Dutch Ovens

French Ovens, Dutch Ovens & Cocottes

Known by various names, be it a French Oven, Dutch Oven, or Cocotte, this kind of cookware is an essential component of any kitchen arsenal. These pots are perfect for one-pot meals, casseroles, stews, soups, curries, braises and any form of slow cooking.

The ability to swap the pot from stovetop to oven to table makes it incredibly versatile. 

What makes Dutch Ovens so popular?

Dutch Ovens are very popular today as they are considered a low-tox cookware option. Their vitreous enamel coating is considered healthier to cook with than standard non-stick cookware and they can be used on any stovetop including induction as well as in the oven. 

Additionally, their heavy construction complete with a tight sealing lid ensures moisture is retained even with extended cooking periods, making them perfect for cooking slow roasts and stews. When used appropriately, French and Dutch ovens can last decades and even lifetimes with consistent use.

As with all other cast iron cookware, a french oven’s cast iron construction conducts heat exceptionally well, allowing you to minimise energy use where you only need a low to medium heat to braise meats and cook. 

Benefits of an Enamelled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

These cast iron pots are made with an enamel coating that combines the incredible heat conductivity and retention abilities of cast iron with the bonus of a natural non-stick from the enamel. This allows you to cook on low to medium heat without needing to regularly season the cast iron. 

Is a french oven the same as a dutch oven?

A french oven is best understood as a type of dutch oven. The only feature that sets a french oven apart from a dutch oven is that a french oven includes an enamel coating to make it non-stick. 

Dutch ovens feature a raw cast iron surface that requires seasoning to develop a natural patina for easy food release. In contrast, a french oven is already non-stick due to its enameled surface, thus removing all need for seasoning. In practice, both a dutch oven and a french oven will work the same provided your dutch oven is well seasoned to ensure food won't stick.

French oven and dutch oven uses

Cooking with a french oven or a dutch oven is easy as both cookware types are incredibly versatile. These cast iron pots are suitable for year-round cooking. Much like casserole dishes, french ovens and dutch ovens are available in round and oval varieties. The round version is great for soups, stews, and baking bread, while the elongated body of the oval version is great for a whole leg of lamb, chicken, ham, and more. 

You can also use your cast iron pots to boil vegetables, sear meat, fry chicken, roast vegetables, bake sweet pastry, cook pasta or paella, simmer stocks, and braise meats. 

Many dutch ovens and french ovens also come with a self-basting lid to ensure your dish remains moist and tender when slow cooking. Typically, a self-basting lid features ridges or spikes on the interior to effectively catch steam that rises from the dish to convert it into condensation that drops back down into the food to keep it moist. This natural basting process makes cast iron pots particularly great for creamy soups or braises and stews where you desire your meat to be so tender that it falls off the bone. 

Dutch Oven Brands we know and trust

Le Creuset

Staub

Chasseur

Lodge

Is a Staub French Oven better than a Le Creuset French Oven?

When considering a Le Creuset vs. Staub casserole there are distinctive features that set one apart from the other. Below we list the similarities betwen Staub and Le Creuset French Ovens. 

Similarities between Staub and Le Creuset: 

• Even heat distribution for slow cooking and saving energy 
• Easy to transfer from stovetop to oven to table 
• Fantastic heat conductivity for even cooking and heat retention 
• Compatible with all types of hobs, including induction 
• Durable and hard wearing construction 
• Enameled surface to protect cookware and offer easy food release 

Differences between Staub and Le Creuset: 

• Le Creuset has a light enamel interior while Staub has a dark enamel interior 
• Le Creuset has a lighter construction to make it easier to transfer across surfaces 
• Staub is generally more affordable than Le Creuset 
• Staub includes a tight-fitting self-basting lid to effectively trap moisture in dishes
• Le Creuset has a wider range of colours to choose from 

Other kitchenware to consider when purchasing a dutch oven

• Frypans
• Grill pans 
• Spatulas and Turners
• Chefs knives 
• Chopping boards

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are dutch ovens expensive? 

Dutch ovens may be expensive compared to other cookware because a lot of material and effort goes into making this versatile pot. Brands such as Staub and Le Creuset undergo a stringent production process to ensure only the highest quality and craftsmanship. Purchasing from prominent brands will ensure that your cookware lasts lifetimes when well maintained. These brands are also seen as a symbol of prestige and a key reason why dutch ovens are often passed down as heirloom pieces. If you love cooking and can afford one, the versatility, quality, and hardwearing qualities of a dutch oven makes it all worthwhile. 

What size dutch oven should I buy? 

If serving individually-portioned items, a mini cocotte is great for small servings of dessert, baked eggs, or soup. Otherwise, use a 3-4L dutch oven if cooking for one or two; a 5-7L if cooking for a group of three to six; and use any size upwards of 7L if cooking for a crowd of more than six.