensive it was than the Le Crueset. It's pretty great. I use it for big batches of soups, stews, sauces, etc. Yesterday I roasted a chicken in it (came out amazing). http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o01_s00_i00

The size will really depend on what you want to do with it. I use my smaller one constantly, but I've loved having the larger one as well. As far as quality goes...If you have plenty of money and can afford it, buy Le Crueset. If not, I've been really happy with my Lodge one. I wouldn't screw around with other brands though. It needs to be a high quality item, because you don't want the enamel to chip.

I got mine in World Market, love it.

It was on sale and I had a coupon I only paid about $65.

I make all my soups in it and stews.

I have an off brand cast iron dutch oven that I've used for about 5 years. It has worked really well for me. I think the brand is Lodge? I got it online for about $60. I have used it many times for soups/ chili/ my grandma's homeade spaghetti sauce/ and beef bourguignon. I even had an accident with it once where my fiancee ran it through the dishwasher and I was able to save it. It works as good as ever!

We got an off brand one and we love it! We use it several times a week. I don't think we paid more than $40 for it. I have seen some good ones at places like TJ Maxx. But my parents have the ultimate find. They found a large Le Cruset at The Goodwill!!! They paid $10 for it. They actually took it home, cleaned it all up, and gave it to a friend of theirs for a wedding gift. The bride was ecstatic!!!

I think enameled pots are a bit of a waste of money, plain stoneware and cast iron Dutch ovens are cheaper and work better, in my opinion, along with a normal set of high quality pots and pans. My cast iron Dutch oven is great and was only about $70, if I remember correctly. Lodge brand is excellent!

Thanks so much Ladies

You have been a big help. We have a fairly large set of Calphalon cookware and the big pot I call..."Hey Babe, where do you keep the big pot with the glass lid again?" is actually a Dutch Oven.

Angie didn't think we could put it in the oven but after doing some research I see we can up to 450 degrees

That being said, and after your recommendations, I believe we will be purchasing a mid-range priced and mid-ranged size Dutch oven.

You gals are the greatest!