Oval cocotte · 23 to 33 cm
Staub Oval Dutch Ovens — built for roasts and long cuts
A Staub oval Dutch oven is the elongated cocotte — shaped to fit what a round pot cannot: a whole roast, a rack of ribs, a bird laid lengthwise, or a side of fish. It runs from a compact 23 cm to a 33 cm roaster, each sand-cast and enamelled in France.
What an oval cocotte is for
The oval exists for length. It cooks exactly like the round — same iron, same spiked lid — but its long footprint takes cuts and birds that a round pot forces you to bend or trim.
Whole roasts & joints
A long pork loin, beef joint or rolled roast lies flat without curling to fit.
A whole chicken or duck
The oval cradles a bird lengthwise, with room for potatoes and vegetables alongside.
Whole fish & fillets
A side of salmon or a whole fish fits the long base instead of being cut to size.
Ribs & racks
A rack of ribs or lamb fits the length for an even, slow braise.
Braises, stews & soups
The same self-basting lid and even heat handle everyday braises and big-batch soups.
Stovetop to oven to table
Sear on the burner, finish in the oven, serve from the pot. No transfer dish needed.
Shop the oval collection
A cross-section of the oval line across sizes and colors, from a 4.25-quart for couples to an 8.5-quart roaster. The size is listed on each pot; tap through for the current price on Amazon.
staub La Cocotte Oval 40509-857 Pico Cocotte Oval Cherry, 11.4 inches (29 cm), Large, Both Handed Castings, Enameled Pot, Induction Compatible, Japanese Authentic Product
Check priceEditor’s pick
STAUB Cast Iron Roaster/Cocotte, Oval 31 cm, 5.5 L, Basil/Green
The 31 cm oval in Basil is the roasting size of the oval line. Its long 5.5-liter body takes a whole chicken laid lengthwise, a pork loin, or a side of fish that a round pot would force you to cut.
Basil is a muted green that suits a farmhouse or a modern kitchen equally. The cocotte cooks like every Staub — a self-basting spiked lid, a matte-black interior, all stovetops including induction, oven-safe to 500°F, made in France.
For long cuts and Sunday roasts, the 31 cm oval is the one to own.
What sets the Staub oval apart
Staub’s design choices change how the pot cooks. The spiked lid, matte-black interior and enamelled iron are identical to the round — only the shape differs.
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.
How to choose an oval size
Oval sizes are measured by length in centimeters. Pick by the longest thing you want to fit and how many people you cook for.
| Oval size | Approx. capacity | Serves / best for |
|---|---|---|
| 27 cm | ~4.25 qt | Couples, smaller roasts |
| 29 cm | ~5 qt | Families, a whole chicken |
| 31 cm | ~5.5 qt | Larger roasts and birds |
| 33 cm | ~6.7–7 qt | Big joints, whole fish, entertaining |
Oval vs round
The oval and round cook identically — same iron, same spiked lid, same enamel. Shape is the only difference.
Round sits evenly over a burner and is the more versatile everyday choice; the round cocotte handles braises, soups and bread without compromise. Choose the oval when length matters — a whole roast, a long fish or a rack that would not fit a round pot.
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
What is a Staub oval cocotte?
It is Staub’s elongated enamelled cast-iron Dutch oven, made for long cuts and whole roasts. It cooks like the round cocotte but its oval base fits food a round pot cannot.
What sizes does the oval come in?
Roughly 23 to 33 cm in length, about 4 to 8.5 quarts. The 27–31 cm ovals cover most home cooking; the 33 cm is a roaster for big joints.
Which oval size should I buy?
Choose 27–29 cm for couples and families, and 31–33 cm for large roasts, whole fish or entertaining. Match the size to the longest cut you cook.
Oval vs round — which should I get?
Round is the more versatile everyday shape and sits evenly on a burner; oval suits long cuts like a whole roast or fish. Many cooks own a round first and add an oval for roasting.
Does a whole chicken fit in an oval?
Yes. A 29 cm or larger oval cradles a whole chicken lengthwise, with space for vegetables around it.
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-safe, oven-safe, and where is it made?
It works on all stovetops including induction, the lid and body are oven-safe to 500°F, and every cocotte is sand-cast and enamelled in France.