The role of the Dutch oven is to serve as a bowl for cooking anything that takes time to cook. Dutch oven’s weight keeps the temperature even during cooking and the hard shutters in it retain the moisture. These are also known as cast irons. These cast irons can reach the level of heat required to produce a hard crust (even if the enameled cast iron does not reach the peak achieved by pure cast iron).
All discussions of enamel cast iron begin and end with these three brands:
- Fontignac,
- Le Creuset, and
- Staub
All share a crown and fulfill similar promises: slow but uniform heating, strongly dubbed interior and exterior, fitted shutters, unmatched closure features, and the latest addition to the unmatched specs, a lifetime warranty.
You can often find sales on the said brands, but you need to know what to buy and where to throw the coins so you get the best deal and use of your Dutch oven. These brands are useful in different scenarios. In this article, we will discuss each one in-depth, so you can choose the one you like best according to your budget and requirements.
Fontignac
Fontignac is renowned for its cast iron and kitchen appliances and has a reputation among cooking enthusiasts around the world for its outstanding performance, ease of use, durability, and vibrant color products. The heat from the Dutch oven is dissipated thanks to the enameled cast iron body, which is an important feature when cooking, frying, or caramelizing food. Fontigac’s 29 cm oven is best to prepare large roasts. This will keep dishes like turkey and chicken soft and tasty. If you decide to remove the lid, put it in the handle. This will help prevent staining your countertop.
Features
- Cast iron transfers heat very well, so the boiler is suitable for potting.
- Thanks to its large capacity, this Dutch oven is suitable for many meals of 6 or more.
- It’s suitable for all heat sources, including induction and ovens.
- This pot cannot be used in a dishwasher and must be washed by hand after use.
Staub
Staub Cocotte is unmatched in delicately completing slow-cooking meats and vegetables and creating hearty stews and soups. Its cast-iron finish has excellent warmth, so the pot is heated evenly. The innovative lid features a small nail inside, which continuously releases the condensed liquid into the food, giving it a moist and slime result.
A special matte black enamel surface and Staub’s tinted lid ensure flawless tanning and brushing, and enhanced flavor. Each piece is perfectly transferred from the kitchen to the table thanks to the exquisite enamel finish. From quick recipes to fine dining, every meal made with Staub will be special.
Staub enameled cast iron kitchenware is the best buddy a chef can have in the world. It is ideal for daily use in high-end kitchens and famous restaurants around the world, making it a durable option for you. These artifacts have been created throughout life and can be passed down from generation to generation.
Features
- French production
- A tight-fitting, rigid lid retains moisture, and the thorns on the lid create a rainforest effect and return juice evenly to food.
- Can be used in ovens up to 900F / 482C without a lid, ovens can be used in ovens up to 500F / 260C.
- Nickel steel handle
- The soft enamel base is suitable for all stoves including gas, electric, glass, ceramic, induction, and halogen.
- Unique matte texture for excellent darkening
- Dishwasher-friendly, handwashing recommended
Le Creuset
The famous Dutch oven Le Creuset is an indispensable staple in the kitchen for home cooks and professional cooks. The cast iron of this little gadget has long been known for its strength and durability. Due to its ability to maintain a uniform and constant heat, it is the main utensil in slow cooking, compressing, and roasting. This well-known Dutch oven is suitable for stoves and ovens.
Features
- The loops are 45% bigger than other dutch ovens so you can hold them safely even with pins. Heat source: ceramic hob, electric stove, gas hob, grill, oven, induction hob
- Excellent heat distribution and retention of Le Creuset enameled cast iron
- Improved sand-colored inner enamel for more durability
- Handle large compounds that can withstand temperatures up to 500°F.
- Long-lasting color exterior enamel, chip resistance, and cracking
- 5-1 / 2 liter round French stove made of enameled cast iron.
- Cast iron side loops; Black phenolic handle for shutter cooling
Fontignac Vs Staub Vs Le Creuset – Which is leading?
Browning
In comparison to Staub’s matte black interior, Le Creuset highlights a creamy white interior that gives it much simpler to measure browning progress.
This may seem like a small advantage, but with Staub, it can be a bit frustrating to pull out your phone’s flashlight to check your progress again and again.
On the other hand, fontignac Cast iron transfers heat very well, so the boiler is suitable for potting.
Management and Cleaning
Le Creuset makes it easier to see what you’re doing (in this case, the food is peeling off in the form of burnt pieces or brown spots). It can also be washed in a dishwasher, which is a great way to do it if you’re not in the mood to wash it.
The inner enamel is porous and can be destroyed by the detergent’s chemicals, so don’t wash Staub’s dishes with most of the food debris inside.
Fontignac pot cannot be used in a dishwasher and must be washed by hand after use.
Interior
Le Creuset’s Improved sand-colored inner enamel for more durability. While Fontignac Vitriliss Dark Graphite’s inner enamel is more scratch-resistant than conventional enamel. Meanwhile, Staub’s unique matte texture is excellent for darkening.
In a Nutshell
All 3 of these are excellent in their ways.
If you only measure your cooking skills, Staub is the best one for you. The drip gloss function is not only noisy but also a tight-fitting function; also affecting the finished disc.
The brown container is the same as the Le Creuset and there is no temperature limit on the lid handle. Much simpler care and cleaning combined with passive inner enamel make Le Creuset easy in every way.
Fontigac is incredibly versatile, with very little fat needed to cook it. Fontignac the jack of all trades: grill, fry, heat, roast. The durable professional surface will last for a long time.