24 cm · 3.8 L · Round cocotte
Staub 4 Quart Dutch Ovens — the one pot that does almost everything
A Staub 4-quart Dutch oven is the 24 cm round cocotte — about 3.8 liters, sized for three to four people. It is the cocotte most cooks buy first: large enough for a braise, a whole chicken or a loaf of bread, small enough to live on the stove.
Shop the 4-quart collection
Every cocotte here is the same 24 cm round body in a different enamel finish. Color is the only variable; capacity, lid and cooking performance are identical across all ten.
Staub La Cocotte Round 40509-356 “Pico Cocotte Round, Basil Green, 9.4 inches (24 cm), Large, Two-Handed, Enameled Pot, IH Compatible
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Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte, Dutch Oven, 4-quart, serves 3-4, Made in France, Turquoise
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What a 4-quart cocotte is built for
A 4-quart cocotte covers the core jobs of a home kitchen: braising, roasting, baking bread, and simmering soups or grains. The 24 cm width browns a full batch, and the depth holds enough liquid for a long braise.
Braises & pot roasts
Short ribs, lamb shanks or a pot roast for four. The heavy lid and dense iron hold an even simmer for hours.
A whole roast chicken
A 3–4 lb bird fits with the lid on, basting in its own steam, then browns uncovered.
No-knead bread
The sealed cast-iron chamber traps steam for a bakery-style crust on a standard boule.
Soups, stocks & chili
Holds a family batch of minestrone, chili or Sunday stock, and still stores easily.
Rice, grains & beans
Even heat and a tight lid suit pilafs, risotto and slow-cooked beans.
Stovetop to oven to table
Sear on the burner, finish in the oven, serve from the pot. No transfer dish needed.
Editor’s pick
Staub Round Cocotte – 4Qt – Graphite Grey
The 4-quart round cocotte in Graphite Grey is the size most cooks reach for first. At 24 cm and 3.8 liters it browns a full batch, holds a 3–4 lb roast, and still stores easily.
Graphite is the quiet choice — a soft matte grey that reads modern or classic and hides everyday use. Underneath sits the full Staub build: a self-basting spiked lid, a matte-black searing interior, oven-safe to 500°F, cast in France.
For one pot that does almost everything without committing to a bold color, this is it.
Who the 4-quart is for
The 4-quart suits households of two to four and anyone buying a first cocotte. It delivers the full Staub result without the weight and storage of a 7-quart.
Couples & small families
Dinner for two to four, with enough left for lunch the next day.
First-time buyers
The size Staub and most cooks recommend starting with.
Compact kitchens
Full performance without the storage footprint of a 7-quart.
Everyday cooks
One pot for braises, bread, soups and roasts on a weeknight.
What sets the Staub 4-quart apart
Staub’s design choices change how the pot cooks. The spiked lid, matte-black interior and enamelled iron are what separate it from standard cookware.
Self-basting spiked lid
Spikes under the lid drip condensation back over the food, keeping roasts and braises moist.
Matte-black searing interior
The textured black enamel is built for high-heat browning and never needs seasoning.
Works on every stovetop
Gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and induction all run on the flat iron base.
Oven-safe to 500°F
Lid and body move from burner to oven to table without a second dish.
No seasoning required
The enamel coating is ready to cook out of the box and will not rust.
Sand-cast in France
Each cocotte is cast in a single-use mould in Alsace, then enamelled by hand.
Is 4 quarts the right size?
Choose the 4-quart when you cook for three to four people or want one versatile pot. Move up to the 5.5-quart if you regularly cook for five or more, or batch-cook to freeze.
| Size | Serves | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 qt (24 cm) | 3–4 | Couples, small families, a first cocotte, tight storage |
| 5.5 qt (26 cm) | 4–6 | The all-purpose family size, larger roasts and loaves |
| 7 qt (28 cm) | 6–8 | Big batches, entertaining, large birds with room to spare |
Care and everyday use
Staub enamelled cast iron needs no seasoning and works on every stovetop. Routine care is limited to gentle washing and avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Heat it gradually. Start on low to medium; the iron holds and spreads heat, so high settings are rarely needed.
- Hand-wash to protect the enamel. Warm water and a soft sponge, no steel wool, and let the pot cool before washing.
- Use any utensil. The hard enamel takes metal, wood or silicone without scratching through.
- Store with the lid ajar. A folded cloth between lid and rim lets air move and keeps the interior fresh.
Frequently asked questions
How many quarts — and how many liters — is the 4-quart Staub?
It is the 24 cm round cocotte, rated 4 US quarts, which is about 3.8 liters.
How many people does a 4-quart Staub serve?
Three to four. It fits a whole 3–4 lb chicken or a main course for a small family, with room for liquid.
Is a 4-quart Staub big enough for bread?
Yes. A 24 cm cocotte takes a standard 1–1.5 lb no-knead boule with space for oven spring. For very large loaves, the 5.5-quart gives more headroom.
4-quart vs 5.5-quart — which should I buy?
Choose the 4-quart for couples, small families or limited storage. Choose the 5.5-quart if you routinely cook for five or more, or batch-cook. Browning and braising are identical between them.
Do I need to season a Staub cocotte?
No. The enamel interior never needs seasoning or oiling, and it will not rust like bare cast iron.
Is it induction and dishwasher safe?
It works on all stovetops including induction. Staub lists it as dishwasher-safe, though hand-washing is gentler on the enamel and recommended for longevity.
Does the 4-quart work in the oven, and where is it made?
Lid and body are oven-safe to 500°F, and every cocotte is sand-cast and enamelled in France.