French Cookware: Everything you Need To Know Before Buying

CRYSTAL H.  | ,   |   Updated
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French cookware comes in various styles, from sauté pans, stockpots, Dutch ovens, and saucepans. Whether you’re sauteing, braising, or simmering, you can depend on the durability of French cookware.

French cookware everything you need to know before you buy

 I began my French cookware collection with a crêpe pan over 15 years ago. It’s still in perfect condition today. Now, light, cream-filled crêpes are my signature dish.

Learn more about top brands of essential, sturdy French cookware to upgrade your kitchen utensils and cook like a master chef.

Why Should I Invest in French Cookware?

You might wonder why you should pay more for French cookware when you can buy other types at bargain prices. The fact is that it’s absolutely worth it.

Investing in high-end cookware saves you money in the long run because you’ll never have to replace it.

Here are a few reasons to consider investing in French cookware:

  • Offers non-stick, even cooking, and is also free from toxic coatings that can transfer to your food.
  • Heat-resistant handles on quality cookware never loosen or fall off. 
  • Most French cookware is functional for the stovetop and the oven.
  • Food cooks evenly because of consistent heat distribution.

If you’ve never thought about investing in French cookware because of its expense, consider how it can help you create delicious dishes that reflect your tastes.

When you take the plunge into collecting French cookware, you’ll get better-tasting food and home cookware that lasts a lifetime.

5 Top Brands of French Cookware  

1. Cristel

Cristel cookware, founded over 30 years ago, originated in Burgundy, France. Its elegant, stove-to-table design is well-known around the world by serious chefs. 

This premium cookware features saucepans, frying pans, and roasters manufactured with thick aluminum bases topped with several rust-proof, non-stick, stainless steel layers. This allows for even heat distribution. 

With exceptional heat diffusion and a non-stick surface, you can sear or sauté meats and poultry without additional fat or water. 

Another feature of this premium cookware is its removable handles. This makes for space-saving storage, as well as used for serving the food at the table.

Authentic Cristel cookware has a ”made in France” guarantee for strict manufacturing control for the best performance and durability.

You can find this cookware in high-end homewares stores or order online. Depending on the style of cookware, prices range from about $80 to $360.

2. Le Creuset

For almost 100 years, Le Creuset has manufactured exceptional cast iron cookware. All the cast iron cookware features colorful, chip-resistant, durable enamel coatings.

Cookware available from Le Creuset includes:

  • Dutch oven
  • Soup pot
  • Bread oven
  • Braiser
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet Round grill
  • Roaster
  • Stockpot
  • Casserole

The enamel enhances even heat distribution to create miraculous dishes with superior taste. This is why master chefs make Le Creuset cookware the powerhouse of their kitchens.

You can find Le Creuset, French cookware, directly from Le Creuset or from an authorized retailer. Make sure you’re purchasing authentic cookware by looking for the Le Creuset logo on the cookware.

Pricing for cast iron Le Creuset cookware ranges from $100 to $750 for individual pieces. Cookware sets are more than $1,000. Each piece comes with a specific warranty.

In today’s economy, this might seem out of reach, but this cookware will last for generations to come.

3. Staub

Founded in 1974 in Alsace, France, Staub is famous for its cast-iron French Oven cookware. Today, Staub manufactures all types of cast-iron and ceramic cookware, such as cocotte pans, saute pans, and frying pans.

The company still manufactures its premium cast iron kitchenware in France but creates ceramic bakeware in China. 

You can depend on Staub French cookware for durable, chip-resistant pieces that they sand mold individually. The cookware always undergoes quality control testing after casting.

Staub cookware is dishwasher safe and has non-stick surfaces. Also, the covers fit tightly, holding in moisture to prevent food from drying out. 

If you’re ready to splurge on French cookware, you can find Staub at home goods stores or purchase pieces online. Prices for various styles range from $40 to $600.

4. Emile Henry

Founded over 150 years ago in Burgundy, France, Emile Henry is a leader in manufacturing French cookware and bakeware. This family-owned business continues to manufacture ceramic cookware from Burgundy clay.

Whether you’re looking for a pizza stone, Dutch oven, soup pot, or ramekins, you can find the Emile Henry cookware brand at retail stores or online.

The rich Burgundy clay diffuses the heat, so the ceramic cookware cooks evenly and slowly. This enhances the flavor and aroma of the food. The cookware also holds heat, which helps the food to remain hot when transferring the cookware from the stove to the table.

Additional benefits of Emile Henry cookware are that it has superior thermal qualities that allow you to take it directly from the freezer and place it in the oven. The pieces are also microwave and dishwasher-safe. 

Emile Henry warranties their cookware for 10 years, but this high-quality cookware usually lasts a lifetime. With prices ranging from $25 to $300, you can begin your French cookware collection and still stay within your budget.

5. Matfer Bourgeat

Since its founding in 1814, family-owned Matfer Bourgeat French cookware continues its legacy of manufacturing superior cookware. This French company not only supplies industrial kitchens with professional cooking products but home kitchens, as well.

Here are a few Matfer Bourgeat French cookware products available for your kitchen:

  • Black carbon steel blini pan
  • Non-stick ceramic cookware
  • Copper cookware
  • Stainless steel cookware
  • Cast iron cookware 
  • Polished steel paella pan

You can find Matfer Bourgeat products online or directly from Matfer Bourgeat. Prices range from $30 for a black steel blini pan to over $600 for a copper casserole. If you want a complete cookware set, expect to pay over $4,000.

These prices are steep, but Matfer Bourgeat’s French cookware is efficient, lasts for years, and helps you cook like a master chef. You’ll notice the difference between quality cookware and cheaper alternatives as soon as you start cooking.

Sources

Cristel USA

Le Creuset

Zwilling J.A. Henckels

Emile Henry 

Mafter Bourgeat

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