Yes, all Staub cookware is 100% PTFE-free.
Staub Cast Iron Cocotte Made in France
A: Our Staub products are free of lead, cadmium, and other harmful materials and are Prop 65 compliant.
The good news is that enameled cast iron is generally considered safe for cooking. The enamel coating is made from glass and does not contain harmful chemicals like PFOA or PTFE, which are found in some non-stick coatings.
The "least toxic" Dutch ovens are made from raw cast iron or enameled cast iron. These materials are naturally free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium, ensuring no harmful chemicals leach into your food.
Staub doesn't use Teflon and that's not nonstick coating.
Ceramic-coated cookware is generally considered non-toxic. It is typically made from a base material (like aluminum or stainless steel) that is coated with a layer of ceramic.
At STAUB, we use a state-of-the-art matte black enamel that is particularly scratch resistant and was originally designed for heavy use in restaurants. Even though it is remarkably resistant, you should still follow the instructions for proper use.
Neither brand is objectively "better" overall; they simply excel at different things. Choosing between them comes down to your cooking style.
A "poor man's Dutch oven" is a budget-friendly DIY hack that emulates a traditional cast-iron Dutch oven. For baking bread, it involves taking two identical metal bread pans, placing one on top of the other (inverted) to trap steam, and securing the edges with Heavy Duty Metal Binder Clips.
Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Enameled Cast Iron, and Carbon Steel are all PFAS-free by construction.
No, Le Creuset does not use Teflon on its cookware. Teflon is a specific brand name for PTFE, and Le Creuset avoids this in both their famous enameled cast iron and their non-stick product lines.
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.
Enameled cookware and bakeware are completely free from microplastic concerns, making them far superior to non-stick coatings that can flake into food.
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.
No, Staub cookware does not contain lead.
Whether Le Creuset contains "forever chemicals" (PFAS) depends entirely on which product line you are looking at:
Casserole dishes can serve as effective alternatives to Dutch ovens in the kitchen, offering similar functionality and versatility for cooking a variety of dishes. They provide even heat distribution and retention, making them suitable for slow-cooking meals such as stews, soups, and braised meats.
The choice between a bare cast iron and an enameled Dutch oven comes down to maintenance and cooking style. Bare cast iron is perfect for high-heat searing and camping, requiring seasoning but offering high durability. Enameled versions are non-reactive, easy to clean, and great for acidic braises, though they can chip.
A Dutch oven, Dutch pot (US English), or casserole dish (international) is a thick-walled cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Staub is widely considered one of the safest, most non-toxic cookware brands available. Their enameled cast iron and ceramic pieces are entirely free of PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
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.
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.
It's made from cast iron coated in glass enamel. That means there are no synthetics — and no PFAS chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, Gen X, or similar chemicals associated with traditional nonstick pans.
Enameled cast iron is an excellent, naturally non-toxic choice for cooking. It relies on a baked-on glass (enamel) barrier instead of synthetic non-stick coatings, making it entirely free of PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium when purchased from high-quality, trusted brands.
The special, so-called “majolica” colouring process gives the enamel a unique shine and an intense depth of colour. First black coat to prepare the rough cast iron for good surface finish and reduce defects in the cast iron.