Staub 5 Quart Round Cocotte, Basil

I have to admit, having used Le Creuset for years, I didn't hold out much hope that this pot - gifted to me - could possibly be an improvement. The things that I value in an enameled pot were there: heavy enameled, cast iron construction; oven-proof handle; even heat distribution; gas stove-top to oven ease. But that lid? It just didn't seem like it would make that much difference. Boy! Am I happy to be proved wrong!

This pot has out-performed my Le Creuset repeatedly in the two weeks that I've put it through its paces. Sautéeing, braising, stewing, oven-baked casseroles, soup; you name it, this pot has done an exceptional job. Those little bumps on the lid keep everything so much more moist. Also, there is virtually no loss of liquid volume with the lid on. It's an incredibly tight seal. The clean-up is a breeze! And, esthetically, the grenadine glaze is gorgeous!

It is so worth the price, I just purchased the 8 quart round Cocotte for large-batch...Read more

Owning both Le Creuset products and now Staub, my Staub has quickly become my favorite enameled cast iron pot, FAR surpassing Le Creuset in quality and usability. The metal handle is the first, most obvious difference and I almost purchased the item based on that fact alone. It's easy to grab even with pot holders and the design of the lid makes the lid-handle transition area seamless - unlike LC. The LC knob is oven safe to 450 or so, but I like the reassurance of metal. Besides it looks nicer. The next obvious difference is the design of the lid. First, the lid fits tightly and more snugly than LC. It is flat on top rather than domed. Second, the self-basting spikes, while not exactly as revolutionary as they claim, are a nice addition and work relatively well when stove top braising (in oven braising it doesn't seem to make as much difference because of the all-around heat). Third, is the interior of the pot. It is a black matte finish with a little bit of texture to it. I like...Read more

I have happily owned a 4.5 qt Le Creuset for many years. But I kept hearing about this other great French company called Staub. I read many, many threads about which is better. Well, I've had a few months with the Staub 5 qt cocotte, and here are my conclusions. So this review is for those of you who are agonizing over the Staub-LC decision.

I personally prefer the Le Creuset, BUT mainly for aesthetics and features. Performance-wise, I think they're really comparable. Granted, I am no great chef, but I can't really see a difference. Keep in mind that I cook mostly vegetarian so perhaps those who cook a lot of meat should take that in consideration.

HANDLES -- Staub wins. Easier to grip because they accommodate four fingers. I have tiny hands and the LC handles will fit three of my fingers. Not a big deal, certainly something that I had never noticed in all my years of owning LC. But a nice Staub feature, especially when the pot is full of food and...Read more