Very little. A French oven is typically an enamelled cast iron pot, often associated with French brands such as Le Creuset and Chasseur. Dutch oven is the broader name and can also refer to uncoated cast iron.
Bubble, braise, bake or roast, French ovens turn rambling recipes into dinners of dreams. Built from enamelled cast iron for steady heat and decades of delicious duty, Le Creuset, Chasseur and leading cookware brands carry glorious meals from stovetop to oven to table. Peters of Kensington has been serving Australian cooks French foodie flair since 1977.
Why a French oven belongs in every serious kitchen
French ovens hold heat like they mean business. Thick cast iron keeps braises low and slow, bread crusts crackling and roasts cooking evenly, while the heavy lid locks in heat and moisture. It can simmer soup on Tuesday, bake sourdough on Saturday and head straight out to the table looking chic. Built for decades of recipe revolution the French cast iron pot is ready for years of braises, bread experiments and bubbling family favourites
How to choose the right French oven
Start with size. 20-22cm French ovens suit smaller households and side dishes, while a 24-26cm covers most family meals. Go larger for batch cooking, big roasts and second helping territory.
Round pots suit soups, stews and everyday stovetop cooking; oval shapes give whole chickens and longer cuts room to stretch. Then choose your colour, finish and favourite maker, with Le Creuset and Chasseur offering plenty of cast-iron character.
Complete your cast iron collection
Give your French oven a solid supporting cast. A casserole pot takes care of gratins, roasts and anything improved by a golden top, while stockpots, Dutch ovens and stewpots step in for soup, stock and slow-simmered classics. Add a cookware set for daily duties and oven-to-table cookware handles the grand entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Dutch oven and a French oven?
What can you cook in a French oven?
French ovens are suited to braises, stews, casseroles, soups, risottos, slow-cooked meats and bread. Their even heat and heavy, tight-fitting lids make them especially useful for low-and-slow cooking.
Is a French oven dishwasher safe?
Check the care instructions for your specific pot. Enameled cast iron French ovens can often go in the dishwasher, but warm water, dish soap and a soft sponge will help protect the enamel’s shine and colour over the long haul.