Le Creuset vs. Staub: What – really – is the difference?

Here at Consiglio’s, one of the most common questions we get is rooted in the Le Creuset vs. Staub argument – both lines are made in France from the highest quality cast iron, individually cast in sand molds and coated in vibrantly coloured, yet highly durable, scratch resistant enamel; both lines are renowned for their quality and longevity by both amateur, home, and professional cooks alike; both lines combine culinary arts tradition and functionality with beautiful designs, producing cookware that sears, braises, roasts and bakes to perfection on all heat sources (including induction!) and looks great while doing it.

So what, then, is the difference between the two?

Aesthetic and Design

This differing use of angular lines vs. soft curves results in a different lid structure between the two lines. Lids on Le Creuset dutch ovens arc upwards from where the lids rest on the rim of the oven, forming a dome. Staub lids, however, have a thick, heavy rim where lid meets oven, and a flat surface inset slightly.

Le Creuset’s exterior enamel uses a semi-gloss finish and features an array of vibrant colours, with their most common being Flame Orange, Cherry Red, and Marseille Blue. By contrast, Staub’s exteriors have a high-gloss finish and deep, rich colours such as their take on the Cherry Red, as well as their Grenadine, and Dark Blue product lines.

While these differences are merely aesthetic, they can be important to consider if planning a cookware purchase to match or accentuate the design and feel of both your kitchen and your lifestyle.

Interior Enamel - Colour

While the enamels used for both interiors are scratch resistant, the use of non-metallic cooking utensils is recommended for both, with Le Creuset offering a silicone utensil line for this purpose.

Interior Enamel - Texture

While Le Creuset uses a gloss enamel inside their dutch ovens, Staub uses a slightly textured, matte enamel. This texture provides a surface more similar to traditional, un- enamaled cast iron cookware, making it great for searing and braising, as well as giving it the ability to develop a natural, non-stick patina over time and with use, again much like traditional cast iron.

Lids

While Le Creuset lids are smooth on the underside, Staub lids are covered with small, evenly distributed raised bumps. These raised bumps collect moisture evaporated by the cooking process, and give it a point to fall off of - a design that allows whatever is being prepared to self-baste while cooking.

Knobs