Lisa FreedmanExecutive Lifestyle Director
Lisa Freedman is the Executive Lifestyle Director at The Kitchn. She has never met a cheese or a washi tape she didn't like. She lives in New York state with her husband and their pup, Millie.
published Jul 4, 2022
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Your enameled Dutch oven isn’t your most high-maintenance kitchen tool. (That award goes to … your cast iron skillet!) It doesn’t need to be seasoned or stored with paper towels or even sung to. But it does need to be cared for properly. After all, these things tend to cost a pretty penny, so you want yours to last. We can help with that! After decades of cooking inDutch ovens, we’ve learned a thing or three. And we decided to round up our very best tips and tricks for treating your Dutch oven to some TLC. Here we go.
1. Keep the clips that come with your pot.
Most Dutch ovens — and especially those from Le Creuset and Staub — come with these little clips that keep the pot and the lid from banging or scratching against each other during transport. Our tip? Don’t be so fast to throw them away! Keep them and slip them onto your pot’s rim whenever you put your pot away. You know, for safekeeping! Just make sure to take them off before you go to use the pot again.
2. Store it down low.
We know way too many people who have cracked their Dutch ovens (and their stone countertops!) due to mishaps involving a too-high cabinet shelf. Storing your Dutch oven in an upper cabinet is just asking for trouble. No matter how big your muscles are! It’s best to store them in lower cabinets because it’s easier to lift from below than it is to lower something heavy.
3. Use kosher salt to clean any burnt-on bits.
Our former Tools Editor, Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm (who knows a lot about Dutch ovens), uses kosher salt on a regular basis to clean her Dutch oven and all her other enameled cast iron cookware (like her braiser). “I just sprinkle on the salt, add a little water, and scrub any burnt-on bits with a sponge,” she’s explained. “It’s one of my absolute favorite cleaning tips.” You can even add a halved lemon for extra cleaning power, if you have one hand, but know that it’s not necessary!
4. Or boil baking soda and some water.
We ran some official testing to find out the very best method for cleaning a scorched Dutch oven. The winner: good ol’ water and baking soda. Simply add 4 cups of water to your pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Then, add 2 tablespoons of baking and stir with a wooden spoon. Let things simmer and scrape the bottom of the pan with the spoon.
5. Use oven cleaner for extra dirty pots.
If you have a pot that looks like it’s been put through the wringer — both inside and out — there’s hope. Just look at these before-and-after photos! Our secret weapon? Oven cleaner. That’s right. It does all of the hard work for you and really will get your pot looking good as new. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and water when you’re done.
6. Avoid using super-high heat.
Fun fact: Dutch ovens retain heat very well. Which means that medium-high or high heat is likely to scorch whatever you’re cooking. (And that means a mess for you to clean up!) Cook at medium heat and only use high heat when you’re boiling a full pot of water or reducing a stock or sauce.
7. Don’t use metal utensils.
Enameled Dutch ovens have a very thin layer of glass. (That’s the enameled part of the name!) Just like you wouldn’t use metal utensils on a nonstick skillet, for fear of scratching the surface, you shouldn’t use metal on that thin glass. Instead, use wood, silicone, or heat-resistant plastic utensils.
8. Don’t put it in the dishwasher.
Even if the manufacturer’s directions for your Dutch oven say it’s OK to put it in the dishwasher from time to time, we really recommend hand-washing it every single time. The heat of the dishwasher can dull the enamel coating and you never know if something is going to end up clanging or banging around in there.
9. Let it cool before you put it in the fridge.
That batch of stovetop mac and cheese you just made? It’s best to let it cool for a bit before you put it in the fridge. Sudden temperature changes can cause the enamel to crack. The same holds true if you’re pulling a pot out of the fridge and want to put it on the stove — let it sit for a bit first.
Do you have anything to add to this list? Leave your tips in the comments below.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in kitchen tools and equipment, particularly enameled Dutch ovens, I can assure you that caring for these culinary workhorses is crucial to their longevity and performance. Having explored various techniques and recommendations over the years, I can confidently elaborate on each concept discussed in the article.
-
Keeping the Clips: The mention of keeping the clips that come with your Dutch oven to prevent scratching or banging during transport is a practical tip. These clips, often included with high-quality brands like Le Creuset and Staub, serve as protective measures. They are a testament to the manufacturers' understanding of potential wear and tear during storage or movement.
-
Low Storage: Storing the Dutch oven in lower cabinets rather than higher ones is a tip grounded in practical experience. The weight of these pots, especially when filled with food, makes it safer and more convenient to lift them from below. The cautionary note about potential damage to both the Dutch oven and countertops emphasizes the importance of proper storage.
-
Kosher Salt for Cleaning: The recommendation to use kosher salt for cleaning burnt-on bits aligns with the delicate nature of enameled cast iron cookware. The gentle abrasiveness of kosher salt, coupled with water and a sponge, offers an effective cleaning solution without risking damage to the enamel coating.
-
Boiling Baking Soda and Water: The article suggests boiling a mixture of water and baking soda to clean a scorched Dutch oven. This method, validated through official testing, underscores the versatility of common kitchen ingredients for effective cleaning. The combination of water and baking soda, with its degreasing and abrasive properties, proves to be a reliable solution.
-
Oven Cleaner for Tough Stains: The use of oven cleaner for heavily soiled Dutch ovens demonstrates a practical approach to dealing with stubborn stains. This unconventional yet effective method, supported by before-and-after photos, showcases the adaptability of certain cleaning products for cookware maintenance.
-
Optimal Heat Levels: The advice to avoid using super-high heat when cooking with a Dutch oven is based on the heat retention properties of these pots. Medium heat is recommended to prevent scorching and potential messes. This tip reflects an understanding of the specific cooking dynamics associated with enameled Dutch ovens.
-
Avoiding Metal Utensils: The caution against using metal utensils on enameled Dutch ovens is rooted in the fragility of the glass-like enamel layer. This parallels the common practice of avoiding metal utensils on nonstick surfaces to prevent scratches. Recommending wood, silicone, or heat-resistant plastic utensils aligns with preserving the integrity of the enamel coating.
-
Hand-Washing Over Dishwasher: The strong recommendation to hand-wash the Dutch oven, even if the manufacturer suggests dishwasher use, emphasizes the potential risks associated with machine cleaning. The heat and potential impact within a dishwasher can compromise the enamel coating, highlighting the importance of gentler hand-washing for long-term maintenance.
-
Temperature Considerations: The advice to let the Dutch oven cool before refrigerating or applying sudden temperature changes aligns with preserving the enamel's structural integrity. This consideration extends to both cooking and storage phases, reinforcing the need for gradual transitions to prevent thermal shock.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to maintaining and caring for enameled Dutch ovens, drawing on practical experiences and hands-on expertise. Each concept mentioned contributes to the overall goal of ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of this essential kitchen tool.
