Quick answer
Choose the Staub Cast Iron Oven dish for superior heat retention and crust browning, or the Staub Stoneware Pie dish if you prefer a lighter, more affordable dish for even baking.
Heat retention and browning
Cast iron holds heat longer than stoneware, which means your food stays hot at the table and you get a deeper, more even browning on the bottom of pies or gratins. Stoneware heats up faster but cools down quicker, making it a good match for recipes that need a shorter bake time or a lighter crust.
Weight and handling
The Staub Cast Iron Oven dish is heavy—expect to use both hands when lifting it in and out of the oven. The Stoneware Pie dish is noticeably lighter, so it is easier to handle and store, especially if you have limited cabinet space or prefer a dish you can carry with one hand.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Heat performance: Cast iron retains heat longer, giving you a crispy crust and longer-lasting warmth. Stoneware heats evenly but cools faster.
- Weight: Cast iron is heavy; stoneware is much lighter and easier to handle.
- Versatility: Both can bake pies, gratins, and casseroles, but the cast iron dish also works as a serving dish at the table.
- Price: The cast iron dish is priced at $64.99 (regular $99.99); the stoneware dish is $34.99 (regular $49.99). Stoneware is the more budget-friendly choice.
- Size options: The cast iron dish is 6 inches (individual servings). The stoneware dish is 9 inches (standard pie size). Choose size based on whether you bake for one or for the whole table.
Product facts at a glance
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Buy Staub Cast Iron Oven dish: Staub Cast Iron 6-inch, Round, Gratin Baking Dish, Matte Black The 6-inch size is ideal for individual servings or side dishes, and cast iron's heat retention ensures a crispy bottom and hot food from oven to table.
Buy Staub Cast Iron Oven dish
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Buy Staub Stoneware Pie dish: Staub Stoneware 9-inch, Pie dish, Dark Blue The 9-inch size fits standard pie recipes, and stoneware's lighter weight makes it easy to handle and store while still delivering even baking.
Buy Staub Stoneware Pie dish
Which dish fits you?
Best for
- Bakers who want the best browning and heat retention for pies, gratins, and individual servings
- Anyone who needs a durable baking dish that doubles as a serving piece
Not for
- Bakers who need a lightweight, easy-to-store dish for standard 9-inch pies
- Anyone on a tighter budget who still wants reliable even baking