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Staub vs Le Creuset Dutch Oven

If you’re someone who loves spending a lot of time in the kitchen, you probably have a checklist of kitchen gear to invest in. I’m willing to bet that Staub and Le Creuset are in there somewhere. These 2 Dutch oven brands are known for their sturdiness, endurance, and straightforward aesthetic.

Both Staub and Le Creuset dutch ovens provide excellent cooking performance and are extremely durable and flexible. If you like fun, colorful cookware that will add a personal touch to your kitchen, go for Le Creuset. If you prefer a more classic, traditional look, invest in Staub.

This article will discuss the factors that make Staub and Le Creuset similar, including their indisputable durability, versatility, and functionality. We’ll also take a closer look at both of these Dutch oven brands and see how they came to dominate the Dutch oven market. Let’s get started!

Similarities Between Staub and Le Creuset Dutch Ovens

When it comes to enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens, there are only two names worth mentioning — Staub and Le Creuset. They are French brands that have earned a reputation for efficiency, strength, and longevity. It doesn’t hurt that both brands are pleasing to the eye, making them drool-worthy as collectibles.

Enameled Cast Iron

This simply means that the cast-iron surface is covered by an enamel coating. Enamel is powdered glass melted onto the cast-iron surface under high temperatures. The melted glass then bonds with the cast iron, creating a surface that’s much more durable, safer, and less reactive than it originally was.

Cooking Flexibility

Dutch ovens are generally intended for cooking dishes that take a while to prepare. Le Creuset and Staub can maintain high temperatures for hours and thus ensure sumptuous flavors that can only be achieved with slow cooking.

The tight lids trap moisture and guarantee juicy, tender meats every time. 3 layers of smooth enamel on the surface stop food from sticking to the cookware.

Le Creuset and Staub can both be used with various methods of cooking. They can withstand heat from the stove, grill, or oven. They can be used atop induction ovens, too. Both Dutch oven brands are equipped with ergonomic handles and knobs designed for convenient and safe handling, especially at high temperatures.

Furthermore, unlike traditional cast iron, enameled cast-iron cookware doesn’t react to acidic food. Meals with acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, chilies, vinegar, and lemon, may taste metallic when cooked in traditional cast-iron cookware. You don’t have to feel like you’re eating pennies with your spaghetti sauce when you cook it in your Staub or Le Creuset pan.

Here are some of the dishes you can prepare using your enameled cast-iron cookware:

• Stews and broths
• Soups
• Sauces
• Braised meats
• Roasted meats
• Seared meats
• Charred meats
• Sauteed vegetables
• Fried meats
• Deep-fried meats
• Baked bread

Functionality

Both Le Creuset and Staub can be counted on to cook your food slowly and evenly. These 2 giant brands are the epitome of Dutch ovens. They are both thick-walled and made of practically indestructible enameled cast iron. Both are armed with perfectly-fitting lids guaranteed to seal in all the rich flavors and mouth-watering aromas.

These top Dutch oven brands can also be used for serving food. Thanks to their reliable heat retention properties, food can stay warm for a long time. The light-colored interiors make it easier to keep tabs on your cooking progress. Staub’s and Le Creuset’s aesthetically-pleasing designs also make them ideal for serving dishes during meals.

Practicality

You will never need to season your enameled cast-iron cookware. Seasoning involves polymerizing oil on the surface of your pan. This is the process of heating oil in the pan at high temperatures in order to transform it into a sticky, hard shell that becomes bound to the pan’s surface.

Seasoning is what gives cast-iron pots a layer of protection and a nonstick property. The surface turns from dark gray to an almost black sheen. With bare cast iron, seasoning is required 2-3 times each year—otherwise, you’ll notice that food will keep sticking to the pot’s surface. Rust may even begin to form.

Enameled cast-iron cookware is easier to clean because the pot is covered in a layer of porcelain. You can use a good ol’ non-abrasive dishwashing sponge without worrying about scratching the surface. You can even throw your enameled cast iron pots into the dishwasher.

Safety

Traditional cast iron cookware has been found to leach iron into food while cooking. Iron absorption was observed to go as high as 845%, depending on how long food was cooked, the amount of water in the pan, the type of food, and the food’s acidity level. Seasoning significantly reduces the amount of leached iron.

The iron leaching into the food may make your meals taste metallic, especially those with acidic ingredients. If your traditional cast-iron pan isn’t well-seasoned and you cook acidic food for an extended time, the acids will penetrate through the seasoning and into the cast-iron surface.

The leached iron may be beneficial for people who have iron deficiencies or are anemic. However, this process may adversely affect those diagnosed with Hemochromatosis (a condition in which iron accumulates in the body) and Bronze Diabetes, which causes a person’s skin takes on a bronze hue due to iron accumulation.

Iron leaching is not an issue with enameled cast iron cookware like Le Creuset and Staub dutch ovens. The enamel coating keeps the cast-iron surface away from your food, preventing iron from leaching into your meals.

Pricing and Durability

Enameled cast iron is quickly gaining ground on traditional cast-iron cookware. More and more chefs and home cooks prefer it because it effortlessly lends a more visual appeal to cookware without sacrificing performance. Staub and Le Creuset are probably the most well-known and reliable brands when it comes to this revolutionary type of cookware.

Both Staub and Le Creuset come with a lifetime warranty. That’s how much confidence these 2 brands have in their products.

They are also probably the most expensive enameled cast-iron cookware on the market. The hefty price tag comes with reliability, durability, functionality, safety, and longevity.

All About Staub

Staub first became known for their cast-iron cookware, simply known as The Casserole or “The Cocotte” in France. The company was established in 1974 in the region of Alsace in the eastern part of France. Word soon spread about how this cookware is exceptionally practical, durable, and attractive to boot.

There are currently a lot of Dutch ovens available, so if there’s one telltale sign of a Staub cookware, it would be the dark interior. Staub Dutch ovens have an enameled cast-iron surface designed to absorb and distribute heat evenly.  The dark matte interior is textured, so juices and moisture from food are efficiently extracted and retained within the pot. This results in flavorful sauces and moist, tender meats.

Even the insides of the lids of Staub Dutch ovens don’t have smooth surfaces—they have evenly distributed nubs. When moisture condenses inside the pot, the vapors rise to the top and form water droplets around these bumps. The droplets then drip down uniformly onto the food, ensuring that each dish is packed with enticing aromas and flavors.

Staub Colors

Staub Dutch ovens come in a variety of exciting colors. These hues can certainly liven up any kitchen. You can collect all sizes in the same color or mix and match colors to create depth and contrast when you display your Staub collection in your kitchen.

Here are the standard colors you can choose from:

• Cherry Red
• Grenadine Red
• Burnt Orange
• Aubergine Purple
• Dark Blue
• Turquoise
• Basil Green
• Graphite Grey
• White
• White Truffle
• Matte Black

Staub Pros

Staub is a trusted name in the world of Dutch ovens. The brand is synonymous with durability, functionality, and value for money. Here are more reasons why a Staub Dutch oven is a wise investment:

• Less expensive than rival French brand Le Creuset. Comparative data shows that these 2 big Dutch oven brands produce pretty much the same results. You get more value for your money with Staub cookware. Expect to fork out over $200 for a mid-sized Staub Dutch oven and over $300 for a similar-sized Le Creuset Dutch oven.
• Double-glazed enamel. This coating prevents rust from forming on the surface even with frequent long-term use. It also makes Staub Dutch ovens easier to clean.
• Metal knobs. Staub always uses metal knobs less likely to be damaged than other types of materials, especially when exposed to high temperatures.
• Bumps in the lid. This design was pioneered by Staub. The nubs create a rainfall effect inside the pot while cooking, essentially equipping the pot to self-baste. This ensures that meats always come out tender and moist.
• Lid fit. Staub Dutch ovens have the reputation of arguably the best perfectly-fitted lids in the industry. This translates to less moisture escaping from the pot, a handy feature when slow cooking.
• Hand-made. Staub Dutch ovens are still hand-made in France. This is probably why they are more expensive than other Dutch oven brands. However, the fact that they are crafted by hand ensures that each piece is methodically created and rigorously inspected.
• Limited lifetime warranty. Staub offers a lifetime warranty for cast-iron products, provided you meet the criteria. These do not include regular wear and tear and damages incurred due to improper handling.

Staub Cons

Many good things have been said about Staub, but you cannot take away the fact that it also has flaws. This negative feedback has done little to tarnish its reputation, but it’s wise to keep some of them in mind. Here are a few of them:

• Dark gray interiors. Staub’s interior dark finish makes it harder for some people to monitor the cooking progress, let alone tell if the meat and other ingredients are already burnt.
• Nubs in the lid. These smart additions may afford Staub Dutch ovens the ability to self-baste, but they also make cleaning difficult. It can be pretty frustrating to get around those little bumps with your sponge or brush, especially when dealing with stubborn stains and residue.

Staub Product Range

Since it first entered the Dutch oven scene in 1974, Staub has become one of the most reliable and trusted kitchen brands worldwide. They have ventured into other avenues in cookware, making it a conscious effort to always produce top-quality products that make cooking so much simpler—even for the average home cook.

Here is some Staub merchandise you might want to take a closer look at:

Mini French Ovens

You might frequently stumble upon the terms “French oven” and “Dutch oven” and find yourself wondering what the difference is between the 2.

In essence, the difference lies merely in the enamel coating. Traditionally, “Dutch oven” refers to cast-iron cookware, while “French oven” refers to enamel-coated cast iron. However, these days, we usually refer to both bare cast-iron and enameled cast-iron cookware as “Dutch ovens.”

Staub’s Mini French Ovens are perfect for serving small portions, especially when dishes best served warm are involved. These round, shallow mini pots are also great for baking individually-portioned desserts. And since they’re reliable in keeping temperatures constant, these mini French ovens can also be used for serving chilled pâtés and dips.

Skillets

Staub skillets are cast-iron and enjoy the same durability and functionality as their Dutch ovens. The enameled surface is ideal for searing or browning meat. The ones that come equipped with metal handles can also be used in the oven. Moreover, in true Staub fashion, their skillets come with perfectly-fitted lids, so you can always look forward to tender, juicy meats.

Ceramics

Staub’s ceramic range is an excellent alternative to the pricier Dutch ovens. They are as reliable and functional, plus they’re easy on the eye, too. Staub ceramics are scratch-resistant and stackable.

Another great thing about ceramics is they can make beautiful serving dishes, especially since Staub offers attractive colors for their ceramic range. They can go straight from your oven or freezer to your dinner table.

All About Le Creuset

Le Creuset was the first of its kind and is the pioneer of top-quality, heavy-duty, and colorful enameled cast-iron cookware. It first graced kitchens in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand in France and quickly won the hearts of chefs, cooks, and families worldwide.

Everyone loved this revolutionary chip-resistant cookware and appreciated the fact that aesthetics must no longer be compromised in the name of functionality.

Le Creuset Colors

Before the launch of Le Creuset, Dutch ovens came in the traditional black or dull gray hue. They were purely utilitarian and uninteresting until a casting specialist, Armand Desaegher, and an enameling expert, Octave Aubecq, came along.

The 2 French craftsmen put their heads together to come up with a charming Dutch oven that is more versatile than the ones already popular at the time. Le Creuset was born!

Le Creuset is world-renowned for its engaging, rich colors. If you see a Dutch oven in an eye-catching hue, you would, in all likelihood, assume that it’s a Le Creuset. Since introducing their first signature color in 1925—Flame, a deep reddish-orange hue—they have gone on to craft more of their bold and vibrant kitchenware.

Here are some of the most iconic Le Creuset colors loved the world over:

Red-Orange Hues

• Flame
• Volcanic
• Cerise
• Nectar

Blue-Gray Hues

• Marseille
• Caribbean
• Artichaut
• Azure
• Chambray
• Deep Teal
• Indigo
• Agave
• Sea Salt

Subtle Hues

• White
• Oyster
• Meringue
• Olive
• Fig
• Chiffon Pink

Le Creuset colors vary per country. The French brand also loves keeping its clients guessing by continually coming up with new exciting colors. Some hues have already been discontinued. If you have some of these in your possession, you might actually find them increasing in value each year. Yes, Le Creuset is a wise investment, usage-wise and resale value-wise.

Here are the colors usually available in the US:

• Flame
• Cerise
• Nectar
• Marseille
• Caribbean
• Agave
• Artichaut
• Deep Teal
• Indigo
• Oyster
• Sea Salt
• Meringue
• White
• Matte Cotton
• Cool Mint
• Fig
• Stone
• Licorice
• Cayenne
• Black
• Black & White
• Burgundy
• Coastal Blue
• Cosmos
• Hibiscus
• Ice Green
• Matte Black
• Matte French Grey
• Matte Navy
• Mist Grey
• Palm
• Provence
• Satin
• Satin Chrome
• Shell Pink
• Soleil
• Olive
• Azure
• Chiffon Pink
• Chambray
• Multi-Color

Le Creuset Pros

Suffice it to say that Le Creuset is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to Dutch ovens. We’ve discussed quite a few reasons why its dominance in the market is unmatched. To sum things up—and add a few more pointers worth mentioning—here’s a closer look at what makes Le Creuset a wise choice:

• Wide, looped handles. These provide convenience and ease when handling the cookware. The handles come in handy when cooking food at high temperatures and transferring cookware from the oven or stove to your tabletop.
• Wide, flat bottoms. The spacious surface makes frying, stewing, searing, braising, or even baking much easier. Cleaning is a breeze as well.
• Creamy white interior. This makes it easier to track your cooking progress, especially when browning meats or cooking vegetables.
• Lightweight. Le Creuset weighs less than most Dutch oven brands. This will make it easier for you to move around your kitchen with a Dutch oven in tow.
• Still hand-forged. It may be hard to believe, especially in today’s modern times when almost everything is done by machines, but Le Creuset Dutch ovens are still made by hand. This ensures that each product is carefully crafted and meticulously inspected before it finds itself in your hands.
• Comes in a wide array of colors. You can buy a set of the same color or mix and match to make your collection look unique and fun.
• Highly recognizable. Its unique silhouette and shape can easily be recognized by the average Joe. Le Creuset is associated with many famous chefs and celebrities, and many of us want to jump on the bandwagon that is Le Creuset.
• Exceptionally durable. There’s a reason you can find vintage Le Creuset Dutch ovens in antique stores or garage sales—they are long-lasting and virtually indestructible. You can look forward to passing on your Le Creuset Dutch oven to the future generations in your family.
• Lifetime warranty. What more can you ask for? This is the icing on the cake for an heirloom piece.

Le Creuset Cons

Even the best of the best has its flaws. Le Creuset is no stranger to negative feedback and bad reviews, but these are few and far between. Take a look at some of the unfavorable things that have been said about Le Creuset:

• Too expensive. Some people may think that a good Dutch oven doesn’t necessarily have to cost a fortune, especially since several brands are available in the market today. You could easily spend over $300 to purchase a mid-sized Le Creuset Dutch oven.
• Phenolic knobs could melt. Before 2020, Le Creuset used phenolic knobs for their lids—a heat-proof plastic that is oven-safe even in temperatures as high as 500°F. There have been reports of the phenolic knobs melting, particularly when baking, so now stainless steel knobs are fitted on their lids.

Le Creuset Product Range

The world-renowned French brand may have been around for almost a century, but this does not mean they have explored everything there is to know in their craft. On the contrary, Le Creuset continues to adapt to the demands and expectations of the changing times and a demanding following. They now offer a wider product range to cater to varying needs and wants.

Apart from their flagship enameled cast-iron cookware, Le Creuset also offers the following:

Stainless Steel Cookware

A lot of folks may be in for a surprise when they find out that Le Creuset makes stainless steel pans, too. True to form, the French brand ensures that their pans are top quality, elegantly designed, and meticulously crafted.

Their 3-layer stainless steel pans boast 2 coatings of stainless steel and a core made of aluminum. The aluminum core is an ingenious way to help prevent food from sticking and to distribute heat evenly across the surface.

Heritage Stoneware

Le Creuset’s Heritage Stoneware may often be mistaken for its cast iron products. After all, they come in practically the same rich colors, making them perfect for mixing and matching with the other Le Creuset items you already have.

What’s great about Heritage Stoneware is that they come in different shapes and sizes, making them ideal both as cooking vessels and serving dishes. They’re pretty hefty and can hold heat longer than other brands.

Nonstick Cookware

What sets Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick cookware apart from the rest is that they don’t use Teflon as a coating for their pans. Teflon has been linked to adverse effects from ingesting the chemicals released when it’s exposed to extremely high temperatures.

Le Creuset uses its own technology to create a nonstick coating that is PTFE and PFOA free. It’s 4 times tougher than Teflon and doesn’t peel off easily.

How To Take Care of Your Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Topnotch enameled cast iron cookware like Staub and Le Creuset are built to last a lifetime. These types of cookware can be passed on from generation to generation. However, proper care should still be observed if you want your treasured kitchenware to stay in top shape.

Here are some tips on caring for your enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens:

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning your Le Creuset or Staub cookware may seem like a breeze after every cooking session. The smooth finish allows even the stickiest of sauces to easily wash off, especially after soaking the pan in water with a bit of dishwashing soap.

However, it’s essential to clean your cookware the right way to avoid damaging it. Regular cleaning is also vital, ideally after each use, to prevent flavors from sticking to the surface and carrying over to your next dish.

It’s said that enameled cast-iron cookware is dishwasher-safe. However, cleaning by hand is still recommended because this method is more thorough and gentler. Proper cleaning can help preserve your cookware’s functionality and aesthetic properties.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Always wait for your cookware to cool down completely. Forcibly scrubbing off food particles on the surface of your pan may damage it or create minor scratches.
2. Use a non-abrasive sponge and warm, soapy water to clean your cookware. You may also use a nylon scrubbing brush for food particles that are harder to get rid of. Never use metal brushes, as these may cause chips and scratches. Avoid using citrus-based soaps since these may strip away bits of your cookware’s smooth enamel surface.
3. Allow your cookware to air dry completely. You may also wipe with a clean, soft towel before storing.

Usage Tips

Even if your Dutch oven’s surface is proven durable and chip-resistant, proper care should still be observed when using this handy kitchen partner. Here are some simple tips to ensure that your Dutch oven stays in great shape for years and generations to come:

• Never use highly abrasive materials when cleaning. Don’t use steel wool or metal scrapers to remove stubborn stains and debris. Soaking in warm water and soap for a few minutes usually loosens any tough residue.
• Don’t use metal utensils when cooking. Stick to silicone, wood, and other soft material when cooking using your Dutch oven. Metal utensils scratch the surface and cause cracks and chips.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is another essential factor in ensuring that your enameled cast-iron kitchenware is always in excellent condition. Improper storage can lead to chips, scratches, and other damages, affecting cooking performance and longevity.

Avoid stacking your pots and pans one on top of the other. If you lack space, use pot protectors between each piece.

Key Takeaways

Your Dutch oven is your workhorse in the kitchen. You can count on it for a multitude of tasks, from frying to searing to roasting to braising, and yes, even baking.

Eye-catching colors and its unmatched reputation for quality are what draw people to Le Creuset. The spiked lids and friendlier price tags are what make Staub a favorite among many people.

These two brands have subtle differences, but they can both cook food superbly. It really all depends on your needs and wants. Whether you go for Staub or Le Creuset, you’ll undoubtedly make a wise investment.