Of the many different cooking pots that people use all over the world, probably the most versatile of them all is the Dutch oven.
From roasting to slow cooking, frying, and baking, a Dutch oven can do it all. Some of the best cast iron Dutch ovens are made by Cuisinart and Lodge cast iron.
The main difference between the two is that the Dutch ovens by Cuisinart are only enameled cast iron while Lodge sells both enameled and regular cast iron Dutch ovens.
Besides this, there are a few other differences between the different Dutch ovens as well.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | Cuisinart Dutch Ovens | Lodge Dutch Ovens |
| Dutch Oven Interior and Exterior | Made from only enameled cast iron | Made from regular cast iron and enameled cast iron |
| Dutch Oven Colors Available | Red and Blue | Regular cast iron (Black), 12 different colors for enameled cast iron |
| Dutch Oven Sizes Available | 3 qt, 5 qt, 5.5 qt, and 7 qt | 1 qt, 2 qt, 5 qt, and 7 qt for regular cast iron. 1.5 qt, 3 qt, 4.5 qt, 6 qt, and 7.5 qt for enameled cast iron |
| Dutch Oven Prices | $69.95 for the smallest one and $129.95 for the biggest | Between $34.95 and $84.95 for the regular cast iron. Between $64.95 and $119.95 for enameled cast iron |
In-depth Comparison Between Cuisinart And Lodge Dutch Oven
After going through the comparison table, you should have a pretty good idea about all the characteristics and differences between the two different Dutch ovens by the two companies.
Now, let’s go a bit more in-depth into the characteristics of the companies and really break down and analyze each different characteristic of the Dutch ovens sold by Cuisinart and Lodge separately.
- Interior And Exterior Of The Dutch Ovens By Each Company
This is where the Dutch ovens by the two companies differ the most from each other. Their construction material.
Cuisinart Dutch ovens have enameled cast iron on both the interior and exterior.
On the other Lodge Dutch ovens are regular cast iron both inside and out.
While both are cast iron, enameled cast iron differs quite a bit from regular cast iron.
Let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of enameled and regular cast iron separately. Afterward, you should have a better idea of how they both differ from each other.
Regular Cast Iron
- Regular cast iron pans and Dutch ovens are naturally nonstick. The reason for this is that the seasoning or coating done on cast iron cookware provides a natural, semi-nonstick surface.
- Regular cast iron cookware is cheaper and more affordable than enameled cast iron pans and Dutch ovens.
- Regular cast iron is far more durable and long-lasting than enameled cast iron. With the right care and proper maintenance, a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven can easily last for hundreds of years.
- Regular cast iron has much higher heat resistance. So, it can easily be used in all sorts of places from stove tops, ovens, grills, and even on open flames.
- Regular cast iron needs to be thoroughly washed, dried, and then seasoned. Otherwise, it can rust over and be ruined.
- Acidic foods are not compatible with regular cast iron as it can strip away the seasoning and make the food taste metallic.
Enameled Cast Iron
- Unlike regular cast iron, enameled cast iron does not require seasoning.
- You can cook anything in an enameled cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. This includes acidic foods which are not compatible with regular cast iron.
- Enameled cast iron will never rust even when exposed to water for long periods.
- Enameled cast iron cookware comes in a variety of different vibrant colors. This is unlike regular cast iron which only comes in a dark black color.
- Unlike regular cast iron, enameled cast iron can be used to marinate and store food.
- Enameled cast iron is not as durable or long-lasting as regular cast iron. If you drop it, it can easily crack.
- The inside of an enameled cast iron cookware can get chipped if you use metal utensils.
- Enameled cast iron is not as heat resistant as regular cast iron.
Wait! There are more!
- Dutch Oven Colors Available From Each Company
Another area where the Dutch ovens from each company differ from each other is the variety of different colors offered.
Cuisinart only sells enameled cast iron Dutch ovens. Their Dutch ovens come in 2 different colors, red and blue.
On the other hand, Lodge sells both regular cast iron and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens. Their regular cast iron comes in their usual black.
However, the enameled Lodge Dutch ovens come in 12 different colors. This is far greater than the amount offered by Cuisinart.
- Dutch Oven Sizes Available From Each Company
Dutch ovens come in a variety of different sizes. They are measured in quarts. A Dutch oven can be as small as 1/4 quart all the way to as large as 13 quarts.
The enameled cast iron Dutch ovens by Cuisinart come in four different sizes. The smallest is 3 quarts and the largest is 7 quarts. You can also buy 5 or 5.5-quart sizes.
The regular cast iron Dutch ovens by Lodge come in four different sizes, 1 quart, 2 quarts, 5 quarts, and 7 quarts.
On the other hand, their enameled cast iron Dutch ovens come in five different sizes. The sizes are 1.5 quarts, 3 quarts, 4.5 quarts, 6 quarts, and 7 quarts.
- Prices of the Dutch Ovens by Each Company
In general, enameled cast iron cookware costs more than regular cast iron pots, skillets, and Dutch ovens.
The enameled cast iron Dutch ovens by Cuisinart cost between $69.95 and $129.95 depending on the size you choose.
Meanwhile, the regular cast iron Dutch ovens by Lodge have price tags between $34.95 and $84.95 depending on the size.
On the other hand, their enameled cast iron Dutch ovens cost a bit more than their regular cast iron ones. The enameled Dutch ovens go for between $64.95 and $119.95 depending on their size.
- Which Company’s Dutch Ovens Should You Choose to Buy?
We now come to the ultimate question. Which company should you choose and which Dutch oven should you buy?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your preferences and needs. If you are looking for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, you can consider either of the companies as they both make high-quality Dutch ovens.
However, if you are looking for a regular cast iron Dutch oven, then you need to consider Lodge’s ones since Cuisinart does not sell regular cast iron Dutch ovens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some frequently asked questions as well as their answers.
Yes, Cuisinart makes high-quality enameled cast iron Dutch ovens.
Yes, Lodge makes both high-quality regular and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens.
Some good cast iron Dutch oven brands are Cuisinart, Lodge, Le Creuset, and many others.
A majority of Cuisinart cookware is made in China.
Cuisinart Dutch ovens are oven safe up to 500 degrees.
Conclusion
Dutch ovens are incredibly useful and convenient to have in your kitchen. They are very versatile and can be used for a variety of different cooking purposes.
If you are looking for some good Dutch ovens, you can’t go wrong with either of the companies mentioned here.
Hopefully, this article on Cuisinart and Lodge Dutch ovens gave you all the information you were looking for.