Use it the same as you'd use 4 qt saucepan. Its a super useful size to have. Its also great for heating up a smaller amount of leftovers the next day after you've made a larger amount in a big cocotte. We have a 4 qt as well as the 1.5 qt and 3.25 qt French ovens and use them all quite regularly. It's the perfect large saucepan really. If you're only cooking for 2-3 people, its probably ideal actually as a cocotte and its very versatile regardless. Answer from aflyingsquanch on reddit.com