Why I chose Staub over Le Creuset

At 50, I finally got the courage to learn how to cook, and the initial experience has been both daunting and rewarding. A Tennesse hillbilly, I grew up around some of the best Southern comfort food, this side of Paris (France). As a NYC and Florida interior designer, I spent most of my working life drooling with lust and envy at my clients' $75K - $300K kitchens. Enabling my mid-life crisis, I tossed the Revere cookware and dashed my newly-renovated kitchen here in Orlando, FL with some panache.

From the start, I knew I wanted my new hobby to have cookware that performed well on a Monogram 36" induction cooktop, while not dealing with heavy seasoning and maintenance of the new cast-iron cookware. Admittedly (and perhaps foolishly), I felt more assured with higher-end cookware compensating for my lack of experience, which I thankfully found to be the case. At this point in my life, I was also willing to pay considerably more for "the best of the best" cast-iron enameled cookware. Had I been on a tight budget, or plan to use the cast-iron outdoors (beach, camping, etc.), I would have gone with Lodge (both enameled and non-enameled), often favorably compared with Le Creuset, Staub and other brands from amateurs to professional chefs, alike.
In looking for the best high-quality cast-iron enamel cookware around, I did extensive online research (including Chow Hound) on "Staub vs. Le Creuset". I also consulted with experienced cooks of various degrees, who worked at places like Williams-Sonoma, Bloomingdale’s and Sur La Table, as well as friends and neighbors.
Interestingly, most of the online recommendations leaned towards Le Creuset (and Lodge), seemingly due to their higher familiarity in the U.S.A., and high satisfaction (and Lodge's lower price-point) by consumers, bloggers, professional chefs, and test kitchens. However, most sales associates and friends/neighbors recommended Staub over Le Creuset, because of Staub's self-basting spikes under the lid (in most of their products), lustrous finish quality ("majolique" coloring and glazing process), standard higher-temperature knobs, and slightly less price-point than Le Creuset. Much of Le Creuset's products come standard with a Phenolic knob (oven safe up to 375 degrees), where Staub's nickel and brass knobs are oven safe up to 500 degrees... big difference when moving a French oven (cocotte) from stove to oven. For an additional cost, Le Creuset does offer stainless steel knobs (also oven safe to 500 degrees), but you're paying extra, compared to Staub's standard knobs.
While the price difference between the two is nominal, I've now collected over 30 Staub pieces, thereby saving considerable dough (around $1K), in buying mostly Staub's cookware. This includes retail, clearance, and special incentives. Here in Orlando, there's a superb Le Creuset factory outlet store. There, Le Creuset sells for around the same price as Staub's retail pricing. Unfortunately, there's no Staub factory outlet stores around Orlando, but you can buy clearance and slightly imperfect items on Staub-USA.com's website. I've also bought several Le Creuset pieces, like their double-burner grill, double-burner griddle, and ceramic cookware, mostly because of aesthetic preferences, and am very pleased with their performance and quality.
Both Staub and Le Creuset claim that their interior coatings are non-stick. I've found this to be true with both manufacturers for oven use, and less-so on the stove (even at lower temperatures). In following Food52.com's recommendations, I lightly season the interiors with vegetable oil, which seems to work. And, I hand-wash most of the pieces, in-spite of Staub's "dishwasher safe" claims, as the dishwasher can dull the glossy finish and tarnish Staub's nickel and brass knobs, over time. Because Le Creuset has a duller finish to begin with, I worry less about putting them in the dishwasher. SIDE NOTE: I've found that having a stainless steel sink is ideal for cast-iron cookware, because it's less likely to chip the cookware's enamel, than in a cast-iron or composite sink. It's just going to scratch the heck out of the stainless sink, which I'm OK with.
Regarding the online recommendations of Le Creuset over Staub, this is my theory about that: Staub's market share in the U.S. has rapidly grown, since the German-based company Zwilling J.A. Henckels purchased Staub (a small company from France's Alsace region) in 2008, and hired a U.S. marketing firm, to directly compete with Le Creuset. Since 1974, Staub has evolved from their earlier utilitarian-looking cocottes to highly-sophisticated cooking vessels. Whereas, privately-owned and larger Le Creuset has successfully continued their French country style, since 1925. Because Le Creuset has been around much longer than Staub, thereby having a greater U.S. presence, logically there are many more reviews/ratings/blogging on Le Creuset than Staub. Along with this and not surprisingly, I’ve noticed a bias towards Le Creuset... they’ve earned their reputation.
In reading online and talking with people familiar with Staub and Le Creuset (including manufacturer reps), I learned that both companies are inspired by each other's concepts (and copy each other's product line), while also trying to have their distinctive design attributes. Thus, I think of Le Creuset as the "Mercedes-Benz" and Staub the "BMW" of cast-iron cookware, albeit we're talking French cuisine as opposed to German technology.
Do I think Staub is better than Le Creuset? For overall cooking, yes. For maintenance, no. Aesthetically, I prefer Staub's more sleeker urbane style than Le Creuset's "artsy-country" look. Everyone loves their Le Creuset, but I’m glad I took the road less traveled with Staub.

Dan Bray
  • Posted by: Dan Bray
  • February 16, 2018
  • 105097 views
  • 27 Comments

27 Comments

Champsdecuisine May 9, 2021
A bit late to the game but I prefer Staub for the mere fact that they claim their enamel finish is PFOA and PTFE free.
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
Never too late - especially when offering such important info like this. I suspect that since 2018 when I wrote this article, many more people are educated and therefore concerned with PFOA and PTFE free products, myself included.
 
Alina A. May 4, 2021
As an enthusiastic owner of both Le Creuset and Staub, I struggle to pick a favourite... Staub does seem to cook a bit better... I would, however, prefer Le Creuset in larger size pots as it is lighter and has comfortably wide handles. You don’t need to choose, treat yourself to both ;-)
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
Well said. But for people with arthritic conditions, or have a higher risk of injury when lifting and carrying heavier cookware from the range to the oven, Le Creuset's larger handles, more ergonomic knobs and slightly lighter weight are important considerations - especially when the cookware if full of liquid and/or food.
 
Elizabeth C. March 1, 2021
As an owner of Staub and Le Creuset, I can say that hands down Staub is the better of the two for a number of reasons:

Le Creuset have a vitreous enamel interior, Staub have a porous more hardwearing enamel interior = longer lasting as well as after use develops a non-stick patina that really elevates flavours with cooking - much in the same way that raw cast iron does

Staub has the basting spikes within their lids that essentially collects moisture when cooking and continually drops it onto whats cooking below - makes a notable difference with lamb roasts as i've tested

Staub in my opinion has a far nicer finish than Le Creuset. Le Creuset i feel puts all the money in their marketing / flagship stores these day and is especially evident by the fact that ALL of their cookware that isn't cast iron is actually made elsewhere i.e China for their non-stick cookware and Thailand for their stoneware, all while fooling customers in thinking it's all made in France which it isn't.

Ask any professional chef, Staub is actually used in more commercial settings than Le Creuset globally



While I started with Le Creuset, this article https://cookwareinsider.com/staub-vs-le-creuset/ that details the comparisons between Staub vs Le Creuset I found to be extra helpful and is what lead me to discover Staub which is now my favourite French cookware brand.

Anyone else here have the two brands and done their own comparison?
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
I like the article supplement you added, as it helps readers make more informed choices. And as you said, from my own travel and culinary experiences, I've seen more restaurants and chefs use Staub than Le Creuset, although I'm not sure why. Seeing Staub's black au gratin dishes and mini-cocottes served table side does seem to add a touch of class to the presentation. In the kitchens, however those chefs and cooks use Staub like it's everyday cookware. I've even seen Staub used on Seabourn cruises.
 
sjg December 1, 2020
Several months ago, before the second German COVID lockdown went into effect, I was able to go to the Staub factory outlet in Turckheim (Alsace), France, where I bought a 28 cm braiser and a 3 liter cocotte. I have wanted a braiser for EVER. I opted for products with minor flaws and saved a bundle. I have both Staub and Le Creuset and love them all.
 
Pqulie94 November 20, 2020
I work at Le Creuset. There is some false information in this article. The phenolic know is oven safe to 450 degrees. The silver ones are safe to 500 and are less than 25 dollars to switch yourself. We are also lighter than Staub. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but those are the facts.
 
Jennifer O. December 1, 2020
I mean, the article was posted nearly three years ago, so perhaps this has changed between then and when you wrote this comment a handful of days ago? I still agree with the original poster - why put on a knob that can't go up to the max temp that the dish can go? Extra money for a functional knob is still extra money.
 
Dan B. December 1, 2020
Appreciate these clarifications, as accuracy is always important to me. Must admit that Laker say is more expensive than Staub, both products are considered comfortable when it comes to quality. However, you have to pay an extra $25 to get the same oven temp specs as Staub’s that is included, for less money?

I agree that LC is slightly lighter than Staub on most of the products they share in common.

And I’m very pleased with the LC products I have.

Appreciate your feedback and hope you give Staub a try in your personal enamel cast-iron collection!
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
Rather than say "false" information about Le Creuset's phenolic knob, as an employee of the company, I'm surprised that you didn't mention (or perhaps weren't aware) that there's two different types of phenolic knobs: Signature phenolic knobs which are oven safe up to 480 degrees (you falsely said 450 degrees), and Classic phenolic knobs which are oven safe up to 390 degrees (you made no mention of this series, either). At the time I wrote this article, such information about Le Creuset's specifications on its knobs were less available, online. Furthermore, the specs I put in this article were actually provided to me by a Le Creuset vendor for Williams-Sonoma in Winter Park, Florida. I'm not sure what you do for LC, but if false information is important enough for you to clarify here on Food52.com, then I suggest you reach out to your own company's field reps, who go to places like W-S and Bloomingdale's, as such misinformation can lead to someone getting seriously injured, handling Le Creuset's cast iron cookware.
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
Indeed, the information for the article I wrote back in 2018 was based on the professional kitchen tests and a Le Creuset vendor with Williams-Sonoma, in Winter Park, Florida. As you suggested the possibility, the information has in-fact changed, and of course I want to be integral in acknowledging such spec-modifications, for the sake of fellow consumer's safety.
 
D.E. September 8, 2020
I'm very familiar with both Le Creuset and Staub. As far as I'm concerned, Staub rules. I started learning how to cook way back in elementary school and have cooked in about every kind of cookware out there over the last 5-plus decades. I cook a lot as I cook from scratch daily. I had cookware pieces by Le Creuset back in the 80s, 90s and part of the 2000s, but I also have had and still have a lot of other brands of cookware.

I spend a lot of time in Paris, Scandinavia, Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia on long, extended vacations and come home with new pieces of cookware from both European and Asian brands and which are basically unavailable here in the U.S.

I love trying out different types of cookware. But, as far as my regular, workhorse pieces of cookware in the very big sea of cookware pieces that I own and have owned since the 1970s, the ones that stand out are my Staubs (18-plus pieces), my gorgeous Vermicular cookware (Japanese-similar to Staub), and my wonderful and solid Serafino Zani-Karen model (Italian) stainless steel cookware that I've had since the early 1990s and thank goodness was introduced to us here in Los Angeles way back then.

As for Staub, I have a lot of styles of their cookware, but in different sizes. I love all of my Staub pieces, but some of my favorite pieces are the small black fish plate (fabulous), Moroccan tajines (2 sizes), tiny graphite gray 3-quart sauce pan, cocottes, black mini braiser, and my two 16cm rice pots. I use those pieces regularly and the fish plate is great as I use it not only for cooking fish, but also to bake marinated asparagus, small potatoes, and other vegetables. Plus, it fits perfectly inside of my Wolf countertop oven which I use nearly daily. And, some of my other Staub pieces also fit into my Wolf countertop oven perfectly. As for my regular stove/oven, I cook on a 5-burner gas stove as I will only own gas stoves.
 
silverly December 12, 2020
As this was written in September, 2020, I hope you are referring to past travels to these places, and not during the pandemic. As for cookware, agree that Staub is excellent.
 
D.E. May 10, 2021
Good grief. I thought this was about cookware and not the pandemic or my travels. But, since it has been brought up...I was already in Asia when the virus situation started up in 2019, but arrived home to the U.S. a month before the lockdowns in this county in March 2020.

Now, as far as cookware, I personally still stand by Staub over Le Creuset and have acquired a few more pieces of Staub, smaller pieces, since writing my first comment about it and I also love the new pieces.
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
LOL - loved your reply! When you say smaller pieces, I hope those include Staub's oval and round hot plates with lids. Although a bit pricey, I've found them to be great for daily use - reheating, broiling, cooktop and outdoor Weber grill. (Amazon / Bed Bath Beyond / Zwilling / Sur la Table / Wayfair)
 
D.E. September 8, 2020
I'm very familiar with both Le Creuset and Staub. As far as I'm concerned, Staub rules. I started learning how to cook way back in elementary school and have cooked in about every kind of cookware out there over the last 5-plus decades. I cook a lot as I cook from scratch daily. I had cookware pieces by Le Creuset back in the 80s, 90s and part of the 2000s, but I also have had and still have a lot of other brands of cookware. I spend a lot of time in Paris, Scandinavia, Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia on long, extended vacations and come home with new pieces of cookware from both European and Asian brands and which are basically unavailable here in the U.S. I love trying out different types of cookware. But, as far as my regular, workhorse pieces of cookware in the very big sea of cookware pieces that I own and have owned since the 1970s, the ones that stand out are my Staubs (18-plus pieces), my gorgeous Vermicular cookware (Japanese- similar to Staub), and my wonderful and solid Serafino Zani-Karen model (Italian) stainless steel cookware that I've had since the early 1990s and thank goodness was introduced to us here in Los Angeles way back then. As for Staub, I have a lot of styles of their cookware, but in different sizes. I love all of my Staub pieces, but some of my favorite pieces are the small black fish plate (fabulous), Moroccan tajines (2 sizes), tiny graphite gray 3-quart sauce pan, cocottes, black mini braiser, and my two 16cm rice pots. I use those pieces regularly and the fish plate is great as I use it not only for cooking fish, but also to bake marinated asparagus, small potatoes, and other vegetables. Plus, it fits perfectly inside of my Wolf countertop oven which I use nearly daily. And, some of my other Staub pieces also fit into my Wolf countertop oven perfectly. As for my regular stove/oven, I cook on a 5-burner gas stove as I will only own gas stoves.
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
I can just imagine what your cooking "oeuvre" must be like, and how wonderful being in your kitchen must be - while hearing stories of these places you've lived and traveled. Experienced cooks like yourself continue to show me how having a variety of cookware is essential for more sophisticated (meaning complex as opposed to pretentious) cooking. Case-in-point: the Moroccan tajines - their cultural way of slow cooking.
 
Thom July 6, 2018
Le Creuset is for people who like colors. Staub is for people who like to cook.

Staub’s enamel interior is far superior to Le Creuset’s beige colored delicate enamel.

To all those people who say, “I can’t see what I’m doing when I’m using Staub because the interior is black.” What a bunch of nuts. I’ve never heard anyone say that who cooks with cast iron. And I’ve never heard that from someone who cooks with a Le Creuset skillet - which has a black interior. Unless you’re using Visions cookware from the 1980s, how are you seeing what’s going on with the surface of the meat that you’re browning when you’re using a Le Creuset French oven? Are you looking through an exterior layer of enamel, a middle layer of cast iron and an interior layer of enamel?

“Oh, but I can’t see the fond when I’m deglazing the pan.” More irrational reasoning. Again, cooks have deglazed cast iron skillets for decades without a problem. And by the way, you can FEEL the fond with the utensil you’re using to deglaze the pan and if you work the surface in a methodical way you will get all the fond you need for flavor extraction.

Le Creuset has created A trend with its corporate marketing machine... pretty colors and product placements on TV kitchen renovation shows. If you really like to cook you will purchase performance over color. Go with Staub.
 
Dan B. December 1, 2020
I agree Thom ... thanks!
 
Patricia R. December 25, 2020
Thank you, Thom:) I have shiny object syndrome, and a few friends have gotten Le Creuset pieces for Christmas. I have several Staub pieces I’ve collected over the years. They are excellent quality. But then I see the colors of Le Creuset and swoon.
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
Your point about seeing / feeling the fond is what I'm learning around cooking with Staub. Not seeing the browning has made me learn to be more "connected" with what I'm cooking.
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
As a designer, I also have shiny object syndrome, and can appreciate all of LC's colors - evocative, nostalgic and artful - California wine country, vintage Florida and Monet's Giverny paintings. However, I like the more urbane and understated styling of Staub.
 
Greenstuff February 18, 2018
Thank you. I have both and add to the chorus that I agree with you. I had been moving to Emile Henry Flame, when I found myself with induction. With the ceramics shelved, I needed to embrace a couple of different workhorses, and the Staub has won out.
 
pierino February 16, 2018
I completely agree. Good that you learned this lesson early
 
AntoniaJames February 16, 2018
Dan, this is so interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share this information.
You can reduce the scratching in your stainless sink by getting a rack for the bottom, like this one, with small rubbery feet (easily replaced when they wear out after a few years). https://www.faucetdirect.com/kohler-k-3192-single-bowl-stainless-steel-sink-rack-for-select-undertone-series-sinks/p223340?CAWELAID=120135430002044813&source=gg-gba-pla_223340!c1062622021!a54955669434!dc!ng&cvosrc=pla.google.223340&cvo_cid=1062622021&cvo_crid251738414285&=&cvo_adgroup=54955669434&cvo_uniqueid=223340&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjKfxlqCr2QIVnLrACh2ITguHEAYYBSABEgL_n_D_BwE
We purchased one, for precisely the reason you mention, when we replaced our sink 9 years ago. It works like a charm. ;o)
 
Dan B. September 9, 2024
Thank you Antonia. And I appreciate your thoughtful suggestion of the rubber-footed sink rack.
 
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