Staub vs Le Creuset – Which Is Best?

Whenever we need to buy a new piece of cookware, we are immediately greeted with an overwhelming amount of products. Whether it is pots, pans, knives, or cutting boards, the options can be overwhelming.

When it comes to dutch ovens and other enamel cast iron products, the choices are a bit more obvious. Le Creuset is a fantastic option, and its main computer Staub is a great option too. You might be asking yourself, “so, which one should I buy?” Read on to find out!

What is Le Creuset?

Le Creuset is a brand that everyone knows of and speaks very highly of. If you own a Le Creuset dutch oven, chances are it was in your family for years before you got it. If not, it is guaranteed to be passed down to your kids, grandkids, and maybe even their grandkids.

Le Creuset was founded in 1925 in France and has been making their way into your kitchens and home goods stores ever since. They’re made out of high-quality materials and are available in various bright colors – you really can’t go wrong.

Le Creuset Dutch Ovens

The interior of these dutch ovens is a light cream color that makes it easy to clean. If you aren’t happy with the knob that is included with the product, you can actually upgrade to various types of knobs made of stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and other colors and materials.

The knob included in the Signature models is an all-around favourite. It is thicker than the other models and can withstand a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it is easier to grip and carry while wearing an oven mitt when you are checking on your food. It is made out of high-quality cast iron that is dipped in a cream colored enamel on the interior and various color options on the outside.

The exterior enamel is incredibly strong and is unlikely to chip or crack in your lifetime. It can be used on any type of cooktop including induction. It can be thrown in the dishwasher for an easy and quick clean up.

Fortunately, it isn’t the brand name that sells these dutch ovens. It is their reputation, because they cook food better than other dutch ovens on the market. They lock in all of the juices and flavor that would otherwise evaporate. They distribute the heat throughout the pot as evenly as it gets. You won’t be eating uncooked or overcooked food out of these dutch ovens.

Downside of Le Creuset 

The obvious and only downside to this brand is the price. Depending on the size of the dutch oven, the Le Creuset option could be a month or more rent. Nevertheless, you get what you pay for and Le Creuset has proven that time and time again.

Whether you received yours from your great-great grandma or bought it brand new, it is sure to last your lifetime as well as lifetimes afterward. It will surely be the only Dutch oven you ever need to buy.

Staub & Their Differences from Le Creuset

Staub is another reputable brand that was born in France. They were founded in 1974 and gained popularity with their durable dutch oven, also known as a cocotte.

The Staub Dutch ovens are quite similar to the Le Creuset but there are many differences. The sizing is quite different. While they both come with various options, the Staub might have different quart options that appeal more to you than the Le Creuset. For example, the Le Creuset option comes in 2 quarts among others but the Staub does not have a 2-quart option, only 1.5-quart and 2.5-quart.

The interior is black unlike the sand or cream coloured Le Creuset, which might be more appealing to some than the white. It might not be easier to clean, but it is definitely easier to hide stains! The black interior does come with some advantages.

You can sear meats and other protein sources directly in the dutch oven without needing to pull out a frying pan first. This is great for when you need to make a hearty stew as it basically makes it a one-pot meal. The black interior also makes it more non-stick than the Le Creuset option. This is really helpful for those wanting to reduce how much oil and fat they use while cooking.

These dutch ovens might be from years and years ago, but like the Le Creuset dutch ovens, you can use them on all sorts of cooking tops such as wood stoves and induction cooktops.

Staub Vs Le Creuset Lid

The lid of the Staub is quite different from the Le Creuset lid. They both lock in the moisture so that you don’t lose any flavor. However, the Staub Dutch oven has nubs on the bottom of an overall flat lid.

These nubs collect the moisture and drip it back onto the food as if it is being basted throughout the cooking process. Staub claims they retain 10% more moisture than its competitors including Le Creuset. The knob is made of brass or a nickel-plated metal which can withstand 500 degrees Fahrenheit like the Le Creuset.

Staub comes in at a lower price point. While it is still quite costly, it isn’t as expensive as Le Creuset. However, they are much heavier and this could be problematic for those who have weaker wrists or who just like working with lighter cookware.

Conclusion

While there are some minuscule differences between the two brands, the option is really up to you and what you will need. You might require 2 quarts and prefer the lighter interior color which would make the price of the Le Creuset the best option for you.

However, if you can’t afford it and don’t mind the sizing options and black interior, you wouldn’t be missing out on anything with Staub.

We hope that this article provided some insight into these two competitors and their main differences.