You may come across Cocotte and Dutch ovens when shopping through the cookware aisle. These cookwares look similar, but they are different in several ways. This article will give you a greater understanding of these cookwares. Scroll down for more helpful information!
What is a Cocotte?
Cocotte has firstly origin in France and other parts of Europe. This cookware is an enameled cast iron pot with an extensive dimension, typically circular or oval. Cocotte is generally crafted from porcelain that can suffer from high temperatures; the enamel covers it is intended to avoid sticking when cooking.
Thanks to its vast size, you can put all the desired ingredients in this pot. Baking, braising, stewing, and boiling are typically used for cocotte in the kitchen. If you want, making a considerable pasta meal for a large group of people in only a single pot is lovely!
Pros and Cons of Cocotte
Pros:
- Have outstanding durability thanks to cast-iron properties.
- The lids highly fit tight, which allows liquids to reach a boil in a short time, helping shorten the cooking process.
- Able to withstand high temperatures for lengthy periods.
- Available in a wide range of sizes to meet your specific requirements.
Cons:
- Because it is covered with enamel, which may quickly lead to a break or chip if not well cared for.
- This pot is quite heavy, making it a little bit challenging to keep them in the cabinets or pantries and take them out when needed.
What is Dutch Oven?
The Dutch oven, a French oven, is a thick-walled cooking pot with handles and a tight-fitting top. This cookware is typically made of cast iron and coated in enamel inside. But nowadays, the material is more diverse, such as stoneware, cast aluminum, or ceramic.
This famous pot is almost present in every kitchen room because of its vertical properties. It is often used for searing, roasting, and sautéing. You can use a Dutch oven on the stovetop and in the oven, making it available for various recipes and cooking techniques.
Pros and Cons of Dutch Oven
Pros:
- It is easy to use and clean and lasts a lifetime or more.
- Cast iron is a healthy alternative to nonstick cookware because it contains no chemicals.
- The tight lids help preserve and retain the moisture of the foods.
- Place on the stovetop and heat to a high temperature. It can also use inside an oven and charcoals.
Cons:
- Easily prone to damage if not used properly.
- Quite expensive, a quality Dutch oven can range in price from $100 to $500.
- Dutch ovens are typically made of cast iron or enameled cast iron, which makes them relatively heavy.
Cocotte vs. Dutch oven
As mentioned above, the Dutch oven and Cocotte are made of iron-cast material and are often used for many cooking techniques. However, some points make them distinct from each other; look at the chart below for more information.
| Criteria | Cocotte | Dutch oven |
| Maintenance | – You can not put it directly into a flame; the coating of the cocotte may chip, break, or even melt. – When cleaning, hard abrasives are not allowed. | – You can put it directly into a flame. – Require seasoning before and after use |
| Indoor and Outdoor cooking activities | – Ideal for use in the oven (but not for extremely high temperatures). In contrast to the Dutch oven, you can not bring it with you for outside activities. – It is susceptible to high temperatures because of its enamel covering. | – Ideal for outdoor activities such as camping. Directing flame and heat is advantageous since it allows you to cook outside while using charcoal or wood. |
| Durability | – Less durable (covered with enamel, which may quickly break or chip if not well cared for). | – More durable. |
| Weight | – Heavier | – Lighter, making it easier to move when cooking. |
| Visual appeal with many colors and sizes and its porcelain enamel covering. | – Visual appeal with many colors and sizes and its porcelain enamel covering. | – Simple and old-style look. Come with many colors and sizes to choose from. |
| The lid | – Has a tight-fitting lid that allows it to retain moisture, | – Has an open lid that allows it to evaporate. |
FAQ Relate to the topic: Cocotte vs. Dutch oven
Can a cocotte go in the oven?
Yes, a cocotte can go in the oven. But remember that you should avoid using it in a hot range because this can cause the pot to break. To prevent cracking, brush some oil on the cocotte and place it at a reasonable temperature in the oven.
Is a cocotte the same as a casserole?
Actually no. France people often refer to a cocotte as a casserole when wanting to
describe it in English; however, in their mind term “casserole” refers to the type of pot, not a recipe/dish as it could in the US. Baked dishes, or casseroles to Americans, are called “cassoulet” in French.
Why are Dutch ovens so popular?
A Dutch oven serves as a multi-cooker with exceptional pressure cooking. It is suitable for simple, complex dishes such as braising meat, making soups and stews, baking bread, or deep-frying poultry. In addition, because this pot is ovenproof, you can finish your delicious dish in the oven.
Can you use a Dutch oven on a glass-top stove?
Cooking food in a Dutch oven on a glass-top stove is easy and effective. But there is something you should consider to protect both the stove and the pot. It’s recommended to use a Dutch oven with a flat bottom to prevent dragging it on the glass to avoid scratching or damaging the glass surface of a stove. A trivet or a heat-resistant surface beneath the Dutch oven can help to protect the glass top from heat damage.
What is the most commonly used Dutch oven size?
A typical Dutch oven is 5 1/2 quarts, an excellent size for making sourdough bread. The most common sizes are a 5-quart or 7-quart Dutch oven, which can work comfortably for a family with 4 people.
Above is the overall view of Cocotte and the Dutch oven and their differences. What works best for you is based on your preference and uses. Hopefully, this article is helpful for you. Thanks for reading!