The standard advice from most cookware companies is that pots and pans with chipped enamel are unsafe and shouldn't be used. We imagine that the danger is not so much the exposed cast-iron as it is that the enamel could chip further and you'll wind up with bits of enamel in your food. Not a pleasant prospect.
No. If the enamel is chipped, your pot is no longer safe to use.
Chipping enamel on a cooking surface definitely isn't safe. Enamel is basically glass, so as that continues to chip, you'll have glass flakes in your food. Don't cook in this.
The oven is safe to use as long as there isn't a hole through the cavity. That being said, the parts where there are scratches will likely hold debris and won't burn off and wipe away easily like other areas of the oven.
Chipping enamel on a cooking surface definitely isn't safe. Enamel is basically glass, so as that continues to chip, you'll have glass flakes in your food. Don't cook in this.
Minor chips don't usually cause problems. But a major chip that exposes the sensitive tissue inside to bacteria can cause a tooth infection.
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 to be expected, though, using a Dutch oven often can result in some light dings and scratches, but often the dish is still safe to use. However, if the damage is severe enough that there is actual chipped or peeling enamel on the bottom, then continuing to use the dish is not recommended.
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.
While an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven with burn stains, food crust, or a coating of dust and dirt can be rehabilitated, former chef and current chief marketing officer Milo Cruz of Legend Cookware insists that, “If there are any chips or cracks in the enamel, stop using your Dutch oven, because the damage can worsen."
If chips happen where food or drink may come into contact, it is recommended to discontinue use, not because it's not food safe. But because these small chips can turn into bigger ones that you could end up ingesting. You can try to repair chipped enamelware by following these instructions.
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.
Instead, ALWAYS lift the product on and off the surface with care. NEVER use a product when the interior enamel has chipped.
Dental Filling or Bonding
A quick polish to the area can be all it takes to remove any rough spots. If you chip the enamel very slightly, your dentist can fill or bond the space. Bonding is a simple procedure that uses a tooth-colored composite resin to fill the gap.
Some people are concerned about lead content in Dutch ovens. However, the enamel used in modern Dutch ovens is lead-free, per Federal Drug Administration (FDA) safety standards. Unlike pure cast iron cookware, enameled cast iron Dutch ovens do not require seasoning, making them a more low-maintenance option.
Don't use metal utensils.
Though the surface is durable, it's always a good idea to stick with wooden, nylon, or silicone utensils to keep from scratching or chipping the enamel. And you definitely don't want to cut food within the cookware—save that for the cutting board.
The standard advice from most cookware companies is that pots and pans with chipped enamel are unsafe and shouldn't be used. We imagine that the danger is not so much the exposed cast-iron as it is that the enamel could chip further and you'll wind up with bits of enamel in your food. Not a pleasant prospect.
Is enamelware safe to use if it is chipped? Enamelware is known for being unbreakable thanks to its durable properties. However, it may still chip, adding character if you ask us. If your enamelware has a chip you can still use it as normal and it won't affect the safety of your product.
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.
Many rafters use the “Three Up, Three Down” rule, which means that you have three extra pieces of coal on top of the Dutch oven and three fewer underneath. As heat rises, you could easily burn the food if you place too many below.
With enameled cast iron, you'll want to avoid high heat on an empty pan or raising the temperature too quickly because this can cause permanent damage.
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.
Eating hot foods quickly followed by a cold beverage can also expose teeth to rapid transitions of expanding and contracting, which can lead to microfractures. All these activities can weaken enamel, making teeth prone to chipping.
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.