Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven

Comment: Used it twice and it is a great item. Now I know why it had a great rating I also have lodge and other cast iron cookware. JUST GREAT. AND WITH FREE SHIPING

Comment: I've been using this Dutch oven about 8 months now, both at home and at campsites, and it's cooked everything from biscuits to stews to cobblers to roast chicken beautifully. The lid, with its legs, makes for a great little griddle, coffee pot warmer, and warm, serving plate. Though I love Lodge, and have several of their pans and their cast iron Hibachi, I just can't see how their classic Dutch oven provides more value for the high price. Though I bought this item as a starter, to see if I like Dutch oven cooking, I think I'll stick with this brand rather than investing the extra money for the Lodge version.

Comment: First I'll mention that while my oven came with no damage, the lid fits fine, there are no thick or thin walls, but it was made in China. I do not trust the Chinese to have used a safe oil for the preseasoning. They may have used burnt motor oil, lead based paint, or Heaven knows what(?)

I elected to burn off all the oil and re-season everything before eating from it just to be safe.

The oven is well built and very heavy. I give 5 stars since I have no proof that the seasoning is unhealthy and the lid is a dynamic plus feature.

In addition to having 3 legs on top, the inner surface of the lid is perfectly flat with a nice 1 inch rim when used as a griddle. No center dip, as with all others I've seen. This is truly TWO pieces of cookware. The lid also has two side handles to aid in using it as a griddle / fry pan.

The 3 'extra' legs on top also allow for placing another pot or pan on top while baking or roasting in the oven.

While I could have bought a less expensive D.O., the photo of the lid and other good reviews steered me to the Universal. I was very pleased when it came and I saw the inside of the lid was a flat griddle / fry pan.

What puzzles me is that the lid is not complex, yet, as far as I know, this is the only D.O. with such an ideal lid. It seem like someone would have done this long ago(?).

Comment: Manufactured the way a Dutch Oven should be with flat top to hold coals on lid and also double as a frying pan. We use this for soups, stews, baking biscuits and more when camping and cooking outdoors. Truthfully, the only outdoor cooking pot you will ever need when camping. Well seasoned upon arrival for first use. Cleaned up easily first time. You MUST learn to use cast iron cookware and know what a Dutch Oven is all about to really appreciate this tool. If you don't, visit a library to get recipes and directions.

Comment: I ordered a camping dutch oven, when it came, one of the legs was broken off. Amazon replaced it and the replacement was here 2 days later. It arrived in perfect condition. The DO is a great oven, I used it twice so far. The lid fits perfectly, doesn't rock or is not warped. I highly recommend this DO.