People love Le Creuset Cookware. In fact, it is a popular option among chefs around the world.
The complaint many have, though, is the difficulty in removing the stains or burnt particles that reside in the interior and exterior parts of the cookware after use.
We’ll go over how to clean Le Creuset enameled cast-iron cookware both inside and out, as well as how to care for it so you can get the most out of it.
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Benefits of Le Creuset Cookware Pieces
Le Creuset has been one of the leading manufacturers of cookware in the world for more than a century.
It is a brand that is widely favored by chefs globally. Let’s check out why this is so below:
1. Longevity
Cast iron can surely be described as “tough as nails.” The very durable Enamelled Cast Iron from Le Creuset is designed to deliver a lifetime of excellent meals.
Many individuals still use Le Creuset relics passed down from their parents or grandparents because it lasts so long.
The vibrant outer enamel is vitrified to withstand chipping and cracking, while the internal enamel is stain- and dull-resistant.
2. Flexibility
Enamelled Cast Iron from Le Creuset can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or under the grill.
It has a flat base that ensures pans rest flush on the hob on a variety of stovetops, including induction.
3. Heat conservation
Cast iron is excellent at retaining and spreading heat, keeping hot meals hot and cold foods cold.
If you serve a dish directly from the pot, your food will likely stay warm throughout the dinner.
Le Creuset Cookware Pieces are also incredibly energy efficient because they only require low heat to maintain their temperature.
4. Simple to clean
Le Creuset’s Enamelled Cast Iron has a vitreous enamel finish that is easy to clean and requires no seasoning or maintenance.
Hand-washing is simple (a non-abrasive sponge and hot, soapy water are all that’s required), and the range is also dishwasher-safe.
5. Excellent design
Enamelled Cast Iron is offered in a variety of specialized shapes and signature colors.
Le Creuset will help you present your casseroles, bakes, and other foods in a colorful and attractive fashion, in addition to adding a little artistic flair to your kitchen.
How To Care For Le Creuset Cookware
Le Creuset cookware is known for its strength, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal, which makes it an appealing choice for your kitchen.
However, this cookware requires some level of attention and maintenance to keep it functional and gorgeous. So, how do you clean the outside of Le Creuset pots and pans?
You should clean your cookware with soapy water and a nylon scourer. After doing that, make sure to rinse and dry it completely.
If the cookware has burnt-on grease and food residue that refuses to come off, you can use a soft nylon brush and a Le Creuset Pots and Pans cleanser to take care of the stains.
However, you should be careful so that you do not damage the pot’s surface.
As indicated before, this cookware is vibrant, lovely, and enduring. However, it is not invincible; incorrect care can cause the enamel coating on your pots and pans to chip or peel away, rendering them useless.
Keeping b to the following guidelines will help to maintain the beauty and strength of your cookware.
N.B: Always make sure to read the manufacturer’s handbook for directions. It is really important.
Clean the Cookware Before Using It.
Before utilizing a new piece for cooking, it must first be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and dish soap. Consider this a form of initiation for the cookware that will help it to last for a much longer time.
Try to Prevent Heat Shock
When a hot pot or skillet is hit with something cold, such as water, a thermal shock can occur.
This shock can also occur in the opposite direction, such as when you put an icy cold glass into hot water.
Extreme heat colliding with cold things can cause damage. Be very careful.
To avoid overheating or burning your meal in an empty skillet, warm it for 5 minutes on the lowest setting possible before adding any ingredients that can become too hot rapidly, such as butter or oil.
Select the Appropriate Utensils
When cooking with cast iron cookware, the most important thing to remember is to never put metal tools on the surface.
Metal utensils can scratch and destroy the enamel, resulting in the pan being ruined and dangerous chemicals being released into the food.
Cast-iron cookware is safe to use with wooden or plastic implements like nylon spatulas and silicone scrapers.
Do Not Wash Your Cookware Until It has Cooled.
When your pan begins to cool, the worst thing you can do is submerge it in cold water. Heat stress can cause cracks or the loss of the surface coating.
Though the Le Creuset cookware is resistant to such stress, it is best not to take chances.
Heat shock, also known as Thermal Shock, causes the metal on your pans to flex, resulting in tiny minute cracks. As a result, they are more likely to shatter in the future due to extreme heat.
Do Not Allow Food to Dry on the Cookware Surface
If you’re using Le Creuset to cook, don’t let your food dry out on the pan. When baked-on proteins and starch have hardened into a crust, cleaning them is far more difficult than when they are still liquid.
Make Sure to Remove Baked-on Grease
To remove food residue from a pan, fill it halfway with warm water and set it aside for about 20 minutes.
Scrub the residue away with a sponge or dish brush after that. Food can get stuck between the ribs of the grill grates when cooking meat or veggies on it.
A brush is useful for cleaning any little items that may have landed on your cooking surface and are causing it to become less clean than it should be.
Read: Is Le Creuset Dishwasher Safe?
How To Clean Le Creuset Cookware Exterior
The coating finish of the Le Creuset is very delicate. When cleaning it, you should make sure that you do not use abrasive cleansers or hard scourers on the cookware.
These materials will damage the surface of your Le Creuset Cookware, and make cleaning more difficult as you continue to use the cookware.
Hence, you should always be careful and gentle when washing your pots and pans.
If there are burnt-on food deposits that won’t come out with ordinary cleaning with a nylon pad, try applying some Le Creuset cast-iron cleanser on them before giving everything another wash with soapy water.
Remember to use abrasive cleansers and scourers sparingly on the cooking surface of your Le Creuset cast-iron cookware.
Rubbing, scraping, and cleaning your cookware with an abrasive cleanser or a metal scraper will ruin the smooth coating. Also, these cooking surfaces are unable to withstand severe chemicals.
N.B: Clean your Le Creuset Cookware Well after you use it. Do not wait till the food residue becomes caked. Doing this will help you avoid having a ruined piece of cookware.
Also, your cookware does not require pre-seasoning or seasoning. The surface will darken over time with use and it will eventually develop a non-stick finish with time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Cleaning Products Should You Use on Your Le Creuset Cookware?
You should not just use any type of cleanser on your cookware.
You should first make sure that the soap is not abrasive. We recommend Dawn or Palmolive dishwashing solutions.
If you cannot find these, use any that is not harmful to the surface of your cookware and to you. These cleansers, with warm water and a soft sponge, will leave your cookware looking beautiful.
Make sure to clean all the cast iron components, that is, the handles, knobs, and lids. Scrub as gently as you can but firmly, making sure that all the food particles are taken care of. Rinse the cookware with hot or warm water afterward.
If you still have stuck-on grease, grime, or food, soak the cookware in hot, soapy water before you begin the cleaning process. Repeat the process if you are not getting the desired result.
N.B: Hand washing your cookware will not destroy it. The coating of Le Creuset Cookware allows it to potentially survive years of usage without cracking, flaking, and/or scratches.
Remember, always avoid steel wool, metal scourers, metal scrapers, abrasive liquids, paste, powder, or cleaners. Use gentle cleaners, towels, and nylon scourers instead.
A nylon brush and Cerise with enameled cast-iron cookware cleanser are included in the Le Creuset 2-piece cleaning set.
The nylon brush is ideal for cleaning grill pan ridges as well as the interiors of matte black cookware.
The cookware cleanser removes food residue and stubborn stains from both sand and matte black interiors without harming or ruining the cookware’s surface.
Is My Le Creuset Cookware Dishwasher-safe?
With the exception of pots with wooden handles, Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher-safe. Though, the enamel coating might dull over time due to the detergent used in the dishwasher. This can be avoided by hand washing instead.
How Can I Avoid Rust with My Le Creuset Cookware?
To minimize rusting in contact with moisture from air humidity when cast-iron pots are stored, make sure the cookware surface is absolutely dry before storing them.
How Do I Store My Le Creuset Cookware?
Enamel cast iron cookware should be stored separately to avoid scratching one another. Pot protectors can be used if you need to stack your pots and pans owing to a shortage of space.
They are placed between pots to help prevent damage during storage.
Remember to use the pot protectors that come with your new cookware to keep the lids and pots separated.
Put them in between pots, pans, dishes, or glass bowls. They add a thin layer of gentle cushioning to help prevent unwanted markings and cracks.
They are machine washable and keep objects from sticking together when stored for long periods of time.
What is the lifespan of Le Creuset cookware?
If you take proper care of your Le Creuset Cookware pieces, they can last for a lifetime.
They can become heirlooms for your family long after you stop using them. Le Creuset always makes sure to include a care and maintenance manual that helps you to use the cookware pieces the right way.
How Do You Clean a Le Creuset Dutch Oven Interior?
Le Creuset Dutch ovens are very popular. If you have one, you should use the hot water and baking soda approach to clean it.
This will help to remove stubborn and caked-on stains and residues. Another option to remove these stains is the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda approach.
If you cannot find these, you can get the Bar Keeper’s Friend Soft Cleanser with a gentle scrubber. You will get amazing results.
- Pour a generous amount of powder if you are using the cleanser or the baking soda solution into your pan.
- Spread the mix with a paper towel and wipe it away after some minutes.
- Scrub it again and wipe it clean.
- Rinse (warm water can be used)
- Allow to air dry before storing.
Best Heat Settings of Your Le Creuset Cookware
It is best to always use the medium to low heat settings for the majority of the cooking you do with Le Creuset Cookware pieces.
This includes frying and searing cooking techniques. Let the pan heat slowly and thoroughly. Doing this will allow for more efficient cooking results.
Once the pan is hot, you can cook anything, even on low settings.
You should only use high heat settings for boiling water for pasta or reducing the consistency of some foods like stocks and sauces.
Do not pre-heat your Le Creuset Cookware piece with high heat.
This will result in poor cooking since cast iron retains heat well. It can also cause discoloration and sticking of cooking surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Le Creuset Cookware Pieces are excellent kitchen items you should definitely have. Cleaning them while maintaining their color, functionality, and aesthetics is very easy to pull off.
You just have to follow the instructions and be gentle.