The premier cast-iron pot company was Griswold, of Erie, PA from 1865 through the late 1950's. Their pots are now collector's items but, since they don't wear out, they're still fine as utensils. Here's how to clean and season them
http://antiques.about.com/cs/miscell...a/aa013000.htm
I have their Number 9 Dutch Oven, the Number 8 Chicken Roaster, and the Number 3 Cast Iron Skillet. They all work like new.
The Lodge products, available at any cookware store (and most hardware stores) are just fine, and very reasonably priced. Just be sure to "season" them as directed. Most say you shouldn't use detergent on them after they're seasoned, but just rinse them in hot water and scour with a plastic abrasive pad. Never in a dishwasher!
Mike