Is a Staub Dutch Oven a Good Gift? What to Know Before You Buy

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

A good kitchen gift should be more than pretty when the box is opened. It should be something the person will actually use. That is why a Staub Dutch oven gift can be such a good choice for someone who genuinely loves to cook, especially if they make soups, stews, braised meats, roasts, sauces, or homemade bread.

I have used cast iron for years, including pieces handed down in my family and finds I have picked up along the way. What I like most about cast iron is that it is practical. A good piece can stay in the kitchen for decades instead of becoming another gadget shoved into a cabinet.

Staub is definitely a splurge, though, so I would not call it the right gift for everyone. Here is what I would look at before spending the money.

Why a Staub Dutch Oven Makes a Special Kitchen Gift

Staub makes enameled cast iron cookware in France. The heavy cast iron holds heat well, while the enamel coating means it does not need the seasoning routine required by traditional bare cast iron. Staub also uses a textured matte-black enamel on the cooking surface.

The lid is one of the features that separates Staub from many basic Dutch ovens. Small bumps on the underside collect condensation and return moisture to the food while it cooks. That is especially useful for long, slow dishes such as pot roast, beef stew, chicken, and braised meats.

According to Zwilling, the company that owns Staub, Staub enameled cast iron works on gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and induction cooktops, and many of the cocottes are oven safe to 500°F with the lid. Always check the specifications for the exact piece you are buying.

Who Would Actually Love One?

• Someone who cooks several times a week.
• A soup, stew, roast, or braising fan.
• A bread baker who wants a heavy covered pot.
• A newlywed or new homeowner building a quality kitchen.
• A parent or grandparent who would rather receive one excellent kitchen piece than several small gadgets.
• Someone who appreciates cookware attractive enough to go from stove to table.

This can also make a memorable wedding, anniversary, housewarming, Christmas, or milestone birthday gift when you know the recipient enjoys cooking.

Who Should You NOT Buy a Staub Dutch Oven For?

This is where I think gift guides often miss the mark. Expensive does not automatically mean better for the person receiving it.

• Someone who rarely cooks.
• Anyone who has trouble lifting heavy cookware.
• A person with very limited cabinet space.
• Someone who already owns a Dutch oven they love.
• A recipient who would rather have several practical kitchen basics than one premium pot.

Cast iron is heavy. Add a roast, soup, or several quarts of liquid and the total weight goes up quickly. That matters, particularly for anyone with hand, wrist, shoulder, or lifting limitations.

What Size Staub Dutch Oven Should You Give?

Do not choose by color first. Choose by how the person cooks.

• Small cocottes: good for side dishes, small households, or individual servings.
• Around 4 to 5 quarts: a useful everyday range for many couples and smaller families.
• Around 5.5 to 7 quarts: better for larger batches, entertaining, big roasts, soups, and family meals.

If you are unsure, find out what size Dutch oven or stockpot the person already uses most often. That is more useful than guessing.

What I Like About Enameled Cast Iron

Traditional cast iron will always have a place in my kitchen, but enameled cast iron has a few advantages. You do not have to maintain seasoning, you can wash the enamel with soap and water, and the pot can go right to the table without looking like strictly utilitarian cookware.

If you are newer to cast iron, my guide to using and caring for cast iron is a good place to start. I also have a separate guide on foods to think twice about cooking in traditional cast iron.

The Drawbacks to Know Before You Buy

The biggest drawback is price. Staub is premium cookware, and there are less-expensive enameled Dutch ovens that can do many of the same basic jobs.

Weight is the other major consideration. The thick cast iron that helps hold heat is also what makes these pots heavy. And while the dark interior is excellent for browning, some cooks prefer a light-colored enamel interior because it is easier to see fond, browning, and color changes while cooking.

Is a Staub Dutch Oven Worth Giving as a Gift?

For the right person, yes. I would consider Staub when I wanted to give one substantial kitchen gift that could be used for years rather than another trendy appliance or single-purpose gadget.

I would not buy one simply because the brand is expensive or impressive. The best recipient is someone who already cooks and will appreciate what a heavy enameled cast iron pot can do.

See current Staub Dutch oven options and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Staub cast iron need to be seasoned?

No. Staub cookware has an enamel coating, so it does not require the seasoning process used for bare cast iron.

Can a Staub Dutch oven be used on an induction cooktop?

Yes. Staub says its enameled cast iron is compatible with induction as well as gas, electric, glass, and ceramic cooktops.

Is Staub dishwasher safe?

Many Staub enameled cast iron pieces are dishwasher safe, although the manufacturer recommends hand washing. Check the care instructions for the particular item.

Is a Dutch oven a good wedding or housewarming gift?

It can be an excellent gift for someone who enjoys cooking because it handles so many jobs: soups, stews, braises, roasts, sauces, and bread. For someone who rarely cooks, however, a heavy premium Dutch oven may not be worth the cost.