Le Creuset and Staub Dutch ovens are iconic brands with a long history in the cookware industry, dating back to 1925 and 1974 respectively. Both brands have been consistently recommended by Serious Eats, based on both anecdotal evidence from staff usage and objective reviews of 18 Dutch ovens. These colorful pots are exceptional, versatile workhorses in the kitchen, but there are several factors to consider when choosing between Le Creuset and Staub: durability, manufacturing, design, color selection, cleanup, and price.
Durability and Manufacturing: Both Le Creuset and Staub Dutch ovens are extremely durable and long-lasting. They are known for their high-quality enameled cast iron, which is why investing in these heritage brands is often recommended. Each brand has its own production factory and maintains strict quality standards. Le Creuset inspects every pot before it leaves the factory, while Staub adjusts the moisture of the sand used in their Dutch ovens daily based on humidity levels. This attention to detail ensures that you are unlikely to receive a pot with manufacturing defects, and both brands offer lifetime warranties as a testament to their quality. Pot and Lid Design Differences: The design of Le Creuset and Staub Dutch ovens differs notably. Le Creuset features a light enameled interior, while Staub has a black one. Some cooks may find the black enamel of Staub makes it harder to see fond development, but it also means it’s less likely to show scuffs, scratches, and discoloration from regular use. The handles also differ; Le Creuset has wide, looped handles and a sizable knob on the lid, while Staub has slightly narrower handles with squared-off edges and a smaller knob on the lid. These differences may influence your preference based on personal comfort and ease of use. Color Selection Options: Both Le Creuset and Staub offer a range of classic, always-available colors. The iconic Flame color for Le Creuset and Cherry for Staub are well-known. Additionally, both brands regularly release new, sometimes limited-edition colors, with some available exclusively at specialty retailers. This makes both brands quite even in terms of color options. Cleanup Pain Points: Cleaning Dutch ovens from both Le Creuset and Staub involves similar daily care. If you’re concerned about interior marks or polymerized oil splotches on the exterior, you might prefer a darker-colored Staub to mask these imperfections.Why We’re the Experts
Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the associate editorial director for Serious Eats. She’s worked at the company since 2021 and has reviewed kitchen equipment professionally for more than six years. She has written many reviews for the site, including on Ooni pizza ovens and air fryers. We have extensively reviewed and written about Dutch ovens, so we know a thing or two about the pot. Price Differences Serious Eats / Will Dickey At the time of writing, a 5.5-quart Le Creuset is $400, while a 5.5-quart Staub is $311. So, Staub’s a bit cheaper, but both are still expensive and within the same price range. And, ultimately, with a piece of cookware that’s going to last as long as a Dutch oven, you should invest in the one you really want. So, Should You Buy a Le Creuset or Staub Dutch Oven? Sorry, but the answer is: either. Both are incredible pieces of cookware and are designed to last a long time and come with a reputation for quality. We Tested 18 Dutch Ovens to Find The Best Best Ones for Braises, Bakes, and Stews Cookware The Latest Basic Kitchen Equipment Equipment Its black interior will help hide marks and a darker exterior (like a deep red) will camouflage things a bit.
