What size braiser do I need?
A 3.5-quart braiser serves 3 to 4 people and a 5-quart 5 to 6, Le Creuset says. The 3.5-quart is nearly 12 inches across inside, room to sear chicken thighs in one layer.
Sizes by household
| Cooking for | Size | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 people | 3.5 qt | Chicken thighs or short ribs in one layer; about 11.8 in across inside (Le Creuset) |
| 5 to 6 people | 5 qt | A family braise or a one-pan meal with vegetables (Le Creuset) |
Braisers are sold by capacity. Measure your oven if you braise with the lid on: Le Creuset's 3.5-quart is 15.8 inches from handle to handle and 5.2 inches tall with its lid.
Every size we list
| Size | Rim diameter | Sets and pans with it |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 qt | 11.8 in | 3 products |
| 3.6 qt | 11.81 in | 1 product |
| 4 qt | 9.75 in | 1 product |
| 5 qt | 12.6 in | 1 product |
On this page
Braiser or Dutch oven?
A braiser is wide and shallow, so meat and vegetables sear in one layer without crowding, and its domed lid keeps the steam in once the liquid goes in. A Dutch oven is deeper, for soups, stews and bigger batches. Le Creuset's 3.5-quart braiser is about 11.8 inches across inside and 2.2 inches deep.
Pans we list, measured
Only the makers' own measurements are shown. Tap a heading to sort.
| Staub Stackable Cast Iron 4-piece set, Matte Black: Braiser | 3.5 US qt | 10 | 7 | Shares the set’s lid |
|---|
Capacity to scale
Volume scale: 0–3.5 US qt. The blue fill shows three-quarters full, the level the portion columns use.
Estimate liquid portions from capacity using your own fill level, or measure a pan you already own.
Questions before you choose
Can a braiser replace a Dutch oven?
For braised meat, chicken thighs and one-layer dishes, yes. For soup, stock or a big stew, a deeper Dutch oven holds more: Le Creuset's 3.5-quart braiser is only 2.2 inches deep inside.
Can a braiser go in the oven?
Le Creuset's Signature braiser is oven-safe to 500°F and lists the broiler among its heat sources. For another braiser, check its own limit and its lid's.