What Makes Staub Cookware So Good? And More Importantly, Is It Worth The Extra Cost?
Staub cookware is the standard to beat for enameled cast iron cookware. Staub pots and pans are highly durable and will last many years. The company also makes a range of top-notch ceramic cookware. In this article, you can learn about the range of products available at Staub. Why are they more expensive, and are they worth the extra cost?
Table Of Contents
- Company information
- Is Staub as good as Le Creuset?
- What products does Staub make?
- Features of Staub cookware
- What makes Staub cookware so expensive?
- The manufacturing process.
- Pros and cons of the black interior.
- Overview of Staub products available.
- Conclusion (Is Staub cookware worth it, and is it good?)
Company Information
Founded | The company is from the Alsace region of France and dates back to 1974. |
Founder | Francis Staub. |
Product Range | Staub is best known for its cast-iron cocotte (French Oven). But Staub has a wide range of cast-iron cookware. The company also makes a range of ceramic bakeware. |
Cast-iron Cookware | Staub manufactures all of its cast-iron range in France. |
Ceramic Hollowware | Staub currently outsources the production of ceramic products to a Chinese company. However, Staub continues to maintain a high level of quality control |
Signature Products | High-quality enameled Dutch Ovens. |
Signature Color | Matte Black. |
Although Le Creuset Is Better Known, Staub Cookware Is Just As Good.
Staub is not as well-known as Le Creuset cookware. However, Staub and Le Creuset make some of the most sought-after cookware on the market. Staub is currently more bespoke, while Le Creuset has more global reach. However, both cookware brands are exceptional, and choosing between them depends on personal preference.
Suppose you are looking to purchase cookware for yourself or as a gift. Then, it is hard to go wrong with a Staub. I have a fair amount of Staub cookware. Here is why I love my Staub.
Staub Makes A Wide Range Of Products For All Your Kitchen Needs.
Staub perfectly combines traditional craftsmanship with impressive state-of-the-art technology. Customers love their products, which include the iconic cast-iron cocotte. However, they make more than just Dutch Ovens. Staub offers a wide range of products, including the following.
- roasting pans
- fondue pots
- sauté pans
- stackable dishes
- grill pans
- bakeware
- ceramic tableware
Whether you purchase a Staub, cast iron product, or ceramic cookware, you can expect your cookware to be high-quality, with workers inspecting the cookware multiple times for any imperfections.
Features Of Staub Cookware
Staub Cookware Looks Beautiful.
There is no question that Staub makes beautiful-looking products. Both the cast iron and ceramic range have a timeless design. And it will look great in any style of kitchen. It also means you do not need to worry about the cookware looking old and dated.
Staub Makes Only The Best Cookware Possible.
Staub makes its cookware to withstand heavy-duty use. And they are suitable for the hotel and restaurant industry. When you purchase Staub cookware, you buy cookware that is professional grade. And it is built to last a long time.
Gorgeous Colors, It Is Hard To Choose Your Favorite.
Like Le Creuset, Staub is well known for its color range. However, matte black is the signature color. They have various colors on their cast iron and ceramic cookware you can select from. Staub colors have a deep but glossy look.
What Makes The Staub Cookware So Expensive?
There is no doubt that Staub cookware is pricy, especially the cast iron range. Undoubtedly, extra costs come with manufacturing cast iron in France. Such as the labor cost and importation of raw materials. So, how does a company survive?
They choose to make products of a higher quality than their competitors. For instance, Staub ceramic bowls and baking dishes are heavier and thicker than other brands. So, they have chosen to use more clay in their products than other companies. As a result, the ceramics are less likely to chip and have better shock resistance.
Staub Cast Iron Cookware.
The manufacture of enamel cast iron is not an easy process. Making high-quality enamel is more challenging. This difficulty is due to the increased steps needed to make a single Dutch Oven. And the process requires a lot more individual attention. But as a result, every piece of cast iron is slightly different from the next, and no two pieces are the same.
- The production process starts with creating individual molds for each piece.
- Workers prepare a separate sand mold for every piece of ironware.
- During production, the cookware undergoes serious testing to ensure quality standards. Workers then check for hairline cracks and unevenness that might have occurred during casting.
- Before enameling, workers check the cookware remove burrs, and smooth the edges of cookware using grinders and precision tools.
Staub Workers Are Experts In Enamel Glazing.
Staub cast iron cookware receives a minimum of two coats of enamel. The two layers do not include the first protective coat of enamel. So, three layers of enamel give the exterior a lasting radiance and deep, vibrant color. Multiple layers of glaze add strength and prevent chipping. At every enamel stage, there is a risk that the enamel may crack due to the firing process. But this is what separates high-quality enameled cast iron from low-cost manufacturers.
Staub uses the majolica technique for coloring. Using this technique allows the brand to achieve a glossy enamel. And also the intense deep finish that Staub is famous for.
This technique uses three layers of enamel.
- The first layer of enamel is applied to protect the raw iron. And to smooth and even the surface.
- A secondary layer of enamel creates a glossy effect.
- The third layer of enamel gives the cookware a deep, brilliant color and appearance.
If you are new to enamel cast iron, here are some benefits. Enamelware is ideal if you do not want to season your ironware.
The Staub Cast Iron Interiors.
- Ideal for semi-nonstick braising.
- The unique self-basting spikes allow your Staub cookware to excel in slow cooking.
What Are The Benefits Of Staub’s Black Interior?
- Black interiors are very traditional and resemble traditional seasoned cast iron cookware.
- Staub enamel is incredibly scratch-resistant.
- Black interiors hide scratches better than lighter colors.
- If you do a lot of cooking, the black interiors of Staub cast iron hide food stains better than lighter colors.
Disadvantages Of A Black Interior.
- I like the black interiors, but many think white or creamy colors are more pleasant.
- It is harder to see a color change in food against a black interior.
Features To Look Out For
- A tight-fitting lid that prevents humidity from escaping. It allows cooks to retain 10% more moisture in food than competing cookware.
- Spikes in the interior – create a rainfall effect that keeps the food tender and flavorful.
- The semi-rough texture is ideal for browning and releasing food.
- Safe for use in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dishwasher safe.
Overview Of Some Of The Staub Products On Offer
Staub carries a wide range and assortment of cookware. They are available for purchase in a range of colors and sizes. Here are some of the products Staub has on offer:
- Mini French ovens (cocotte)
- Frying pans
- Sauté Pans
- Bakeware
- Bowls
Staub Mini French Ovens (cocottes)
The Staub’s mini cocotte is easy to care for and a perfect addition to the kitchen. The enamel surface distributes heat evenly and is nonporous. Therefore, it is suited to keep food both hot and cold.
- The shallow and round cocotte is also known as the French oven. The small French Oven is perfect for serving individual baked desserts.
- Mini French Ovens are beautiful and offer individual portion sizes.
- Great for keeping dips and Pâté chilled for summer entertaining.
Staub Frying Pans
This pan is not your ordinary cast iron skillet. Workers make every skillet with the standard you expect from any Staub Dutch Oven. The pans, including the most popular 10-12 inch sizes, are available. Or 24cm and 28cm in my part of the world.
I prefer the solid cast iron skillet to one with a wooden handle. Here is a link to check out the prices on Amazon (affiliate link). You can also use your skillet in the oven. I have matte black Staub to match my vintage cast iron, but the frying pans also come in pretty colors.
The cast iron is heavier than Le Creuset, and Staub cookware has beautiful glossy enamel. The glaze also protects modern hobs from scratches. However, checking with your stove manufacturer before using cast iron cookware would be prudent.
- Please note: no cookware can prevent scratches on hobs such as glass and ceramic induction.
Why Buy A Staub Skillet?
- The pans are of exceptional quality in terms of their interior and exterior multi-layers of glazing.
- The pan is perfect for browning and searing meat.
- The enamel is resistant to thermal shocks and scratching and requires no seasoning.
- It is dishwasher-safe and is perfect for day-to-day tasks.
Staub Perfect Pans
The Staub Perfect Pan is the perfect addition to any kitchen. Unlike bare cast iron, You can put your Perfect Pan in the dishwasher. They come in various colors, including the signature matte black. But the braising pans also come in the popular graphite grey, grenadine, and basil colors. While the thick glass lid contains splatters, you can watch your food cooking.
Click here to check the current price on Amazon (affiliate link).
Features To Look For
- With a large capacity that suits all your cooking needs, the 2.75-quart pans are perfect for daily cooking. And the 4-quart is ideal for large gatherings and families.
- The pan is oven-safe in temperatures of close to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The smooth enamel bottom ensures the pan is safe on any stovetop surface. It also eliminates the need for seasoning.
- Unlike traditional cast iron cookware, the sauté pan is dishwasher safe.
- Each pan comes with a lid that is tight-fitting to retain moisture. Using the cover prevents humidity from escaping, making meals juicy and flavorful.
- The cover has a brass knob on the matte black pots and nickel-plated on the colored braisers. These knobs can accommodate very high temperatures, so make sure to keep a tea towel or oven mitt close by.
Staub Ceramics
Like cast iron products, Staub ceramics undergo the same quality tests and standards. The ceramic range delivers the same quality at a much lower price than cast iron. You can see my baking dishes (affiliate link) in the photos. They are quality ceramics with a bit of weight to them. I have the blue and green baking dishes, but I love the rustic ones, too. Some features of Staub ceramics include.
- Staub ceramics are nonporous and do not absorb any food odors.
- Scratch-resistant – the ceramic range seems to be scratch-resistant from my experience.
- Fingermark resistant – despite having a shiny gloss, the Staub ceramic range seems to hide any greasy fingerprint marks.
Features To Look Out For
- Features that meet your everyday needs: easy storage, stackable, ergonomic handles so you can quickly move your cookware from one place to another.
- Versatility: Staub ceramics can go straight from the freezer into the oven without defrosting the food.
- With a wide selection of colors, you can match your Staub cast iron cookware.
Staub Bakeware
Staub cookware has a selection of bakeware that included
- ramekins
- pie dishes
- baking dishes
- bowls
Features To Look For
- All the bakeware is oven-safe up to temperatures of 500°F.
- Dishwasher safe.
- The thickness of the clay ensures that the cookware is hard to chip.
- Highly resistant to impact shock.
- Made heavy to ensure the baking dishes have thermal mass to retain heat.
Staub Bowls
Staub bowls come in a range of different colors. All the Staub colors blend in seamlessly with all your Staub cast iron cookware. The different sizes of the bowls also stack perfectly, making them easy to store.
Features
- Safe in the oven and can withstand temperatures of up to 572º F.
- Resistant to scratching.
- Thermal shock and are impact resistant.
- Safe to use in the microwave, broiler, oven, and freezer.
- The polished surface does not scratch easily.
Conclusion
Staub cookware is more expensive than competing brands. Sure, labor and material costs come into play. But is Staub cookware worth the extra price? Remember, the cookware is professional-grade and less likely to chip and break than other brands. It also looks fantastic, and Staub workers are experts in enameling cast iron. Only Le Creuset can compare to the enamel finish on cast-iron cookware. And even though a Chinese company makes Staub ceramics, they have not scrimped on the material to ensure the bakeware can handle any of your baking needs.
Is Staub cookware worth it? It is.
