This Lodge Bread Oven Aced Our Tests, and It’s 34% off Right Now

Bread is the hidden hero of winter. While we look to soups and stews to warm ourselves up from the inside out, none of those meals would feel complete without a side of crusty bread. And since not all loaves are created equal—and because no-knead bread is shockingly easy to make—now’s a great time to invest in a pot to bake loaves in style.

When we tested bread ovens,  Lodge’s double Dutch oven produced gorgeous airy loaves, but also impressed us with its affordability. Coming in at just a fraction of the price of our other top picks, the versatile Dutch oven is built to last, and right now, it’s on sale for 34% off at Amazon.

Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven

Why It Won Our Review

While this cast iron pick is technically a Dutch oven, meaning it’s suitable for round loaves only, it uniquely features a lid that doubles as a skillet. That means you can put your dough in the skillet/lid with the “pot” on top during the steaming phase and easily remove it during the final step of the cooking process, allowing for all-over air circulation. This can help prevent burns during the loading and unloading process that are harder to avoid with traditional (high-walled!) Dutch ovens.

Also unlike most Dutch ovens, Lodge’s doesn’t come with an enameled coating, but it does come pre-seasoned, meaning that it’s ready to use straight out of the box. Of course, the pot and pan duo can go beyond bread. You can use the Dutch oven for simmering, searing, roasting, and even deep-frying, while the skillet comes in handy for burgers, eggs, pancakes, griddled sandwiches, and more.

With its dual design and highly affordable price—just $50 at Amazon—the ever-versatile Lodge bread oven is a worthy addition to your kitchen collection.

Good to Know

• Materials: Cast iron
• Weight: 14 pounds, 7 ounces
• Oven-safe temperature: 500°F
• Care instructions: Dry and season with oil after each use
• Capacity: 5 quarts
• Cleaning instructions: Hand wash only
• Price at time of publish: $50

FAQs

Can you bake bread in a Lodge Dutch oven?

Dutch ovens like this one from Lodge are great for making round loaves of bread.

How do you preheat a Lodge Dutch oven for bread?

Place the cast iron bread oven in your oven, and preheat both at the same time. 

Why We're the Experts

• Katie Brown is a commerce writer for Serious Eats, Food & Wine, Allrecipes, and EatingWell.
• Katie has been writing about food and drinks for over five years and previously worked as an editor at VinePair.