The cast iron casserole, also called a cocotte or Dutch oven can tackle various cooking techniques, including braising, baking, sauteing, and slow cooking. Our enamelled cast iron cocottes are an investment that will last for generations, so we’ll help you choose the perfect size for your cooking and serving needs.  

We truly have a size for everyone and every recipe. While all sizes of casseroles have a use, choosing one you need really comes down to what kinds of things you like to cook and how many people you typically feed.

The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 litre per person, and then round up. So for a family of four, you would want something that is a minimum of 4 litres. And then with rounding up, the ideal size would be somewhere in the 5-6 litre capacity.

An important thing to consider is whether you also often cook for extended family or guests. Or do you like to batch cook or meal prep on the weekends, or are you a big fan of leftovers? If yes, then you might want to add a few litres as well to accommodate those cooking needs.

Do you like to make stews and soups, or are you a fan of roasts and braises? This is something to consider, as different cooking techniques have different space needs. For stews and soups, you need tall sides but don’t need as much width to the casserole. But when you’re roasting or braising, the casserole needs to be wider because the food needs plenty of space around it in order to brown and caramelise effectively.

Once you’ve considered these points, you’re ready to choose your perfect size.

Our comparison chart below will help make your decision that much easier. 

· Key features

Rounded with tall walls, this casserole matches the burner shape for consistent heat and holds lots of ingredients/liquids.

· Perfectly sized for

Soups, stews, curries, baking. 

· Key features

This elongated shape thrives in the oven and is ideal for roasting larger cuts of meat.

· Perfectly sized for

Roasts, larger meats, and poultry. 

· Key features

A shallow depth and wide base for searing and browning without crowding.

· Perfectly sized for

Searing, braising, baking, side dishes and more.

Besides sizing, you should consider which casserole shape is best for your cooking needs. 

Each of our casseroles is uniquely designed to excel at particular cooking techniques. The Signature Shallow Casserole, for example, is typically used for braising, whereas a Signature Oval Casserole is optimal for roasting a large joint of meat thanks to its elongated shape. Our guide will help you discover the different shapes and their top features.

Read more tips on how to get the best of your cast iron cookware.