There is an endearing timelessness to heritage cookware, and Le Creuset is a staple for collectors, home cooks, and serious chefs alike. However, its beautiful, long-lasting pieces come with a hefty price tag.
You don't have to compromise on the best non-toxic cookware, however, if your budget is smaller. The STAUB Stackable Cast Iron Four-Piece Set, at Amazon, is a smart alternative, offering near-identical performance for a fraction of the price per pan. Especially with the current $150 discount for Presidents' Day.
Compared to a single Le Creuset Dutch Oven at full price, this set, which includes three pans, works out at $285 less. I'm a Kitchen Appliances Editor, and here's why I think this swap is a worthy contender for quality on a smaller budget.
Why This STAUB Stackable Set is The Perfect le Creuset Stand In
At $450, this three-pan and lid set is still not the cheapest cast iron collection out there, but it is incredibly versatile, boasts premium craftsmanship, and stacks to save space in small kitchen storage. Plus, for a limited time, you can apply an additional $45-off coupon when adding to the basket, making the individual pans $300 cheaper than a classic Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven.
The best cast-iron cookware should be a staple in any home cook's kitchen. It is non-toxic, relatively easy to maintain, and cooks evenly. Le Creuset has long been a cornerstone in this market; however, with the clout comes a price tag to match.
While these are certainly investment pieces designed to last decades (my mom's have been in the family for over 30 years), not everyone can commit to such a big outlay. Not to mention that those pans are big. You need to organize the kitchen meticulously to fit them all in.
The STAUB Stackable set, from Amazon, is a great alternative.
Made in France from thick, enamelled cast iron, these pans feel built to last a lifetime, too, just as Le Creuset is, meaning no significant change in quality or expectations either.
We gave it five stars in our STAUB Stackable Set Review, with our expert reviewer and trained chef, Lydia Hayman, concluding that she actually preferred the dark textured enamel interiors that made the pans easier to keep looking clean, and resulted in better texture on meat.
Lydia noted that all three STAUB pans performed perfectly. 'The frying pan is small but well proportioned for two to three servings and handled everything I threw at it,' she wrote. 'The sauté pan is a little deeper, which works nicely for sauces, risottos, pastas, etc. I noticed the heat retention of the cast iron keeps cooking consistent, so sauces and braises bubble evenly from edge to edge.'
Finally, the Dutch oven transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, making it exceptionally versatile and space-saving.'
It is one of the best alternatives we have found for the classic, especially with its similarly bold color options, including Cherry, Grenadine, and Lilac, and it is more than worth it when the price drops.
Whilst the STAUB set isn't the very cheapest on the market, on sale, the set comes in at $450 for three pans (a 5.25-quart Dutch oven, a 3.5-quart cast iron pan, and a 10-inch griddle pan) and a universal lid.
For comparison, one 5.5-quart Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven comes in at $435 per pan at full price. For just $15 more, you get two extra pans in the STAUB set.
What to Shop
The STAUB stackable set is not much taller than a standard Le Creuset Dutch oven on its own, meaning it is a premium pick when space-saving is essential.
Still want to invest in the big name? The Le Creuset Signature Round Deep Ovens are currently discounted by $170, so you can add a new piece to your collection more affordably than usual.
If you want to spend under $100 on a gorgeous Dutch oven, look no further. Lodge is beautiful and functional, just with a smaller searing area due to sloped sides, and the lid doesn't fit as tightly as Le Creuset.
The STAUB Ceramique Baking Dishes are made to the same high, non-toxic standards as their pans, and are designed to retain heat so you can transition seamlessly from oven to table. The stackable baking dishes measure 10" x 6.5" and 10.5" x 7.5" and are perfect for lasagne, casseroles, and desserts.
Silicone is a safer option for home cooking, eliminating the health risks associated with black plastic and the scratch risk of metal tools on ceramic surfaces. This multi-function tool is perfect for saving space and simplifying your cooking.
Le Creuset is not the only cookware brand known for its fun shapes. This STAUB mini petite tomato cocotte is a fun way to bake single-serve dishes, be it for personal snacks, or oven-to-table showstoppers as a fun dinner-time conversation piece.
It isn't just your cookware you should consider swapping out for a healthier kitchen. Next, check out the best non-toxic kitchen appliances to limit your exposure to forever chemicals in your food.
