We’re in the middle of a golden era for home cooks. Thanks to Pinterest, food blogs, and online shopping, it’s never been easier to look up a recipe or buy your ideal cookware. However, what’s not so simple is realizing that not everyone uses the same terminology for the same materials, equipment, or even dishes that you use. The Dutch oven and Cocotte are two examples.
There are many things to love about Cocotte and the Dutch oven. They come in a variety of vibrant colors, may move straight from the oven to the tabletop, and can be used to braise, deep-fry, or even bake bread.
This kitchen workhorse is typically a sign of a serious cook, and many recipes call for it – but what is a Cocotte, exactly? Is there a difference between a Cocotte and a Dutch oven?
In today’s article, we would like to take you to a Cocotte vs Dutch oven comparison to figure out which is more suitable for your kitchen’s needs. Let’s get started!
Contents
Overview Of Cocotte And Dutch Oven
What is a Cocotte?
The enamel-coated Dutch oven is known as a Cocotte or French oven in France and Europe.
A Cocotte is basically a cast-iron Dutch oven with a porcelain enamel coating. The enameled surface of the French oven, which was created in the early 1900s, considerably improved the stick-resistant performance of the already durable and multifunctional Dutch oven.
The Cocotte, as it was known locally, became the ideal tool for popular recipes of the time, such as beef bourguignon, which required browning the meat on the stove before moving it to the oven to finish cooking.
What is a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is a heavy-duty pot with a cover that is used to brown meat and vegetables before simmering or braising them in the oven. It may also be used to make soup and carry out more basic chores such as cooking noodles.
It’s also commonly used to create bread. Some of the most well-known brands are Le Creuset and Staub, while others include Lodge and Cuisinart.
Dutch ovens resemble stock pots but have larger bases and slightly shorter but thicker walls, allowing for better browning and caramelization of foods while retaining heat and functioning as serving pieces that keep your food warm.
They also include two small handles on each side (as opposed to one long on standard pans) for balanced and stable oven transfer.
What Do Cocotte And Dutch Oven Have In Common?
Cocotte took the basic concept of a Dutch oven, added the enamel covering, and began referring to these pots as “Cocotte.” These Cocottes became increasingly popular, but the word “French oven” never really caught on, so they’re still known as “Dutch ovens.” In reality, most people believe that the enameled Dutch oven is the original version.
Browning, baking, roasting, deep-frying, and broiling are all great uses of Dutch ovens and Cocottes.
Spikes or (nipples) are commonly found on the interior of Dutch oven lids. The flavorful condensate drips back into the oven through these spikes, resulting in the full-bodied tastes we all enjoy.
6 Key Differences Between Cocotte Vs Dutch Oven
Shapes And Sizes
For the most part, Cocottes are round or oval in form. They’re also available in a smaller size. You can prepare meals for a small family with them.
Typical Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are a little bigger. In a Dutch oven, you may prepare food for a large gathering. In terms of form, they’re very similar to Cocotte.
Materials
A cast iron base with an enamel finish may be found in a Cocotte. This is something you’ll see in a Dutch oven as well.
Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are available in a variety of materials.
If you like, you may buy Dutch ovens made of aluminum or stainless steel. Then there are enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens. It is also available for Dutch ovens with non-stick characteristics in the market.
Cooking Facilities
You must cook in the kitchen if you have a Cocotte. However, cooking over an open fire with a Cocotte is not recommended. Are you curious to know why? It’s primarily due to the enamel coating.
A Dutch oven, on the other hand, may be used both indoors and outdoors. Some Dutch ovens are ideal for use over a campfire.
Lid
The lids are the most significant distinction between a Cocotte and a Dutch oven. The Cocotte lids have spikes on the inside that are ideal for basting.
They are flat on the outside and remain in place at all times. This characteristic helps to keep the food wet and prevents them from drying out. They are, however, a little tough to clean.
Dutch ovens have a dome-shaped cover with a smooth upper and interior surface. They don’t have any specialties. They are, nevertheless, straightforward to clean.
Weight
Dutch ovens are significantly lighter than Cocottes. This is where it all comes together. The Dutch oven performs admirably. A Dutch oven is an excellent option if you find yourself moving the pot a lot while cooking.
Surface
Cocotte’s cooking surface has a rough black color to it. The surface of the Dutch ovens, on the other hand, is smooth and colorful.
It’s difficult to tell how much the food is cooked on the dark surface. However, you may observe the brownness of your food on a colorful surface.
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Which One Is Better: Cocotte Or Dutch Oven?
Raw cast iron Dutch ovens and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, also known as French ovens, can be used interchangeably for the most part. Both of these pots are great for cooking and are long-lasting.
They’re also a fantastic option for healthy cooking and people who want to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen. It’s all about preparing everything and leaving the rest to the Dutch oven or Cocotte.
There isn’t much of a difference between what you can cook in a Cocotte and what you can cook in a Dutch oven. Both can prepare a wide range of foods and may be used on the stovetop or in the oven.
In a campfire, however, you may only use a non-enameled Dutch oven. In addition, Cocottes are not heat resistant! So, if you enjoy camping and cooking over an open fire, the double Dutch oven is the way to go. If not, consider if you’re willing to compromise on seasoning and spend a little more time caring for your pot.
Watch these videos for more information regarding cooking with the two ovens:
Conclusion
So there you have the well-thought-out comparison of Cocotte vs Dutch oven. To sum up, Cocottes are a type of Dutch oven, although they are not the same as traditional Dutch ovens.
Which is the best option for you? Although it is a personal choice, the following factors should be considered in order to get the most out of these great cooking pots.
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