Is Staub enameled cast iron only expensive because of the name? Or is it, like that other famous French brand, crafted with such quality that it deserves a high price tag?
After cooking with several brands of enameled Dutch ovens, Staub is definitely my favorite. I think Staub is worth the price – and here are a few reasons why.
Read my full review of the Staub Enameled Cocotte.
Why is Staub Cookware So Expensive?
Staub is handcrafted in France, with each cocotte taking around a week to make. Twenty people handle each piece of Staub cookware, making sure it is uniform and beautiful. Staub, with its reputation for quality, is often pitted against Le Creuset in both looks and performance.
Made in France
Staub has been hand-crafted in the historical region of Alsace, France, since the first cocotte was designed in 1974. On average, a worker in France is paid four times more than a worker in China. Just from a labor perspective, it’s easy to see why Staub costs more than a cheaper Chinese-made dupe.
Some of Staub’s uniquely shaped cocottes – like its pumpkin or tomato designs– must be ground down by hand, leading to longer production times and more worker wages per unit.
Staub and its parent company, Zwilling, are open about their manufacturing process through videos and occasional factory tours. Check out the video below to see what goes into making one of these famous pieces of cookware.
Brand Recognition
There aren’t many things that Gwyneth Paltrow owns that I can also buy – but Staub cookware is one of them! Celebrity chefs and editors from practically all the prestigious culinary publications love Staub. With such clout behind the brand, it’s no wonder the price has risen to match the demand for those beautifully crafted cocottes.
Staub has become as much of a status symbol as Le Creuset, with each brand having its own set of diehard fans who insist food simply doesn’t taste as good when made in any other cookware.
Design and Aesthetics
Staub has a very different aesthetic than Le Creuset – but, like its competitor, the brand produces beautiful limited edition pieces. You can customize your Staub with cast iron animal-shaped knobs, like this super cute cow.
But Staub isn’t all style and no substance. Its tight-fitting lid helps keep the moisture in your dishes, and the cast iron lids feature rounded spikes that self-baste your food. No piece of Staub cookware is left without enamel, meaning none of it will rust.
Sustainability
Staub is owned by German cookware giant, Zwilling, a company that emphasizes sustainability in both manufacturing and packaging. Zwilling intends to become carbon neutral by 2030 and has high environmental standards for its supply chain. Doing things right and holding to a high standard doesn’t allow for cost-saving through corner-cutting measures. Pieces that are returned under their warranty are recycled, keeping them out of landfills.
Safety
I contacted Zwilling USA regarding safety testing and compliance of Staub cookware. They responded on social media and had this to say about their safety measures:
“Zwilling as a company do third party certify labs test for all of our products for harmful materials. We cannot release the findings as they are proprietary, but we can assure you that our products meet all legal regulations and are 100% safe when used properly. And are California Proposition 65 compliant. Staub is Cadmium Free, Lead Free, PFOA Free, PTFE Free and California Proposition 65 compliant.”
Longevity
Designed for restaurants and home cooks alike, Staub is made to last. Products are backed with a lifetime warranty. Like many other cookware brands, the warranty guarantees against manufacturing defects, but not misuse or wear and tear.
So what makes Staub’s warranty special? Well, Staub is known for its excellent customer service and actually honoring its warranty.
How to Save Money Buying Staub
So maybe Staub sounds like the perfect cookware for you- all except that price tag. I get it. I’m sitting on my hands waiting for the right moment to buy another one. Thankfully, I know where to look.
Shop The Sales
Zwilling has excellent end-of-year sales on its website. There are also quite a few retailers that carry Staub cookware, from William-Sonoma to Amazon, that run great Black Friday deals. Keep a list of pieces you want and do a price comparison when it comes to retailers. You never know when you’ll find a sale!
Visual Imperfections
Staub sells pieces with visual imperfections. This may be a color that is slightly off, a bit of enamel that is thinner than it should be, blemishes, or even chips that have been enameled over. Staub says that the integrity of the piece won’t be affected, and you can score some large discounts! Sales on pieces with visual imperfections are final through Zwilling’s website.
Promo Codes
You can currently get a 15% off promo code from the Zwilling website if you’re willing to share your email address.
Buy Used
Staub is meant to last for generations. You can find used pieces at estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores, or even sites like eBay. Inspect pieces thoroughly to ensure they have been properly taken care of, but don’t be afraid to buy a used piece in great shape. It may just be the deal of a lifetime!
Buy the Right Size
It’s no secret that the larger the piece, the more expensive it is. For instance, a 7 qt Dutch oven runs several hundred dollars more than a 2.75 qt Dutch oven. Knowing which size you need is an easy way to save money.
Check our guide to determining What size Dutch oven is right for you.
I like using a 5.5 qt cocotte. It’s large enough to cook soup for four (with leftovers), or cook a whole chicken! You can also use it to make bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Staub Logo?
The Staub logo is a black and white stork with a red bill and feet. The stork of Alsace is a signature bird of the area in France where the Staub cocotte was invented and is produced to this day.
What’s the Difference between Le Creuset and Staub?
Staub is an enameled cookware brand owned by Zwilling-Henckels Corporation; whereas Le Creuset is a brand that makes a variety of kitchen products, not just cast iron. Staub cocottes have dark interior enamel, flat self-basting lids, and are heavier and thicker than Le Creuset French ovens. They can be used for the same purposes.
Is it worth it to buy Staub?
In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it to buy Staub! In my head-to-head comparison, the Staub retained heat longer and cooked food faster than Le Creuset or Lodge Dutch ovens. It put a better sear on meat and it baked bread with wonderful, even crust. I know that my investment in a Staub will pay off through many years of use.
