Fall cooking just got into the spirit: Staub’s pumpkin-shaped Dutch ovens are back in stock and at a discount — an affordable way to bring a collectible piece of cookware into wonderfully decorative value territory. If you’ve been biding your time before buying one for your stovetop, this is it.
The stand-out deal here is the 3.5-quart Pumpkin Cocotte, which is down to $199.99 from its usual $369.99—$170 off, or roughly 46% off. Discounts are glaze-dependent, but that classic burnt orange is bottoming out. The 0.75-quart minis are also marked down to about $49.99 (approximately 16% off), perfect for if you’re looking for the seasonal look, but don’t want the larger footprint of the 2-quart versions.
To put it in perspective, it’s extremely rare to see a specialty Staub cocotte for anywhere close to sub-$200, let alone one that also works as holiday decor and year-round workhorse. Inventory starts to taper as the depths of the peak soup-and-stew season approach, and historically the best colors go quickly.
What you’re getting
Staub’s pumpkin is no mere showpiece. It’s made of heavy-gauge cast iron coated with chip-resistant enamel. Inside, Staub has a matte black enamel known for searing and caramelization, and the tight-fitting lid locks in moisture for tender braises and long simmers. The pot is compatible with all cooktop surfaces, including induction, and oven- and broiler-safe. It’s also dishwasher-safe, but most pros advise hand-washing to keep the shiny exterior intact.
Performance has long made Staub a favorite of independent testers. At America’s Test Kitchen and The New York Times’ Wirecutter, testers praise Staub’s superior heat retention, solid construction, and how the lids fit snugly on top of the pot—all essential for even results when making soups, stews, and slow braises. In practical terms, that means fewer hot spots, more consistent simmering and more even browning on everything from short ribs to onions for French onion soup.
What size should you buy?
The sweet spot for many home cooks is the 3.5-quart cocotte. It’s small for weeknights, but large for a rousing chili, a four-person curry or a 2-pound braise. It’s also a good choice for baking smaller boules, roasting root vegetables, or simmering stock concentrates without taking up a burner.
The 0.75-quart mini is more niche. Picture individual pot pies, French onion soup crocks, hot dips or baked eggs. It serves as an oven-to-table serving piece for side dishes, sauces and gratins — and yes, it does double as a seasonal element on open shelving when not in use.
Colors, finishes, and care
Staub usually carries the pumpkin in its signature burnt orange, matte black and a variation of seasonal glazes. With discounts, color often follows, so the lowest price could be associated with a certain finish. Irrespective of the hue, the enamel on the oven is designed to resist staining and scratching and won’t need to be seasoned like raw cast iron.
One small bit of care to keep in mind: cool the pot before washing, no metal scouring pads, and medium heat—cast iron’s mass does much of the work with heat. With minimal care, these pieces are heirloom-quality durable, and that’s part of why they retain value and get passed down.
How this deal compares
Specialty-shaped enameled Dutch ovens from high-end makers can often be found for more than $300, even in a 22-cup volume. Against that backdrop, a 3.5-quart Staub at $199.99 is a compelling entry into high-quality enameled cast iron. You’re getting the same fundamental performance that Staub is beloved for — thick walls, great browning, a lid that locks in moisture — in a seasonal shape that doesn’t feel gimmicky after November passes.
When you can’t decide between decorative and practical, among other things, this one has it all.
It’s just as at home anchoring a holiday table as it is breaking down a Sunday sugo, and it’s easily stored due to the small footprint compared to capacity.
Bottom line
Staub pumpkin Dutch ovens are in stock and hot on the deal right now, with the 3.5-quart size in particular ringing in as a best value, while the mini version provides a bargain-basement entry point into the line-up.
If you’ve had a premium cocotte on your radar to make fall soups, braises and breads, it’s a rare price window to catch before the best colors are no longer there.