At long last I have finally purchased a Dutch Oven. Basically, it’s a big wide two-handled pot made of enamled cast iron. They are often used for slow cooking. I’ve held back for so long because (a) I thought my stock pot did a good job, and (b) the good ones are way too expensive ($100+).

A while back Cook’s Illustrated rated some, and found the Chefsmate brand to be a good mix of price ($40) and features. The only trouble is, it’s only found at Target (and usually only at Super Target). I’ve keep a lookout for one for years, but never saw them in the store. The other week Evelyn spotted one and I snagged it.

While it’s Chinese made, and not classy like a Le Creuset, it does a fine job. I’ve been very happy with it and have used it a lot more than I ever used my stockpot. The enameled cast iron means that it’s pretty easy to clean up, and stuff doesn’t stick–yet, you get real nice browning because of the iron’s heat retention.  I’m making all my soups, stews, and slow-cooker type stuff in it. Plus, it’s oven-safe (the lid handle is okay as long as the oven isn’t over 350 degrees).

If you are looking for it at Target, it is unboxed and red and in the kitchen area near the other pots and roasting pans. It’s $39 and worth the money. The only trouble, as I mentioned, is that it can be hard to find. I only found it after a 4th try at the local Super Target and even then they had only one on the shelf.

Below is a pic of the Le Creuset model. The Target one has a smooth top and a little different handles. The damn thing is so hard to find you can’t even get a pic on the internet, and it’s not on the Target site. I love the Le Creuset stuff, but it is so expensive, especially when you’re a cook on a budget. I’m glad I got my All Clad pots when I was rich.

Evelyn was nice enough to take a photo of the pot. Here it is. Note that it’s orange-ish due to the lighting. In reality, it’s red like the one above.