# Best Staub cocottes and Dutch ovens by shape and size Source: https://braiseandsear.com/best/best-staub-dutch-oven Publisher: Braise & Sear. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://braiseandsear.com/how-we-pick Staub cocottes share the same core design: enameled cast iron, a heavy lid with spikes underneath that drip condensation back onto the food, and a textured black matte enamel interior meant for browning. What changes from model to model is the shape and the size, and that decides what the pot cooks well. A round 5.5 quart handles most braises for a family, a tall 5 quart saves burner space and suits deep frying, and an oval 7 or 8.5 quart fits a whole chicken or a long roast. This guide sorts seven Staub listings by shape and capacity and compares the oven limits each listing states, since some give 900°F for the pot without its lid and others give a single 500°F figure. Weight is not stated on these listings, so it is left out of the table. ## Picks ### 1. Staub 7-Qt Dutch Oven, Serves up to 7-8 People, Oven Safe to 500°F, Black Shape: Round; Capacity: 7 qt; Oven-safe to: 900°F without lid, lid to 500°F; Induction: Yes; Weight: Not stated Staub's 7 quart round, made in France, with a self-basting spiked lid and matte black interior for browning. The listing says it serves up to seven to eight people. What the listing offers: - Serves up to 7 to 8 people according to the listing. - Pot is rated to 900°F without the lid, the highest figure in this group. - Matte interior texture is described as giving exceptional browning before a braise. Limits to know: - Black interior makes it harder to judge fond color than light enamel. - Weight is not stated in the listing for this 7 quart pot. ### 2. STAUB Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5.5-qt Round Cocotte, Made in France, Serves 5-6, Black Matte Material: Enameled cast iron; Capacity: 5.5 qt; Oven-safe to: 900°F without lid, lid to 500°F; Induction: Yes; Interior: Black matte textured enamel A classic round Dutch oven that doubles as a bread pot. Its stated oven limits are the clearest in this guide, which helps with hot preheats. What the listing offers: - Listing states the pot is oven safe to 900°F without the lid and the lid to 500°F. - Black matte enamel interior is described as more resistant to scratches and chips. - Works for soups and braises too, so it earns its space beyond bread days. Limits to know: - Deep sides make lowering dough in harder than with a low-base bread oven. - Weight is not stated; preheated cast iron is heavy and hot to handle. ### 3. Staub Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5-qt Tall Cocotte, Made in France, Serves 5-6, Cherry Shape: Tall round; Capacity: 5 qt (serves 5-6); Oven-safe to: 500°F; Induction: Yes; Made in: France A tall, slim cocotte that the listing pitches for soups, deep frying without splatter and tall bone-in cuts. It takes less burner space than a wide pot and stores easily. What the listing offers: - Tall profile limits splatter during deep frying, according to the listing. - Slim footprint saves stovetop space and stores efficiently. - Lowest price among the Staub 5 quart class pots here. Limits to know: - Narrow floor means fewer pieces fit for searing in one batch. - Oven limit is listed as 500°F, with no separate figure for the pot alone. ### 4. Staub Oval Dutch Oven 8.5-Quart Matte Black Shape: Oval; Capacity: 8.5 qt; Oven-safe to: 500°F; Induction: Yes; Made in: Not stated The largest pick in this guide and one of the lower priced. The listing pitches it for searing and slow cooking roasts and whole chickens, with a nickel knob and dishwasher safe enamel. What the listing offers: - 8.5 quart oval holds large roasts and whole chickens, per the listing. - Listed below the 7 quart oval in price despite the larger size. - Induction compatible and dishwasher safe according to the listing. Limits to know: - Country of manufacture is not stated in this listing, unlike most Staub picks here. - A pot this size will be heavy, and the listing gives no weight. ### 5. Staub Cast Iron 7-qt Oval Cocotte - Matte Black, Made in France Shape: Oval; Capacity: 7 qt; Oven-safe to: Knobs rated to 500°F; Induction: Yes; Made in: France An oval cocotte for long cuts: pork loin, a whole chicken, a leg of lamb. The listing says it was developed with chef Paul Bocuse and that the matte interior will not discolor or rust. What the listing offers: - Oval shape suits roasts and whole birds better than a round pot of similar volume. - Listing states the interior never needs seasoning and will not discolor or rust. - Smooth bottom works on any cooking surface, including induction. Limits to know: - An oval base heats unevenly on a round burner, so searing may need turning. - The listing gives only a knob heat limit of 500°F, not a figure for the pot. ### 6. Staub Cast Iron 4-qt Round Dutch Oven - Matte Black Shape: Round; Capacity: 4 qt; Oven-safe to: 900°F without lid, lid to 500°F; Induction: Yes; Made in: Not stated A smaller round cocotte for couples, side dishes and small braises. The listing notes brass or nickel-plated knobs rated to 464°F, so check which knob you get before high heat baking. What the listing offers: - Smaller size suits two to four people and fits easily in the oven. - Self-basting spikes on the lid return juices to the food, per the listing. - Works on all cooktops including induction and halogen. Limits to know: - Listing states the knobs resist heat to 464°F, lower than the 500°F lid figure on other Staub listings. - Country of manufacture is not stated in this listing. ### 7. STAUB Cast Iron 3.5 Qt Pumpkin Dutch Oven, Cocotte, Burnt Orange, Made in France Shape: Pumpkin; Capacity: 3.5 qt; Oven-safe to: 900°F without lid, lid to 500°F; Induction: Yes; Made in: France A pumpkin shaped cocotte the listing describes as made for collectors and for bringing some whimsy to the table. It cooks like any small Staub but earns its place as a serving piece. What the listing offers: - Same spiked lid and black matte interior as the standard round cocottes. - Works on all cooktops and the pot is rated to 900°F without its lid. - Doubles as a serving vessel for soups and sides at the table. Limits to know: - At 3.5 quarts it is too small to be a main family pot. - Price per quart is high compared with the plain round 4 quart. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.