Simple Guide To The Staub Cast Iron Cocotte

Answering your questions on the Staub cast iron cocotte.

If you have or looking at the Staub cocotte, you probably have a few questions on the French oven. These questions start at the purchasing stage. After all, you want to make make the right decision because these are not cheap pots. And if you have a cocotte, you may have a few user questions to ensure the longevity of the oven. In this article, I will answer your Staub cocotte questions.

Table of contents

• Information on Staub
• What is a Staub Cocotte?
• Staub Cocotte vs. Dutch Oven
• Staub lids
• Where is the cocotte made?
• Comparing a Staub Cocotte vs. Le Creuset Dutch Oven.
• Is the cocotte any good?
• Oval vs. round cocottes
• What are the plastic clips for?
• Why does my new oven smell?
• What is the best temperature for a cocotte?

Staub Information

Staub Origins	Staub has its roots in the French region of Alsace. Alsace has a rich history in traditional French cuisine.
Founded	Staub was founded in 1974 by Francis Staub.
Where Does Staub Manufacture Cast Iron?	Staub Fonderie Rue des Fondeurs 59660 Merville, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France Google Maps
Type of Casting	There are two methods to cast iron. 1. clay molds 2. sand molds Wiki Staub uses the newer method of sand casting,
Signature Product	Enameled cast iron cocotte.
Signature Color	Traditional matte black.

Many owners say the quality of Staub cast iron is simply unparalleled. If you want to learn about the benefits of using Staub iron cast iron, just click the link above.

Answering your Staub Cocotte questions

What is a cocotte?

Interestingly, Staub’s closest competitor Le Creuset does not use the term. A cocotte is a French oven used for cooking casseroles and stews in traditional French cuisine. Traditional cocottes were probably similar to modern brasiers. However, today the cocotte or French Oven is identical in shape and depth to modern Dutch ovens.

What is a Staub cocotte?

A Staub cocotte is a Dutch Oven made of enameled cast iron and manufactured by a French company called Staub. The enamel on a Staub cocotte is matte black, or the enamel has a glossy finish in various colors. The knobs are either brass or nickel-plated steel. Unlike other enameled Dutch Ovens, the cocotte has a black interior that hides food stains better than light enamel interiors.

Staub Cocotte vs. Staub Dutch oven.

So you have come across retailers advertising Staub cocottes and Staub Dutch ovens in your research, and you want to know the difference?

The pots are the same. Staub calls their product a cocotte, but it is not a word well-known outside of France. So many retailers advertise a Staub Cocotte as a Staub Dutch oven because it is more familiar to shoppers. Even Le Creuset uses the term Dutch oven.

And if you want to learn the benefits of using a Staub Cocotte, click the link.

Does the cocotte come with a glass lid?

Various models are available, and I believe some retailers sell the Staub cocotte with a glass lid. However, a glass lid is more commonly seen on brasiers and on the Staub Perfect Pan. And the standard cocotte will come with a tight-fitting cast iron lid.

Undoubtedly, the glass lids reduce the weight of the cocotte, and this could be hugely beneficial. This is because the larger capacity round and oval ovens can be weighty. So to reduce the weight of the cocotte, Staub offers glass lids in various sizes.

What is the purpose of basting spikes?

The underside of the cast iron lid is designed to drop moisture back into the food. Staub has opted for the basting spike design, similar to Lodge design on their preseasoned cast iron ovens. Staub manages to do this on their enamel-coated cocotte. To archive, an even layer of enamel over basting spikes is more time-consuming and undoubtedly takes skill from the workers.

The lid on the Staub cocotte is heavy, and it fits snugly on the pot. This reduces moisture escaping from the oven. To achieve a tight-fitting lid, the company needs to manufacture the cocotte to millimeter precision. Unfortunately, this does add to the manufacturing cost.

Why is the lid on the Staub Dutch Oven so good?

Prevents food from drying out. And retains natural flavors.	You have heard of the benefits of slow-cooking food. When you cook in a Staub cocotte, food retains moisture making meat and vegetables more tender. Up to 10% more moisture is held in the pot during cooking when compared to non-basting lids.
Unique self-basting design	On the underside of a lid, you will see protruding spikes. These spikes are the self-basting system that drops moisture back on the food. Staub says their cocotte provides up to 9 x more efficient basting lids than competing brands.
Tight-fitting lid	Another benefit of a Staub Cocotte is the tight-fitting lid. There is little wiggle room when you try to move the lid side to side. And if you want the best results from slow cooking you need a tight-fitting lid.

Where is the Staub cocotte made?

Each cocotte is manufactured in France, and this includes the enameling. The French have a long history in enameling and still make the finest enameled products to this day. Few countries have comparable expertise or machinery needed for the task. Luckily for us, the French have retained their cultural heritage of enameling.

The cocotte boasts unrivaled durability that will last a lifetime with proper care. The gorgeous enamelware brings true joy to every proud owner and adds a splash of luxury style to any kitchen.

Each cast iron cocotte is beautifully enameled, and Staub cocottes have a deep intense color.

Staub 5.5 quart and the Le Creuset cast iron cocotte compared

	Staub 5.5 quart round cocotte	Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron 5-1/2-quart  cocotte
Weight	12.9lbs	12.7lbs
Dimensions	12.9in x 10.2in x 6.6in	12.5in x 12.8in x 5.9in
Country of manufacture	France	France
Material	Cast-iron	Cast-iron
Interior	Matte black enamel.	Creamy enamel.
Exterior	Matte black or glossy colored enamel	Many color options available
Requires maintenance	No maintenance required	No maintenance required
	Staub’s black interior hides food stains. Also, it has self-basting dimples on the lid.	Trusted cast-iron brand. Also, many prefer the creamy enamel interior.
Available from Amazon	If you’re interested, check out the Staub 5.5 quart star ratings on Amazon (Affiliate link).	Here’s an Amazon link if you prefer a light interior (Affiliate link). Le Creuset Signature 5.5 quart Dutch Oven

Is the Staub any good?

Staub cookware is long-lasting, and this can be attributed to Staub’s commitment to continuous testing and increasing the quality of its products.

Staub does not mass produce the cocotte in large volumes. And each pot is carefully checked during every stage of the manufacturing process. When you receive your cocotte, you will notice an inspection sticker on the cookware. And each cocotte has a final inspection before leaving the foundry.

Is the enamel on Staub cast iron ovens good?

Each cocotte receives three layers of enamel coating. The first base layer smooths the iron by filling in the unevenness due to sand casting. It also provides the first essential layer of rust protection and makes the oven nonreactive to acidic foods.

Two layers on top of the first add strength to the enamel and make the color deep and glossy. Because each enamel coating is applied and fired separately to adhere to the cocotte. The enameled is extremely resistant the cracks and chips

What kind of cocotte is right for me?

Staub Round Cocottes	For me the Staub round cocotte is the most useable shape You can use a round cocotte on the stovetop and in the oven. The most popular sizes have a base of 26cm (10.2in) or 28cm (11.2in). So the cocottes fit nicely on top of your stovetop. Therefore you can use round cocottes just like you would a regular pot.
Staub Oval Cocottes	If you use your cocotte for the Sunday roast. Then the Staub Oval cocotte is designed for the task. If you are looking for a roaster, then this is the cocotte you need. However, keep in mind the bigger-sized cocottes can be very heavy.

What are the plastic clips for?  

Your cocotte will come with plastic clips to protect the enamel-coating on the lid and pot during shipment. Please keep these clips and use them to protect the enamel when you store your oven. 

Using the clips also allows air circulation for storage. This keeps the air in the cocotte fresh and prevents bad smells.

Although I do not recommend stacking, you can also use the clip for multi-pot stacking. Carefully turn the lid upside down and stack a smaller pot on top.

Why does my new cocotte smell when cooking?

If your new cocotte smells when heating on an element, there is no need to worry. It is a new piece of heavy-duty enamel cookware, and it could smell for the first few times of use. The metallic smell will dissipate after a few uses.

If you are worried, you could boil water a few times or slowly heat it in the oven on medium to high heat.

How hot can I set my oven?

Your cocotte and the metal knob will handle high temperatures without risk of damage to the enamel coating. And you can set a standard oven to your desired temperature.

However, to get the most from your cocotte and ensure longevity, I recommend low to medium heat. After all, cast iron ovens are best suited for slow cooking. You can braise and casserole tough cuts of meat to make melt in your mouth dishes. But this method of cooking requires long and slow cooking.

Exceptional Cookware.

Staub cocotte is a timeless piece of cookware to add to your kitchen. Also, Staub cocottes are perfect as a gift to a loved one for a special occasion. Such as a wedding or a housewarming. Because you know the oven will be well-loved and treasured. And it will last a long time.

I wholeheartedly consider Staub cast iron cocottes as the finest quality cookware of its kind. And this is the reason it makes it in my who makes the best-enameled cast iron article. 

The beauty of the enameling combined with the superior quality manufacturing that truly lasts. In essence, Staub is a fantastic choice for kitchenware. Once you have experienced life with a Staub cocotte in your kitchen, you will never be able to imagine life without one.

References

• Castey: COCOTTE. A LIFETIME CAST IRON POT AND AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE.
• Kichn: 5 Surprising Things I Learned at the Staub Factory in France