Which is older, Le Creuset or STAUB?

Author: Winona Smitham  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Le Creuset is the older brand, founded in 1925. Staub cookware was founded in Alsace, France, in 1974 and is now owned by German cutlery brand Zwilling J. A. Henckels. They each come in a variety of colors, with new ones coming out almost every year.

Which came first, Le Creuset or Staub?

Staub has been in operation since 1974 in Alsace, France, while Le Creuset got its start in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand in Aisne, France. These heritage brands produce a variety of cookware from braisers and skillets to casserole dishes and, of course, Dutch ovens.

What year did Le Creuset come out?

Since 1925 Le Creuset has been renowned as the pioneer of colourful cookware. Creativity and originality are values that have been fundamental to our design and manufacturing processes for nearly 100 years.

How old is Staub cookware?

Staub is a premium French enameled cast iron cookware and bakeware manufacturer that was originally headquartered in Turckheim, Alsace, France. The first piece, a cocotte or coquelle (Dutch oven), was designed by Francis Staub in 1974 in a dormant artillery factory.

What was the brand before Le Creuset?

Cousances was a brand of enameled cast iron cookware ("cocotte" in French). originally manufactured by a foundry in the town of Cousances-les-Forges in northeastern France. The Cousances foundry began making cast iron pans in 1553. Four centuries later, in 1957, the brand was acquired by Le Creuset.

Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth

Is Staub made in China?

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.

What does "le creuset" mean in English?

A creuset is the French term for 'crucible' or 'cauldron' and serves as the inspiration behind the Le Creuset name. A crucible is typically a ceramic or metal container in which chemical compounds or metals are subjected to extremely high temperatures and eventually melted.

Why is STAUB and Le Creuset so expensive?

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!)

What is the oldest cast-iron cookware?

The oldest cast iron artifacts date from early 5th century B.C. China, in the Jiangsu province, and such tools were widely used in the region by the 3rd century B.C. Cast iron slowly made its way to Western Europe, likely via the Silk Road, and wasn't an important material until the 14th century A.D.

Do chefs use STAUB?

For more than half a century, French cookware brand Staub has been the choice of top chefs battling it out for dominance in the culinary world.

What is the most iconic Le Creuset color?

Flame. Introduced in 1925, Flame is Le Creuset's trademark hue. As eternal as its name, it is our most iconic color of all.

Did Julia Child use Le Creuset?

Perfect for long braises, they were obviously well-suited to America's favorite stews and roasts. The original Le Creuset pots were all flame-red; this true red one, with its odd handles, belonged to Julia Child.

Who owns Staub?

Staub cookware was founded in Alsace, France, in 1974 and is now owned by German cutlery brand Zwilling J. A. Henckels.

What is the difference between Staub and Le Creuset Dutch ovens?

Le Creuset's handles are wider than Staub's. This is where the two brands split more notably. Le Creuset has a light enameled interior while Staub has a black enameled interior. Some cooks may find the black enamel of the Staub makes it hard to see fond development.

Is Staub still made in France?

Only cookware made of the highest quality materials according to the principles of traditional craftsmanship is good enough for preparing these culinary masterpieces. This is why France is also the home of outstanding cookware - the home of STAUB. The lasting legacy of the stork.

What is the most sought after cast iron skillet?

The most sought after Wapak cast iron are the pans with the “Indian head" medallion on them, which was produced from 1903-1926. The rarest and most collectible is the #4 skillet--until recently.

What year did they stop using cast iron?

Cast iron fell out of favor in the 1960s and 1970s, as teflon-coated aluminum non-stick cookware was introduced and quickly became the item of choice in many kitchens.

Do cast iron pans get better with age?

With proper care, a good cast iron pan can last for generations, becoming even better with age.

What is the disadvantage of Le Creuset?

Expensive — the cost for a 5 1/2-quart pot is $420 when it's not on sale. The light interior can be easily scratched by metal tools and stained by food (although you can eliminate some stains with a bit of elbow grease).

Is Staub ceramic or cast iron?

Staub is a high-end cast cookware brand that primarily makes enameled cast iron. They also make ceramic bakeware and mini cocottes, but all their cookware is cast iron.

What is equal to Le Creuset?

The Dutchess is a good alternative for an oval Le Creuset Dutch oven, but if you want something more inexpensive yet still very modern-looking, there's the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 6-quart enameled Dutch oven.

Do you pronounce the T in Le Creuset?

Luh Cru-say Le Crew-set Lay Cruise-ay La Cruss-et Le Croissant. No matter how you say it. It's the best cast iron cookware out there!

Do French people use Le Creuset?

No French kitchen is complete without a Le Creuset Dutch Oven. This big, classic pot is amazing for stews, soups, and pretty much anything you want to simmer. It can go from stovetop to oven, so it's great for braising chicken or steak before putting it in the oven.

What is the original Le Creuset color?

Flame was Le Creuset's first color: a bold, brilliant shade of orange directly inspired by molten cast iron poured from the crucible. Glowing from deep, earthy orange to light, Flame's distinct gradient is reminiscent of the cast iron cooling process, and the unique ombré effect became a trademark for Le Creuset.

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