Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) vs Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black)
Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black)
The short answer
Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) comes out ahead overall with 8.1/10 against 7.6/10 for the Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black). Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) is stronger on ease of use. Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) is stronger on cooking performance and value.
- Choose the Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) if: For one to three people or small bread loaves, under Staub's explicit lead-free claim.
- Choose the Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) if: For buyers who want a proven premium pot with the clearest explicit lead- and cadmium-free claim.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) | Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Performance | 7.8Inferred from the tested 5.5 qt sibling; small capacity. | 8.6TechGearLab and ATK recommend it. The self-basting lid retains moisture well. |
| Lead & Cadmium Safety Evidence | 8.3Brand-wide explicit claim, with no size-specific screen. | 8.5The most explicit free-of claim in the pool, plus a testing statement. No published report, and the supporting XRF screen is old. |
| Enamel Durability | 8.0Same enamel as the larger sizes. | 8.2Matte enamel holds up well in owner reports. CNN reported one handle break. |
| Ease of Use | 7.0Lighter and easier to handle; the dark interior hides fond. | 6.6Heavy, the dark interior hides fond, and ATK says the spiked lid is harder to clean. |
| Health & Materials | 8.8PFAS-free, made in France, lifetime warranty. | 8.8PFAS/PTFE-free, lifetime warranty, made in France. |
| Value | 5.8About $370 at list for 4 qt is poor per quart. | 7.5About $300 for top-tier performance and the clearest claim. |
Specifications
| Spec | Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) | Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 qt | 5.5 qt |
| Max Oven Temp (with lid) | 500 °F | 500 °F |
| Interior Enamel | Black matte enamel | Black matte enamel (quartz-enhanced) |
| Manufacturer Says Lead-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Lead/Cadmium Claim Wording | Staub brand-wide lead-free, cadmium-free, PFAS-free claim; third-party tested | Staub: "Cadmium Free, Lead-Free, PFOA Free, PTFE Free, and PFAS Free"; regular third-party certified lab testing; meets FDA and Prop 65 limits |
| Manufacturer Says Cadmium-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturer Says PFAS-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Third-Party Tested (claimed) | Yes | Yes |
| Country of Manufacture | France | France |
| Induction Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black)
Pros
- Same explicit Staub claim as the 5.5 qt
- Easier to handle than larger sizes
- Good for one to three people or small loaves
- Made in France; induction compatible
Cons
- Expensive per quart
- No independent test of this size
- Not listed on Amazon
- Dark interior hides fond
A good fit for small kitchens that want the Staub claim. Most buyers will get more use from the 5.5 qt.
Full Staub 1102425 (4 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) review →Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black)
Pros
- Most explicit lead- and cadmium-free claim among major brands
- Recommended by TechGearLab and America's Test Kitchen
- Self-basting lid, induction compatible, 500°F oven rating
- Made in France with a lifetime defect warranty
- PFAS-free and no nonstick coating
Cons
- Dark interior hides fond and makes browning harder to judge
- Heavy; spiked lid is harder to clean
- CNN Underscored reported one handle breaking during washing
- Premium price; no lab report published
The best choice for buyers who want a proven premium pot and the strongest lead-free paper trail available. An older independent XRF screen of a gray Staub found no lead or cadmium, which supports the claim but does not verify this black matte unit, since it covers a different color and measures total content rather than leaching.
Full Staub 1102625 (5.5 qt Round Cocotte, Matte Black) review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Lead-Free Enameled Dutch Ovens of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.