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The Best French Cookware Brands are not as famous as you think. Aside from Le Creuset, there are brands such as Mauviel, Matfer Bourgeat, Staub and De Buyer who dominate the european market. What might comes as an even bigger surprise is that some of their cookware exceed the performance of Le Creuset. They use different metal such as carbon steel or copper to gain the edge on the traditional cast iron. This article will list some of the Best French Cookware Brands on the market. We will also discuss why they are some of the best performing cookware out there.
Best French Cookware Brands List
Below, you will find a list of some of the best french cookware out there. We will discuss who they are and why their cookware is the best.
Mauviel
Mauviel was founded by Ernest Mauviel during the 1830’s. He started manufacturing copper cookware for both the commercial and domestic kitchen. As time went on, so did their cookware. They make a wide variety of cookware from daubiere to sauce pot. Today, mauviel is still a privately owned business run by the sixth generation.
Their copper cookware is one of the best in the industry. They make copper cookware in a wide variety of configuration, thickness and performance. While their M’Tradition line is considered to be the best, the m250 line is actually more suited for the home market. Instead of a tin lining that can wear down, the m250 line uses a stainless steel interior. This stainless steel interior will last pretty much forever and is perfect for the home cook. You can read my Mauviel M250 Review for more details.
Matfer Bourgeat
While they are mostly known by the commercial kitchen they are gaining popularity in the consumer sector. Their carbon steel skillet is one of the most well received cookware around. These carbon steel cookware develop a nonstick coating much like cast iron. They are constantly used as a nonstick alternative in a professional kitchen. Matfer Bourgeat carbon steel skillet is known as one of the best carbon steel pan around. They have a rivetless design unlike the other brands and their handle is angled just right. For more information, check out my Matfer Bourgeat Carbon Steel Skillet Review. If you prefer copper, they also make copper cookware. Check the Matfer Bourgeat Copper Skillet Review for more information.
De Buyer
De Buyer was founded in 1810 making food bowls, trough and other utensils. They made a wide array of products from cauldron to sauce pots. They like Mauviel, is one of the oldest cookware around. In the states, they are most well known for their carbon steel cookware. Their Mineral B Cookware line is one of the biggest competitor to matfer bourgeat. However, I personally find their Blue Steel Crepe Pan to be one of the best in the industry. It has a rivetless design so that it will not get in the way. It is also surprisingly affordable.
Le Creuset
Le Creuset was actually founded by two belgium men in 1925. One was a casting specialist and the other a enamel specialist. Together they formed their iconic dutch oven. Even today, the best known and best performing dutch oven is made Le Creuset. They have a wide comfortable handle and their pot is wide, letting you sear large amount of food in a single batch. But what really sets Le Creuset apart from the other manufacturer is the wide array of color. They can be matched with any household interior and is a favorite among household.
Staub
Staub is Le Creuset primary rival. It was founded in 1974 by Francis Staub. His original molds were carved out of wood. Their cookware is still made in France and they offer some of the most distinct colors around. The green basil color is one of my favorite. Their Dutch Oven is a great alternative to Le Creuset if you are looking for something different. They are also a favorite in the French household. For a full comparison check out my Staub vs Le Creuset Article.
Emile Henry
Emile Henry is one of the best french bakware around. They were founded in 1848 by Jacques Henry. They are the most famous for their ruffled pie pan. Throughout the year, they created some revolutionary cookware such as the Flame Ceramic. It is one of the few clay cookware that can be used on the stove top. However, I still think their pie bake ware is still some of the best in the industry. For more detail, check out my Emile Henry Bake Ware Review.
Best French Cookware Brands Thoughts
While Le Creuset is good, there are many other notable brands. Some of the best performing cookware is made by Mauviel. For Nonstick cookware you can either go for matfer bourgeat or De Buyer. Le Creuset still makes the best Dutch Oven but Staub is a close second. Although I personally prefer the color offered by Staub. If you want bake ware, I recommend you check out the offering by Emile Henry.
I hope you like this Best French Cookware article, If you would like to see more, please visit our Pots and Pans Review page.
My expertise in cookware comes from years of exploring culinary tools, testing various brands, and diving deep into the craftsmanship and materials used in their production. The nuances of French cookware are particularly fascinating—the intricate balance between traditional methods and modern innovations sets these brands apart. I've experienced firsthand the excellence of Mauviel's copper cookware, understanding how their M’Tradition and m250 lines differ in design and suitability for both commercial and home kitchens. The transition from tin linings to stainless steel interiors, ensuring longevity, has been a notable evolution.
Matfer Bourgeat's mastery of carbon steel cookware is evident, especially their rivetless design and the exceptional performance of their skillet, which competes even with cast iron's nonstick quality. Their craftsmanship has made significant inroads into both commercial and consumer kitchens.
De Buyer, with its historical lineage and expertise dating back to 1810, particularly stands out for its carbon steel cookware. Their Mineral B Cookware line competes head-to-head with Matfer Bourgeat. Personally, I find their Blue Steel Crepe Pan to be a hidden gem in terms of design and affordability, especially with its rivetless construction.
Le Creuset's iconic Dutch oven remains unmatched in performance, thanks to its design and wide color palette, making it a household favorite. However, Staub, founded in 1974, presents a strong challenge with its unique color offerings and quality Dutch ovens, positioning itself as a formidable rival to Le Creuset.
Emile Henry's expertise in bakeware, especially the Flame Ceramic line capable of stovetop use, showcases their innovation in clay cookware. Despite this, their ruffled pie pan remains a standout product.
In summary, while Le Creuset holds its place as a symbol of excellence, other brands like Mauviel, Matfer Bourgeat, De Buyer, Staub, and Emile Henry offer compelling alternatives and specialized expertise in different cookware categories, from copper and carbon steel to ceramic and bakeware. Each brand brings its unique strengths to the table, making the selection of French cookware an enriching experience for culinary enthusiasts.
