Why is STAUB and Le Creuset so expensive?

Author: Mrs. Emely Kilback  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

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!)

Which is better quality, Staub or Le Creuset?

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.

What is so special about 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.

What's so special about Le Creuset?

The company has been making cookware since 1925. It produces high-quality cast iron pieces, meaning they retain heat well, and they're coated with enamel, which makes cleanup very easy and enhances the variety of rich colors Le Creuset offers.

What is the downside of Le Creuset?

Like their Dutch ovens, Le Creuset coat their skillets in durable enamel, which enhances the flavor of your food and reduces the need for traditional seasoning. The only downside is that the skillets aren't dishwasher-safe, and you might have to give them a good scrub to get clean.

Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth

Do real chefs use Le Creuset?

Not only is the Le Creuset Dutch oven one our Test Kitchen's official preferred pot, but it's also a personal favorite of our prep kitchen manager, Catherine Ward. Here's why. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Is Staub worth the money?

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.

Is Le Creuset really worth the price?

In our opinion, the answer is yes. We're big fans of any brand that offers a lifetime warranty on its products and Le Creuset is one of them. In fact, its ceramics are so well made that they often outlive the people who originally bought them, with items being passed down to the next generation.

Is Le Creuset sold at Costco?

Costco Direct Savings can be combined with other promotions. The ultimate cookware set from Le Creuset includes everything you need to set up your kitchen to be your own professional chef. This exclusive set includes Cast Iron, Stoneware, Stainless Steel, Silicone, Wine tools, accessories and much more.

Is Le Creuset now made in China?

While some Le Creuset products are made in China, the company's enameled cast iron products are still made in its original foundry in France. Le Creuset's stainless steel and nonstick cookware is most often made in Portugal.

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.

Can I put my Staub in the dishwasher?

Wipe your dish thoroughly with a clean cloth and leave to dry upside down before putting it away. You can wash your STAUB product in the dishwasher.

Do the French 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.

Is Lodge as good as Staub?

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.

Does Staub have a lifetime warranty?

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.

How much is Costco selling the 170-piece Le Creuset set for?

Costco is charging $4,999.99 for the "Le Creuset Marseille 170-piece Ultimate Cookware Set" made by the wildly-popular French cookware brand.

Do professional chefs use Le Creuset?

Chefs often rely on French cookware not only because of its performance but also because of its longevity. French brands like Le Creuset and Staub are household names, thanks to the heirloom-quality cookware they produce.

How much is the Le Creuset for shocking price at Costco?

In fact, it's $5,000. However, when you think about all that you're getting, you're basically stealing this set. Here's how we'd break it down: Le Creuset's signature enameled cast iron round 4.5-quart Dutch oven goes for $390, which is roughly a twelfth of the price of the massive set from Costco.

Does HomeGoods sell Le Creuset?

The best places to find a discounted Le Creuset (and other name-brand kitchen gear): TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls. Not surprising, considering they all share the same parent company! According to TJ Maxx, you just need to shop early, shop often, and don't second-guess yourself.

Is Le Creuset a lifetime warranty?

Le Creuset cookware is warranted to you by Le Creuset of America, Inc. to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the time of its purchase. For this Lifetime Limited Warranty to apply, you must follow the care and use instructions provided with the utensil. This warranty covers normal household use only.

How to get a Le Creuset mystery box?

Where Can You Get A Le Creuset Mystery Box? Mystery Boxes are only available at Le Creuset's Factory to Table sales that are hosted in various cities nationwide. In 2024, Factory to Table events were held in San Antonio, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and Miami, Florida.

Why does everything stick to my Staub pan?

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.

Can Staub go on stove top?

According to the Staub's specifications, it is NOT for stovetop use. But it can be used in microwave and oven (up to 570°F) and it's also broiler safe. So basically, there is no need to use this baby-cocotte on a stovetop. However, everything depends on the heat.

Who is Staub owned by?

In June 2008, Staub was acquired by Zwilling J. A. Henckels, but it remains and has continued to operate as an independent brand.

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