Choosing the Best Size Casserole Pot: A Complete Guide

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    A good casserole dish is an investment that can be used again and again for a host of recipes, from stews to roasts and even homemade breads. 

    As a staple in your cooking collection, choosing the right casserole size is essential! A casserole dish that's too big or too small can be tricky to use and affect your results in the kitchen. 

    This article explores why your casserole pot size plays an important role in the quality of your culinary creations. Plus we uncover how to choose the perfect casserole for your recipes and needs.

    Why is the size of your casserole so important? 

    Choosing a casserole size for your cooking methods

    The perfect size casserole pot depends partly on whether you are cooking on an induction hob, gas hob, electric hob, or in an oven. The wrong size casserole for your heating method can lead to uneven cooking and longer prep times.

    Let's look at the compatibility of different heat sources for your casserole dishes: 

    • Cooking on an induction or glass-ceramic hob: For even cooking, your casserole dish should match the size of the heating zone. If you notice your casserole is heating too slowly or isn’t being recognised on a larger ring, simply switch to a smaller hob for better performance. 

    • Cooking on gas: this is a more flexible cooking method. However, you need to make sure your casserole dish matches the size of the burner. This is to avoid gas flames touching the sides of the casserole's lining which can lead to damage or discolouration.

    • Cooking on an electric hob: Choose a casserole size that suits the heat surface: a pot that's too big will take longer to heat up, and one that's too small could end up burning your food! 

    • Oven cooking: Before splashing out on a large casserole dish, be sure to measure your oven. Some extra large casseroles don't fit in standard oven spaces.

    Choosing the right casserole size for your gathering

    The size of your casserole doesn't just depend on your cooking method: the number of guests at your table is just as important! 

    Here's how to pick the right casserole pot size based on the number of people you're cooking for:

    • 1 to 4 people: casserole 20 cm - 2,5 litres

    • 2 to 8 people: casserole 24 cm - 4,5 litres

    • 6 to 12 people: casserole 28 cm - 7 litres

    • 8 to 14 people: casserole 33 cm - 9 litres

    Choosing the right casserole size for your cooking needs

    The way you plan to use your casserole will also determine the size that’s right for you. To narrow down your options, here are some handy questions to ask yourself: 

    • What types of dishes will I cook most with my casserole pot? 
      Whether it’s comforting curries, homemade bread and buns or oven-baked gratins...there's a perfect casserole for every recipe! 

    • Do I need a casserole dish for everyday cooking or special events? 
      A small casserole dish is perfect for preparing everyday meals. While a large casserole dish is ideal for show stopping dishes, sure to delight your guests on special occasions.

    • How often do I batch cook?
      If you’re a batch cooker a large 28 cm casserole pot allows you to prepare weekly meals without limits.

    Choosing a casserole dish to fit with your everyday life

    Having a casserole dish that enhances your daily routine will make life easier (and much tastier!) When you’re deciding on the right size for your casserole, have a think about your daily habits: 

    ❓Are you a keen traveller who wants to cook on the move? Why not opt for a lightweight, compact cocotte - ideal for cooking in a camper van or to take with you wherever you go.

    ❓Do you like to keep things flexible and light? A small or medium-sized cocotte is super versatile and easy to handle. 

    ❓Do you have a smaller kitchen or limited storage space? It’s a good idea to avoid large casserole dishes that take up too much space. 

    What size casserole should I choose?

    Small 20 cm cocotte: serves 1 to 4 people

    Do you tend to cook for yourself or just a few other people? Then a small 20 cm cocotte is your best ally! With a capacity of 2.5 litres and a round shape, you can prepare a meal for 1 or delicious dishes for a small group without any waste.

    Why choose the 20 cm cocotte?

    • Lightweight: easy to handle, even when full - say goodbye to heavy casserole dishes!

    • Space-saving: perfect for small kitchens or storage nooks.

    • Fast cooking: heats up faster than a large casserole dish, for quick and easy cooking. 

    The small 20 cm cocotte: who is it great for?  

    • Single people or couples who want to cook at home with ease.
    • Students and people living in small spaces (studios, compact flats). 
    • Travellers and people who want to cook on the move: a small cocotte is light and compact enough to take on camping trips, in a van or on holiday.

    Medium 24 cm cocotte: serves 2 to 8 people

    Do you love to cook for your family or friends? Then the 24 cm cocotte is your perfect match! With its 4.5L capacity, it's as great for your everyday dishes as it is for a big dinner party. From one-pot sausage stews to crowd-pleasing beef stroganoff or a decadent bread pudding - it's sure to delight the taste buds of everyone around your table. 

    Why choose the 24 cm cocotte?

    • Versatility: ideal for family meals, satisfying stews, and effortless baking.

    • Lightweight: easy to handle and lighter than a large casserole dish.

    • Even cooking: the perfect size for even heat distribution and excellent results. 

    The medium 24 cm cocotte: who is it great for?

    • Families with children for quick, easy and nutritious meals. 
    • Home cooks who love to entertain. 
    • Couples who batch cook and need more space for big quantities.

    Large 28 cm cocotte: serves 6 to 12 people

    Do you love to host and cook for a large table of friends and family? Then the large 28 cm cocotte is the one for you! 

    This 7L casserole is ideal for generous, group meals, without ever compromising on cooking quality. It’s more spacious than a 24 cm cocotte, but still easy to handle for regular use - the perfect blend of capacity and practicality. 

    Why choose the 28 cm cocotte?

    • Reliable and practical: it’s sturdy, yet lightweight for easy handling. 

    • Time-saving: cooks large portions perfectly and in one go - ideal for dinner parties or batch cooking. 

    • Convenient and versatile: perfect for trying new recipes to share with family and friends!

    The large 28 cm cocotte: who is it great for?

    • Large or blended families will love the practicality of this casserole, delighting both young and old without the need for multiple dishes.

    • Those who love heartfelt cooking: it’s the perfect casserole for hearty, shared meals with friends or family. 

    • For families who enjoy XXL batch cooking, this cocotte makes large-scale meal preparation a breeze.

    Large 33 cm cocotte: serves 8 to 14 people

    If you’ve been dreaming of an extra large casserole dish, the large 33 cm cocotte is just what you’ve been waiting for! With its generous 9L capacity, it works wonders for special occasions or big family meals. 

    Whether you're preparing a whole roast chicken, a hearty stew, or a sizzling stir fry, the 33 cm cocotte lets you cook in one go with delicious results. 

    Why choose the 33 cm cocotte ?

    • Generous capacity: ideal for preparing flavorful dishes for 8 to 14 people without the hassle of multiple batches.

    • A festive casserole dish that’s perfect when hosting holiday meals or enjoying dinner gatherings with loved ones. 

    • Thoughtfully designed for controlled cooking, its ample size ensures even heat distribution - allowing your dishes to simmer slowly, evenly, and perfectly every time. 

    The large 28 cm cocotte: who is it great for?

    • Large families who enjoy home-cooked food without the hassle. 
    • Enthusiastic hosts who love creating warm, hearty meals that bring people together. 
    • Forward-thinking cooks who like to plan ahead and pre-prepare delicious meals. 

    Choosing the shape of your casserole pot

    The round cocotte 

    Choosing a round cocotte means picking a kitchen companion that's both practical and versatile. Whether you're simmering a melt-in-your-mouth stew, roasting perfectly browned, crunchy vegetables, or whipping up a comforting pot of soup, the round casserole meets your culinary needs everytime. 

    The round cocotte distributes heat evenly and is compatible with all hobs, for evenly cooked, mouth-watering results. 

    ✨ Tip: the round cocotte is brilliant for baking bread! Its rounded shape is perfect for a golden, crispy dome of deliciousness.

    The oval cocotte

    Choosing an oval cocotte means selecting an elegant, spacious, and highly practical casserole dish to prepare your finest meals. With its generous size, this cocotte is perfect for roasting tender, juicy cuts of meat or delicately steaming an entire fish to perfection. Its 33 cm steamer basket is designed to fit perfectly with its elongated shape, making it a trusty companion for show-stopping dishes. 

    And that’s not all. Thanks to its shape, the oval cocotte fits more snugly inside ovens. A real plus for recipes that require slow, gentle cooking.

    ✨ Tip: The oval cocotte is a clever choice for those who like to marinate their dishes before cooking. Its shape and generous size means your sauces and seasonings will never spill over again!

    The material of the casserole: just as important as its size! 

    That’s right. The material of your casserole dish is just as important as its dimensions, influencing everything from heat distribution and cooking performance to durability and ease of use. 

    Whether cast iron, stainless steel or ceramic - each one complements your cooking experience by bringing something different to the table. Choosing the right material can transform the way you cook.

    Here are a few things to consider when making your choice: 

    • Cooking and heat distribution: each material influences the way heat is distributed, impacting the texture and flavour of your dishes. 

    • Durability and maintenance: some materials are ultra-resistant but require special maintenance, while others are easier to clean. 

    • Compatibility with cooking methods: whether induction, oven or gas - be aware not all materials are suitable for every heat source. 

    • Ease of handling: the material of your casserole will influence its weight, and ease of use on a daily basis.

    • Budget: the price of your cocotte varies greatly depending on the material!

    ➡️ For more information, read our complete guide: Cast iron, stainless steel or ceramic casseroles.

    What size casserole dish should I choose? Summary table

    Size Number of people Best for Capacity Shape Weight Height
    20 cm 1-4 people Small stews, individual meals 2,5 L Round 1,3 kg 12 cm
    24 cm 2-8 people Family meals, large stews, bread, everyday cooking 4,5 L Round 1,5 kg 15 cm
    28 cm 6-12 people Large meals, roasts, soups, pasta 7 L Round 2,3 kg 21 cm
    33 cm 8-14 people Long cooking, large group meals 9 L Oval 2,4 kg 17 cm
    20 cm – 1-4 people
    Best for: Small stews, individual meals
    Capacity: 2,5 L
    Shape: Round
    Weight: 1,3 kg
    Height: 12 cm
    24 cm – 2-8 people
    Best for: Family meals, large stews, bread, everyday cooking
    Capacity: 4,5 L
    Shape: Round
    Weight: 1,5 kg
    Height: 15 cm
    28 cm – 6-12 people
    Best for: Large meals, roasts, soups, pasta
    Capacity: 7 L
    Shape: Round
    Weight: 2,3 kg
    Height: 21 cm
    33 cm – 8-14 people
    Best for: Long cooking, large group meals
    Capacity: 9 L
    Shape: Oval
    Weight: 2,4 kg
    Height: 17 cm

    The perfect size for your Cookut cocotte

    There are 4 cocotte sizes to suit your needs:

    • The 20 cm cocotte: for individual dishes or small meals for couples.

    • The 24 cm cocotte: for family dishes or meals with friends.

    • The 28 cm cocotte: for large gatherings and heartfelt meals.

    • The 33 cm cocotte: or special occasions, large families or festive meals.

    The lightest casserole dish on the market

    Thanks to their aluminum alloy core and ceramic coating, Cookut cocottes are pleasingly lightweight. With models weighing between just 1.3 kg and 2.4 kg, they’re easy to handle, making cooking not only effortless but enjoyable too!

    The Incredible Cocotte is PFAS and PTFE free

    Because healthy cooking also involves choosing the right utensils, the Cookut Cocotte collection is guaranteed PFAS and PTFE free. Say goodbye to harmful substances, and make way for natural cooking that's good for your health and the environment.

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