Overview

French ovens and casserole dishes are essential kitchen items, known for their ability to retain heat and provide even cooking. They are perfect for slow-cooking, braising, baking, and even frying, and they come in a variety of different materials, colours and sizes. As both French ovens and casseroles are cooking pots, they can also be used for boiling, steaming and sauteing.

Understanding your needs

Before purchasing, consider your cooking habits and kitchen setup. Do you frequently prepare large meals, or do you cook for a smaller household? Think about what types of dishes you prepare most often. If you enjoy slow cooked meals, a cast iron French oven might be the perfect fit. For everyday baking and roasting, a casserole dish could be more suitable. Also, consider the size of your kitchen and storage space, as these pots can be quite large and heavy.

Setting priorities

When choosing between French ovens and casserole dishes, it's essential to prioritise your needs. If durability and heat retention are your top concerns, investing in a high quality cast iron French oven may be worth the cost. If ease of use and budget are more critical, consider casseroles, which can be lighter and more affordable.

Types of products: Categories explained

1. French ovens: These are typically made from cast iron in France and coated with enamel. They are ideal for slow cooking, roasting and baking, or making dishes with a higher quantity of liquid thanks to their deep sides. Cast iron is incredibly durable and provides excellent heat retention. They most often come in a deep, round shape or an oval shape with heavy lids which include basting rings on the inside to trap moisture and enhance flavour when slow cooking.
2. Casserole dishes: These can be made from materials like cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel, stoneware and non-stick, and are perfect for baking and roasting as well as slow cooking and frying. They often come with transparent glass lids to keep moisture in during cooking, but are usually shallower than a French oven. Casserole pots are usually round in shape and more shallow than a French oven.

Pros and cons

• French ovens:
  • Pros: Excellent heat retention, versatile, long-lasting, available in a range of different colours to suit every kitchen.
  • Cons: Heavy, can be expensive, require careful handling to avoid chipping the enamel.
• Casserole dishes:
  • Pros: Affordable, available in a wider variety of materials, often lighter in weight and easier to clean.
  • Cons: Depending on material, they may not be as durable as a French oven.

Key features to consider: Material and build quality

• Material: Cast iron is known for its durability and heat retention but is heavy. Ceramic, stainless steel and stoneware are lighter but can be less durable. Enamelled cast iron is also popular for its oven to table aesthetic, available in different colours for every kitchen.
• Enamel coating: An enamel coating on cast iron prevents rusting and eliminates the need for seasoning, making it easier to maintain.
• Capacity: Consider the size of your household and typical meal portions. French ovens range from small (3L) to large (7L or more), while casserole dishes come in similar capacities but a variety of different shapes.
• Lids: French ovens generally have tight fitting, heavy lids with inner basting rings that retain moisture, making them a great option for slow cooking. Many casseroles have tight fitting glass lids to make it easier to monitor the contents as you cook.
• Durability: A French oven, made from cast iron, will generally win the durability race, but stainless steel casseroles run a close second. Non-stick and ceramic casseroles won’t last as long as their metal counterparts, but they are popular for their ease of use and cleaning.

Ease of use and maintenance

• Ergonomics: Handles should be sturdy and easy to grip, even with oven mitts.
• Cleaning: Most French ovens and casserole dishes are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended for longevity, especially for enamel coated products, ceramic and non-stick.
• Storage: Due to their size and weight, ensure you have adequate storage space.
• Weight: Consider whether you’re happy cooking with, storing and cleaning heavier materials like cast iron, which can be harder to handle for people with mobility issues.

Compatibility

• Stovetop compatibility: Whatever you choose, check the product is compatible with your stovetop, especially if you have induction.
• Oven safe: As casseroles and French ovens are both designed to be used on the stovetop and in the oven, they will be oven safe, but it's essential to check the maximum temperature they can withstand. Cast iron will be able to withstand higher temperatures than non-stick or ceramic.

Popular brands available at Kitchen Warehouse

• French ovens
  • Le Creuset french ovens
  • Chasseur french ovens
  • Lodge french overs
  • Wolstead french ovens
• Casseroles
  • Smeg casserole dishes
  • Chasseur casserole dishes
  • Le Creuset casserole dishes
  • Tramontina casserole dishes
  • Wolstead casserole dishes

FAQs

What is the difference between a French oven and a Dutch oven?

They are very similar, with the Dutch oven having been invented first, in England in the 1700’s. More often than not the Dutch oven will be made of raw, seasoned cast iron and thus requires a bit more ongoing maintenance in the form of seasoning. The French oven, invented in the 1900’s, is essentially the same thing but made in France from enamelled cast iron, which does not require seasoning, and is available in a variety of colours making it a great option for stove to oven to table cooking.

Can I use a French oven on an induction stovetop?

Yes, as long as it has a flat base compatible with induction stovetops.

Do I need to season my enamelled French oven?

No, enamelled cast iron does not require seasoning.

What size French oven should I buy?

For a family of four, a four to six litre French oven is usually sufficient.

What is the difference between a casserole pot and a French oven?

They are used interchangeably for similar purposes; the main difference is in the material used to make them. French ovens are made from enamelled cast iron which is heavy duty, durable and very heat retentive. Casseroles are also sometimes made from cast iron, but they are usually shallower, and also come in stainless steel, non-stick, ceramic or stoneware. A French oven is usually deeper with a heavy duty lid with basting rings, whereas a casserole often comes with a tight fitting but lighter glass lid so you can monitor progress as you cook. They are also generally lighter in weight which can make them easier to handle.