Searching for a cheap Dutch oven

[dkutz]

Anyone have a cheap dutch oven in the orange county area?  I would love to start cooking with one of these

[brainpause]

I don't have one to sell, nor am I in OC.

However, I will give you free, unsolicited advice (you are welcome   ). Don't buy a cheap Dutch Oven (DO). Unless you find a GOOD Dutch oven for a good (cheap) price. The aluminum ones, or the thinner metal ones don't cook as well, or so I'm told. I have only cooked with my cast iron DO, and can say that I can see how a cheaper metal or aluminum DO would cook unevenly.

Also, when looking for a good DO, most people prefer them with legs, and also the type lid that can hold charcoal briquets. I often see other DO's that have a domed lid that would make cooking with charcoal briquets difficult.

Larry

[griffsdad]

Anyone have a cheap dutch oven in the orange county area? I would love to start cooking with one of these

I second that. Don't buy I cheap dutch oven. Since you live in Costa Mesa, go the the Grant Boys, camping section of the store. Buy a 10" or 12" preseasoned Lodge Dutch Oven. You'll have it for a lifetime.

[Dee4j]

I bought mine at the army navy store in Orange

[oldmoose]

While I prefer Lodge DO's, Texsport is a cheap Chinese import. Costco & Sam's Club also import similar DO's. If you buy these, you must check to see that the lids seat properly. Many of these imports had lids that are warped. Habor Freight also has similar ovens. Try Sports Authority and Sports Chalet for Texsport ovens. I have one Chinese import and the lid has a slight warp to it so I add an extra coal or 2.Moose

[dkutz]

Oh I wanted to check the army navy store but they were closed when I went to Watsons for breakfast.  How much was your from them?

I may just get the 'cheap' one from Harbor freight, and double check the lid, and hope for the best.  For the price, I can always keep loking

[beacher]

.... Try Sports Authority and Sports Chalet for Texsport ovens. I have one Chinese import and the lid has a slight warp to it so I add an extra coal or 2.Moose

About three weeks ago Sports Authority was clearing out their tiny in-store Lodge DO inventory.  

I picked up a huge brand new unseasoned Lodge 14' "baking" DO for $4.50.  However, it's too big to fit into my home oven or BBQ to season it.  I'll probably eventually have to season it in a BIG campfire.  Hmmm?  When do I ever get the opportunity to experience BIG campfires?


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[griffsdad]

Oh I wanted to check the army navy store but they were closed when I went to Watsons for breakfast. How much was your from them?
 
I may just get the 'cheap' one from Harbor freight, and double check the lid, and hope for the best. For the price, I can always keep loking

I have been to the Army/Navy store hundreds of time. I use to live in Orange. They have a good selection of Dutch Ovens - mostly from Lodge. The Lodge dutch ovens for a 10" will be about $35 - $40 dollars. If it's for two - three people, this is proabably the best size. Though most people will get the 12" dutch oven which is in the $40 to $50 range.
 
I know that Brad in our group bought a dutch oven from Harbor Freight and liked it. I think he got one for about $20, but it was not a Lodge.
 
Good Luck!!

[wavery]

I have been to the Army/Navy store hundreds of time. I use to live in Orange. They have a good selection of Dutch Ovens - mostly from Lodge. The Lodge dutch ovens for a 10" will be about $35 - $40 dollars. If it's for two - three people, this is proabably the best size. Though most people will get the 12" dutch oven which is in the $40 to $50 range.
 
I know that Brad in our group bought a dutch oven from Harbor Freight and liked it. I think he got one for about $20, but it was not a Lodge.
 
Good Luck!!

Yep....Brad is the one that turned us on to Harbor freight DOs.

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=dutch+oven&Submit=Go

[wavery]

I just got my Harbor Freight flier. They have the 10" DO on sale for $9.99 and 12" for $12.99. In-store only. Sale ends May 29th.