Cocotte Staub Vs Le Creuset – Which Should I Buy?
Cocotte Staub Vs Le Creuset – Which Should I Buy?
The big question, Cocotte Staub vs Le Creuset. It’s a fair question as you won’t find many brands that are as closely comparable as these two. However, there are differences which I will take you through.
I suspect that you are here for the cast iron cookware comparisons. Le Creuset are such a big lifestyle brand that they now cover more areas than cast iron. They are also producers of ceramics, stainless steel and silicone accessories. This comparison will focus solely on the cast iron offerings of the two.
Cocotte Staub vs Le Creuset- What do they make?
Le Creuset is the ore established of the two and clearly have a head start. As I mentioned above, they now produce more than cast iron cookware. Staub focus their efforts entirely on cast iron cookware. Therefore, to compare the two, I will focus on their cocotte/Dutch oven offering. This allows you to really see where they are.
Essentially, the cast iron products they both make are;
- Dutch ovens / Cocottes
- Braisers
- Skillets
- Frying pans
- Grills
When we talk about Dutch ovens, any talk comes down to two brands…Staub vs Le Creuset. They are at the pinnacle of Dutch oven making setting the standards that others can only dream of. They have a lot in common. Both are French for a start…something France can be very proud off…but they both offer similar promises. Great construction is a given, fantastic cooking performance and a quality experience that others will find difficult to match.
I have done a full review on the benefits of both these Dutch ovens in my Best Dutch oven test. I tested a number of Dutch ovens and listed my top 5, of which Staub and Le Creuset both feature. Find out more here.
So, let us look at the benefits and drawbacks of each of the brands Dutch ovens and look at the Cocotte Staub vs Le Creuset debate.
Staub Dutch oven
Pros
- Amazing product finish
- Different styling that makes them stand out
- Serious colour range that looks more professional and modern
- Fantastic reputation and great brand
- Made in France using the highest quality materials
- Self-basting lid that drips moisture back onto food
- Best heat retention and delivery – they use quartz in their cast iron
- Most number of enamel layers on the market
- Their enamel is porous meaning that it also seasons helping its non-stick properties over time
- Maximum oven temperature of 475F
- Lifetime warranty
- Tightest lid on the market
Cons
- Expensive but marginally less than Le Creuset
- Dark interior makes it difficult to see the browning
- Self-basting lid is more difficult to clean
- The tight-fitting lid means you may have to uncover to thicken sauce
Le Creuset Dutch oven
Pros
- Fantastic reputation and great brand
- Made in France using the highest quality materials
- Amazing finish on their products
- Wonderful array of colours
- Large range of sizes – Learn more here
- Perfect fitting between lid and vessel
- Sand coloured enamel interior – perfectly flat finish
- Large handles with great finger space
- Market leading warranty that actually does what it says
- Great customer service, they can’t be more helpful
- Can be considered an investment, they can appreciate in value over time
Cons
- Interior is prone to staining
- Can be scratched with metal utensils – only ever use wooden or silicone utensils
- They look expensive when compared to others on market
So, which one should I buy?
Cocotte Staub vs Le Creuset…It’s actually quite a difficult decision and the true answer is that it comes down to style and personal preference. One thing is for sure, they are wonderful Dutch ovens to cook with…perfect in fact. The decision you make will be mainly based on the styling and the pricing.
The Staub Dutch oven is slightly cheaper but only marginally. Le Creuset are more famous and common, if you want something a little bit different, opt for the Staub. If you want brighter colours from an instantly recognisable lifestyle brand, buy the Le Creuset Dutch oven.
History of Staub
Staub were founded in 1974 by Francis Staub. With a family history in the cookware market…his grandfather was a cookware merchant, Francis set about starting his company making great products using the latest technology.
Fast forward today, Staub are right up there with the very best, fantastic products made to the highest standards. They set the standards alongside Le Creuset when it comes to the quality of Cast iron cookware.
History of Le Creuset
They began life in 1925 with a partnership between two Belgians, Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq. They were clear about what they wanted to achieve…leaders in kitchen technology through their cast iron and enameling ability. Today they are a world-famous company, a leader in the Dutch oven market. They truly set the benchmark for others to attain.
Frequently Asked questions
What is a Dutch oven
A Dutch oven is a cast iron lidded vessel that is designed to move from the stovetop to the oven. They have tightly fitting lids they retain the moisture inside. This means that they tenderise meats beautifully and the even heating of cast iron delivers wonderfully cooked food.
What does Cocotte mean?
Cocotte translates to “small oven”. It is exactly the same as French oven or Dutch oven.
What do you use a cocotte for?
A cocotte can be used for many things. They are the perfect piece of cookware for the kitchen…so versatile. You can sear meats on the stovetop, add your liquid and move to the oven to finish. You can bake bread, fry in them…in fact most things.
What is the best Dutch oven?
The best Dutch oven depends on your criteria. Have a look at my review here.
What is the best size for a Dutch oven?
I would always recommend a Dutch oven size of between 5 – 6 quarts. This mid range size is perfect for most tasks and is suitable for at least 5 people. They are also large enough
What is Staub cookware made of?
Staub are masters in casting iron and enamelling processes.
Is a cocotte the same as a Dutch oven?
They are exactly the same. They are just known as different things in different countries. In most parts of the world, they are referred to as Dutch ovens.
Is all Le Creuset made in France?
All their cast iron products like Dutch ovens, skillets and braisers are made in France. They also make a range of other goods that are produced in other countries. The countries include Portugal, Thailand and China.
What should i read next?
Staub vs Le Creuset vs Lodge – Judgement Day
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