Camp Chef Dutch Oven Vs Lodge

Camp Chef Dutch Ovens and Lodge Camp Dutch ovens are both well-known brands in the seasoned cast-iron Dutch oven world. Do we dare have an opinion on two closely rated brands? Well, I’ll take a look at two similar types of Dutch ovens from both brands here.

Both of these brands of cookware are well-known household names here in the United States. Each of these brands of Dutch oven will provide you with all you will need to prepare fresh, hearty meals using the old-fashioned cooking methods from days gone by.

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The two models of cast iron Dutch ovens we will be looking at today are the Camp Chef Deluxe 9 1/3-Quart Dutch Oven VS Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven – 12 Inch/8 Quart.

If you have landed on this page and you already know you wish to purchase a cast-iron Dutch oven, check out the range of these two great brands.

Camp Chef Dutch Oven Vs Lodge – (About the Brands)

About the Camp Chef Brand

Camp Chef has been in the cast-iron Dutch oven space for around twenty years. Camp Chef began producing quality cast iron cookware with its signature True-Seasoned Finish. Many ask where Camp Chef cast iron was made the answer is China.

They also provide other cooking stoves such as smokers. The Camp Chef company is located in the heart of Cache Valley, Utah this is where product testing takes place.

This American company is dedicated to producing and supplying the best quality cookware to those that love the outdoors. As well those who cook outdoors at home have many stove designs to suit patios.

About the Lodge Brand

This cast-iron Dutch oven is made in the United States of America.

The Lodge Brand is more than just a business. It is a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America.

The Lodge Company has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, since 1896. With over 121 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high-quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.

The Lodge Company also knows that cooking is about more than just the food. It is about the memories we make while cooking in a cast-iron Dutch oven.

Camp Chef Deluxe 9 1/3-Quart Dutch Oven – Full Review

Firstly, we will review the Camp Chef Deluxe 9 1/3-Quart Dutch Oven. Factors to consider are build quality, versatility, ease of cleaning, maintenance, any issues, price, and finally, my conclusion on this product.

Camp Chef Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Quality

The Camp Chef Deluxe 9 1/3-Quart Dutch Oven is made in China and quality control on the cookware takes place here in the United States.

This Camp Chef cast iron Dutch oven measures 12 inches x 12 inches in diameter and is 8 inches deep. It weighs 20 pounds.

Camp Chef Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Versatility

The cast iron comes seasoned with Camp Chefs’ own True Seasoned Finish and is ready for cooking as soon as you open the box.

The oven itself is 5-6 inches deep, and the lid is 2 inches deep.

The lid on the Camp Chef cast iron Dutch oven has legs so you can turn it over and use it directly on the hot coals. Excellent for frying.

The deep lid on this model increases the airflow for more even cooking. It also allows for a sizable skillet or serving trivet.

The lid also has a unique thermometer channel, which allows you to check the temperature inside the Dutch oven without removing the lid.

When you do need to remove the lid the model comes with a lift tool for lifting the hot cast iron lid.

Camp Chef Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Cleaning

You should clean your Dutch oven using a stiff nylon brush and hot water. Placing in a dishwasher is not recommended nor is using soap.

Towel dry immediately and apply a light coating of oil to the cast iron while it is still warm.

Store in a cool, dry place. This prevents moisture from getting to the oven, which may cause it to rust.

Camp Chef Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Maintenance Required

This cast-iron Dutch oven may be a little ruffer than its more expensive counterpart. But with regular scouring and re-seasoning, it may well become a lot smoother over time.

The re-seasoning of this cast iron is the same process as with all other cast iron cooking utensils. So there are no surprises or special instructions required.

Camp Chef Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Any Issues

Some of the Camp Chef cast iron Dutch ovens reportedly arrived unseasoned. I would suggest that seasoned or not you should clean and give a re-season yourself anyway.

The loop handle on the lid is a little small for mitted lifting. Hence the supplied lid-lifter with the Dutch oven.

Camp Chef Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Price

This particular Camp Chef cast iron Dutch oven is approximately half the price of the equivalent oven in the Lodge brand.

CLICK HERE to check out the price of the Camp Chef Deluxe 9 1/3-Quart Dutch Oven.

Camp Chef Deluxe 9 1/3-Quart Dutch Oven – The Conclusion

Why choose a Camp Chef brand of cast iron Dutch oven? This brand certainly has great qualities as well as extra features, and it would be a fantastic entry-level cast iron Dutch oven.

If you require a Camp Chef camp cast iron Dutch oven that is a little larger than the 9 1/3-Quart, click here to check out my full review of the Camp Chef DO-14 Pre-Seasoned Deluxe 12-Quart 14-inch Dutch Oven, which is a whopping 12-Quart Dutch oven.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven – 12 Inch/8 Quart – Full Review

Now we will take a look at the Lodge seasoned cast iron deep camp Dutch oven 12 inch/8 quart…

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Quality

Lodge cast iron is renowned the whole world over for its solidly constructed cast iron. The cast iron pouring which occurs in the United States is second to none. Lodge has strict quality control over the metal chemistry and also over the exacting mold tolerances. So you receive the best product every time which will give you the very best cooking performance.

This Lodge cast iron Dutch oven measures 12 inches x 12 inches in diameter and is 5.5 inches deep. It weighs 20 pounds.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Versatility

This seasoned Dutch oven can be used on the grill or open fire as well as coals for camp cooking. For indoor cooking at home, you can use this Dutch oven for gas, electric cooktop, and induction.

It can be hung over a campfire using the heavy gauge wire bale or, alternatively, the three integral sturdy legs allow the cast-iron Dutch oven to sit directly on the coals.

Complete with a snug-fitting lid that is flanged, this is where you place your hot coals so you can bake, stew, and roast. The versatile lid can be inverted for use as a griddle.

This versatile cast iron cookware will carry out all your searing, sauteing, simmering, braising, baking, roasting, and frying needs.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Cleaning

After cooking, clean your Dutch oven stiff nylon brush and hot water. Placing in a dishwasher is not recommended, nor is using soap.

Towel dry immediately and apply a light coating of oil to the utensil while it is still warm.

Store in a cool, dry place. If you are storing with the lid on, place a folded paper towel in between the lid and the oven. This allows the air to circulate and prevents moisture from collecting inside the oven, causing it to rust.

If your cast iron develops a metallic smell or taste, or rust spots scour off the rust using a very fine grade of sandpaper or steel wool. Then re-season as per instructions.

Quick Tips

1. Do not put a hot cast iron Dutch oven into cold water. Shock can occur causing the metal to warp or crack.

2. Do not let your cast iron air dry, as this can promote rust.

3. Store your cast iron Dutch oven inside your conventional oven be sure to remove it before turning on the oven.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Maintenance Required

Lodge cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned with soy-based vegetable oil. Seasoning is a necessary step in using cast iron cookware.

Oil is baked into the pores of the iron at the foundry to prevent rusting and to eventually provide a natural, non-stick cooking surface. Unlike synthetically coated cookware, it is possible to restore the cooking surface of cast iron.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Any Issues

Seasoning is a functional application and slight inconsistencies may appear in the seasoning finish. The inconsistencies will not affect cooking performance. These can be overcome with re-seasoning.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven – The Price

This size Lodge cast iron Dutch oven sells for more than the Camp Chef. CLICK HERE to check out the pricing for yourself.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven – 12 Inch/8 Quart – Conclusion

Why choose a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven?  Lodge has provided quality cast-iron cookware and accessories for over 112 years. They continue to commit to quality which in turn enables them to offer a superior product line.

If you require a Lodge camp cast iron Dutch oven that is a little smaller than the 8-Quart check out my full review of the Lodge 6-Quart L12CO3 Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven.

Camp Chef Dutch Oven Vs Lodge – The Verdict

The Lodge brand of cast iron has been around for one hundred more years than the younger Camp Chef brand. So, it stands to reason that the Lodge brand has had time on its side to perfect its product.

This, as well as the fact that the cast iron is manufactured on home soil as opposed to offshore, would certainly account for the higher price tag.

I would suggest if you know you intend to use your new cast iron Dutch oven, or you are looking to replace a cheaper model Dutch oven. You will not be disappointed with the Lodge brand of cast iron Dutch oven.

If you are new to preparing food in a Dutch oven and not sure you will utilize the oven I would go for the Camp Chef brand. You can always add to your cooking appliance selection at a later date and possibly try another brand.

If you are at the bottom of this article, thanks for reading.

CLICK HERE to check out an amazing selection of cast iron Dutch ovens.

Related read What cast iron is made in the USA?

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Dutch Oven for Camping?

The right selection of a camp Dutch oven varies for all. Check out this article here you will see an in-depth review of my top three choices for the best Dutch oven for camping.

How Many Quarts in a 14-Inch Dutch Oven?

A 14-inch Dutch oven holds 8 quarts and serves approximately 6 to 8 people.

Lodge Dutch Oven Sizes

I have an in-depth article, so you can take an in-depth look at Lodge Dutch oven sizes.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!