Dutch Oven Recommendations

[Baggsy]

I'm thinking about adding a dutch oven to my collection (that baked bean recipe hooked me), and have looked thru the archive via search to see what everyone liked.  Again, E-bay has alot of variations in prices for the different models.  I found where Troy liked how the Lodges stacked and the handle arrangement better than Griswold, and I now see some Wagner D.O.'s on E-bay.  I've got an old Crusty three legged un-named #8 that I use up in the hills, but it's cumbersome on the stove and in the oven.  I'm hoping Paul and "Hoc" can point me in the right direction.  What does everyone prefer, and are any more collectible than others?  Thanks again...  

[Steve_Stephens]

My favorite chuckwagon do's are the c.1915 Wagner and some of the old "antique" do's from the later 1800's.  I had a Saverys that was really nice.  But I have never used my pots so the best answers will probably come from those who have.  The old Wagner is ground on the inside, a very nice casting, and has an interesting bail attachment with journals.  Much nicer than most Griswold pots.
Steve

[Troy_Hockensmith]

I agree with Steve that Wagner has made some very nice pieces. I would recommend going with the really older pieces if you go that route.

I never use my three legged pieces indoors. Not to say you can't it's just they are designed for outdoor cooking and work the best outdoors. If you want to dish up some really good grub indoors you would be best doing it in a regular (no legged) DO. There are about a billion to choose from and that choice would be yours. I use the Block pattern Griswolds with the fully marked lid and square handle. I just like the look better to display them as well. I also have chromed ones but they don't do a lot for me. I just prefer the iron better. The slants are nice as well and are older. Then you have Iron Mountain and Vollrath and Lodge and Wapak........ well you get the idea. Vintage, nostalgia, preference and so much more. The choice is yours. There are tons available on e-bay and in shops. The only thing I will add is any food cooked in cast iron tastes better. Doesn't matter the brand name. Price and your preference is the factor you have to decide. If your only getting one I would recommend something in the 8 or 9 size as they are the most versatile for me. If your looking for a collectable piece you can never go wrong with a Gris. in very good to excellent condition. Hope this helps.
Troy

[Steve_Stephens]

For non-3-legged do's (which are you looking for?):  The later 30's Griswold do's with the rounded handle are about the best users I can think of.  The covers have the Clean-Easy porcelain finish as standard (at least on some) which means you don't have to season the cover or worry about rust.  Get the one with the trademark on top of the cover.   The 1920 patent Griswold dutch ovens and basters are also very nice.  Wagner's do's have the hard to clean zig-zag basting rings but the later ones from the 30's are much easier to clean the rings.  My personal user is an 1890's ERIE do.  Forget the Favorites.  The locking bail is a pain to use.  Wapaks are clunky.  Iron Mtn. and Vollrath are very well cast but no basting rings if that matters.
Steve

[Greg Stahl]

for making soups and such, I have a nice slant TM ERIE #9 with a plain top.  These are nicely cast and are cheap, as they are not fully marked but are great users and cheap, cheap, cheap.  I'm starting to talk like Will.

[Troy_Hockensmith]

I agree the Wagner basting rings are crazy. The iron mountains do have the broken basting rings. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3223954395&category=3631
Here is an example of an iron mountain. They also have a trivet that looks just like a regular Griswold with out the markings. Cheap, Cheap, Cheap! This would make a good user.
One other thing to add is I like to use my oven and slow cook vice stove top with DO's.

[Paul Beer]

Well Jeff, you are probably as confused now as when you started. As you can see everybody has a favorite collectible and maybe another more common one for good using.The key is that just because they are very collectible doesn't mean they are great for everyday cooking. As was said there is a difference if you are asking about the 3 legged chuckwagon or camp dutch ovens for out door cooking or an indoor dutch oven without the legs. If you are cooking on the stove top or in the oven then the regular DO with a round bottom and no "heat ring" is the best. I personaly like the older Wagner's and Lodges but would stay with the more common ones as the prices are lower and they cook as well or better than the pricey ones. The sizes I use the most are 10, 9 and 8. You can't go wrong  with any of the major ones in the older catagories...Wagner, Grisowld and Lodge....plus you will be more inclined to use the hell out of them without worrying about screwing up some fine collectible. Paul

[Troy_Hockensmith]

As you can see everybody has a favorite collectible and maybe another more common one for good using.

Paul,
I don't own a Favorite (brand) Dutch Oven.  ;D

[Paul Beer]

Hoc, I think this promotion of yours to "Favorite" Administrator has gone to your head.....I happen to own two favorites and one of them is even a dutch oven. I told you Greg doesnt issue uniforms with stars and stuff when he gives these promotions it just means you pay more dues than the rest of us lowly Gurus.Although that may be the answer to all those stars that get attached to your name as you hang around this outfit...we are all going to get some battle jackets with our ranks on them to wear at the WAGS convention with a name plate
              PAUL BEER, CIG
              Troy Hockensmith, FA
Then lots of stars on the lapels or maybe shoulder boards..be pretty spectacular...much more class than the other organization.... Beer

[Greg Stahl]

Paul,
I thought you were on vacation?  somewhere up north

[Paul Beer]

Yeah Scratch, got a little delayed but got the truck loaded and will head out Sunday...going to check some cast iron on the way...

[Greg Stahl]

Redriver, have a great trip and don't do anything I would't do ;D

[Paul Beer]

Thanks Scratch for that carte blanche....Will report on my arrival and reestablished communications...RR