LODGE Lodge L8DD3 4.73 litre / 5 quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven (with Loop Handles), Black & 26.67 cm / 10.5 inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round Griddle/Pancake Pan, Black

Lodge L8DD3 4.73 litre / 5 quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven (with Loop Handles), Black About Lodge - 100 Years and Still Cooking Originally established by Joseph Lodge in 1896 - and with over 118 years of experience - Lodge is renowned for producing the finest cast iron cookware in the world. The family-owned company, based in South Pittsburg (Tennessee), is the only remaining manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the USA. The business has survived two World Wars and the Great Depression and continues to prosper today due to its legacy of quality and dedication to improving manufacturing methods. The Evolution of Lodge Lodge’s legendary foundry has undergone several notable upgrades as the company has grown. In order to respond to increasing demand, it was converted from a hand-pour operation to an automated moulding process in 1950. This led to safer and more efficient manufacturing procedures. In 1992, with an emphasis on conservation, Lodge’s coal-fired cupola furnaces were replaced by an electro-magnetic induction melting system. With consumer demand beginning to exceed foundry capacity, Lodge recently completed a comprehensive expansion of its facilities that cost in excess of 30 million dollars. This included new melting and sand systems, an additional moulding line and enhanced seasoning capabilities. These developments have increased capacity by almost 50% and have ensured that Lodge’s foundry is now the most technologically-advanced in the world. Why Cast Iron? Cast iron provides the finest heat distribution and retention of any cookware metal. The heat spreads rapidly and evenly across both the bottom and sides of the material and stays hot for a prolonged period of time. It is also extremely versatile and can be used to sear, fry, sauté, grill, roast, bake, braise and broil - both indoors or out. Cast iron will tolerate any heat source (except microwaves) and is therefore suitable for induction, ceramic, electric and gas cooktops. It will perform effortlessly in the oven, on the stove, in the grill and even on barbecues/campfires. The material is also brutally durable to the point of being almost indestructible. In fact, amazingly, some of the very first skillets, griddles and Dutch ovens, produced more than 100 years ago, are still being used in kitchens today! Why Lodge Cast Iron? Every shipment of iron that arrives at Lodge’s foundry passes through a stringent radiation detector. This ensures that no contaminants are able to enter the manufacturing process. Although standard procedure at Lodge, many other factories around the world do not follow this protocol and actually encourage the addition of secondary materials to the iron so that production quantity is maximised. Lodge’s privately-held metal formula and precision moulding systems are the result of the company’s continued dedication to improving quality - a process that began with the very first skillet that was ever made. Not even the most expensive stainless steel or aluminium cookware comes close to rivalling the heat distribution/retention, versatility, durability and value of Lodge cast iron. Its cooking performance ensures that it is an essential tool for both professional chefs and discerning home cooks. Seasoning - a Natural Coating that Improves with Use In 2002 Lodge introduced pre-seasoned cookware, known as the Lodge Logic range, into their ever-evolving assortment. This eliminated the requirement for seasoning prior to initial usage and ensured that Lodge cookware was ready to use as soon as it was removed from its packaging. At the time this was an industry first. It has since become standard practice. The Lodge seasoning procedure is a multiple-step process in which vegetable oil is applied via an electrostatic spray system that coats the cookware. It is then baked into the iron in commercial ovens at temperatures of 600 degrees Fahrenheit (315 degrees Celsius). This allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the pores of the iron and provides the easy-release properties that are equivalent to a natural non-stick surface. Crucially, this process eliminates the health concerns that are associated with chemical non-stick coatings. The foundry-based seasoning process is far superior to what can be achieved at home. The oil is more advanced, the spray system coats the cookware more uniformly and the oven temperature is substantially hotter. Independent tests have confirmed that it takes several years of regular home seasoning to equal the performance of that attained at the factory. That said, in addition to the pre-seasoning that occurs during production of Lodge’s cast iron cookware, the natural non-stick surface can actually be enhanced and repaired (if necessary) once it has been used. This capability, which isn’t evident in chemical-based coatings, means that Lodge products can be used on a regular basis for 100 years or more! The Lodge ‘Bubble’ Lodge cookware is hanging as it passes through the electrostatic s