Staub cast iron is highly praised for its exceptional heat retention, durable matte-black enamel interior, and superior browning capabilities. While the dark interior excels at hiding stains and developing deep flavors, the brand's signature self-basting lids keep roasts incredibly moist, making it a favorite among home cooks and professionals.
Both are elite, heirloom-quality French brands, but they target different cooking styles. Choose Staub for searing and slow-braising, or Le Creuset for everyday versatility, baking bread, and larger color selections.
The best cast iron skillet depends on your needs, but Lodge is widely considered the best overall for its durability, affordability, and pre-seasoned surface. For premium, smooth-milled pans, Smithey Ironware is a top choice, while Le Creuset is the gold standard for enameled cast iron.
Whether Staub is "better" than Lodge depends on whether you are comparing their enameled or bare cast iron. Staub is a premium, French-made brand, while Lodge is an American heritage brand famous for accessible, utilitarian cast iron.
Founded in 1974, Staub's first product was its enameled cast iron Dutch oven, or cocotte (which translates to casserole). Often recognized for its sleek, timeless styling, the Alsatian cookware is also known for its durability, quality, and lifespan.
Yes, Staub is generally worth the money, particularly if you find it on sale. As a premium French brand, it offers lifelong durability and superior cooking performance that casual cooks and professionals love.
Staub makes a large variety of enameled cast iron cookware. They are best known for their cocotte (French Oven). Staub has a wide range of ceramics available that include bakeware and a selection of ceramic bowls. Staub ceramics are currently made in China.
Staub runs hotter and is heavier overall, so it retains heat more aggressively. While some pros might include better caramelization and deeper browning, cons might include it being a little harder to get your dishes “just right,” especially if you're new to cast iron and temperature control.
The "best" enameled cast iron generally depends on your budget and how often you plan to use it. While French luxury brands lead the market in durability and heat retention, great mid-range and budget options provide excellent value for everyday cooking.
Hundreds of top restaurateurs work with STAUB, with many of them recognized in the Michelin Guide. That's why revered chefs around the world choose STAUB and celebrate its excellence in their kitchens.
In the context of cookware, a "#1 cast iron" typically refers to two different things depending on whether you are looking at modern or vintage pans:
The most sought-after cast iron skillets fall into three distinct categories: premium modern artisan pans, luxurious enameled options, and elusive vintage "holy grail" collectibles.
You should generally avoid cooking highly acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus) and sticky foods (like delicate eggs or thin fish) in new cast iron. These ingredients can leach iron into your food, strip the pan's seasoning, and stick aggressively to the cooking surface.
The most popular and highly recommended budget alternatives to Le Creuset are Lodge, Crockpot, and Tramontina. These brands offer durable enameled cast iron that handles braising, baking, and stewing beautifully, but at a fraction of the cost.
Staub is owned by Zwilling J. A. Henckels, the German kitchenware company. Zwilling acquired the premium French enameled cast iron brand in 2008.
Enameled cast iron is a healthy and safe choice for cooking. The enamel coating creates a barrier between your food and the raw cast iron, so you don't have to worry about excess iron leaching into acidic or wet dishes.
Tramontina's cast-iron Dutch ovens are now available at Costco in a budget-friendly bundle—two sizes for just $70. With enameled interiors, oven-safe construction, and rave reviews, they offer a great alternative to pricier brands like Le Creuset.
Le Creuset has a light enameled interior while Staub has a black one. Some cooks may find the black enamel of the Staub makes it hard to see fond development. However, it also means it's less likely to show the natural scuffs, scratches, and discoloration that happen with regularly used cookware.
Yes, you can absolutely cook eggs in enameled cast iron. Since the surface is glass enamel rather than seasoned bare iron, it isn't naturally non-stick. However, by mastering a few basic temperature and oiling rules, you can easily fry, scramble, or poach eggs without a struggle.
Whether Staub is "better" than Lodge depends on whether you are comparing their enameled or bare cast iron. Staub is a premium, French-made brand, while Lodge is an American heritage brand famous for accessible, utilitarian cast iron.
Sure it would be nice to see a big heavy well-seasoned black skillet up in there. But did anyone expect that? So Yes, Le Creuset is beautiful but it is not merely performative cookware." According to The New York Times, Meghan is frustrated by accusations that she is unrelatable and out of touch.
The "best" cast iron brand depends on your needs, but Lodge is the undisputed top pick for affordability and durability. For premium unseasoned pans, Smithey Ironware and Lancaster Cast Iron are leading choices. If you want low-maintenance enameled cast iron, Le Creuset and Staub set the gold standard.
Staub (engl. dust, German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): from Middle High German stoup German Staub "dust" a nickname for a miller) is a German-language surname.
No, Staub cookware does not contain lead.
Premium American-made cast iron brands range from historic, legacy foundries to modern boutique artisans. They focus on heirloom-quality, machine-polished surfaces, and lighter, modern designs.