The Importance of Selecting the Perfect Dutch Oven

The Dutch oven has been a stable in the culinary society for centuries now. Cast iron, layered with that gorgeous coloured enamel has provided millions of delicious stews around the globe. The heat retention due to its weight, along with its tight-fitting lid are just the first things to gander upon when purchasing a new Dutch oven. The price of some Dutch ovens is almost as much as a kitchen remodel itself, so shopping around for the best Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven will be to your advantage! Here at WFE, we have broken down, and tested all the latest and greatest Dutch ovens out there on the market. And, we still love Staub and Le Creuset Dutch ovens when it comes to that seared, then slow-cooked dinners we all adore!

Staub Oval Dutch Oven: The Overview.

Why we love Staub so much when it comes to creating that classic Coq au Vin is their patented “nubs” that drip moisture all over the chicken. Once we seared our chicken, the Staub Oval Dutch oven provided the rest of the cooking! The moistest of chickens, and any other protein placed in this vessel will come out as though a professional French chef has prepared your dinner for the night!

The black matte bottom conducts heat very effectively! Plus, the lid of the Staub Oval Dutch oven seals in moisture and heat more successfully than nearly all other brands! This equates to more flavour! You get what you pay for when it comes to a Dutch oven that can be handed down generations to come!

Le Creuset Dutch Oven: The Overview.

Coming up to a hundred years producing the same thing must mean something for Le Creuset. The Le Creuset Dutch oven not only is a look that stands the test of time, but this Dutch oven also brings the flavor of any casserole, stew, soup, and sauce to a level that just one piece of cookware could not. Deep frying was one of our favorite things to perform in the Le Creuset Dutch oven. With Le Creuset’s incredibly slippery enameled surface, even fried eggs can be accomplished with ease. The huge handles make pouring a breeze in a Le Creuset Dutch oven!

Le Creuset or Staub?

Both Le Creuset and Staub bring decades of fine French artisanal quality to each and every one of their products. So too, is the quality of the cast iron, pigments, and fabrication methods that make each of these companies the best in their field. Below are a few thoughts in comparing and contrasting these two epic vessels that should be in everyone’s kitchen. Whether you decide upon a Le Creuset or Staub Dutch oven, you have certainly chosen well!

Moisture Retention

Dutch ovens were invented to break down tough cuts of meat. They were designed to sear, and not stick as well. Both Staub, and Le Creuset Dutch ovens have heavy covers that secure humidity, creating tenderness to any cut of beef. Moisture retention will NEVER be an issue when you purchase a Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven! The Staub retains more moisture due to its bulkier lid than its counterpart by only a slim margin upon our testing. But, we have to say, the beef bourguignon in the Le Creuset Dutch oven was spectacular!

Care & Storage

Le Creuset & Staub Dutch ovens have remained true to their brands by utilizing the most durable enameled cast iron since their inception. They do not necessitate the equivalent amount of attention and detail that is required for outmoded cast iron cookware. Enameled cast iron does not require seasoning before use, so sticking is gone from the first meal! Le Creuset and Staub Dutch ovens will not rust; therefore, they are able to be cleaned with any soap. Tossing in the dishwasher if needed is another big bonus to purchasing a Le Creuset or Staub Dutch oven!

Or you can also fill the pot with hot water and two tablespoons of baking soda, then take the water to a simmer for 9 minutes. Once the food deposits have relaxed, just rinse, wipe, and dry! Storage is simple since a Le Creuset or Staub Dutch oven is as robust of a cooking vessel as it gets! We here at WFE feel that the Dutch oven is huge part of culinary culture, so we leave ours on the stove-top for all to see!

Browning!

We are being honest here when we say browning is the best in a Dutch oven! Heat either a Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven up for about eight minutes, then toss in either your whole roast, or pieces of protein or veggies. Due to the enameled bottom, oils and fats aren’t really needed to bring that brown to tasty-town! Every piece of food you decide to utilize high heat upon will be as perfectly golden brown and delicious as could be possibly achieved. A Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven can withstand the heat for hours on end, use it to your liking! Upon our testing, being able to see the sand coloured bottom of the Le Creuset Dutch oven was a little easier than the black-matte finish of the Staub Dutch oven.

Finding a Dutch Oven With Williams Food Equipment!

We are extremely proud of our relationships we have obtained throughout our years of business. Staub and Le Creuset have been family with us from the beginning. Both companies exude class in their area of expertise, which has been demonstrated since 1974 with Staub, and 1925 with Le Creuset. The attention to detail in their Dutch ovens is evident when you just see one online. Upon holding a Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven, feeling its weight, then applying heat for the first time is an experience of joy that even a novice cook will enjoy immensely. Those that already know what quality that comes with a Staub & Le Creuset Dutch oven will be patiently awaiting its arrival!