Staub vs Le Creuset Dutch Ovens Comparison of Two Top Brands

Many people on the internet have strong opinions about which of these two brands is better. If you are looking for high-quality enameled cast iron cookware, it can be difficult to decide between Le Creuset and Staub. Both companies offer excellent products that will last for years with proper care, but which one should you choose Staub or Le Creuset?

Staub cookware is heavier, dark interior, a self-basting lid, a steel knob, and fewer color options. Le Creuset has a light color interior enamel better for monitoring cooking and cleaning. Also, larger handles for thick mitts are a must for cast-iron cooking. Both are luxury brands with different features for individual choice.

This article will help you decide by examining the outstanding features of each brand so that you can make a more informed decision as to which is the best Dutch oven for you.

Although each brand manufactures various cookware products, in this article you will predominately see me refer to Staub Dutch ovens vs Le Creuset Dutch ovens, also known as French ovens. This is because the enameled cast iron Dutch oven is the one piece of cookware each French company manufactures where they rival each other the most.

Disclaimer: I earn from qualifying purchases on my website as an Amazon Associate. If you purchase through links from this website, I may get a small share of the sale from Amazon and other similar affiliate programs.

Staub vs Le Creuset: The Differences

Both brands are made in France and their products are so fantastic the choice comes down to what design and features suit the individual. I own pieces from both brands and use them regularly.

For home cooks like me, the most important factor when choosing a brand comes down to the weight and the ease of movement to safely transport a fully laden ‘extremely hot’ piece of cookware around my kitchen.

Le Creuset Dutch ovens offer large handles, one of the biggest differences, a must for a thick oven mitt. Le Creuset is marginally lighter and has many decor colors to choose from. The price difference is minimal when you are considering buying cookware in this price range.

Comparison Table: Differences Between Staub and Le Creuset

A quick breakdown of the main differences between Staub Cocottes (Dutch ovens) and Le Creuset Dutch ovens.

Product Feature	Staub	Le Creuset
Made In	Handmade in Merville, France	Handmade in Fresnoy-le-Grand France
Materials	High-quality cast iron coated with layered enamel	High-quality cast iron coated with layered enamel
Construction	4.5 mm	3.8 mm
Interior Enamel Finish	The black enamel has a black matte finish, makes it harder to monitor the browning process	The smooth, polished light colored interior, sand, allows the cook to see the browning process
Heat Resistance	Enameled cast iron & integrated Handles – up to 500°F Knobs – 500°F	Enameled cast iron & integrated Handles – 500°F Knobs – Pholholic – 390°F Knobs – Stainless – 500°F
Time to Heat	Heats up to browning temperature at medium heat within 12 minutes	Heats up to browning temperature at medium heat within 12 minutes
Heat Distribution	Heat distributes evenly once heated	Heat distributes evenly once heated
Heat Retention	Excellent	Excellent
Handles	Not as large and generous, slightly less than 1″, as Le Creuset (extra care needed during transport) oven mitts still fit	Handles are 1.25″ No brand compares to a Le Creuset generous handles. Signature Le Creuset handles 45% larger than the Classic Le Creuset
Lids	Spikes are under some lids for even basting (condensation drip) and are heavy to keep moisture in.	Tight-fitting, smooth interior design, and craftsmanship keep moisture in, the ribs on the external surface
Knob design	Made from steel smaller than Le Creuset	Classic black, cool touch and signature line have stainless steel options. Larger than Staub
Knob heat resistance	Oven safe up to 500°F, Steel with nickel/brass coated knobs	Classic Pholholic (black knob) oven-safe up to 390°F. Signature stainless steel Knob oven-safe up to 500°F (also gold & copper over stainless steel available)
Weight	Heavier than Le Creuset (extra care needed during transport)	Light finish seeing what needs to be cleaned and a smooth finish allowing easier particle release and cleaning
Color Palette	Approximately 10 colors	Approximately 20 core colors, with limited editions, arrive and disappear all the time
Interior maintenance	Matt finish harder to see any adhered particles on the surface of the pot	Light finish seeing what needs to be cleaned and a smooth finish allowing easier particle release and cleaning
Cleaning	Dishwasher safe, but handwashing is recommended. Spikes increase the cleaning time	Dishwasher safe, but handwashing recommended
Seasoning	No seasoning is required, enamel coats all surfaces	No seasoning is required, enamel coats all surfaces
Price Points	Marginally Cheaper	Slightly More Expensive
Quart Sizes Round Dutch Oven	.5 qt, .75 qt, 1.25 qt, 2.75 qt, 4 qt, 5.5 qt, 7 qt, 9 qt, 13.25 qt	2 qt, 3.5 qt, 4.5 qt, 5.5 qt, 7.25 qt
Quart Sizes of Oval Dutch Ovens	1 qt, 4 qt, 7 qt, 8.5 qt	1 qt, 2.75 qt, 3.5 qt, 5 qt, 6.75 qt
Warranty	Lifetime Warranties	Lifetime Warranties
Availability	Access the store locator online to find an outlet to purchase Staub	It is estimated that there are over 500 Le Creuset stores across the world that sell this cookware. Not to mention the online representation

Find out about the differences in Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware collections in my article Le Creuset Signature vs Classic Le Creuset

Difference 1: Where Are Staub and Le Creuset Made?

Staub

Staub cast iron cookware is manufactured in Merville, France. Other Staub products are made in China including their ceramics.

How to pronounce Staub correctly just break it down “SHTAH-b”. Want to hear it? Let this French native speaker teach you how SHTAH-b

Le Creuset

While Le Creuset still manufactures its enameled cast iron cookware in Fresnoy-le-Grand France, other Le Creuset products are manufactured all over the world to their high standards, including in the United States, Portugal, and China.

How to pronounce Le Creuset correctly just break it down “luh-CROO-zay”. Want to hear it? Let the famous French chef Ludo Lefebvre teach you how luh-CROO-zay

Difference 2: What Are Staub and Le Creuset Cast Iron Made From?

Staub

Staub uses thick cast iron for its initial cookware construction. Then covers this with multiple layers of the enamel coating, resulting in a tough, sturdy chip-resistant, designed to withstand high heat piece of cookware.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset uses high-quality iron for enameled cast iron, with layers of porcelain enamel coating that produces a non-reactive surface as well as resists chipping, and staining, and suits higher temperatures for cooking.

Other Le Creuset products are coated in the same enameled enamel finish including the stoneware and enamel on steel ranges. I should also mention here that Le Creuset also has a range of nonstick bakeware, toughened non-stick pro as well as utensils, accessories, and serving and tableware.

Difference 3: Design and Style

Staub

Staub Dutch ovens have a distinctive matte black interior enamel coating. Durable and long-lasting Staub cast-iron Dutch ovens have a distinctive matte black enamel interior enamel coating. Durable and long-lasting because it does not discolor, rust, or scratch easily.

Its thick iron retains heat longer to keep food warm until served. The base will retain its original shape without distortion. The pieces have a sturdy, rugged get job done look about them. This is one of the main differences.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset cookware, in comparison, has the smooth, polished look of luxury designer pieces. Along with a similar size, the Dutch oven (capacity) ranges from Staub. Le Creuset Dutch ovens are available in many more shapes and sizes.

For example, higher or lower sides with wider bases and heart or flower shapes, not to mention the designer ranges like Disney, Star Wars, or the latest NBL range.

Difference 4: Handles

Staub

Staub Dutch oven handles are fully integrated, meaning that they are cast at the same time as the pot. They are then finished with the enamel at the same time as the oven.

The handles on my Staub Dutch oven are dark green, so the color integrates well with the black interior finish. * It should be noted that it has been reported that the colored enamel can be a little thin on the inside of some ovens.

Staub handles are not as generous, measuring just 7/8-inch, as a Le Creuset. Considering the weight of cast iron cookware, larger handles would be beneficial. Further, you will not find any rivets or screws – weak points in the pot around the handle.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset’s handles are also cast along with the oven or pot, and the lines are sleek and fully covered with layers of virtuous enamel at the same time as the oven.

The Le Creuset handles are larger measuring 1 1/4 inches and most definitely easier to safely move around with mitted male or female hands, this product’s lighter weight helps with transportation also.

I would be reluctant to transport a Staub size 28, at 7 kilos or 15 1/2 pounds, from my conventional oven to a stovetop or countertop.

Difference 5: Weight

Is Staub heavier than Le Creuset? Yes, Staub is heavier than Le Creuset. All cast iron is heavy, but like for like-sized cast iron pieces, Le Creuset is approximately two or three pounds lighter than Staub. The weight category is down to personal preference. See the 4.5-qt Dutch oven size example below…

Staub and Le Creuset Weight Comparison

	Dutch Oven Size	Dutch Oven Weight
Staub	4.5-quart	12.5 pounds
Le Creuset	4.5-quart	9.5 pounds

Difference 6: Lids

Staub

Staub, the spikes under the lid ensure that your dish will be continuously basted. The elevations on Staub lids have spikes under the flat lid to ensure that your dish will be continuously basted.

The elevations on the lid also assist with this basting process, as they distribute the droplets of condensation evenly into the dish and not just down the sides of the cooking surface.

The ridge around the outside of Staub lids covers the top of the oven, ensuring a tighter fit, keeping moisture locked in, and intensifying flavor for a more delicious meal every time!

This design, along with the heavy lid, means that Staub has the edge over Le Creuset for moisture retention.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset lids fit snugly to retain the all-important moisture within your cooking pot but are light Le Creuset’s lid fits snugly to retain the all-important moisture within your cooking pot but is light and easy to manage with the generous knobs provided.

Some (The Constances) but not all Le Creuset lids have spikes, the lids are interchangeable with other cast iron pots, pans, and brasiers. If the worst happens to a lid, you can also purchase a matching lid (glass) separately.

Do spikes on the inside of lids make or break the performance of a cooking pot? Spikes are in place to promote self-basting, whereby all the goodness drips evenly back down into the pot. Lids without spikes still retain moisture, but it is running down the sides of the pot.

Check out the incredible science behind the spikes, bumps, or raised circles on the inside of enameled Dutch ovens and bare cast iron cookware lids.

Difference 7: Knobs

Staub

Staub’s knobs are made from brass or nickel-plated stainless steel, making them heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The stainless steel knob is standard rather than heat-resistant plastic.

You will notice the size difference immediately. Staub knobs are smaller than Le Creuset’s. Staub knobs are easy to clean and durable. These sturdy handles are interchangeable and come in animal shapes, like pigs, that kids love, and other festive shapes for all occasions!

Le Creuset

Le Creuset has a range of signature interchangeable knobs available that suit various pot lids as well as various heat sources, including ceramic, electric, gas, halogen, and induction.

They are made from various materials, including black Phenolic knobs (heat resistant up to 390 degrees Fahrenheit), stainless steel, stainless steel cover in gold, and copper (heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) to enhance the elegant look of the cookware.

Le Creuset’s knob, due to its size and sturdiness, supports a male’s mitted hand along with the ability to lift and control heavy cast iron lids, to me, is more appealing. Always safety first around hot cast iron cookware.

When purchasing Le Creuset cookware, make sure you choose the product with the type of knob you require, as you can purchase pieces with both Phenolic knobs and stainless steel knobs. Not to worry if you inherit a vintage Le Creuset piece, as the knobs last a long time and are also interchangeable.

Do you have a black phenolic knob? Read about Le Creuset’s replacement knobs in my article.

Difference 8: Heat Source Compatability

Induction Compatible

Staub and Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware is induction-compatible thanks to the core’s iron properties. Needless to say, use extreme care. You do not want to damage your induction cooktop. Learn more about induction-compatible cookware.

Stovetop Compatibility

Both brands are suitable for ceramic, electric, gas, glass, and halogen stovetops. Read more about how to use cast iron cookware on glass stovetops.

Oven Compatability

Staub and Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron cookware is oven-safe, provided their knobs are safe up to 500°F. The high temperatures and great heat retention combined with the cooking process of slow cooking provide tasty one-pot meals such as beef stew.

Read more in my article about cooking with a cast iron or enameled Dutch oven in conventional ovens.

Microwave Compatability

No Staub and Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware cannot go into a microwave. Due to the iron in the core of both brands.

Difference 9: Performance

Once your dish is cooked, you would not be able to identify whether it was cooked in a Staub or a Le Creuset Dutch oven.

Breaking it down!

Heating Dutch ovens: Over low to medium stovetop and equal conventional oven heat, Le Creuset heats up faster than Staub because of the thinner cast walls of the Dutch oven.

Browning, searing, sautéing: both Staub and Le Creuset are equal in the coverage and desired outcome, whether browning or caramelizing. The big difference is down to whether you want a light interior to monitor your culinary skills without ruining the dish or use a dark interior. You have to keep a really close eye on your dish.

The upside to the dark interior is that it is more forgiving when it comes to cleaning the pot. For me little elbow grease far outways overcooked or stuck ingredients to the inside of the pot. Every chef will tell you to scrape the caramelized yumminess off the bottom of your pot and get it involved in the result of your dish.

Moisture retention: Staub’s heavier lid keeps the moisture inside the oven over Le Creuset by around 5%.

Safety and ease of use: I am a huge advocate of cooking safely, so Le Creuset’s lighter, fully laden weight, larger handles, and user-friendly knob score it higher in this instance.

Difference 10: Utensils

What are the best utensils and tools to use on enameled cookware? It is recommended by both brands that you use a wooden spoon, plastic, or silicone utensils. Avoid metal utensils to stop chipping and scratches on the enamel’s interior surface. The good news is that Le Creuset has a range of safe-to-use cookware utensils.

In my article Best Utensils to use on cast iron cookware learn about the very best utensil and tools to use on cast iron to preserve your cookware.

Difference 11: Dutch Oven Sizes

Although there are various sizes, shapes, and weights for both brands. Listed below are the comparative sizes in both brands of round Staub Cocotte and Le Creuset round Dutch ovens.

The Staub and Le Creuset tables below show you the comparison between sizes, capacity, the all-important side height, weight, and the servings you can expect from all the Dutch oven size options.

A must read is my article Staub Cocotte Sizes including charts and a choice guide before you buy a coccotte.

Staub Round Dutch Oven (Cocotte) Sizes

Size	Quarts	Liters	Height	Weight	Servings	Latest Price
Mini	–	0.25 ltr	7 cm 2.75 inches	0.85 kg 1.8 lbs	1	Staub
16 cms 6.3 inches	1 qt	1.2 ltr	12.6 cm 4.9 inches	2.34 kg 5.15 lbs	1 – 2	Staub
20 cms 7.8 inches	1.9 qt	2.2 ltr	14.5 cm 5.8 inches	3.6 kg 7.9 lbs	2	Staub
22 cms 8.7 inches	2.75 qt	2.8 ltr	15 cm 5.9 inches	3.98 kg 8.8 lbs	2 – 3	Staub
24 cms 9.5 inches	3.3 qt	3.8 ltr	15.3 cm 6 inches	4.6 kg 10.1 lbs	3 – 4	Staub
26 cms 10.2 inches	4.5 qt	5.2 ltr	17 cm 6.7 inches	5.7 kg 12.5 lbs	4 – 5	Staub
28 cms 11 inches	6.25 qt	6.7 ltr	18.2 cm 7.2 inches	7 kg 15.4 lbs	5 – 6	Staub
30 cms 11.8 inches	9 qt	8.5 ltr	29 cm 11.8 inches	8 kg 17.7 lbs	9 +	Staub

Le Creuset Dutch Oven Sizes by Letter & Number

	Letter	Quarts	Liters	Weight	Best For	Servings
14	–	1 qt	0.09	3.8 lbs	Pie, dessert	1
16	A	1.5 qt	1.3 ltr	6 lbs	Pie, dessert	1-2
18	B	2 qt	1.8 ltr	7.25 lbs	Desserts, sides	2-2
20	C	2.5 qt	2.4 ltr	7.8 lbs	Sides, stews	2-3
22	D	3.5 qt	3.3 ltr	8.75 lbs	Soup, stews	3-4
24	E	4.5 qt	4.2 ltr	9.5 lbs	Soup, stews	3-4
26	F	5.5 qt	5.3 ltr	10.5 lbs	Lasagne	5-6
28	G	7.25 qt	6.7 ltr	11 lbs	Whole meat	7-8
30	H	9 qt	8.5 ltr	12.25 lbs	Entertaining	9 plus
34	I	13.25 qt	12.5 ltr	16.5 lbs	Entertaining	9 plus

Before purchasing any Le Creuset cookware check out my articles Le Crueset Dutch oven sizes and Le Creuset cookware sizes.

Difference 12: Colors

Interior

Although the layers of enamel on both products are non-reactive to acidic food preparation over time, the matte black interior of Staub cookware appears to retain its original finish. The light interior of Le Creuset may take on colors of food prepared on its surface, for example, tomatoes, chili, and curry.

You should consider the type of dishes you will be preparing in your cookware. Indian, Mexican, and Italian dishes lend themselves to the Staub cooking surface. A good Dutch oven with a darker interior also lends itself to deep-frying, so the Staub, with its slight variations, would be a good reason to choose that brand. If pretty doesn’t matter go ahead and choose either.

Exterior

Staub offers approximately ten colors that are more conservative than the bright colors Le Creuset offers – keep up to date with STAUB’S COLORS

Le Creuset has approximately 20 core colors, in every shade under the rainbow, they also offer different colors in countries around the world. With limited editions, arriving and disappearing all the time – keep up to date with LE CREUSET’S COLORS

Difference 13: Care and Maintenance

Staub

Staub’s darker enamel hides particles and staining that could be happening over time so this makes cleaning a little more difficult. It is worth mentioning that spiked lids also need extra cleaning. If this extra work matters remember to consider Staubs lid design. Staub pots and pans are dishwasher safe but the manufacturers advise that always washing by hand as soon as possible after cooking is best practice.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset’s lighter inner pot enamel allows you to see food particles and any staining on its interior. This in turn probably makes you what to get that cleaned up as soon as possible. Its high-quality smooth interior makes cleaning with soap and soft scourers easy. (NO STEEL WOOL on either brand’s surface)

Although Le Creuset products are dishwasher safe the manufacturer’s website does state that handwashing is preferred. I always wash my cast iron by hand.

Dishwasher detergent is harsh for a reason you will notice most items cleaned in a dishwasher deteriorate over time. Even lead glass and fine china. Le Creuset offers its own range of cleaning and maintenance products to assist with keeping your cookware looking new.

TIP: With both Staub and Le Creuset cookware it is best practice to remove the cooked food as soon as possible, clean, dry it, and store it immediately. Check out this article about cleaning luxury cookware like Le Creuset the correct way.

Difference 14: Storage

Cast iron is never easy to store, they are heavy and cumbersome, enameled cast iron needs to be stored like glass to avoid chipping and cracking, especially in products in this price range.

I also believe psychologically, once you get that thing put away safely, you are less likely to want to pull it out to cook with it. SOLUTION: Keep your beautiful cookware on display and use it, or at the very least store it safely on a rack inside your oven.

My article how to store cast iron: storage solutions will help you preserve and store you heavy cast iron cookware safely.

Difference 15: Guarantees and Warranties

Staub

Staub offers a 30-year guarantee on its cast-iron products. See in-depth guarantee or warranty conditions on their website. You will also see guarantee information for other products.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset offers a limited lifetime warranty on its cookware products. See an extensive list of warranty information as well as a Le Creuset warranty application form at their website.

Difference 16: Price

The price differences between Staub and Le Creuset are negligible. Both brands are in the same luxury cookware tier “expensive” as far as prices go and you should expect to pay up to $400 for a large Dutch oven.

Also, at any given time of the year, there could be a $50 price difference between the two brands “either way.” Usually, the Le Creuset price is generally a little more than Staub.

Staub Cocotte and Le Creuset Dutch Oven Price Comparison Table

Dutch Oven / Cocotte	Latest Price Amazon
Staub Petite French Oven, 1.5-Quart	Amazon
Staub Pumpkin Cocotte, 3.5-Quart	Amazon
Staub Round Cocotte, 4-Quart	Amazon
Staub Round Cocotte, 5.5-Quart	Amazon
Staub Wide Round Cocotte, 6-Quart	Amazon
Staub Round Cocotte, 7-Quart	Amazon
Staub Round Cocotte, 9-Quart	Amazon
Staub Round Cocotte, 13.25-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, 2-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Round Sauteuse Oven, 3.5-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, 4.5-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, 5.5-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Round Wide Dutch Oven, 6.75-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, 7.25-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 9.5-Quart	Amazon
Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 13.25-Quart	Amazon

Difference 17: Where to Buy Staub & Le Creuset

Staub is available online and in-store. You can check out the Staub range or at the Staub Website.

Le Creuset has stores all around the world, as well as being readily available through other outlets, of course, their extensive range is available online, see the Le Creuset range at Amazon or at the Le Creuset Website.

Does Staub or Le Creuset ever go on sale? Yes, Staub and Le Creuset are always on sale somewhere! Outlet stores, TJ Maxx, and online retailers will have sales all year round. You can always grab a bargain on the major holidays as well, including Presidents Day, Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

Check out where my extensive list of retailers in the USA and all around the world to find out when and where to get the best Staub and Le Creuset Prices: Locations, Sales & Clearances

Difference 18: Cons of Staub & Le Creuset

You know you want to own a piece of either Staub or Le Creuset! You also need to be aware of what some may consider cons of owning luxury cookware.

Interestingly enough is that there really are no negative reviews about the two brands and the manufacture of their products. Only that they are expensive, what’s the old adage? “YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR”. In this instance, it is absolutely true there is no other brand that comes close to the products produced by Staub and Le Creuset.

Negative comments are about the actual cookware:-

• Weight all cast iron cookware is heavy no matter the brand, always choose cast iron with generous handles and helper handles if weight is an issue for you when cooking with hot cast iron.

• Le Creuset’s light interior has been said to be less inferior to Staub’s dark matte interior. Both interior colors have their benefit a light interior allows the cook to monitor the dishes they are cooking, although the light interior may be prone to staining if not cared for correctly. A darker interior of cast iron holds heat equally, a dark interior will make it difficult to monitor cooking but will hide stains.

• Food Sticks enamel cookware is not non-stick it requires a generous amount of oil to prevent sticking. Also learning to heat the cookware correctly to suit the type of ingredient you will be preparing is important. You can even cook eggs on enamel cast iron if you use the correct methods. Learn how to cook eggs on enamel cast iron

• The expense both brands are expensive as they are still made in France in individual sand castings and are not made on a production line using the same mold and inferior materials.

Want more information about either brand check out what the professionals at America’s Test Kitchen and the Food Network have to say about these cookware brands.

Learn about cast iron cookware and how to stop your food from sticking to cast iron.

Do professional chefs prefer Le Creuset or Staub?

Depending upon the chef you talk to, some choose Staub over Le Creuset because of Staub’s heavy self-basting lid and heavier cast-iron pot. Others prefer this quality product for Le Creuset’s ease of use: generous handles and light-colored smooth inside enamel, allowing them to see their dish is progressing. It is also easier to clean up regardless of the high price.

Professional chefs Laurent Tourondel, Dominique Tougne, and Paul Bocuse are among the lovers of Staub cookware. In contrast, New York chef Sohui Kim and Chef Hansen Lee in LA are fans of Le Creuset cookware.

Do Professional Chefs Use Cast Iron Cookware?

What cookware to professtional Chefs use?

Why are Staub and Le Creuset so expensive?

The simple reality is that producing products in Western countries, like France and the US, is more difficult because of higher labor costs. In order to stay competitive with other manufacturers who produce their goods outside of these regions, such as China or India for example. Staub and Le Creuset have to cover their higher manufacturing costs.

Both Staub and Le Creuset’s pieces are finished by hand. Simply put it means that no two pieces are the same every cookware piece is individual, not mass-produced.

Le Creuset’s brand awareness is the main driver for its popularity, combined with manufacturing, and improving a product you stand behind for 100 years is optimum brand awareness.

As we know, celebrity is another factor that can push brand prices higher. Marylyn Munroe was a huge Le Creuset fan, and her Le Creuset’s Elysee Yellow collection sold for a record price at Christie’s New York in 1999.

Learn about the iconic Luxury brand and why Is Le Creuset So Expensive.

Alternatives to Le Creuset and Staub

Staub and Le Creuset are almost equal in this luxury enamel cookware race. There really is no other competitor that comes close, given the decades of both brands honing their manufacturing skills. Saying that, there are iconic brands like Lodge Cast Iron that are producing an affordable enamel cookware range off the back of the seasoned cast iron manufacturing success. That is once again decades in the making.

Alternative Brands to Le Creuset (Comparative Sizes)	Approximate Prices (Prices vary in sales and from store to store)	Prices
Le Creuset 7.25-Quart Round Dutch Oven	$400	Latest Price
Staub 7-Quart Round Dutch Oven	$300	Latest Price
Tramontina 7 Quart Oven Dutch Oven	$170	Latest Price
Misen Dutch Oven 7 Quart Round	$165	Latest Price
Cuisinart 7-Quart Round Casserole	$150	Latest Price
Lodge Dutch oven 7-Quart Oval	$110	Latest Price
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Round Dutch Oven	$60	Latest Price
Amazon Basics 7.3-Quart Round Dutch Oven	$60	Latest Price

There are alternatives to Staub and Le Creuset see the ones I use in my kitchen.

Want to know where Staubs cookware, ceramics, stoneware, bakeware, and accessories are made? I’ve got all the information in my at Where is Staub Made?

What is the best size Staub or Le Creuset to buy?

Dutch ovens between 5 quarts and 7 quarts cover the majority of the population. Use this easy formula to calculate the best-size Dutch oven for your needs.

1 serving is 1.5 quarts so the Dutch oven size for a family of 4 is 6 quarts right in the middle of the general Dutch oven size consensus.

Looking to purchase a new Dutch oven my article What Is the Best Size Dutch Oven to Buy? help you choose the size, shape as well as budget considerations.

FAQs about Staub and Le Creuset

I have compiled a few of these brands’ most frequently asked questions for your convenience.

Is Staub made in China?

Staub’s website tells us that their cast-iron products are manufactured in MERVILLE, FRANCE. Staubs ceramics are made in China.

Are Staub and Le Creuset oven safe?

Staub and Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron cookware is oven-safe provided the cookware has metal knobs that are safe up to 500°F.

Is Staub and Le Creuset cast iron enamel dishwasher safe?

Staub and Le Creuset say that their products are dishwasher safe, but they also recommend that handwashing in hot, soapy water is preferred.

Does Staub last forever? 

Staub has always been a staple in the culinary community for its design, quality materials, durability, and long-lasting nature. Staub sells with impressive guarantees that ensure your investment will be worth it in years to come, and, with care, your investment will last long after other brands start flaking away!

Is Staub owned by Zwilling?

Zwilling J. A. Henckels acquired Staub in June 2008, but they still operate as an independent brand to this day! My article has more information about Zwilling Products.

Does Staub or Le Creuset enamel cast iron need seasoning?

Staub and Le Creuset enameled cookware does not need to be seasoned. The enamel covers all surfaces of the cookware, thus protecting the iron from rust.

It should be noted that some mass-produced cookware does not have an enamel coating on the rim of the pot and lid, therefore should be seasoned.

Is Staub or Le Creuset enamel cast iron dishwasher safe?

While manufacturers say they are dishwasher safe, they also advise that best practice is handwashing, quick-drying, and safe storage.

How do you pronounce Staub and Le Creuset?

“SHTAH-B” is how you pronounce Staub Listen to the correct way to say, Staub

Le Creuset is pronounced “LUH-CROO-ZAY” Want to know the correct way to pronounce Le Creuset check it out and listen…

Does Staub offer a lifetime warranty?

Staub and Le Creuset cast iron products have a lifetime warranty. Warranties cover manufacturer’s defects but not general wear and tear or damage from misuse.

Which is more expensive Staub or Le Creuset?

Le Creuset is generally more expensive than Staub. A Le Creuset 5.5 quart Dutch oven retails for approximately $50 more than a similar size Staub cocotte.

Learn about the luxury brand Staub and Why is Staub so Expensive?

Le Creuset vs Staub: Which is better?

With so many opinions about which of these two brands is better, how do you choose? One of the first things You will notice is that there is not much difference between the two brands.

It is a good thing that most have a hard time choosing between these luxury brands. Why? Because it means that we, the customer, will receive the best option every time with the latest quality and manufacturing practices.

The truth is the answer depends on your needs, including your budget, both are great and you won’t be disappointed with either brand. 

Consider these points when making a decision.

• Interior Color
• Type of dishes you will prepare (Staub won’t discolor with tomato-based dishes)
• Lid Type
• Moisture Retention
• Handle Size
• Knob Size
• Design Staubs thick robust style or Le Creuset thinner-walled sleek design
• Size
• Weight
• Color Selection (Le Creuset’s wide range)
• Weight
• Brand Awareness
• Test of Time
• Price (daily use negates the price)

What brand do I use? Well, along with raw cast iron, I actually have and use both a small 5.5 quart Staub cocotte and seven Le Creuset cookware pieces, including Dutch ovens, skillets, and brasiers. What can I say I just love my Le Creuset Dutch ovens and cookware!

Want to learn more about Le Creuset products? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Le Creuset Cookware

HOW DO I TEST PRODUCTS

I am committed to providing helpful user-based information. Cookware, appliances, accessories, and tools written about are purchased by me and used by me.

How do I test? Products referred to in articles on OvenSpot.com are used by me every day in my home kitchen. Comparison posts involve similar products undergoing the same uses in the kitchen and results are reported within the post.

My commitment extends to recipe creation all recipes have been created, tried, and tested by myself after many years of working in a professional kitchen along with in-home food preparation.

My STAUB Cocotte is Grenadine Red

MY FAVORITE LE CREUSET DUTCH OVEN is INDIGO

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 Qt, Indigo

Buy Now →

(Affiliate)

Le Creuset and Staub: VIDEO

Do you have additional questions about Staub products? Go to the Staub website…

Do you have more questions about Le Creuset Dutch ovens and products? Go to the Le Creuset website.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!

Related Topics

• Learn How to Cook with Cast Iron on a Glass Cooktop
• Learn if Le Creuset Enamel is Toxic or Safe
• Staub Braiser vs Staub Perfect Pan
• Dutch oven cooking tips
• Best Dutch Oven