Le Creuset Casserole Size Guide

At Le Creuset, we have so many styles, sizes and colours of casseroles to choose from that it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which one to buy. We realize that our enamelled cast iron Signature Casseroles are an investment that will last for generations, so want to be sure you choose the perfect size for your cooking and serving needs. Below are just a few questions to answer to help you find the perfect size for you.

What Size Should I Buy?

While all sizes of Le Creuset casseroles have a use, choosing which size you need really comes down to what kinds of things you like to cook and how many people you typically feed.

What kinds of things do you like to cook?
Do you like to make stews and soups, or are you a fan of roasts and braises? This is something to consider because different cooking techniques have different space needs. For stews and soups, you need tall sides but don’t need as much width to the pot.

But when you’re roasting or braising, the pot really needs to be wider because the food needs plenty of space around it in order to brown and caramelize effectively.

How many people do you typically feed?
The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 liter per person, and then round up. One liter roughly translates into a typical serving size for most people. So for a family of four, you would want something that is a minimum of 4 liters. And then with rounding up, the ideal size would be somewhere in the 5-6 liter capacity.

But an important thing to consider is whether you also often cook for extended family or guests. Or do you like to batch cook or meal prep on the weekends, or are you a big fan of leftovers? If yes, then you might want to add a few liters as well to accommodate those cooking needs.

You might be thinking that you should just go with the biggest size we have to offer the most flexibility in the kitchen. But a word of caution, when looking at anything over 7 liters in size you will want to be sure that this size of casserole will fit in your oven comfortably, and also that you can lift it when it is filled to the brim.

What Can I Cook in a Le Creuset Casserole?

As noted, all sizes of Le Creuset casseroles are extremely versatile and can be used for a wide variety of recipes. But to help give you an idea of scale and size, we put together this handy chart to show what kinds of things you can cook in each size category.

Pick your Pot

Signature Round Casserole
The essential kitchen classic from Le Creuset enhances the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture. This round enamelled cast iron dish is ideal for simmering tender and succulent one-pot casseroles; as well as for stews, pot roasting, preparing soups and rice dishes, and even baking.

Signature Oval Casserole
The oval shape of this pot allows you to cook certain things more effectively, especially larger roasts – whether chicken, turkey or a leg of lamb. For an unexpected dish, bake and serve no-knead bread or a marble cake in this oval cocotte. The interior enamel releases baked goods just as easily as soups or stews.

Signature Shallow Casserole
The shallow, wide base of this versatile pot allows maximum contact between the food and the heat, using both wet and dry heats to break down tough cuts of meat and tenderise fresh vegetables. This cocotte is perfect for family-sized meals such as paella, seafood linguine, couscous and more. It is great for holding foods that are marinating; and also makes for a stunning serving dish.

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