What size Dutch oven should I buy?

A 5-to-6-quart Dutch oven is the most-recommended size for households of 2-4, big enough for a whole chicken, a batch of stew, or a boule of sourdough. Households cooking for 5+ or batch-cooking soups and braises tend to prefer 7 to 7.25 quarts. Smaller 3-4 quart pots are usually a second purchase, not a first.