Looking for a new 8 qt Dutch Oven

[CHNeal]

Hello All,
I am in need of a good 8 quart cast iron Dutch oven for the upcoming chili cook off. I’ve never owned a Dutch oven so I’m looking to start off strong with a good one. Will be used almost exclusively in a fire pit or in a grill.
What say the experts?

[Alan Brice]

By far not an expert! Lodge! My 6er is enameled n goes into the 22 w/charcoal going around it. Rotisserie a 7lb point n made beans in the drippings!
Helped maintain temps too!

[Mosca]

I have a couple 5 qt and a 6 qt enameled. Once I got the enameled one, the plain ones are rarely used.

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Enameled-Covered-6-Quart/dp/B07Y6SGW51/ref=asc_df_B07Y6SGW51/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459498033505&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12299385016273871401&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007144&hvtargid=pla-960214355518&psc=1

[Alan Brice]

Such a Deal! Love the color.

[CHNeal]

Interesting that the enamel is showing to be a favorite. I hadn’t even considered it.

[Mosca]

In the past I’ve had issues with a metallic taste, specifically with tomato-y foods like marinara or East Coast style chili. The enameled oven solves that, in addition to being easier to clean.

[58limited]

I like my enamel Dutch ovens but I've never used them on live fire, I use my regular seasoned cast iron for that. I have a few Dutch ovens, mostly Lodge but I have a Misen enameled and a Wenzel regular cast iron - it was part of a special anniversary edition set, I don't think Wenzel actually routinely makes or sells them.

[Donw]

I use my enamel ones most of the time. I pull out my cast iron one only when cooking directly on coals from a fire. Mine are all Lodge.

[Washblue]

I have both… and I’d rather not put my enameled pots in my pit or kettles…
I like them to remain clean on the outside… they are Le Creuset…
But my go to for stews, chili & vegetables are Griswold chuck wagon ovens… they’re fire/coals ready…
8 quarts will reduce your options, but they’re out there, enameled and plain… and a chili cook off sounds like a great way to get started with Dutch Ovens…
​

[barelfly]

All i have is enameled Dutch Ovens, but I have never used on open fire. I have two Lodge and a fancy Le Crueset my wife found at the neighborhood BBB that was closing. The Le Crueset is so dang light and works well. But, had it not been the price it was, I’d have only Lodge

saying that though, with the outdoor fireplace we had built this past winter, I would like to get a few things that would allow me to cook in the fire box. So, I’ll be following this a bit to see. There are some really nice cast iron DOs, like Finex or Smithey and such that….oh my are they ever cool!

[mnavarre]

Lodge is having a sale on some stuff, they have a 7 qt. seasoned DO for $70. I usually use my black iron DOs outside, but if I need something bigger than 5 qt. I don't have a problem using the enameled 7 qt.. It's just a bit of a pain to clean, but Bar Keepers spray and a scrubby take care of it just fine.

[Thunder77]

Lodge is having a sale right now.

[jfmorris]

I would never use a porcelain coated Dutch oven in a fire or on my grill. I have a Lodge 5 quart that is a good size, with a bail. I use it on the grill and in the house. I have a 7 quart porcelain Misen that I use less often. The only 8 quart ones I’ve seen are the kind with legs/feet on the bottom, for use with a camp fire, with the recessed lid top for holding coals on top. I don’t like the legs for use on the stove or grill though.

I highly recommend Lodge myself. You just gotta decide size and style.

[mnavarre]

Porcelain is fine on the grill, just not over a screaming hot fire. Just a pain to clean, to the point I might buy an Amazon Basics enameled DO to use outside instead of the Lodge.

[Pobeque]

I have an 8 or 9qt Staub enameled with no legs, but I'd never use that over an open fire

[SheilaAnn]

What’s your budget?

[CHNeal]

What’s your budget?

This will end up being a fairly specialized piece of gear. I don’t see myself using it for much more then open fire or pit cooking chili, stews or soups so let’s say $250?

[Panhead John]

I’ve only got 1 cast iron Dutch oven, I’ve had it most of my life, so I’m far from an expert. But I will say one thing, if it’s gonna be used mainly on the fire or grill, I agree with jfmorris . Don’t get a porcelain coated one. It will become a major PIA to clean after using. Why buy something nice and pretty just to get messed up after each cook? Stick with a black cast iron one for that purpose. It’ll still collect soot and residue, but it won’t show as much, thus requiring a less thorough cleaning. With a budget of $250., I’d buy 2. One nice porcelain coated Lodge for inside use and another for outside cooking over fire. Everyone needs a CI Dutch oven for inside oven/stove use anyway.

[realdocBBQ]

Giant enameled Lodge can't be beat, if you ask me.