In my book, it’s never too soon to start planning for the next holiday – especially one as charming as Valentine’s Day. This year, beloved French brands Le Creuset and Staub are adding an extra dash of romance to the season with two dreamy new collections.
Le Creuset has unveiled a charming Mon Coeur collection, featuring mini cocottes, jugs and sugar pots with whimsical heart illustrations. Plus, the fan-favorite Heart Cocotte has made an anticipated return; and it's now available in a limited-edition Berry hue.
If you’re planning to host a romantic dinner or a fabulous Galentine’s feast, Staub’s Pink Peony launch is here to impress. Their chef-approved collection of frying pans and Dutch ovens is now available in a soft, romantic pink. I have to admit, I’m totally smitten. Here are my top picks from these trés chic French kitchenware collections.
H&G's favorite pieces from the Valentine's Day drops
I've been lucky enough to test both Le Creuset and Staub brands; I'm a big fan of Staub's Dutch Ovens in particular. These are my favorite items from the Valentine's collection. Each one is high-quality, practical and beautiful. They make thoughtful gifts for yourself or the food-lovers in your life.
This might be the most beautiful cocotte I've ever seen. With swirls of strawberry pink, it would be perfect for serving desserts, like cherry pie or chocolate sponge. The shallow depth and heat retention is ideal for for heart-warming casseroles. Le Creuset offer classic white and red options, too.
The unique heart illustrations from Le Creuset's Mon Couer collection take centre-stage here. This Pitcher is a charming way to display your Valentine's flowers, serve orange juice at brunch, or keep utensils organized while cooking.
This one is just so dreamy. Staub's skillets are incredibly well made, with perfect heat transfer and excellent value for money. Compatible with all stovetops, including induction, and it's oven safe up to 500°F. The dish transitions beautifully from the kitchen to your dinner table.
Staub make my favorite-ever Dutch Oven (and I've tested a fair few in my time as H&G's kitchen editor). The design is so classy and elegant, but the sturdy materials make it a real kitchen workhorse. This 5-quart size can handle anything from beouf bourgignon to fluffy loaves of baked bread.
The most affordable piece in the new collection, this Le Creuset spatula is such a sweet gift. If you know someone who enjoys cooking: be that your spouse, children, or best friend, they will adore this token of appreciation.
If you've been following any of my articles, you'll know I'm obsessed with mini cocottes. I have a collection of seasonal designs for serving candy, chocolates, mini desserts, pot pies, dips – you name it. I even use them to bake eggs in my air fryer.
FAQS
When is Valentine's Day?
February 14th 2025. That means there's just over a month to plan your dinner parties, write your love letters and make hints about your wish-list.
Which brand is better Staub or Le Creuset?
This one is down to personal opinion. Both are heritage French brands, but Le Creuset was the original, predating Staub by about 50 years. Le Creuset is loved for its variety of colors, seasonal designs, and matching kitchen accessories. They are most popular with home cooks.
Staub is often preferred by professionally-trained chefs – myself included. I think they offer slightly superior performance in braising and slow cooking. The colorways are certainly simpler and more limited, but I think they are chic and timeless. Both brands are equally easy to clean.
If aesthetics and variety are your priorities, Le Creuset might be the better fit. For those seeking performance and simplicity, Staub takes the edge for me.
Are Staub and Le Creuset worth the price?
I can assure you that Staub and Le Creuset are absolutely worth the price if you’re looking for durable, high-performance cookware that stands the test of time. The premium pots and pans aren't just good-looking; they offer excellent heat retention and distribution for delicious food. Plus, the enamel coatings eliminate the need for seasoning and make cleanup very easy.
While the upfront cost is significant, these are investment pieces that can last a lifetime with proper care, and their versatility means you’ll use them frequently. Plus, the chic French designs and fun range of colors are sure to elevate any kitchen. You'll definitely want to keep them on display.
You can head to the Le Creuset website to check out the entire Valentine's collection, which includes some cute pieces from last year. There are also more fry pans and pots available in Staub's Pink Peony collection at Williams Sonoma. I am yet to test Staub's fry pans, but they are definitely worth perusing. Who knows, you might want to make perfect pancakes on Valentine's Day!
