This Is The Only Pan I Bought For My New Apartment
The Food Network test kitchen favorite is also on sale at Walmart!
I've collected a basic arsenal of kitchen supplies since moving into my first college apartment: my grandmother's old copper-bottom pans, baking dishes sourced from yard sales and various other cookware that's accumulated in the five apartments I've lived in over the last four years. And, as someone who's lived with roommates and primarily cooked solely for me, this was more than enough. I had a frying pan to make eggs, a stock pot to boil water for pasta and a sheet pan to make roasted veggies. What else did I really need for quick breakfasts and low-effort weeknight meals?
The answer: a Dutch oven. And, during my latest move into an apartment that feels like mine (well, technically ours, since I’m moving in with my boyfriend), the time finally felt right to get one. I’ll have nearly exclusive use of the kitchen and am planning to get more adventurous in my cooking.
There are a few other gadgets I want for our apartment (an air fryer is next on the list), but the first thing I shopped for was a Dutch oven. I have always wanted one. To me, a Dutch oven is something that should always be on your stovetop,, practically doubling as chic decor.
When I started shopping a few weeks ago, I focused on two things: style and affordability. I know that Staub and Le Creuset make stunning Dutch ovens in a rainbow of colors, but I was trying to keep my purchase closer to $50.
Luckily, I remembered reading that the Food Network test kitchen's favorite Dutch oven was actually made by Lodge — a century-old brand that's actually affordable. In testing, they loved the durability, heat-retention and consistent results. I love the French-inspired styling of the pot, and, though color choices were limited, I got the aesthetic I was looking for.
They tested the 6-quart model, and I ended up buying the 5.5-quart option, which I think will be great for cooking meals for two (ideally with some leftovers). Best of all, the model I purchased was (and still is!) on rollback at Walmart, so I snagged it for under $40. I chose blue for my color, but it's also available in a vibrant shade of red.
The more than 250 five star reviews made it easy to click "add to cart." Walmart shoppers love this Dutch oven for making breads, curries, stews and roasts. Once I finish unpacking, the first meal I plan on making in my new pot is a batch of pork carnitas for an at-home taco night.
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