Marmite vs. cocotte or casserole

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill)C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Marmite vs. cocotte or casserole

Looking up the word for 'cooking pot' in Collins dictionary, I found two translations: 'une casserole' and 'une cocotte'. I am familiar with 'une casserole' being used more specifically for a 'saucepan' so I used 'cocotte'. I had completely forgotten about 'marmite', but was reminded of it after seeing it for the first time in many years - and, it makes complete sense.

My question: Is 'cocotte' incorrect here, and if so, how would it be used?

Merci !

Asked 1 year ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Shamrockhill, 

In French :

une casserole = a saucepan 

une marmite = a large cooking pot,  what you call a casserole in English, I visualize black cast iron but not necessarily 

une cocotte a cooking pot/casserole you will use in the everyday kitchen

une cocotte-minute ( autocuiseur) a pressure-cooker 

Hope this helps!

HerbC1Kwiziq community member

I used ¨un chaudron¨ which seems to be commonly used here in Quebec. Correct (enough), or not?

CécileKwiziq team member

Hi Herb,

To me, a 'chaudron' ( cauldron) is a very large cast iron container that you would have put over an open fire to cook your food but wouldn't find in a modern kitchen.

This may be different in Canada as I know there are some differences in vocabulary.

You could use a 'chaudron' to melt metal in industry or it conjures up the image of a witch cooking her potions in one.

Hope this helps!

Marmite vs. cocotte or casserole

Looking up the word for 'cooking pot' in Collins dictionary, I found two translations: 'une casserole' and 'une cocotte'. I am familiar with 'une casserole' being used more specifically for a 'saucepan' so I used 'cocotte'. I had completely forgotten about 'marmite', but was reminded of it after seeing it for the first time in many years - and, it makes complete sense.

My question: Is 'cocotte' incorrect here, and if so, how would it be used?

Merci !

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