All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Sure, here at Epi we're loyal to our sheet pans and cast iron skillets, but we use our Dutch ovens more than any other pot or pan in our kitchen. Yes, they're an investment—but little touches the Dutch oven in terms of sturdiness, even heating, and versatility. Use it for everything from baking bread, to braising meats, to simmering soups and stews, to frying golden chicken thighs or finishing your pasta in a glossy sauce.
Since a Dutch oven is an investment that will last a lifetime, you want to make sure you buy the right one. But, the sheer number of options out there can be overwhelming. Le Creuset alone has over fifteen styles (and that's not counting the myriad colors they each come in). Below, we'll delve into important details like what size and shape Dutch oven you should buy based on your cooking needs. For our product review of the best Dutch Oven brands, read here:
Wait...But What's A Cocotte?
A cocotte is the same thing as a Dutch oven. You'll see this term used by some brands—it's just the French term for a Dutch oven. Don't get confused (or think it's fancier if it's called a cocotte!). That's just marketing speak.
What Dutch Oven Shape Is Best? Oval vs. Round
Dutch ovens commonly come in both a perfectly-round circle shape and an oblong oval shape. A representative from Le Creuset tells us that the round shape is more popular than the oval shape. "A round fits much better on a burner, which means more even heating," says Senior Food Editor Anna Stockwell.
However, Anna says if you see yourself cooking lots of roasts, there are advantages to the oval shape—some cuts of meat, like a leg of lamb, would fit better in an oval shape.
For versatility's sake, the round shape is the best option for most people as it will offer even heating on any stove setup and work for a variety of tasks.
What Size Dutch Oven Should I Buy?
Now that we've got shape cleared up, let's talk size. Teeny tiny Dutch ovens can get down to 1/4-quart, while the biggest sizes are around 13-quarts. There's a use for every size on the spectrum, but given the cost, you'll most likely want to buy the perfect one and leave it at that. Here, we'll go through the advantages and best uses of commonly-available Dutch oven sizes.
The smallest size of Dutch oven offered, these little guys are as much for high-style table settings as they are for cooking. Because of their size and the fact that you'll likely use them as individually-portioned servingware, they are really best bought in a set: each one is just the right size for single servings of shakshuka, bread, mac n'cheese, or cobbler.
Don't expect to get much use out of it besides that though—while you can use one to simmer small amounts of sauce or whisk together single servings of cocoa, it's too small to use to cook for a crowd. If money is no object, buy a big Dutch oven for cooking the majority of your foods and a set of tiny ones for cozy entertaining (and then be sure to tag us in all of your beautiful tablescapes).
This size is just right if you're cooking for one to three people. Our senior food editor, Anna Stockwell, says her Dutch oven at home is 3-1/2-quarts and it's just right for her. This size is easy to maneuver (key for taking your Dutch oven from stovetop to oven) but not too big or cumbersome to whip out just for a bowl of oatmeal for one. Go a bit smaller, and you're relegated to sides, sauces, and reheating single servings of soup. Plus, this Dutch oven is small enough to sit out on your stovetop most of the time, meaning you won't have to haul it in and out of your cabinets and will always have it at the ready for cooking weeknight dinners.
An added bonus is that this smaller size costs less than the standard 5–7 quart models. The Le Creuset in this size range is $290, while a large Dutch oven from the brand will set you back around $610.
The Best Option for Most People: 5–7 Quart Dutch Ovens
A 5–7 quart Dutch oven is the sweet spot for most home cooks. This size is great for cooking for four people (often with leftovers). Representatives from both Staub and Le Creuset tell us that their most popular size is 5 1/2-quarts, and that's the size most Epi editors have at home, as well. In our product test of the best Dutch ovens, we stuck to this standard size range and found that we liked both the luxe 5-1/2 quart Le Creuset and the more affordable 5-1/2 -quart Milo by Kana.
Yes, carrying a 6-quart Dutch oven that's full to the brim of short ribs from stovetop to oven is no small feat—especially because it weights 13 or some odd pounds empty. But just visualize how fantastic that browned then slowly simmered red wine braise will be. Or, do like we do: Visualize Michelle Obama's arms.
Over 7 Quarts
Don't go larger than a 7-quart oven unless your family has six or more members, or you love to batch cook. If you're in either of those camps, make sure you can lift a full one, and that it fits in your oven comfortably. Staub's 9-quart would be just the size for a big pot of chicken and tomato stew for a crowd. A bonus idea? Fill it with ice and use it as a wine cooler/giant ice bucket at your next party.