8 Dutch Oven is factory seasoned for a naturally non-stick finish. It holds 4.5 quarts making it the perfect size for everyday baking, braising, and more. And at just 6.5 pounds, it's easy to move from the stovetop to the oven or table.
Field sizing is based on vintage cast iron conventions, so our No. 8 size means a 10 ¼" width, edge-to-edge. Dimensions: 10 ¼" diameter.
Ever inherit a Le Creuset Dutch Oven and don't know the capacity? You can measure with cups of water, pouring one at a time to gauge how much the pot can hold. Or you can also lift the lid and look for the stamped number. A 24 indicates a 5.5-quart (4.2-liter) round dutch oven.
Wagner Ware #8 Cast Iron SKILLET 1088F 10" Diameter x 3" Deep Sits FLAT USA Made.
Dutch ovens larger than 7 quarts are great for big families or when cooking in batches. They hold enough food for parties or storing leftovers. Yet, these big pots can be heavy and might not fit in smaller ovens.
8 Dutch Oven is factory seasoned for a naturally non-stick finish. It holds 4.5 quarts making it the perfect size for everyday baking, braising, and more. And at just 6.5 pounds, it's easy to move from the stovetop to the oven or table.
Anywhere between a 5- to 7-quart Dutch oven is the right all-purpose size for most cooking tasks. It has high walls that prevent spillage and enough surface area to brown meat for a braise, but it's not so big that you need help hauling it in and out of the oven. It's also the perfect size for bringing to the table.
Field cast iron cookware matches traditional vintage sizing conventions, where the “number” corresponds not to diameter in inches, but to the burner ring size on an old-fashioned wood-burning stove. That means a 7 quart No. 10 Dutch Oven is actually wider than 10 inches.
This is a Griswold size #8 and it measures about 10.5 inches in diameter. This example is from the large block logo era, and judging from the smooth bottom with no heat ring, it was probably produced sometime in the 1930s.
10 to 10.25 inches is the most popular size. Skillets this size can handle one to two steaks at a time, or up to four chicken thighs, ideal for a family of four. They can be heavy, but they're less hefty than larger cast iron skillets.
Best Dutch oven overall: Staub Cocotte
In terms of craftsmanship and price, Staub's Dutch oven, which the brand calls a “cocotte,” is on par with the ubiquitous Le Creuset we've been recommending for years. Both are premium cast iron Dutch ovens with high-quality chip-resistant enamel, and both heat and sear evenly.
Why is Le Creuset cookware so expensive? The short answer is: because you get what you pay for. Le Creuset makes some of the best cast iron cookware on the market, including the best Dutch oven money can buy.
The main difference between a cast iron Dutch oven and one that's enamel-coated is the finish. Raw cast iron needs to be seasoned to make it nonstick and rust-resistant, while enameled Dutch ovens are somewhat nonstick and protected out of the box.
The 8 and 9 irons are commonly called the "short irons". They have the highest-mass clubheads and the shortest shafts of the numbered irons, and are used for shots requiring high loft or moderate to short distance (typically between 130 and 150 yards with a full swing).
Griswold pans, like many other vintage cast iron brands, were made with quality craftsmanship. After casting, they went through an additional step called milling, resulting in a silky-smooth surface. This not only allows for easier seasoning but also ensures an even cooking experience.
The value of antique cast iron skillets can start at similar to new prices, but a super rare Wagner or Griswold can fetch up to $1,500 apiece. A mint condition, super rare "spider skillet" made in the 1890s by Griswold is worth up to $8,000.
8 Cast Iron Skillet 10.5 Inch Frying Pan 704N 704 N Erie PA 10.5”
Many rafters use the “Three Up, Three Down” rule, which means that you have three extra pieces of coal on top of the Dutch oven and three fewer underneath. As heat rises, you could easily burn the food if you place too many below.
Cooking in the oven
Typically, the entire dutch oven can be placed inside the oven, including the lid. The lid will help trap heat and moisture.
The Best Option for Most People: 5–7 Quart Dutch Ovens
A 5–7 quart Dutch oven is the sweet spot for most home cooks. This size is great for cooking for four people (often with leftovers).
Large: 7, 8, and 9+ QT
Benefits of this size: If you cook for a large family or are regularly tapped to make food for holidays or parties, then a larger size Dutch oven will be an incredibly helpful addition to your cookware collection.
Generally speaking, round pots tend to fit better on the stovetop because the shape is consistent with the shape of the burner. On the other hand, an oval shape really shines in the oven.