With a little care, your Le Creuset cookware will last for your lifetime.
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.
Le Creuset cookware is warranted to you by Le Creuset of America, Inc. to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the time of its purchase. For this Lifetime Limited Warranty to apply, you must follow the care and use instructions provided with the utensil. This warranty covers normal household use only.
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.
Expensive — the cost for a 5 1/2-quart pot is $420 when it's not on sale. The light interior can be easily scratched by metal tools and stained by food (although you can eliminate some stains with a bit of elbow grease).
If you take care of them and don't use anything metal or heat shock it - it'll last your lifetime and a bit more.
While Le Creuset's enamel is designed to be durable in most conditions, says Nate Collier, spokesperson for Le Creuset, "Thermal shock may still occur," which could cause the enamel to crack or flake off. In general, subjecting your Dutch oven to extreme temperature fluctuations can be damaging.
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.
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.
Carbon steel cookware: High-quality carbon steel pans will last a lifetime if used properly. Cast iron cookware: Cast iron pans are similar in longevity to carbon steel pans. They will keep performing for decades, even a lifetime. Ceramic cookware: Ceramic pans typically have a shorter lifespan of less than five years.
While some Le Creuset products are made in China, the company's enameled cast iron products are still made in its original foundry in France. Le Creuset's stainless steel and nonstick cookware is most often made in Portugal.
If the chip is on the outside of the pot, it is still safe to use. Coat the chipped spot with oil to keep moisture out. However, if the chip is on the inside, we recommend submitting a warranty claim so the piece can be evaluated. Please visit our Warranty page to submit a claim.
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.
Authentic Le Creuset have an embedded stamp on the bottom and feel like stoneware - not a thinner version of ceramic. As soon as you see them you will see that they are below the quality of Le Creuset. If you don't mind 'knock-offs' and paying top dollar for falsely advertised items, you will like them.
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!
If properly taken care of they should last a lifetime. However it is possible to ruin it. If you burn food to the bottom then attempt to clean it by scratching it with a stainless steel spoon then you might scrape the enamel off.
Or you can also fill the pot with warm water and a tablespoon or two of baking soda, and bring the water to a simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Once the food residue has softened, cool and drain the liquid in the pot. Rinse and dry, and you should be good to go.
If the enamel is chipped or scratched, don't use the Dutch oven.
Eggs fall into the category of sticky foods that are not ideal for cast iron skillets that haven't built up their seasoning yet. While cast iron can become non-stick with sufficient use over time, a newer skillet will almost certainly cause your eggs to stick to its porous surface.
Do not preheat a pan on high and then lower the heat for cooking. The material will not cool quickly, and if overheated, may cause food to burn or stick. Never heat an empty pan. Always use a burner that is similar in size to the base of the pan.
Le Creuset states that you should never use metal sponges, abrasive cleaners, or metal utensils when washing as they may scratch the cookware's enamel surface. Instead, the brand recommends using soft natural or nylon sponges when cleaning the interior or exterior of your pan.
Eligible Cookware returned at a Le Creuset retail or outlet store will be refunded in U.S. dollars in the same form as original payment at location upon return of the Eligible Cookware and Le Creuset's confirmation of the purchase price by valid receipt or proof of purchase.
Is my Le Creuset cast iron compatible with induction hobs? Yes, all our cookware (except our stoneware range which should not be used on the hob top) is suitable for use on an induction hob. Just remember to keep to a low to medium heat, for durability and delicious results! Food is sticking to my cast iron casserole.