Dutch Oven: Size?

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking of getting a dutch oven but a bit confused about sizes. It's basically me, DH, and DD under 2, and i need it for casseroles and small roasts (chicken / duck). Which size should I get? Which size do you have and are you happy with it?

[Anonymous]

I have 3 Le Creuset dutch oven type pots with lids, the largest is probably 12 inches. The 12 inch is great for soups, stews, and roasts. The 2 smaller ones I mainly use for rice or pasta, not really stuff in the oven. I would go with a bigger one, you can always do smaller things in it but then have room for big stuff if you need it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP

[Anonymous]

My Le Crueset dutch oven is 11 inches across. It holds a 3-4 pound roasting chicken perfectly and generally has been great. That being said, every now and then I wonder if I should have gotten the next larger size up.

[Anonymous]

6 qt ones are best--large enough for whole chickens and no-knead bread, but not so large that it crowds out other items on the burners.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you everyone. Do you have the round ones or the oval?

[Anonymous]

I have a round one. An oval one may not work as well as a round one on the stovetop-- if the sides overhang the center of your burner you may get uneven heating.

[Anonymous]

You use the whole bed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a round one. An oval one may not work as well as a round one on the stovetop-- if the sides overhang the center of your burner you may get uneven heating.

I have an oval one and a standard gas burner--it's perfectly fine. I use the dutch oven in the oven a lot, too, not just on the stovetop.

[Anonymous]

I really stocked up but I'm getting nervous. My nabe Safeway is empty. Fingers crossed there's food tomorrow.
How about everyone else?

[Anonymous]

Oops! I meant to start a new thread!

[Anonymous]

I think a round, six quart one is your best first one. I recommend buying one from Lodge. You can get them at Target and Walmart for around $45. They were highly recommended by Cook's Illustrated. Also they recommended Tramontina.

[Anonymous]

i'd say go a little larger than you think you might need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i'd say go a little larger than you think you might need.

That's what she said!