Oval Cocottes · 23–33 cm · Built for the roast
Staub Oval Dutch Ovens: Cast Iron Cocottes Built for the Roast
The Staub oval cocotte takes the same enameled cast iron as la cocotte round and stretches it lengthwise, so a whole chicken, a pork loin or a brisket lies flat instead of curling to fit. Cast in Alsace since the 1970s, every oval roaster carries the matte black interior and the self-basting lid that made the brand. This page covers the full oval range, from the 23 cm two-serving pot to the 8.5-quart roaster, with links to current Amazon listings.
What a Staub Oval Cocotte Is For
The oval earns its place the moment food stops fitting a round pot. A whole roast chicken, a rack of ribs, a pork loin or a beef brisket all sit flat along the length of an oval, basting evenly instead of piling up in the center. The elongated base also suits fish cooked whole and long braises where the cut matters more than the volume. Everything the round cocotte does, the oval does too; it simply adds the length that roasts and long cuts need.
Popular Staub Oval Cocottes
The sizes and finishes owners reach for most, from the everyday 4.25-quart to the 7-quart that swallows a holiday bird. Each card opens the current Amazon price.
The Full Oval Lineup
The rest of the range, from the mini 15 cm oval to the mid sizes and limited colors. Lengths run in centimeters, the Staub way of sizing ovals.
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 priceWhat Sets the Staub Oval Apart
The oval shares the Staub build and adds the geometry that long cuts ask for.
Elongated base
Length for whole birds and joints a round pot forces you to bend.
Larger footprint
More surface contact for searing across the whole cut at once.
Self-basting spikes
The lid drips condensation back over the roast so it stays moist.
Matte black interior
Textured enamel for hard searing, no seasoning, no visible staining.
Every cooktop
Induction, gas, electric and ceramic; oven-safe to 500°F.
Made in France
Sand-cast in Alsace, one mold per pot, enamelled by hand.
Oval Colors and Finishes
Staub ovals ship in the house classics plus the occasional limited edition. Availability shifts by size and listing, so each swatch leads to the closest current option.
Who the Oval Cocotte Is For
The Sunday roast cook
Whole chickens and joints most weekends; the 5.5-liter is the sweet spot.
The entertainer
A 7-quart oval plates a holiday bird and carries it straight to the table.
The fish and seafood cook
Length for a whole side of salmon or a sea bass without cutting to fit.
The two-person kitchen
The 23–27 cm ovals roast for two without a full-size pot.
Staub Oval Sizes Compared
Ovals are sized by length in centimeters. Pick by the cut you roast most rather than the largest pot the shelf allows; each size links to its Amazon listing.
| Length | Capacity | Serves | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 cm | ~0.25 qt | 1 | Mini roasts, serving, gifts · Amazon → |
| 23 cm | ~2.4 qt | 2 | Small birds, cooking for two · Amazon → |
| 27 cm | ~2.75 qt | 2–3 | A single chicken, weeknight roasts · Amazon → |
| 29 cm | ~4.25 qt | 3–4 | Family roasts, small joints · Amazon → |
| 31 cm | 5.5 L / 5.75 qt | 4–6 | The all-round oval, most popular · Amazon → |
| 33 cm | 6.7 L / 7 qt | 6–8 | Holiday birds, large brisket · Amazon → |
| — | 8.5 qt | 8+ | Big joints, entertaining · Amazon → |
Oval vs Round: Which Shape to Buy
Oval vs round comes down to the shape of what you cook. A round cocotte heats evenly on one burner and handles anything stirred or ladled: soups, stews, chili and bread. An oval trades a little of that even heating for length, which is exactly what a whole bird, a rack or a long roast needs. Cooks who braise and bake more than they roast start with the round; cooks who roast whole cuts start with the oval. Many kitchens keep one of each.
Care and Everyday Use
- Wash with soap and warm water once the pot cools; the enamel needs no seasoning and will not rust.
- Medium heat covers nearly every task, since cast iron holds temperature once it gets there.
- 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.
Built for the Roast: What to Cook in an Oval
The oval shape pays off across a handful of dishes a round pot handles awkwardly.
- Whole roast chicken. Skin crisps with the lid off, stays moist with it on; a 29–31 cm oval fits a 4–5 lb bird.
- Holiday turkey or goose. The 33 cm and 8.5-quart ovals take a small turkey or a goose whole.
- Pork loin and brisket. Long cuts lie flat and sear end to end instead of stacking.
- Whole fish. A side of salmon or a sea bass roasts straight, no cutting to fit the pot.
Most versatile oval
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staub Oval Dutch Ovens
What is a Staub oval cocotte best for?
Long cuts and whole roasts: chicken, turkey, pork loin, brisket and whole fish. Its elongated base fits food a round pot forces you to bend or stack.
Oval or round — which should I buy first?
Round if you mostly braise, stew and bake bread; oval if you roast whole cuts. The round heats more evenly on the stovetop, the oval fits longer food. Many cooks own both.
What sizes do Staub oval Dutch ovens come in?
Lengths run from about 23 to 33 cm, roughly 2.4 to 8.5 quarts. The 31 cm (5.5 L) is the most popular all-round size.
Are Staub ovals induction compatible?
Yes. Every cast iron oval works on induction, gas, electric and ceramic cooktops and goes into the oven to 500°F.
Is a Staub oval good for baking bread?
It works, but the round is the better bread pot: a boule wants a round wall. The oval favors longer loaves and, above all, roasts.