Forgive my ignorance, but does it make a difference about

[no_hypocrisy]

the shape of a Dutch Oven for making stews, ragouts, etc.?

I have a classic La Creuset round DO, but I've seen chefs using oval ones too.

Are some recipes supposed to be made in one, but not the other?

[SamKnause]

1. The shape does not matter.

Stew can be made in a round or oval Dutch Oven.

Size would be the only issue.

Be sure the size you pick can hold all the ingredients of the recipe.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. Thank you!

[SamKnause]

5. A poster pointed out it makes a difference if you are using the oven or stove top.

Oval would not be a good choice for stove top cooking because burners are round.

[lillypaddle]

2. I would have thought the shape is irrelevant

but after googling the question, this was what I found:

They come in different sizes, materials, and shapes that serve different culinary purposes. Oval-shaped Dutch ovens are great for roasting, while round ones are better for stovetop cooking.Sep 17, 2021

Interesting. Damn, you can find everything on google!

[SamKnause]

4. Thanks for that info.

I was thinking oven, not stove top.

I would never think of cooking with an oval on a stove top.

[Scrivener7]

6. I could see the point of round for stovetop and oval for oven

but at hundreds a pop, I use my oval one for all of it with good results.

(PS, it's an off brand from Home Goods. Lots cheaper, same results)

[Retrograde]

7. I feel the same, but I use round for all purposes

I have 2, a round 12" black Lodge (bought at a flea market for $1, complete with lid - I have to brag about this) and a smaller Le Creuset (bought at an outlet store, on Seniors 10% off day, with a "buy 3 things get an extra 20% off" that got the total down to less than the price of the pot). If I had the storage space I wouldn't mind having an oval Dutch oven for poultry, but I don't so I stick with the round versions, which IMHO do better on the stove top

[Scrivener7]

9. I bought my oval one for roasts, and then discovered how nice it is to cook with, so oval it is!

I recently priced them for a gift. OMG! Great find on the dollar one! I'm jealous.

[FarPoint]

8. I personally totally dislike the oval for stove top ...

.Maybe I would use for roasting a chicken for example...but this is "just me" as it just does not feel right ....probably a little OCD....I do not have one and tell family not to buy me one...

I sense they work perfectly....

[irisblue]

10. Check the weight of the roaster. My SIL took a 5# bag of sugar, put it in differing roasters

To make sure she could lift a loaded roaster.