Even though the interior looks similar to a classic cast iron pan, the enamel cooking surface doesn't require any seasoning. To prevent sticking, just add a little bit of oil to the surface before cooking.
The only way you're going to damage the enamel is by percussion... hitting it with something hard that will chip it away from the cast iron (or drastic temperature changes, of course).
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.
Cast iron is quite heavy in nature so a small knock can chip the enamel. Avoid using your oven as storage. Should you forget it's in there and turn your oven on a high heat, you will damage the enamel coating. After washing up your Dutch oven, dry it with either a tea towel or a paper towel.
Enameled cast iron has a naturally slick surface that doesn't require seasoning. This makes it ideal for cooking delicate foods that might otherwise stick to traditional cast iron. The enamel coating allows for easy release of food, making cooking and cleaning simpler.
Olive oil is a favorite for many types of cooking, but it's not ideal for cast iron. With its low smoke point, olive oil can easily burn, leaving behind a residue that can be tough to clean off your cast iron pan.
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.
One of the most common reasons that food sticks to our pans is using a heat setting that is too high. The heat level depends on your stovetop, so it might take a few tries to figure out your perfect level.
Additionally, avoid using enameled cast iron on high heat settings, as this can also contribute to thermal shock and damage the enamel.
Common cooking oils like olive oil will gradually produce seasoning, but won't be as effective as grapeseed oil. Canola, other vegetable oils, and shortening are a little better.
Two words: heat & oil.
The most common reason food sticks to cast iron is because the pan is simply too hot.
Recommended cleaning products for enameled cast iron
For stubborn stains or stuck-on food, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied with a soft sponge in a circular motion, acting as a mild abrasive without damaging the enamel.
No matter what the inside of your enameled cast iron cookware looks or feels like, food will stick to it if you don't allow it to fully preheat. Five or six minutes usually does the trick. You're also going to have a sticky situation if you try to skip the butter or oil.
Wipe with a dry cloth to remove all loose food. Once you have removed as much as possible, create a paste of kosher salt and lukewarm water and coat the cookware to remove residue. If this doesn't work, mix baking soda and water to create a paste. This will remove both stains and any remaining stuck-on food.
My favorite items for cleaning my Le Creuset is the “scrub daddy” sponge and even better for stains or grease is the “Mr. Clean magic eraser.” It works wonders with hot soapy water! You can also persevere the integrity of your Le Creuset by hand washing and drying immediately.
- We recommend using wooden and/or silicone utensils, to avoid scratching the enameled surface. - When cooking on the stove, preheat the pan over low to medium heat for no more than 5 minutes, then add oil or butter.
Oil, especially canola oil (bad, unhealthy oil), should not be used. If a quick oiling (not seasoning) in between is desired, it's best to use a high temperature oil like avocado. A quick rub can do the trick, if your pan looks a bit dry. I have one pan that is about 100 years old!
To prevent sticking, use a low to medium heat and a generous amount of oil—don't worry, enameled cast iron gets hot and stays hot for the perfect sear. To prevent thermal shock, don't introduce cold ingredients into your hot, empty pan, such as using an ice cube to create steam during bread baking.
Sautéing is designed to enhance the flavours of a dish by browning the surface of ingredients. The Dutch Oven's enamelled cast iron construction makes it ideal for this cooking technique, offering superior heat retention to ensure ingredients get properly cooked.