Color may not make your Dutch oven cook better, but enameled cast iron made to last a lifetime (literally, Staub and
It will last generations if it's correctly cared for. (There's a reason you see so much cast iron in antique shops!)
It delivers when it comes to quality and longevity, which makes it well worth the splurge. Staub's Enameled Cast Iron Traditional Deep Skillet is a little pricier than the Le Creuset version, but it, too, excelled in our battery of tests.
The enamel coating on our cast iron pieces is a big part of what makes STAUB pieces so beloved. Take a peek inside our French factory and learn a bit more about the benefits of STAUB enameled cast iron cookware.
Running cold water over a hot pot/pan can potentially cause cracks or breakage due to the sudden change in temperature. Clean the pot/pan with warm water, liquid dish soap and a soft sponge or brush. If food remains stuck in the pot/pan, it is advisable to soak it in warm water and dish soap, overnight if necessary.
Terms of Guarantee for Staub products
"We support our enamelled cast-iron products with a limited lifetime warranty from the date of purchase for any manufacturing or material defects, provided the enamelled cast-iron product is used in accordance with the maintenance instructions provided with the product.
So the choice between Staub and Le Creuset really comes down to personal preference around look and feel. While in our product tests we prefer Le Creuset due to its slightly lighter weight and beginner-friendly light interior, we still recommend Staub as a high-quality Dutch oven.
Final Verdict. Our top choice is the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven because everyday cooks can still enjoy a highly functional, versatile pot; plus, it's easy to clean. If you're looking for a future heirloom, we love the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven.
Staub's heavy duty cast iron non-toxic cookware is free of lead, cadmium & PFOAs.
Traditional cast iron can become extremely non-stick once properly seasoned. Enameled cast iron, however, is not non-stick, and you will need to grease or oil it to avoid sticking. Some food may stick to the pan if you cook on it without oil or cook at high heat.
Why Is Staub So Expensive? Handmade in northeastern France, each Staub Dutch oven undergoes a lengthy, multi-step process with a variety of quality-control checks along the way. (Fun fact: Le Creuset's cast iron Dutch ovens are also made in France!)
No, Staub's cast iron cookware is still made in France. While some of the brand's ceramic pieces are made in China, Staub's cast iron cookware is made in Merville, in the north of France, using traditional techniques with state-of-the-art technology.
While an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven with burn stains, food crust, or a coating of dust and dirt can be rehabilitated, former chef and current chief marketing officer Milo Cruz of Legend Cookware insists that, “If there are any chips or cracks in the enamel, stop using your Dutch oven, because the damage can worsen."
Enameled cast iron pans are prone to chipping, cracking, and scratching over time, or with misuse. Metal utensils cannot be used on the enamel surface, so you'll need to invest in silicone-tipped tongs and food turners if you plan on cooking with enameled pans.
They will last forever (okay, maybe not 1,000 years, but still). We stock our kitchens with Le Creuset dutch ovens, braising pans, woks and frying pans, and they take a pretty heavy beating.
Don't use metal utensils.
And you definitely don't want to cut food within the cookware—save that for the cutting board. (It's also a good idea to not stack other pans on the enameled surface or it could damage the coating.)
A 5–7 quart Dutch oven is the sweet spot for most home cooks. This size is great for cooking for four people (often with leftovers). Representatives from both Staub and Le Creuset tell us that their most popular size is 5 1/2-quarts, and that's the size most Epi editors have at home, as well.
Why is Le Creuset cookware so expensive? The short answer is: because you get what you pay for. Le Creuset makes some of the best cast iron cookware on the market, including the best Dutch oven money can buy.
It's important to heat your cookware gently to protect the enamel and ensure an even temperature. ⭐ After the pan is heated, add plenty of oil or butter and swirl to coat before adding any food. A thin layer of fat is essential to creating a non-stick cooking surface.
Produced by an independent company based in the U.S. Independent reviews consider Lodge Dutch ovens to be about as durable as ones from Le Creuset and Staub, which we can also attest to. Far cheaper than Le Creuset and Staub. Knobs are metal and oven-safe up to 500° Fahrenheit like Le Creuset and Staub.
Staub's cast iron is still hand-made in Northern France. Half a century later, Staub's meticulous process remains the same. Each pot comes with a lifetime guarantee and is finished in a range of signature glossy enamel colors—all of which have come to be recognized by gastronomes as a status symbol.
In June 2008, Staub was acquired by Zwilling J. A. Henckels, but it remains and has continued to operate as an independent brand.
Cleanup is easy with fully enameled cast iron, just wash with soap and dry. You never have to season our pieces and you can even leave them to soak. #madeinstaub #staub.