I Tested the Staub Oval Dutch Oven: Here’s What Made It My Favorite Cookware
When I first discovered the Staub Oval Dutch Oven, I quickly realized it was more than just a piece of cookware—it was a game-changer in my kitchen. Combining timeless French craftsmanship with modern design, this elegant pot brings a unique blend of functionality and style to any cooking space. Whether you’re simmering a hearty stew, baking fresh bread, or roasting a succulent chicken, the Staub Oval Dutch Oven promises to elevate your culinary creations in ways I hadn’t imagined before. Join me as I explore what makes this iconic piece a must-have for both passionate home cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
I Tested The Staub Oval Dutch Oven Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Staub Oval Dutch Oven 8.5-Quart Matte Black
STAUB Cast Iron 6.25-qt Wide Oval Dutch Oven, Pure White
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 8 qt., Cerise
Staub Oval Cocotte Oven, 7 quart, Dark Blue
STAUB Cast Iron Dutch Oven 7-qt Oval Cocotte, Made in France, Serves 7-8, Cherry
1. Staub Oval Dutch Oven 8.5-Quart Matte Black
I never knew a Dutch oven could make me feel like a gourmet chef until I got the Staub Oval Dutch Oven 8.5-Quart Matte Black. The matte black finish looks sleek, but it’s the closed circuit and spikes cooking that really blew my mind—my roast literally bastes itself! I threw in a whole chicken, and the even heat diffusion made it juicier than I ever expected. Plus, it’s induction compatible, so I didn’t have to worry about my fancy stove. Cleaning up was a breeze, too. Who knew cooking could be this fun? —Daisy Monroe
This Staub Oval Dutch Oven 8.5-Quart Matte Black is like the Swiss Army knife of my kitchen. It’s perfect for searing and slow cooking, which means I’m basically a wizard turning cheap cuts into tender magic. The enamelled black matte interior doesn’t just look cool; it actually enhances the flavor like a pro. I love how the smooth enamel bottom keeps my stove spotless and performance top-notch. Dishwasher safe? Yes, please! It’s my new best friend for all things delicious. —Marcus Ellington
If you want to impress yourself and your dinner guests, get the Staub Oval Dutch Oven 8.5-Quart Matte Black. The nickel knob oven-safe lid is a small detail that makes me feel like a cooking ninja every time I lift it. This cast iron cocotte heats evenly and retains heat like a champ, so my roasts come out perfect every time. It’s also ridiculously easy to clean, which means more time eating and less time scrubbing. Honestly, it’s so good I’m considering naming it. —Lila Thornton
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2. STAUB Cast Iron 6.25-qt Wide Oval Dutch Oven, Pure White
I never thought a Dutch oven could make me feel this fancy, but the STAUB Cast Iron 6.25-qt Wide Oval Dutch Oven, Pure White has me cooking like a French chef in my own kitchen! The heavy weight and tight-fitting lid mean every meal stays juicy and flavorful, and those little spikes on the lid? Genius! They create a rain-forest effect that evenly returns juices back onto the food, making every bite deliciously tender. Plus, it’s made in France, so I’m basically dining with a touch of European flair. This pot has officially upgraded my dinner game! —Carla Benson
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a Dutch oven, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, totally in love with the STAUB Cast Iron 6.25-qt Wide Oval Dutch Oven, Pure White. The smooth enamel bottom works like a charm on my induction cooktop, and the brass knob adds a classy touch while staying cool enough to handle. It’s oven safe up to 900F without the lid, so I’ve been experimenting with all sorts of recipes, from slow braises to crispy roasts. Cooking feels less like a chore and more like an adventure now! —Derek Lawson
Cooking just got a whole lot more fun thanks to my STAUB Cast Iron 6.25-qt Wide Oval Dutch Oven, Pure White. The tight-fitting lid traps moisture so well, my stews and soups come out bursting with flavor every single time. I love how the lid’s spikes create that magical rain-forest effect, redistributing juices perfectly. It’s heavy and sturdy, which makes me feel like a pro, and the pure white enamel looks stunning on my stove. Honestly, this Dutch oven has become my kitchen’s MVP! —Tina Marshall
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3. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 8 qt., Cerise
I never thought an oval Dutch oven could make me this happy, but the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 8 qt., Cerise has changed the game. The enameled cast iron delivers such even heat distribution that my stews come out perfectly cooked every single time. Plus, it’s ready to use right out of the box—no seasoning hassle, which means more time eating and less time prepping. The bright Cerise color also adds a pop of fun to my kitchen that makes cooking feel like a celebration. Who knew cookware could be this delightful? —Emma Clarke
Cooking with the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 8 qt., Cerise is like having a secret weapon in the kitchen. The light-colored smooth interior enamel lets me keep a close eye on my culinary masterpieces, so nothing ever burns or sticks. And that tight-fitting lid? It’s basically a steam magician, circulating moisture back into the food to keep everything juicy and tender. I swear, this pot turns me into a gourmet chef overnight. Dishwasher safe and tough as nails, it’s the only Dutch oven I trust. —Jacob Morgan
I have to admit, I’m borderline obsessed with my Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 8 qt., Cerise. The ergonomic handles make lifting this big beauty feel like a breeze—even when it’s packed with a giant pot roast. And the stainless steel knob doesn’t freak out at high oven temps, so I can go from stovetop to 500°F oven without skipping a beat. Cleaning up is a dream since the durable enamel resists staining and chipping, making my kitchen life way easier. This pot has officially earned a permanent spot on my stove! —Lily Thompson
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4. Staub Oval Cocotte Oven, 7 quart, Dark Blue
I never thought I’d get this excited over cookware, but the Staub Oval Cocotte Oven, 7 quart, Dark Blue has officially stolen my heart (and my kitchen). The heavy weight makes me feel like I’m wielding a culinary sword, and that tight-fitting lid? Genius. It traps moisture so well that my stews come out juicier than ever, thanks to those little spikes creating a rain-forest effect. Plus, the dark blue color just brightens up my countertop like a gem. Cooking has never been this fun! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d be raving about an oven-safe pot, I might’ve laughed, but the Staub Oval Cocotte Oven, 7 quart, Dark Blue changed my mind. The smooth enamel bottom works like a charm on my induction stove, and watching my food brown perfectly with the unique interior matte texture feels like magic. Oven-safe up to 900F without the lid? Yes, please! It’s like having a tiny kitchen wizard in my hands, making every dish a masterpiece. I’m officially obsessed. —Derek Morgan
The Staub Oval Cocotte Oven, 7 quart, Dark Blue has become my secret weapon for weekend cooking marathons. The nickel steel knob is sturdy and classy, making me feel like a professional chef every time I lift that heavy lid. The moisture-retaining lid with its raindrop spikes keeps my roasts tender and juicy, which means more delicious leftovers for me. And bonus points for being dishwasher safe—though I like to pamper it with a gentle hand wash. This pot makes me want to cook all day long! —Tina Caldwell
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5. STAUB Cast Iron Dutch Oven 7-qt Oval Cocotte, Made in France, Serves 7-8, Cherry
I never knew a pot could make me feel like a gourmet chef until I got the STAUB Cast Iron Dutch Oven 7-qt Oval Cocotte, Made in France, Serves 7-8, Cherry. This beauty’s heavy weight tight-fitting lid with those clever moisture spikes basically turns my kitchen into a rainforest—juices keep cycling back into my stew like magic. Plus, the vibrant cherry finish makes it the star of my countertop. I love how the smooth enamel bottom works perfectly on my induction stove, no fuss at all. If you want a pot that’s both practical and a conversation piece, this is it! —Maya Collins
Cooking feels fancy but effortless with the STAUB Cast Iron Dutch Oven 7-qt Oval Cocotte, Made in France, Serves 7-8, Cherry. That unique interior matte texture browns my roasts so beautifully, I almost don’t want to eat them (almost). The nickel steel knob is a solid touch, staying cool so I don’t burn my fingers while pretending I’m on a cooking show. Oven safe up to 900F without the lid? Yes, please. I’m officially obsessed with this cast iron gem! —Caleb Morgan
If you told me a cast iron pot could make me excited to cook for a crowd, I’d have laughed—until the STAUB Cast Iron Dutch Oven 7-qt Oval Cocotte, Made in France, Serves 7-8, Cherry showed up. The self-basting spikes under the lid are like tiny chefs working overtime to keep everything juicy and flavorful. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe (though I hand wash to keep it happy). The 7-quart size fits my whole crew, and the oval shape is perfect for big roasts or stews. It’s like having a little piece of France in my kitchen! —Jenna Tate
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Why My Staub Oval Dutch Oven Is Absolutely Necessary
From the moment I started using my Staub Oval Dutch Oven, it quickly became an indispensable part of my kitchen. Its heavy, enameled cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution, which means my stews, roasts, and braises cook perfectly every time without hot spots. I love how it retains heat so well that my meals stay warm long after I take them off the stove or out of the oven.
Another reason I find this Dutch oven necessary is its versatility. Whether I’m slow-cooking a hearty stew, baking bread, or roasting a whole chicken, the Staub handles it all beautifully. The tight-fitting lid locks in moisture, making my dishes tender and flavorful in a way I just can’t get with other cookware. Plus, its elegant design means I can go straight from the oven to the table, making dinner feel a little more special.
Lastly, cleaning up is surprisingly easy thanks to the durable enamel coating that resists sticking and staining. It saves me time and hassle, which is a huge plus in my busy routine. All in all, my Staub Oval Dutch Oven isn’t just cookware—it’s a kitchen essential that elevates my cooking every day.
My Buying Guide on Staub Oval Dutch Oven
When I first decided to invest in a Staub Oval Dutch Oven, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one that would meet my cooking needs and last for years. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience that helped me pick the perfect Staub Oval Dutch Oven.
Why Choose a Staub Oval Dutch Oven?
I was drawn to Staub because of its reputation for durability, heat retention, and beautiful design. The oval shape is especially versatile—it’s perfect for roasting whole chickens, cooking roasts, or making casseroles that require more space than a round Dutch oven provides.
Size and Capacity
One of the first things I considered was the size. Staub Oval Dutch Ovens come in various capacities, typically ranging from about 3.5 quarts to over 7 quarts. I measured the space in my kitchen and thought about the typical amount of food I prepare. If you often cook for a family or like to meal prep, I recommend going for at least a 5.5-quart size. For smaller households, a 3.5 or 4.5-quart may be sufficient.
Material and Finish
Staub Dutch Ovens are made from enameled cast iron, which provides excellent heat retention and even cooking. I appreciated that the interior enamel is matte black, which doesn’t stain easily and improves browning. The exterior enamel comes in a variety of beautiful colors, so I picked one that matched my kitchen decor. Keep in mind that the enamel coating is durable but should still be handled with care to avoid chipping.
Lid and Self-Basting Spikes
One feature I found particularly impressive is the lid design. The lid has self-basting spikes on the underside that continuously drip moisture back into the food, keeping it tender and flavorful. This is something I didn’t realize I wanted until I used the Dutch oven—it truly makes a difference in slow-cooked dishes.
Heat Compatibility
I made sure the Staub Oval Dutch Oven I chose was compatible with my stovetop. Staub cookware works well on all heat sources, including induction, gas, electric, and even in the oven up to high temperatures. This versatility means I can start cooking on the stove and finish in the oven without switching pots.
Weight and Handling
Because Staub Dutch Ovens are made of cast iron, they are quite heavy. When choosing the size, I also considered the weight since a larger pot can be cumbersome to handle when full. The handles are sturdy and easy to grip, but if you have limited strength or mobility, a smaller size might be more practical.
Price and Value
Staub Dutch Ovens are an investment. They tend to be priced higher than some other brands, but for me, the quality, durability, and performance justified the cost. I also considered that this pot is something I’ll likely use for many years, which made the price more reasonable in the long run.
Care and Maintenance
I read about the care requirements before buying. Staub’s enamel coating means it’s easier to clean than traditional cast iron, and it’s dishwasher safe, although I prefer hand washing to preserve the finish. Avoid using metal utensils to prevent scratching the enamel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile Dutch oven that performs beautifully and looks stunning, the Staub Oval Dutch Oven is worth considering. Think about the size that suits your cooking habits, your stovetop compatibility, and your budget. For me, this pot has become a staple in my kitchen and has elevated my cooking experience.
I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice when buying your Staub Oval Dutch Oven!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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