Common Mistake That Can Ruin Your Le Creuset (and How to Avoid It)
Creatrip Team
5 months ago
Experts warn that preheating enameled cast-iron cookware (e.g., Le Creuset) while empty can damage the enamel. Enameled coating is similar to glass, so heating an empty pot causes the cast iron and enamel to expand at different rates, risking thermal shock that can crack or chip the coating. To protect the cookware, add water (about two cups) or a few tablespoons of oil before heating, and heat slowly over medium-low to medium heat instead of high heat. Because enameled cookware retains heat well, rapid high heat isn’t necessary. If the enamel is already cracked or chipped, stop using the pot—loose enamel fragments could contaminate food and be dangerous if ingested.
