All of our cast iron is round. I heard somewhere years ago that oval shaped casseroles are meant for pot roasting whole chickens.
Is it worth having one over round?
Thanks
Some would say "yes" .. have a watch of this you tube video on the topic for the logic!
I have both a round and an oval cast iron Dutch oven. I stopped using the oval one for two reasons- when it has a roast in it, especially with braising liquid it was almost too heavy to safely lift in & out of the oven. The second reason is that it's Mario Batali's line- didn't want to be looking at that in my kitchen. My round Staub (5.5 qt?) is 9 3/8" and even a 4 lb chicken fits.
Had to google Mario Batali .. he didn't make news downunder in Oz.. now I undertsand your comment BarbN ;-). Regretably, that behaviour was commonplace in the food and beverage industry during my time in the restaurant game (70s & 80s)