Staub vs. Le Creuset: Which Should You Buy? Here’s Our Honest Review

Few things last forever, but great cookware should last at least one lifetime, which makes purchasing it a pretty big decision (not to mention the hefty price tag). 

For many home cooks, including myself, two brands represent the pinnacle of durability, usefulness, and beauty when it comes to cookware — Le Creuset and Staub. These two brands are the gold standard for enameled cast-iron cookware, and parsing their differences can be a tedious task. But the good news is, we’ve done it for you. 

Ahead, we break down the similarities and differences between Le Creuset and Staub, and compare the most popular pieces to make it easier for you to choose which one to add to your cart — especially if you’re planning to shop them during Black Friday sales.

Looking for more great deals? Check out our complete Black Friday & Cyber Monday sale coverage, and be sure to sign up for our Cook Shop newsletter for the latest sales and must-have kitchen finds.

Le Creuset (pronounced “luh cru-say,” which translates to “the crucible”) is a French brand known for their colorful enameled cast-iron cookware, namely Dutch ovens. The brand didn’t invent the Dutch oven, but it did pioneer the idea of colorful enameled cast-iron cookware, and set the standard for quality in the category as early as 1925.

Currently, Le Creuset’s Black Friday sale includes gems starting at $20, including some editor-favorite pieces. Outside of its legendary Factory-to-Table sale, Le Creuset doesn’t have many sales throughout the year, so if you see a deal, it’s definitely worth checking out.

• Cast-iron cookware is still handmade by artisans in France 
• Available in many colors, from signature Flame to the new moody Nuit, as well as patterns like Olive Branch and festive Holly  
• Also offers nonstick and stainless steel cookware, as well as ceramic bakeware, tools, and accessories 
• Most cookware, including the iconic Dutch oven, comes with a lifetime warranty

Staub is a French manufacturer of cast-iron cookware also known for their brightly colored enameled cast-iron pieces. Staub released its first cocotte (French for “casserole”) in 1974, and even though it’s now owned by the German cutlery brand Zwilling, artisans still craft the colorful cocottes by hand.

Many of Staub’s pieces are currently discounted during Zwilling’s Black Friday sale, including the cocottes, so it’s worth a look if you’re shopping for deals.

• Enameled cast-iron cookware is still handcrafted in France 
• Specializes in cast-iron cookware and ceramic bakeware 
• Tight curation of colors, and fun specialty pieces like pumpkin-shaped or tomato-shaped cocottes
• Cookware and bakeware come with a limited warranty 

Both Le Creuset and Staub produce exceptional enameled cast-iron cookware, and any home cook would be well-served by either brand. The main difference comes down to cosmetic appearance, both on the inside and outside of the cookware. 

The interior of Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron is a glossy off-white, which is great for monitoring the progress of whatever you’re cooking. Meanwhile, the interior of a Staub cocotte is a matte black, which is easier to maintain but may make it more difficult for new cooks to assess how far along they are in the cooking process.

Le Creuset’s cookware also comes in more colorways than Staub, but both brands release new limited edition and seasonal shades often.

You may have noticed that Le Creuset and Staub call their Dutch ovens two different names, but they are still referring to the same type of cookware: the terms “Dutch oven” and “cocotte” can be used interchangeably. The biggest difference is sizing; cocottes are generally smaller than Dutch ovens. 

Le Creuset’s best-selling items include the Signature Round Dutch Oven, the Mini Round Cocotte, the Signature Skillet, and baking dishes like the Heritage 3-Piece Rectangular Bakeware Set. 

Staub’s best selling products include the Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, the 10-Inch Fry Pan, and the Rectangular Baking Dish Set. 

The Dutch ovens from Le Creuset and Staub are extremely similar, and any dish made in either pot would come out just as tender and delicious (like our current favorite, coq au vin). They both feature enameled cast iron that provides exceptional heat retention, durability, and ease of cleaning. 

Le Creuset’s dome-shaped lid helps circulate steam and moisture back into dishes efficiently, while Staub’s flat lid features little spikes that help direct moisture in the same way.

In terms of weight, Le Creuset’s Dutch oven is generally about a pound lighter than Staub’s, and the handles are slightly roomier, making it easier to carry from the stovetop to the oven. 

Editors and contributors at The Kitchn love the Dutch ovens from both brands. Former editor-in-chief and current SVP of content at Apartment Therapy Media Faith Durand has had her Staub for more than 14 years and calls it one of the “hardest-working pieces of cookware” in her kitchen, while contributor Abigail Abesamis Demarest credits her Le Creuset with giving her the confidence to try new recipes. 

• Price starts at $260
• Available in more than 24 colors; round, round wide, and oval shapes; and in 2-quart to 15.5-quart capacities
• Slightly domed lid helps circulate steam and moisture back into dishes 
• Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F
• Dishwasher-safe (though hand-washing is recommended)
• Glossy white interior doesn’t require seasoning, but does require proper care to keep it looking new. Avoid using metal tools or scrub brushes
• Default knobs on Dutch ovens in the Signature line are oven-safe up to 500°F while knobs in the Classic line are oven-safe up to 375°F and can be replaced with stainless steel versions for temps up to 500°F, as well as with novelty-shaped versions, like this heart

• Price starts at $139.99
• Available in more than 15 colors; round, round wide, and oval shapes, as well as several speciality shapes; and in 0.425-quart to 13.25-quart capacities
• Flat, tight-fitting lid features spiky underside to help circulate moisture back into dishes 
• Matte black interior shows fewer stains and can be used with metal utensils, but may also make it more difficult to monitor cooking progress
• Compatible with all types of cooktops and is oven-safe up to 500°F, including knobs
• Factory knobs can be replaced with adorable animal-shaped knobs, like this snail, for aesthetics  

Le Creuset and Staub enameled cast-iron skillets boast excellent heat distribution and retention, and are preseasoned, so you can start cooking with them right out of the box. Both skillets are available in a range of colors and four sizes, and feature helper handles for convenience.

In this case, both Le Creuset and Staub skillets feature a black enamel-coated interior so you can use metal utensils. Le Creuset’s interior is smooth and Staub’s is a bit more textured.

As for what sets the two brands apart, Staub’s skillet is lighter than Le Creuset’s and Staub offers a deeper skillet for which Le Creuset lacks a similar counterpart.

Former contributor Nic Dobija-Nootens raves about his Le Creuset skillet, saying, “ I can cook whatever I want in it — chicken thighs, hash browns, frittatas — without worrying about my food getting stuck.” Former editor Ridley Gemperlein-Schirm notes of the Staub, “It browns food beautifully, has two pour spouts, has a comfortable, ergonomic handle, and has tall, sloped sides that both contain and make it easy to access food.” 

• Price starts at $136
• Available in more than 24 colors, and in four sizes from 6.33 to 11.75 inches wide 
• Features glossy black satin enamel-coated interior that doesn’t need seasoning 
• Includes two side pouring spouts and a roomy helper handle for easier maneuverability and ability to hang on a hook 
• Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F
• Dishwasher-safe (though hand-washing is recommended)

• Price starts at $169.99
• Available in up to 10 colors, three sizes from 10 inches to 12 inches, and one deep skillet that is 8.5 inches wide
• Features a matte black textured enameled cast-iron interior that is preseasoned 
• Includes two side pouring spouts and a tabbed helper handle  
• Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F 
• Dishwasher-safe (but hand-wash for longevity)

Much like their Dutch ovens and skillets, the baking dishes from Le Creuset and Staub are also extremely similar. Both boast top-notch heat distribution and retention, and the interior is easy to clean and resistant to scratches.

Staub offers dishes in slightly larger sizes overall, including the oft-used 13-by 9-inch baking dish, but has a slightly tighter color collection than Le Creuset. Ever one to keep it classic, editorial shopping director Jada Wong has two sets of Staub bakeware, both in the White colorway.

The baking dish handles are the main differentiator here, but it comes down to personal preference — Le Creuset dishes feature vintage-inspired scalloped handles (a favorite feature of contributor Bernadette Machard de Gramont), while Staub provides more utilitarian-style tabbed handles. 

• Price starts at $16
• Available individually or as sets that include up to four pieces 
• Color availability differs by item, but expect up to 26 color choices 
• Scratch-resistant interior provides great heat distribution and retention
• Scalloped handles offer vintage-inspired aesthetic
• Safe for freezer, oven, microwave, broiler, and dishwasher (though hand-washing is recommended), in temps from -9°F to 500°F 

• Price starts at $39.99
• Available individually or as sets that include up to five pieces (counting lids)
• Color availability differs by item, but expect up to 14 color choices 
• Scratch-resistant enameled interior offers great heat distribution and retention
• Helper handle can be hung on hooks or pegboard for smart storage 
• Safe for oven and broiler temps up to 570°F, as well as the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher (though the rec is to wash by hand)

Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with Le Creuset or Staub, and most of it boils down to personal preference. Both brands are iconic in their own right, and their cookware and bakeware are synonymous with quality craftsmanship. These heirloom pieces differ slightly in appearances — color curation, interior finish, and handle shapes — but nothing truly impactful. At the end of the day, any home cook should be proud to use and display their Le Creuset or Staub pieces.