A Staub Dutch oven, which the brand calls a cocotte, is a heavy enameled cast iron pot with a tight lid. It is made for stews, braises, soups and bread, and it holds steady heat from stovetop to oven.
The six pots below show the range of shapes. As always, we have not checked current sizes, so confirm capacity on the listing. Round pots suit stews and bread, oval ones fit roasts, and wider pots give more surface for browning meat. We have not used these products ourselves, and the details below come from general product knowledge rather than a hands-on test, so confirm sizes, materials and what is included on the current listing before you buy.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Shape | Round suits stews and bread; oval suits long roasts |
| Capacity | Match the size to your usual household batch |
| Lid | Spikes under the lid return moisture to the food |
| Knob | Metal knobs withstand higher oven heat |
Specs at a Glance
| Pot | Material | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte | Enameled cast iron | stews, soups and bread | Round shape |
| Staub Cast Iron Oval Cocotte | Enameled cast iron | long roasts | Oval shape |
| Staub Essential French Oven | Enameled cast iron | bakers and stew cooks | Essential line |
| Staub Cast Iron Wide Round Oven | Enameled cast iron | braised dishes | Wide shape |
| Staub Cast Iron Pumpkin Cocotte | Enameled cast iron | seasonal serving | Pumpkin shape |
| Staub Cast Iron Heart Cocotte | Enameled cast iron | gift-worthy servings | Heart shape |
The 6 Best Staub Dutch Ovens
1. Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte
The classic round cocotte, an enameled cast iron pot with a heavy lid, sold in a range of sizes and colors. Check the listing for the capacity. Spikes under the lid collect steam and drip it back over the food, which is why the brand pitches it for braises.
Suits: stews, soups and bread. Strengths: a classic shape and many sizes. Weaknesses: it is heavy. Skip it if you want a light pot.
View Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte on Amazon
2. Staub Cast Iron Oval Cocotte
An oval cocotte for long cuts like a roast chicken or a rack of ribs, with the same tight lid and matte interior. It is the pot to reach for when a whole bird or a long roast will not fit a round shape.
Suits: long roasts. Strengths: a shape for longer cuts. Weaknesses: needs a wide burner. Skip it if you cook mostly in small portions.
View Staub Cast Iron Oval Cocotte on Amazon
3. Staub Essential French Oven
A round pot from the brand’s Essential line, sold as a simpler everyday option with the same tight-fitting lid and cast iron build. Check the listing for details.
Suits: bakers and stew cooks. Strengths: a simple, everyday cast iron pot. Weaknesses: fewer finishes. Skip it if you want the full cocotte line.
View Staub Essential French Oven on Amazon
4. Staub Cast Iron Wide Round Oven
A wide, low Dutch oven with a larger base for browning meat, perfect for braises and one-pot dishes. The larger base gives more room to brown meat in a single layer before you add liquid, so you get deeper flavor without crowding the pan.
Suits: braised dishes. Strengths: a wide base for browning. Weaknesses: a bit awkward to store. Skip it if you want a tall pot.
View Staub Cast Iron Wide Round Oven on Amazon
5. Staub Cast Iron Pumpkin Cocotte
A pumpkin-shaped cocotte with a lid, popular for autumn tables and soups, and still a working pot for the stove and oven.
Suits: seasonal serving. Strengths: a fun shape that still cooks well. Weaknesses: a smaller capacity than a standard round pot. Skip it if you want a standard shape.
View Staub Cast Iron Pumpkin Cocotte on Amazon
6. Staub Cast Iron Heart Cocotte
A heart-shaped cocotte for a special-occasion serving dish that still works as a cooking pot. It makes a charming present for a cook who already owns a standard round pot.
Suits: gift-worthy servings. Strengths: a fun shape that is still functional. Weaknesses: a smaller capacity. Skip it if you want a standard shape.
View Staub Cast Iron Heart Cocotte on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Preheat gradually on medium heat.
- Use wood or silicone tools to protect the enamel.
- Let the pot cool before cleaning.
- Hand wash and dry it well.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Heating an empty pot on high heat.
- Dropping the lid on a hard surface.
- Plunging a hot pot into cold water.
- Buying a size too big for your stove.
Staub Dutch Oven FAQ
What size Dutch oven do I need?
A pot in the 4 to 6 quart class suits most households. Go larger for crowds.
Is a self-basting lid important?
It helps return moisture to the food, which suits braises.
Is it good for bread?
Yes, a preheated lidded pot gives crisp crusts.
Can I use it on any cooktop?
It generally works on gas, electric and induction, but check the listing.
The Short Version
For a classic, the Staub Round Cocotte. For roasts, the Staub Oval Cocotte. For a simpler everyday pot, the Staub Essential French Oven. For braises, the Staub Wide Round Oven. For autumn tables, the Staub Pumpkin Cocotte. For a gift, the Staub Heart Cocotte.