Texsport Iron?

[IndyTom]

One of the local sporting goods stores (Dick's Sporting goods) is selling Texsport dutch ovens. Has anyone used one of these? What is the quality like? I already have 2 lodges, but I thought I might give one of these a try if they were any good.


Tom

[Outlaw]

I have a 2 quart Texsport D.O. and it seems to work just fine. I think I only paid $12.99 for it and I think it was definately a good buy. I picked the best one off the counter making sure the lid fit level on top. It's still not a Lodge, however, I think it was a value purchase.

[IndyTom]

Thanks Eric,

I think I am going to go by Dick's later today and take a closer look.

And HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!


Tom

[Outlaw]

Thanks my friend! I'm getting ready to put a huuuuge pan of Shepard's Pie in the oven. Already downed a few beers . . . hic~up

[IndyTom]

OOOH, I love a good shepherds pie. And I think I my enjoy a few good Smithwick's myself before the day is done.


Tom

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Tom,
A very close friend of mine owns a very cool store in our little podunk community. It's kinda like a sporting goods store, with of a cross of army surplus and outdoor fitters all wrapped up in one. Went in when I was first getting my feet wet in DOs. He had the TexSports. I wanted something a bit bigger and something a bit smaller than the two Lodges I already had.
I had the isle completely blocked off with TexSports ovens everywehere. He comes over and asked just what the hell I was doing??? I told him that If I could find one in each size that I wanted, that wasn't warped, I'd buy it. That kinda opened his eyes a bit, he wasn't aware about that type of quality issue. I didn't buy any dutch ovens from him that day, but he said he was gonna look into the Lodges.
I went in again last week for another pair of comfortable work shoes I buy from him and asked about the Lodges...
He thanked me for reminding him about that 'cause he was heading out that day for a trades show somewhere back East. Told me he's gonna switch to the Lodges and wants me and some friends to come do a cooking demonstration at his store when he kicks these things off.
Lodge is the only dutch oven still made in the USA, with the exception of Maca's behemoth 22" if yaa wanna count that one item... All others are either made in China or India.
TexSports ovens are reasonably priced and if you decide to get one, check for oven warpage and even wall thickness on the oven.

[Nitetimes]

Just found out Trader Horn sells Lodge stuff. I saw a 6 qt DO, a large 2 handle skillet maybe 20-22" and assorted skillets and griddles. They had a pretty good stock actually.

[bledsoe3]

I'm watching Celebrity Kitchen Makeover right now and they showed the Lodge plant making some C.I. They make 1400+ castings a day.

[IndyTom]

Dean,

I was figuring that you would chime in here sooner or later. Thanks for the insight on the quality issue. I have the Lodge 12 and 8 and really do love them. They are incredibly well made. The only reason I was looking to something else was the fact with two young boys, a bargain is always a good thing. Back in Dec. I went right by the Lodge outlet store in east Tenn. But I didn't any cash at all that I could spend on DOs I may be back by there later this year and if so, I will make sure I got some cash.

After using my 12 and 8 for a while now, I see that I need a couple of 10's and at least one 14. Gander Mountain here in Indy carries Lodge CI for a pretty reasonable price if I cant get back down to Tenn.

Gander Mountain also carries a behemoth DO that I do not remember the brand name right off. Somewhere around 20" to 21" for about $70 If you sort through them, you can find some pretty good ones. I would love to have one for doing really big pizzas.

I can't believe how much fun it is cooking in my DOs. My wife is convinced that I have gone over the edge, but she always enjoys the food I cook when I get it on the table.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Tom

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Yeap...
You'll wanna get both 10's, especially the 10 deep before they're all gone.
Then both 14's... Oh and don't forget that 12 deep to cover the bases on the deeps.
Then on to the 16!... Yeah!!!

But then the dreaded obsession of the ellusive 5 will bite yaa.

[Ma3tt]

Waffles.

[IndyTom]

OK Matt,

That brings up an entirely different issue. I am looking for a couple CI waffle irons. I see the older ones on ebay, and there are a few modern ones. What do you suggest?


Tom

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

My 2 cents...
Get the older flip-flop-ball joint type with the TALL base...
Works great over a big propane burner!

Don't forget to keep an eye out for spiders too, they're pretty cool.
BTW-Camp Chef recently came out with a 20'er.

But if you dare and really get the bug bad... Check out the Maca 22"

[Kevin A]

But if you dare and really get the bug bad... Check out the Maca 22"

Yeah, I hear you can even get married in the 22"er

[Ma3tt]

I would always go vintage if possible the cost is about the same and the seasoning is 80 years deeper.
two of my wafflerators or top center and the third is on the right.


Here is how the ball joint works it is really cool errr hot.

Hi boy is a wagner and the low boy is a griswold


and proof they really make waffles....


This one is a keen kutter very collectable not very cleanable. I don't use this one and am waiting for some Keen Kutter collector to offer me sick $$$$ for it.