Enameled cast iron cookware from Staub and Le Creuset can (and practically will) last a lifetime. Though there are differences between both, we think buying pieces from these heritage brands is definitely worth the investment—at full-price and especially on sale.
Right now, Nordstrom and Williams Sonoma are having Spring sales events—and discounting some of our favorite cookware from Staub and Le Creuset. Here’s what we think is worth buying.
Staub 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
To buy: Staub 5.5-Qt. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven was $571, now $380 in select colors at nordstrom.com
Why we love it: One of our favorite Dutch ovens is now 29% off during Nordstrom’s Spring Sale. We love how durable it is, and it has a slightly wider cooking surface than most models of the same capacity. Its black, enamel interior hides scratches and marks really well, which is nice when you’re investing so much in a pot.
Good to Know
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Stated capacity: 5.5 quarts
- Cooking surface: 8.3 inches
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe (though we’d recommend hand washing)
Le Creuset 6.75-Quart Wide Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
To buy: Le Creuset 6.75-Qt. Wide Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven was $430, now $280 at williams-sonoma.com
Why we love it: Though it’s slightly larger than our favorite Le Creuset Dutch oven, this piece is great for large families or people who love to entertain. Thanks to its bumped up capacity and oval shape, its 11.75-inch cooking surface is also much wider than the 5.5-quart model—our one complaint from testing—leaving plenty of room for browning.
Good to Know
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Stated capacity: 6.75 quarts
- Cooking surface: 11.75 inches
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe (though we’d recommend hand washing)
Staub 3.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Braiser
To buy: Staub 3.5-Qt. Enameled Cast Iron Braiser was $514, now $360 at nordstrom.com
Why we love it: This braiser aced all of our tests, and we loved its upturned handles, which made it easier to grab from the oven and helped to redistribute some of the braiser’s weight. It also had the widest cooking surface of all the models we tested, and was very, very durable. The cherry color is also on sale.
Good to Know
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Cooking surface: 10 inches
- Stated capacity: 3.5 quarts
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher-safe (though we’d recommend hand washing)
Staub 12-Inch Square Cast Iron Enameled Grill Pan
To buy: Staub 12-Inch Square Cast Iron Enameled Grill Pan was $353, now $240 at nordstrom.com
Why we love it: This pan caramelized food nicely with distinct grill marks in all of our tests, and was still lightweight enough to lift with just one hand. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a pressed sandwich or grilled veggies at home, especially if you don’t have the space for an outdoor grill.
Good to Know
- Weight: 7.3 pounds
- Cooking surface: 11 inches
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe (though we’d recommend hand washing)
Staub 10-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
To buy: Staub 10-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet was $271, now $190 at nordstrom.com
Why we love it: Our favorite enameled cast iron skillet, this pan from Staub seared steak and eggs without sticking, and has a 900ºF maximum heat rating—400ºF higher than the competition. It’s durable and it performs exceptionally well and heats up quickly. And right now, it’s 29% off.
Good to Know
- Weight: 4 lbs, 15 oz
- Cooking surface: 8.25 inches
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher-safe (though we’d recommend hand washing)
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
To buy: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet was $225, now $180 at williams-sonoma.com
Why we love it: The extra-deep version of our alternative pick for the best enameled cast iron skillet, this pan from Le Creuset is a little thicker than the competition, giving it slightly better heat retention (though it’s slower to preheat). It has a wide helper handle and its flared sides will help moisture evaporate and make it easier to pour from.
Good to Know
- Weight: 5 lbs, 12 oz
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher-safe (though we’d recommend hand washing)
Le Creuset 9-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
To buy: Le Creuset 9-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet was $175, now $100 at nordstrom.com and williams-sonoma.com
Why we love it: Though it’s slightly smaller than the Le Creuset enameled cast iron skillet that we recommend, it’s a good deal if you cook for just one or two people regularly. With the same shape and performance of the slightly larger version from our testing, this pan is great for searing without sticking, and it’s lighter weight for easier transferring from stove to oven.
Good to Know
- Weight: 4 lbs, 5 oz
- Cooking surface: 8 inches
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher-safe (though we’d recommend hand washing)
FAQs
How long will these sales last?
While there are no posted dates for the sales from Nordstrom or Williams Sonoma, sales from both companies usually last around nine days. We recommend moving quickly if something from this round up catches your eye to take advantage of the deals before they go away.
Which is better: Le Creuset or Staub?
We think both Le Creuset and Staub are excellent options for enameled cast iron cookware, and that it’s definitely worth investing in either heritage brand. The main difference is that Staub uses a black satin enamel for its interior, which hides scratch marks better than the white enamel interior Le Creuset uses. However, it’s easier to see fond developing against a white enameled cooking surface.