Advice & Tips
Le Creuset Cast Iron Pan Care and Maintenance Guide
Do you have an awesome collection of Le Creuset cast iron cookware? The are versatile as you can use them to sear steaks, make stir fries, casseroles, or bake on them. And, you probably want them to last. Consider this the complete guide to taking care of Le Creuset cast iron pans.
Proper care makes them look good for years. Get this Le Creuset Roasting Set Cherry Red by clicking this link!
They will last for years, and they will probably outlive you. Le Creuset has made its name for their fine-quality and colorful cookware with a reputation for durability. They have a look that transcends time, and you can do so many things with them. Some of us still possess (and use) the old Le Creuset pans and cooking pots our grandparents use, and still in pristine condition!
Although naturally robust, enameled cast iron cookware can get damaged, especially the enamel. Chipped or thoroughly scratched enamel may not produce the expected performance, and it will ruin the look of your cookware.
You want your investment to look good for as long as possible. To do that, you should first learn how to properly clean your cookware so they will serve you for many years.
Effortless Cleaning Your Le Creuset
More often than not, a lot of people clean their Le Creuset the wrong way. The enamel on their cookware is very tough but they can get scratched during cleaning, making them look prematurely older.
It does not have to be that way. You can keep the look and shine of your Le Creuset castiron pans by soaking them in warm water right with mild dish soap after use. Doing so softens the stuck bits and pieces on the pan. You probably knew that abrasives or scouring agents are a no-no since they scratch the enamel coating. A 15-minute soak allows easier cleaning without using elbow grease. Soak them, and use a soft sponge to clean.
Cleaning with an Ecological Cleaning agent
Keep the enamel of your Le Creuset in fine condition, even if you use them frequently, by using specialized cleaning agents such as the Le Creuset Ecological Cleaning Agent. Not only does it clean casseroles and removes burnt food residues, but it also protects the cast iron and the enamel. It does not contain harsh ingredients, and it keeps the luster of your enameled castiron pan. Lastly, this agent is made with the environment in mind, being made with ecologically-safe ingredients. Buy it now!
Make the enamel look gleaming for years with this cleaner. Buy it now!
Use Your Le Creuset Cookware Properly
Although it is easy to think that Le Creuset pans and pots are ‘bombproof’, they can still get damaged with improper use. Just do a short read on the official website. To start, always lift and never slide the pot or pan on the glass-topped stove to prevent damage on the base. Never let the flames reach the sides of the pot, and you can easily do this by placing the pot on a suitably sized burner. The sides and the handles of cookware are not suited to open flames, so always match the pot’s base size to the burner zone.
The enamel of Le Creuset pots, although among the best in the world, is not suited for dry cooking. Therefore, never place any food on a very hot, bare pan without any sort of liquid (except for grill pans). Water, oil, or butter should cover the base of the pan before cooking. Never let the pot boil dry, as it may damage the enamel permanently.
Note that cast iron retains heat efficiently. High heat temperatures and overheating can cause food to burn or stick, so mind the cooking temperatures.
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Stick to the Proper Cooking Utensils Another culprit of enamel scratches are the cooking implements you use. Metal tongs, ladles, stirrers, and handheld beaters can still scratch the enamel. Don’t use utensils that you will not use on non-stick pans. If you really have to use them, like the case of handheld blenders or beaters, just make sure they don’t scrape on the enamel surface.
Get one of thse Le Creuset Revolution Silicone Serving Spoons!
Give your Le Creuset the love it needs. Use silicone, wood, or heat-resistant plastic ladles, spoons, or whisks – these materials are softer and do not damage the enamel. Never slice food on the pan with a knife, and don’t knock metal utensils on the rim of the pot.
The Le Creuset Revolution series are our favorites!
Season Your Cast Iron Pots and Pans
If you use bare cast iron cookware, make sure to season them properly before use. It’s amazing to make stir fries or sear steaks in a hot, seasoned pan. Read the following article to learn more about it Seasoning bare cast iron
Le Creuset doesn't have to be seasoned
Note that enameled cast iron pots and pans do not need to be seasoned. If you want to clean enameled pans properly, use the Le Creuset Ecological Cleaning Agent for a worry-free cleaning.
Cast iron cookware is durable, and proper maintenance is a sure way to keep them in good condition. Who wouldn’t want to cook with such colorful, iconic cookware, right? Just follow these tips and you can keep your prized Le Creuset cookware looking new for many years to come.
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