OT: Lodge Cast Iron or "other brands" Any difference?

Mac in NC

Greetings from the Carolinas,

I'm looking for a cast iron dutch oven for making chili and the likes on my EGG. I found a Lodge model for $47.00 at an Ace Hardware and a "made in Taiwan" type at Wal Mart for $13.00. Is there really a difference in these two other than the name? I recently bought an oval handleless skillet from Lodge that fits perfectly on my mini. Reeaally happy with it and plan to add to this collection. Just wondering if its worth the extra $34.00. Any opinions? Thanks, Mac

tn slagamater

Mac in NC ,I have a Lodge company outlet store near me and make frequent visits to it.Several different Lodge employees have told me that Lodge products are of thicker material and therefore hold heat better and distribute heat more evenly than the thinner Asian copies. MY .02 :~)

Unknown

Mac in NC ,
I am thinking that lodge is cast iron and the imported stuffed most often is cast aluminum, just like the egg, you get what you pay for. Another .02 cents worth

Mac in NC

Thanks for the info. I think I'll stick with the Lodge.

Kelly Keefe

tn slagamater,
And the fact that Lodge is a Tennessee company doesn't influence you in any way -- Grin![p]Kelly Keefe
Jefferson City, MO
(Used to live in Donelson, TN)

Unknown

Check WalMart sports department. They carry some Lodge. I've found the same item less in sporting goods than it was in housewares. To me the lodge has a smoother finish. Also look in the garden area, they carry a small dutch oven that sells as a fish cooker.Bought some of these for $8 a piece several weeks ago. Good Cookin!! Poppasam

Nature Boy

Mac in NC ,
I have a bunch of Lodge stuff, and it is great quality stuff. But I have a "Wagner" dutch oven and it is at least as good as the lodge.[p]Have fun!
Chris

Dawgtired

Mac in NC ,[p]Mac, I got mine at the Bed and Breakfast. There is one off Strickland Rd. and another in Cary close to BBQ Galore. This one seemed to have a better selection.