Staub Dutch Oven

Staub Dutch ovens are the best choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchenware. They're durable and beautifully designed, and the limited lifetime warranty means you can trust their quality! If you haven’t invested in a cast iron Dutch oven before, Staub is the perfect brand to start with.

Who Are Staub?

If you've never heard of Staub before, let me introduce you to this incredible brand. Staub is a French company founded by Francis Staub that has been producing high-quality, premium cast iron cookware since 1974. 

They’re best known for their enabled cast iron Dutch ovens and cocottes (or coquelles), with the first being designed by Francis Staub himself in an old artillery factory. Their products are made with traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, resulting in the best quality cookware used by professional chefs and home cooks. 

While Staub was acquired by the J.A. Henckels group in 2008, they remain true to their roots and continue producing cast iron products in France. 

Are Staub Dutch Ovens Worth the Investment?

I won't pretend that Staub Dutch ovens are cheap because they're not. However, I firmly believe they're worth the investment.  

Firstly, Staub Dutch ovens are incredibly durable. They're made from enameled cast iron, which means they can withstand high heat and won't crack or chip easily. The enamel coating also makes them easy to clean and maintain. But it's not just the materials used that make them durable; it's also the craftsmanship. Staub workers manually prepare a sand mold for each cast iron product, and it’s checked thoroughly at every stage of production.

It's this meticulous attention to detail that makes Staub Dutch ovens last - that and the limited lifetime warranty they offer. This means you'll receive a free replacement if there are any issues with the manufacturing or materials. So, you only need to buy one Staub Dutch oven for it to last a lifetime!

Staub Dutch Ovens Vs Cocottes

Staub Dutch ovens and cocottes are the same thing. Cocotte is a word more commonly used in France, so you may see this term used interchangeably with Dutch oven. Staubs cocottes have a unique design that features little spikes on the underside of the lid. These spikes are 'self-basting,' and when steam condenses on them, it drips back down onto the food. This helps food cook evenly and keeps it moist.  

The Best Staub Dutch Ovens  

It's difficult to single out one specific Staub Dutch oven as the best because it all depends on your needs and preferences. However, some of my personal favorites include:

Staub Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5.5 QT Round Cocotte

If you don't know where to start, this classic 5.5 QT round cocotte should be at the top of your list. It's the classic Staub Dutch oven and is big enough for most families. It's also the perfect size for cooking a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to roasts and casseroles! Like all Staub Dutch ovens, it comes in lots of different colors, including classic black and cherry, as well as vibrant shades like turquoise.

The round shape is also perfect for evenly distributing heat, and the self-basting spikes make sure your food stays moist and flavorful. 

Staub 5 QT Dutch Oven Round Cocotte Tall

This is the slightly smaller and cheaper version of the classic round cocotte but with a taller and narrower shape. It's ideal for deep frying (the tall sides prevent oil splatters) and also great for long bone-in cuts of meat. The tall Staub 5 QT Dutch oven also comes in a range of colors. I love this one for baking bread, as the tall sides help create a perfect crust! 

Choose this Staub 5 QT Dutch oven if you want something slightly more versatile than the classic cocotte. 

Staub Dutch Oven 7 QT Oval Cocotte

For larger families or cooking for a crowd, the oval Staub 7 QT Dutch oven is for you. The elongated shape makes it perfect for slow cooking and roasting. As the metal knob is heat resistant up to 500°F (260°C), this Staub 7 QT Dutch oven is good for anyone who wants a multifunctional piece of cookware that can go from stovetop to oven to table. 

Staub Cast Iron 3.75-qt Essential French Oven

The Staub essential French oven is a little different from their other Dutch ovens. The lid of this one is slightly rounded rather than flat. It also has grooves in the lid rather than spikes. But even with these small differences, it still functions beautifully as a Dutch oven. 

It's small enough for personal servings, side dishes, or reheating leftovers. The compact size makes it easy to store, and the domed lid adds a little extra space for larger items. Plus, the delicate lid design looks beautiful!

Staub Petite French Oven Rice Pot 1.5 QT

This small but mighty Dutch oven makes it super easy to cook perfect rice every time. It can hold up to 1.5 quarts of liquid, making it a good size for cooking myself rice or small sides. The heavy lid locks in moisture and heat to ensure the food is cooked evenly. The Staub petite French oven can also be used for other stovetop cooking and is easier to clean than a traditional rice cooker. 

In conclusion, Staub Dutch ovens are a must-have for any kitchen. Whether you go for a Staub Dutch oven 7 QT or a smaller size like the Staub petite French oven, I know you won't be disappointed!