Cooking is an art; just like an artist chooses the right brush for a specific painting, a cook must choose the right cookware for the dish they plan to prepare. Two of the most versatile and essential cookware in any kitchen are the cocotte and the Dutch oven. Both have been used for centuries and have proven to be indispensable in the kitchen. But what’s the difference between the two?
A cocotte, also known as a French oven, is a small, round, and deep pot with sloping sides, while a Dutch oven is larger, round, and deep with straight sides. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the differences between these two types of pans, including their features, the best recipes to prepare in each pan, and tips to take care of them. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, this article will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right cookware for your needs.
Table of Contents
Comparison of features
In this section, we will take a closer look at the key differences between a cocotte and a Dutch oven, including size and shape, material, lid, handles, and oven safe. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right cookware for your needs.
Size and shape
The size and shape of a cocotte and a Dutch oven are important factors to consider when choosing between them.
- Cocotte: A cocotte is typically smaller and shallower than a Dutch oven. It has a round shape and its sides are usually sloping, making it easier to stir and scoop out the food. The smaller size is perfect for single servings or small portions of food.
- Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is larger and deeper, with straight sides and a round or oval shape. This makes it perfect for braising, stewing, and browning significant cuts of meat. Additionally, the Dutch Oven’s form allows for more surface area for browning and searing, which is perfect for dishes that need a nice crust. The larger size is perfect for family-size meals or meals that need to be cooked for a large number of people.
Material
Another important difference between a cocotte and a Dutch oven is the material they are made of.
- Cocotte: Cocottes are usually made of cast iron, enameled cast iron, or stainless steel. Cast iron cocottes are heavy and retain heat well, which makes them ideal for slow-cooking dishes. Enameled cast iron cocottes are also heavy, but have a non-stick surface that is easy to clean and doesn’t require seasoning. Stainless steel cocottes are lightweight and easy to clean, but they don’t retain heat as well as cast iron.
- Dutch Oven: Dutch ovens are mostly made of cast iron, enameled cast iron, and sometimes of ceramics. Cast iron Dutch ovens are heavy and retain heat well, which makes them ideal for slow-cooking dishes. They can also be used for browning and searing. Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are also heavy but have a non-stick surface that is easy to clean and doesn’t require seasoning. Ceramic Dutch ovens are also great for slow cooking, but they are not as versatile as cast iron, and can’t be used for browning and searing.
It’s worth noting that both enameled cast iron and ceramic Dutch ovens can be used on the stovetop and in the oven, but cast iron Dutch ovens are not safe to use on the stovetop unless it’s coated with enamel.
Lid
The lid is another important feature to consider when comparing a cocotte and a Dutch oven.
- Cocotte: The lid of a cocotte is typically tight-fitting and made of the same material as the pot. This is beneficial for dishes that need to be cooked with a tight seal, such as stews or braises, as it helps to trap steam and keep food moist.
- Dutch oven: The lid of a Dutch oven is typically loose-fitting, and also made of the same material as the pot. The loose-fitting lid allows more steam to escape, which is beneficial for dishes that need to be browned or braised, as it allows the food to cook more evenly. The lid can also be used as a skillet, which makes it useful for browning the food before the braising process.
It’s worth noting that the lid of a Dutch oven is also designed to be heavy enough to hold coals and ashes, which allows to use it as a stove or oven.
Handles
The handles are another important feature to consider when comparing a cocotte and a Dutch oven.
- Cocotte: The handles of a cocotte are typically located on the sides of the pot, which makes it easy to lift and move the pot around. Some cocottes also come with a loop handle on the lid, making it easy to remove the lid without burning your hands.
- Dutch oven: The handles of a Dutch oven is typically located on the top of the pot, which makes it easy to lift and move the pot around, but also harder to reach into the pot to stir or scoop out the food. The lid also has a loop handle, making it easy to remove the lid without burning your hands.
It’s worth noting that the handles of a Dutch oven are also designed to be sturdy and able to withstand high temperatures and are heavyweight, allowing one to use it for long-time cooking, such as slow-cooking stews or braises.
Oven safe
- Cocotte: Many cocottes are safe to use in the oven, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the cocotte you choose can be used in the oven. Some cocottes, especially those made of enameled cast iron, are only safe to use on the stovetop.
- Dutch oven: Most Dutch ovens are safe to use in the oven, and they are also safe to use on the stovetop. They are often used for dishes that require a combination of stovetop and oven cooking, such as braising a roast or making bread. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the Dutch oven you choose can be used in the oven and on the stovetop.
It’s worth noting that some Dutch ovens are also safe to use over open flames and campfires, making them a versatile tool for outdoor cooking.
Another thing to notice is that cocotte tends to be in the higher price range and there are fewer manufacturers; it is basically just Le Creuset and Staub.
Best Cocotte Pans
Best Dutch Oven Pans
Best recipes to prepare in each pan
It is important to note that both cocotte and Dutch ovens are versatile cookware that can be used for a variety of dishes. However, the size and shape of each pan can affect the cooking process and the final result. Below is a detailed explanation of some of the best recipes to prepare in each pan.
Recipes to prepare in Cocotte
- Stews: A cocotte is perfect for preparing stews because of its smaller size and sloping sides. The tight-fitting lid helps to trap steam and keep food moist, which is essential for dishes like beef stew or chicken stew.
- Braises: A cocotte is also ideal for preparing braises because of its smaller size and sloping sides. The tight-fitting lid helps to trap steam and keep food moist, which is essential for dishes like braised short ribs or braised chicken.
- Casseroles: Cocottes are perfect for preparing casseroles and small portions of food because of their small size and sloping sides. The tight-fitting lid helps to trap steam and keep food moist, which is essential for dishes like chicken pot pie or shepherd’s pie.
It’s worth noting that cocottes are also great for one-pot meals, such as soups, chili, and pasta dishes, as it is easy to stir and scoop out food from the sloping sides.
Recipes to prepare in Dutch Oven
- Roasts: Dutch ovens are perfect for cooking roasts, as they are large enough to accommodate large cuts of meat and the straight sides allow for even browning.
- Bread: Dutch ovens are ideal for baking bread as they retain heat well and the lid can be used to create a humid environment, resulting in a crispy crust and fluffy interior.
- Soups and stews: With their large size and straight sides, Dutch ovens are perfect for making large batches of soups and stews.
- Casseroles: Dutch ovens are also good for casseroles. The heavy lids help to keep the heat in, ensuring that the food is cooked evenly.
It’s worth noting that Dutch ovens are also great for soups, chili, and pasta dishes, as well as dishes that require a combination of stovetop and oven cooking, such as braising a roast or making bread.
Tips for taking care of each pan
Proper care and maintenance are essential for prolonging the life of your cocotte and Dutch oven. Below are some tips for taking care of each pan and keeping them in good condition.
- Cleaning: After use, it is important to clean the cocotte and Dutch oven thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as they can damage the enamel or cast iron surface. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth and mild detergent to clean the cookware. Be sure to dry the cocotte and Dutch oven thoroughly to prevent rust or discoloration.
- Maintenance: To maintain the cocotte and Dutch oven in good condition, it’s important to season them regularly. This is done by coating the inside of the pan with a thin layer of oil, then heating it in the oven. This helps to protect the cast iron or enamel surface from rust and discoloration.
- Storing: Both Cocotte and Dutch oven should be stored in a dry place, preferably in a cupboard or on a shelf. Avoid stacking them one on top of the other, as this can cause scratches or dents on the surface.
It’s worth noting that cocottes and Dutch ovens are long-lasting cookware, with proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both cocotte and Dutch oven are versatile cookware that can be used for a variety of dishes. However, the size and shape of each pan can affect the cooking process and the final result. The cocotte, with its smaller size and sloping sides, is ideal for preparing stews, braises, and casseroles, while the Dutch oven, with its large size and straight sides, is perfect for preparing stews, braises, and bread. In terms of care and maintenance, both cocotte and Dutch oven should be cleaned thoroughly and seasoned regularly to prolong their lifespan.
The key takeaway from this article is that the choice between a cocotte and a Dutch oven will ultimately depend on the type of dish you’re preparing, your cooking style, and your kitchen space.
I’m Maria and I love cooking—and mostly EATING—food from all around the world. I’ve been sharing my abuela’s secret Latin-American recipes for the last 7 years with the world on this blog. I’ve been a full-time food blogger for many years and I’m always trying new delicious meals that don’t require a culinary degree or a Michelin-star chef. I also love traveling, cats, and knitting.