What is the difference between dutch oven and french oven

As mentioned by Wajda, cocotte refers not only to a tight-lidded cooking vessel, but also to the dish cooked within it. However, a doufeu introduced by Le Creuset in the s sports a recessed lid meant for holding coal to promote even heating during hearth cooking, much like a bake kettle. Some cooks fill the lid with ice, instead, which cools the lid, causes the steam at the top of the pot to condense, and helps the food within retain moisture.

Meanwhile, in the Provence region of France, hunters favored a tightly lidded version called a cassadou , shaped to accommodate large cuts of meat. To those who love this versatile cooking device, it may seem silly to argue semantics.

Really, who cares what you call it? The important thing is to recognize the Dutch oven, and all its iterations, as one of the most versatile and beloved cooking devices in the world. These creative holiday gift ideas are perfect for the food-loving fams in your life. Detroit knows how to do pizza. We explore this unique take on the classic, giving you a boss recipe to make your own. Take a trip into the past as the renowned Chef Bastianich chronicles the roots of this Italian pasta.

These snack boxes and food delivery services curate interesting and even hard-to-find snacks from Brazil to Japan and points in between. Why are Dutch ovens so popular? First and foremost, they can be transferred easily from the stove top to the oven, making them a great choice for stews and casseroles. Assuming they're made from the right material, they're also durable enough to last for many years.

Another bonus: If you have a cast iron Dutch oven with a flanged lid, it can be put directly on the hot coals of a campfire. There's only one key difference between a Dutch oven and a French oven: The latter has an enameled finish. Therefore, a French oven is technically a Dutch oven, but this finishing touch puts it in its own subcategory.

If the distinction is such a minor one, why are the pots referred to by different names? The answer goes back to a marketing strategy devised by the French companies that began adding the enameled coating in the first place. These businesses Le Creuset is one popular example tried selling their enameled Dutch ovens as "French ovens" in an effort to set them apart from the competition.

However, the term didn't really catch on, which is why many people are still confused when they hear it. As we mentioned, the Dutch oven is best suited to stews and braised dishes.

It can also be used for deep-frying, depending on the size of the unit. When the cast iron is seasoned properly, it turns out excellent corn bread. If it's versatility you're looking for, a Dutch oven is a great option. A French oven can be used for most of the same cooking applications as a Dutch oven. They can toggle easily between the stove top and the oven, which makes them favorites for stews such as beef bourguignon.

The enamel comes in a variety of colors, so they make attractive serving dishes as well. Some companies even make French ovens with customized shapes, so you can bake an apple pie that's shaped like an apple. Ever been confused by Dutch ovens and French ovens?

Let us lay out the differences between these two versatile pieces of cast iron cookware. What is a Dutch oven? What is a French oven? So which is better? Shop Cookware. Our newest recipes. Cooking a delicious meal is not im-pot-ssible when you use the right cookware. Shop cookware. Thank you for entering the Ultimate Kitchen Giveaway!

August 27, About the author. View All Posts. Jennifer Baron My name is Jennifer Baron and I have a love and passion for cooking fresh, home-style, clean, healthy and nutritious recipes for 30 years.

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