So You Want to Buy Staub Cookware …

Investing in a quality piece of enameled cast iron for your kitchen can be a daunting task. Because of the price tag, you want to be sure that they are high quality and perfectly tailored to your needs. That’s why I’m here for you! I grew up cooking and turned my love for food into a career. I have spent the last three years in professional kitchens, first in San Francisco and now in Philadelphia. As a result, I have been able to test a wide range of kitchen products for home and professional use.

I have found Staub to be an excellent line that is incredibly versatile. In the professional kitchen, I have used Staub Dutch ovens as fry pots and for braises. I also own an 11-inch Staub cast iron skillet, which is my go-to skillet at home for cooking proteins. Staub pieces can be used as cookware, serving platters, or even decoration.

When it comes to premium kitchenware that is perfectly tailored to use in the home kitchen, Staub cookware is one of your best options. Staub began in 1974 in France, when Francis Staub created their signature cocotte. Since then, they have expanded their repertoire to produce a range of first-rate products, from cast iron cocottes to colorful ceramic pieces that bring elegance and beauty to kitchenware. Known for its exceptional quality, durability, and beautiful design, Staub pieces last a lifetime and have become a staple in many home kitchens, including my own.

What to Look for in a Staub Piece

When shopping for Staub cookware, it is important to understand your particular cooking needs. Staub’s most famous products are casseroles, Dutch ovens, and skillets with a cast iron interior. These pieces sustain high, even heat and are perfect for browning food, especially for searing proteins. Alternatively, if you are looking instead for bakeware, Staub produces high-quality ceramic baking dishes. Staub also offers stackable sets of many of their pieces, which are worthwhile if you are restocking your kitchen.

Five Must-Have Staub Pieces

1. Staub Round 7-Quart Cocotte / Dutch Oven

Staub’s 7-quart Dutch oven is their most popular item. It is an incredibly versatile piece that is essential for all home kitchens. The Dutch oven is sold in a wide range of colorful enamel, allowing you to choose your own aesthetic and express yourself through your kitchenware. In addition, this piece offers a roomy cast iron interior that allows you to cook large quantities without crowding the pan. Its enameled cast iron also requires no seasoning, making cleanup and maintenance much easier. It's even dishwasher safe! However, hand washing is recommended to help preserve the sheen of the enamel.

The Dutch oven comes with a tight-fitting lid that allows food to stay moist and protected. It is unsurpassed for slow-cooking meat and vegetables, maintaining a consistent heat that allows for continuous simmering of soups and stews cooked on the stovetop. The enamel bottom works even on induction stovetops. But its versatility does not end there! This cocotte is oven safe up to 500°F.

Customer reviews: Most customers give the Dutch oven a rating of 4.8/5. The biggest complaint that it has received is the possibility of enamel chipping over time. This is a product that will last a lifetime; however, it might maintain slight cosmetic blemishes.

2. 11-Inch Traditional Deep Skillet

When I first bought my Staub 11-inch skillet, I did not do my research. I liked the aesthetics of the skillet but was unsure if I would be able to maintain it well. My concerns were quashed immediately after my first use. The cast iron did not need any seasoning, and yet the food still came out incredible. When it was time to clean, I did not shy away from soap and water. I have now owned my skillet for five years. I continue to hand wash it with soap and have never encountered any issues.

The Staub 11-inch traditional skillet, like the Dutch oven, is sold in a wide range of colors. The design of the traditional skillet allows for it to be used in varying scenarios. Its straight sides, recently redesigned and made slightly higher, reduce splatter and mess when being used on stovetops and induction burners alike. Also like the Dutch oven, the traditional skillet’s enameled cast iron makes it an even heat conductor, allowing for perfect browning.

This skillet, made in France, is oven safe for temperatures up to 500°F. While the skillet (like the Dutch oven) is dishwasher safe, allowing for easier clean up, handwashing is still recommended. The Staub traditional skillet is found in home and professional kitchens alike. Perfect for home kitchens, the traditional skillet beautifully transfers from oven to stovetop to the dining room table.

Customer reviews: The average customer rates the skillet 4.7/5. Most commend the skillet for its versatility, as it can be used as a frying pan, a skillet to make cornbread in, or for searing meat. One of the main complaints associated with the skillet is its lack of nonstick quality. While most cast irons are not nonstick to begin with, customers felt that, after a few months of use, the Staub skillet was particularly difficult to remove food debris from.

3. Staub 4-Piece Stackable Set

For those who are new to the world of Staub pieces but are ready to invest in their kitchenware, I highly recommend checking out the four-piece stackable set. The Staub stackable set includes a Staub 5.25-quart cocotte, a 3.5-quart braiser, a 10-inch grill pan, and a universal lid that fits each individual piece like a glove. This set is a steal! It is ideal for those looking to purchase more than one Staub cast iron piece. The added benefit of purchasing these items as part of the set is that the set is designed with rubberized bumpers to protect the individual pieces from scratches and sloped sides, perfect for nesting. This allows the nesting set to fit neatly in drawers or cupboards.

Like all Staub enameled, cast iron items, this entire set is offered in a variety of colors. It is also oven safe for up to 500°F and dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended. For those who are used to entertaining, this set is a great addition to your kitchenware. However, the set does not include the larger, 7-quart Dutch oven, which provides more cooking space when entertaining for larger crowds.

Customer reviews: Customers rate the stackable set 5/5. There are minimal complaints expressed. However, one small complaint is the likelihood of small enamel chips after years of nesting the products. Other customers noted that when stacked, the items are quite heavy, which might deter customers who have some mobility constraints.

4. Staub Stoneware Rectangular Bakers, Set of 3

The Staub stoneware bakers are a must-have item for any at-home bakers. Like the Staub stackable set, they are an exceptional bundle deal for those who bake often, make casseroles, or like to roast vegetables in the oven.

Made out of durable enameled porcelain that resists scratching and staining, this set of bakers gives you the perfect array of sizes for all of your baking needs. These are perfectly constructed for easy nesting and comprise a small baker (measuring 7.5” L x 6” W x 2” H), a medium baker (10.5” L x 7.5” W x 2.4” H), and a large baker (13” L x 9” W x 3” H).

They are also made with ceramic stoneware to allow for gentle diffusion as well as retention of heat. Additionally, the stoneware does not absorb moisture. These products are dishwasher, microwave, freezer, boiler, and oven safe up to 572°F and highly resistant to thermal shock. They also have polished bottom rims to prevent scratching countertops and other surfaces.

Customer reviews: Customers rate these bakers 4.8/5. Most are extremely happy with their performance, noting that they did indeed retain an even amount of heat throughout. There are minimal complaints expressed that Staub does not produce matching lids for these bakeware dishes. Additionally, when nested the bakers can be quite heavy.

5. Staub Cast-Iron Double-Burner Griddle / Plancha

The Staub griddle/plancha is an enticing option for people who often find themselves wishing they had a built-in griddle on their stovetop. The Staub griddle/plancha fits perfectly on two burners, offering an abundance of space for making breakfast for the whole family. I also highly recommend using the griddle as a serving platter when you are not using it for cooking.

The black enamel coating retains heat evenly and contains traces of quartz, which provides additional heat retention and a better surface for browning. The griddle/plancha is resistant to cracking, chipping, and rusting and requires no additional seasoning. Its enamel base is compatible with all types of cooktops, including induction. However, it is not recommended for glass stove tops. Like all other Staub products, the griddle/plancha is dishwasher safe.

Customer reviews: Overall, customers rate this product 4.5/5. Many praised its two-handle design for being easily maneuverable and easy to clean. Some complained that food tended to stick to the product, which made it difficult to use when making food such as tortillas or pancakes.

Find the Right Must-Have Staub Piece for You

I cannot recommend Staub products enough! I hope this article has been a useful guide for you as you search for the perfect Staub pieces to add to your kitchen collection.

While I know they are high-ticket items, that is why the Curated Kitchen Experts are here to help you find the perfect item for your particular needs. Not only do we carry multiple Staub products, including the 7-quart Dutch oven, the cast iron skillet, and the stackable set, but we are a community of experts who are more than excited to help you find your ideal piece of kitchenware. Please reach out to one of our Curated Kitchen Experts if you are looking for more specific advice on which Staub items fit your needs.