How to Choose the Right Staub Cast Iron Cookware for Your Kitchen

Quick Answer

To choose the right Staub cast iron cookware, first decide what you'll cook most. For everyday searing and frying, pick an 8.5-inch or 11-inch skillet. For braises, soups, and roasts, choose a French oven or cocotte. Consider your stovetop, oven, and serving needs to match the size and shape.

Staub's cast iron cookware is known for even heating and excellent heat retention, but choosing the right piece can feel overwhelming with so many sizes and shapes. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this guide will help you narrow down the options based on your cooking style and kitchen needs.

We'll compare frying pans, French ovens, and cocottes, and explain how size and shape affect performance. By the end, you'll know exactly which Staub piece deserves a spot on your stovetop.

Consider Your Cooking Style and Favorite Dishes

The first step in choosing Staub cast iron is to think about what you cook most. If you frequently sear steaks, fry eggs, or cook pancakes, a frying pan is your best bet. Staub's cast iron skillets are available in 8.5-inch and 11-inch sizes, giving you options for small or large batches.

If you love slow-cooked stews, braised meats, or baking bread, a French oven or cocotte is more versatile. The wide oval Dutch oven offers a large surface area for browning, while the shallow cocotte is ideal for roasting and baking. Consider the types of meals you prepare weekly to guide your choice.

• For quick, high-heat cooking: choose a frying pan.
• For moist, slow cooking: choose a French oven or cocotte.
• For versatility: a 6-quart Dutch oven handles most recipes.

Match the Size to Your Household and Storage

Staub cast iron comes in various sizes, from a 1-quart tea kettle to a 6.25-quart French oven. Think about how many people you typically cook for and the size of your oven and storage space. An 8.5-inch skillet is perfect for singles or couples, while an 11-inch skillet suits families.

For ovens and cocottes, a 6-quart size is a popular choice for family meals and batch cooking. If you have limited storage, consider a smaller piece or one that can double as a serving dish. Remember that cast iron is heavy, so make sure you can comfortably handle and store the piece you choose.

• 8.5-inch skillet: 1-2 servings or side dishes.
• 11-inch skillet: 3-4 servings or larger portions.
• 6-quart oven: family-sized stews and roasts.

Compare Shapes: Round vs. Oval vs. Shallow

Staub offers round, oval, and shallow cocottes, each designed for different purposes. Round cocottes are great for soups and stews, while oval shapes accommodate longer cuts of meat like brisket or a whole chicken. Shallow cocottes, like the Pig Cochon, are ideal for baking and roasting with a larger surface area.

Think about the shapes of food you typically cook. If you often roast whole chickens or large roasts, an oval Dutch oven is more practical. If you bake bread or make casseroles, a shallow cocotte gives you more oven surface. Matching the shape to your recipes ensures even cooking and easier serving.

• Round: versatile for everyday cooking.
• Oval: fits long cuts and whole poultry.
• Shallow: perfect for baking and roasting.

Decision Rules for Choosing Your Staub Cookware

• If you cook for 1-2 people: Choose an 8.5-inch skillet for daily frying and searing, or a 1-quart tea kettle for hot beverages and small tasks. An 8.5-inch skillet is your everyday workhorse.
• If you cook for a family: Opt for an 11-inch skillet or a 6-quart French oven to handle larger portions and batch cooking. A 6-quart oven covers most family recipes.
• If you love slow-cooked meals: Invest in a French oven or cocotte for braises, stews, and soups that benefit from even, moist heat. A French oven is essential for slow cooking.
• If you bake bread or roast: Choose a shallow cocotte or wide oval Dutch oven to maximize oven surface and achieve a good crust. Shallow cocottes are perfect for baking.

Staub Cast Iron Options at a Glance

• Buy Staub Cast Iron Frying pan: Staub Cast Iron 8.5-inch, Traditional Deep Skillet, Graphite Grey This size is ideal for solo cooks or couples who want a versatile pan for eggs, steaks, and sautéed vegetables.
• Buy Staub Cast Iron Frying pan traditional: Staub Cast Iron 11-inch, Traditional Deep Skillet, Cherry The larger surface is perfect for family meals, and the deep sides help contain splatter.
• Buy Staub Cast Iron French oven: Staub Cast Iron 6.25 qt, Wide Oval Dutch Oven, Graphite Grey The wide oval shape accommodates large roasts and whole chickens, making it a centerpiece for Sunday dinners.
• Buy Staub Cast Iron Cocotte: Staub Cast Iron 6 qt, Pig, Cochon Shallow Wide Round Dutch Oven, Grenadine The shallow wide design is excellent for baking bread or roasting vegetables, and the playful pig shape adds charm to your kitchen.

Find Your Perfect Staub Match

Best for

• Home cooks who want a versatile, long-lasting pan for everyday searing and frying.
• Families that regularly prepare stews, roasts, and one-pot meals.

Not for

• Those who prefer lightweight, nonstick cookware and don't want to manage cast iron's weight and maintenance.
• Minimalist kitchens with very limited storage space for large, heavy pieces.

Choosing the right Staub cast iron cookware comes down to your cooking habits, household size, and storage. Whether you start with a versatile frying pan or a spacious French oven, Staub's durable construction will serve you for decades. Use these decision rules to pick the piece that fits your kitchen best, and enjoy the even heat and rich flavors that cast iron brings to your cooking.