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I hate to say this, but...I see enameled metal manufactued in China? And I think lead.

cmcinnyc:

I understand your concern about enamel coated cast iron products manufactured in China: however, the enameling process is not paint, rather a glass glaze developed almost a century ago in France. Additionally, Lodge invested two years in locating a foundry that would meet our product quality requirements. And we use a third party inspection team to monitor every order for quality.

In December 2007, Cook's Illustrated gave Lodge Color a very favorable review, touting the cookware's cooking ability and overall production quality. Lodge Color received a similar endorsement in the January 2008 edition of Good Housekeeping magazine. Lodge has been in business for 112 years, and our Tennesse-based foundry produces the highest quality foundry seasoned cast iron in the world. In fact, we're the sole domestic manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the US.

Unlike many of our competitors in the cookware business, Lodge does not have the marketing dollars to advertise our brand, so we focus on product quality. If you have additional questions about Lodge Enamel products, please go to our website www.lodgemfg.com for additional information.

Or give me a call at 423-837-7181. I'll be glad to answer your questions.

Thanks,

Mark Kelly
Lodge MFG
423-837-7181

Thanks for the info Mark, I hope you don't mind me asking questions of you here, I am just assuming you're still reading this thread and others may have the same questions. I do wish your colors weren't made in China. Can I ask why you don't make them in your US facility?

I am a HUGE fan of Lodge Logic and love the pans I have, but have been wary of buying your enameled line because of where it's made. Furthermore can you explain the price differences in your enameled lines? Lehman's Hardware in Kidron, Ohio carries a great selection of your product, but I can't tell from the boxes or display why some that seem to say Porcelain Enamel are much cheaper than your other enamel products.

Finally, I do LOVE the Emerald Green--would've loved to make my corned beef in one of those dutch ovens on St. Patrick's day!

Thanks for taking the time to post here.
-Steph

I have three Lodge enameled cast iron pots in BLUE that I love. I also have 3 other enameled cast iron pots in a different shade of green from another maker. I don't love the emerald green here though. And I feel a little guilty about all the money I've spent on all my pots, lolol.

Steph:

The primary reasons Lodge is importing enamel coated cast iron from China is the cost of enameling and EPA restrictions on the manufacture of bright colored enameled products. The restriction also covers other products, like grills and covers of numerous items. Obviously we would like to make all of our products here in South Pittsburg, TN but the factors I mentioned made it impossible.

As for price differences in our two lines of Lodge Enamel:
The L Series has stainless steel handles and four layers of enamel. Additionally, the cast iron is hand poured which leads to additional costs. The price for the L Series is 20% less than other leading brands.

Lodge Color is our moderate priced enamel coated cast iron line. It features plastic phenolic handles and two coats of colored enamel over one coat of black matt enamel. Black matt enamel is exposed on the rim of the dutch ovens, casseroles and is the cooking surface for the skillets. The cast iron casting are automatically poured, which drastically reduces the costs.

As for our core brand, or Lodge Logic, we continue to be the sole manufacturer of foundry seasoned cast iron cookware in the United States. After 112 years we're still pumping iron with loyal consumers throughout the country and the world.

Thanks for your continue use of America's Original Cookware.

Mark

See, when I hear that you don't make the enamel in the US because of EPA restrictions, that tells me DON'T COOK IN THIS ENAMEL.

I'm on an email list for recalled children's products and I get three or four a week that deal with violation of lead paint standards. 99% are manufactured in China. When you go overseas to avoid environmental regulation, this is officially a Bad Sign. The cookware may be perfect, but I myself would not buy it.

I have to agree with cmcinnyc on this one.

(I do realize that enamel isn't paint, but I think my reasoning stands, regardless of product type.)