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what size dutch oven for first (only) one?

14 years ago

I'm selecting new cookware for our new kitchen, and one thing I am sure I want is an enameled cast iron dutch oven for stews, briskets/roasts etc. My question is: what size should I get for my first (and probably only, for a while) piece? We are a family of 7, so I make large meals. I was thinking a 7 quart oven, at the least. Does that sound right? thanks!

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Comments (5)

cat_mom
14 years ago
We got our first DO within the last couple years, and got the LC 7.25 qt size. It's just the two of us here, but I often make large enough batches of food to allow for leftovers (for meals that week or for freezing), so it's a good size for that. I'm very happy with it.

The larger sizes might also be great for your large family; I don't know if the weight and storage of the larger sizes need to be taken into consideration, though.

I recently added a 3 1/2 qt DO to my "collection." It'll be perfect for making small batches of food, or for heating up small portions of things cooked in the larger DO (when I want to use a cast iron DO for reheating, and not a SS pot).
stbonner
14 years ago
If I could only have one LeCreuset DO (which would be awful!) it would be the 7.25 qt. size. That is the first piece I bought, and still the one I use the most. I have many, many LeC pieces now, and use them all, but the most versatile piece is the 7.25 qt. size, IMO.

Lots of people say that the 5 1/2 qt size is their most used piece, but I tend to cook soups, stews, in larger batches and freeze, so while I do have a 5 1/2 qt size and use it, I use the 7 qt size much more. My second most used piece is a 2 qt round DO, which is perfect for grits, rice, and oatmeal.
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I had to look it up and was going to post a pick. Put the hole in my head now, i want one. It is more difficult to regulate your heat source on a wood fired cookstove. My surface steel is close to a 1/2 inch, probably more like 3/8's. Just one big flat surface that has zones from boil to simmer so you have to slide the pot around. Quite the dance when a few things are going along with a kettle. I use lots of base veggies as a trivet but as they cook down the weight of the meat can, not that often, cause some trouble on the bottom. That trivet would be just enough for a nice gravy. And prevent scorching. Love the lid zig-zag for moisture to drip back down. Probably some of the first gas and electric stove were also tricky to regulate. If you want to use it as intended, take half your root veggies and onion and chop those a bit smaller and put in the bottom under your roast. Halfway/two thirds through roasting add the larger diced veg...potato, carrot, onion etc till tender to serve with your roast and make a nice gravy with the bottom sauce.
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nicoletouk
14 years ago
Also you may want to consider an oval DO, especially if it will be your only one. It does everything a round one will do, plus it's shape more easily accepts roasts, whole chickens and other meats (and spaghetti, too!).

I have a 6.75Q that is perfect for my family of four. With a family of seven, perhaps the 9.5Q would be a good choice for you.

Nicole
victoriajane
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, everyone. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with a - 9.5 quart oval for my first and only - that way I can be assured of fitting in a chicken or brisket or whatever might not fit in a round pot...I've looked at the 7 - 7.25 size and they just don't look big enough for our family - plus I love having leftovers so I almost always double recipes.

So far I've only found the 9 quart oval in the LC and the Mario Batali...any other brands to consider? I'm leaning toward the Batali for three reasons: 1)lower price 2)persimmon (orange) color - love it! and 3)steel knob on lid - prefer it to phenolic. But I am open to any arguments in favor of the LC. thanks!
stbonner
14 years ago
I think you'll be happy with the 9 qt oval. I have both oval and round pots, but I too think the ovals are more versatile. I don't know anything about the Mario Batali pots, but I absolutely love my LeCreuset. They are a lifetime purchase, as they have, I believe, a 99 year warranty. LeCreuset also makes a beautiful orange pot (called Flame). You can also buy a metal pot lid for your LeC if you prefer it. The phenolic pot lids are okay to 450 degrees, so I've never felt the need to change one to metal - in fact, I prefer the phenolic so that I can lift the lid on my pot without having to find and use a pot holder.

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