Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are among the most sought-after and prized cookware of all time. They are aesthetically pleasing, conduct heat extremely well, and will last, provided you take care of them properly. However, as with any piece of cookware, the enamel will wear down over time.
Both will last (practically) a lifetime. Conventional kitchen wisdom holds that enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are a pricey but worthwhile investment for most home cooks. As the majority of us at Serious Eats use them regularly at home and in our test kitchen, we think that recommendation stands.
Enamel is not worn away, it is just stained. Hot water, a bit of soap and a plastic scrungee a few times o week can cure it.
If the enamel is chipped or scratched, don't use the Dutch oven.
No. If the enamel is chipped, your pot is no longer safe to use.
Just like with traditional cast iron cookware, you should replace enameled cast iron cookware if any cracks appear. Enameled cookware is more likely to crack than traditional enamel from sudden temperature changes.
To repair your chipped porcelain enamel from scratch, purchase a food-safe epoxy. Use the epoxy to gently fill in the space left from where the vitreous enamel chipped away. Let the epoxy harden slightly, and then press a piece of waxed paper over it.
NEVER use a product when the interior enamel has chipped. It is no longer safe to use and you should immediately CEASE USING the product. Chips from damaged enamel could cause personal injury if ingested.
The method I tested and found to be the best is simple: Let the water come to a boil, add the baking soda, and give it a good stir. After a few minutes of simmering, use a wooden spoon (no metal on that enamel surface!) to nudge off the burnt-on bits.
As the enamel continues to erode, your teeth might turn a gray or yellowish color. If your teeth change shape, it's a good indicator that you have enamel damage. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial.
As for cleaners, our Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner will help keep your Dutch oven looking great, and is ideal for removing metal marks caused by metal tools. Bar Keeper's Friend, or a paste of baking soda and water, also comes in handy for cleaning tough stains, oil residue and marks on your Dutch oven as well.
While there's no way to fully "restore" lost tooth enamel, there are ways you can treat the damaged area and take care of your teeth in other ways to prevent further damage. Bonding can be used in milder cases of enamel erosion.
Using excessive high heat
It may cause food to burn and stick, making it hard to clean. Always cook on medium or low heat. This prevents scorching and keeps your meals tasty. Pour oil or butter before preheating to avoid enamel cracking.
Why is Le Creuset cookware so expensive? The short answer is: because you get what you pay for. Le Creuset makes some of the best cast iron cookware on the market, including the best Dutch oven money can buy.
Final Verdict. Our top choice is the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven because everyday cooks can still enjoy a highly functional, versatile pot; plus, it's easy to clean. If you're looking for a future heirloom, we love the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven.
Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods in Cast-Iron Pans
You should avoid cooking acidic sauces in cast-iron pans for two reasons: first, the acid loosens trace amounts of molecules from the metal that can then leach into your foods, imparting a metallic flavor.
A: The enamel coating is actually glass so it is best to not use it. I contacted Lodge regarding chips in my enamel coated dutch oven and after answering a few questions and sending them photo I received a replacement (NO Charge). The customer service rep advised to not use the pan since it is a glass coating.
Le Creuset offers a Lifetime Guarantee on its non-stick bakeware products. The guarantee applies from the date of purchase of the original owner, whether a self-purchase or received as a gift.
The use of high heat can damage your enamel coating, leading to the same scorching and burning that can occur when the pan is heated while empty. This means you should always preheat your Dutch oven. Start by adding a drizzle of fat or oil to the bottom of the pan, then heat on low until the pan is fully warmed.
You can use a gentle cleaning compound to get rid of these. If you've got a legit, deep scratch or chip that's messing with the pan's performance, there's no safe and effective DIY enamel coating you can apply that works as well as the original. Time for a new pot!
Commercial and Domestic Cookware Recoating Service
Quality kitchenware sets such as Le Creuset or Bessemer can be expensive to replace. We can remove the old scratched or damaged internals and recoat with a new non stick coating for a fraction of the cost of new cookware.
Why you shouldn't cook with a chipped Dutch oven. Cooking with a chipped enamel Dutch oven is not recommended by any major manufacturer or industry expert. Enameled cast iron is made by baking a slurry mix of glass, pigments, and clay onto the surface of a cast iron pot.
While Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron is dishwasher-safe, we do recommend hand washing to keep the finish beautiful. Over time, constant dishwashing may lead to some dulling of the enamel finish, but it's important to note that this will not hinder the cooking performance.
The Made Right limited lifetime warranty covers normal household use—if your enameled cast iron chips, cracks, or is otherwise damaged during cooking, we'll repair or replace it. If your cookware arrives damaged in its container, we'll also repair or replace it.