The Risky Mistake You Might Be Making with Enameled Cast Iron | April 30, 2025

Dutch ovens, such as Le Creuset or Lodge, are designed to last a lifetime—as long as you know how to care for them properly.

A high-quality Dutch oven is an invaluable tool in the kitchen. This enameled cast iron pot excels at conducting and retaining heat, making it perfect for various recipes, whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or in the oven. However, it’s essential to understand how to preheat enameled cast iron correctly, as demonstrated by one TikTok user who experienced a dramatic mishap when her Dutch oven apparently exploded on the stovetop.

What Is Enameled Cast Iron?
Le Creuset is perhaps the most renowned brand of enameled cast iron cookware, but other manufacturers, like Lodge, KitchenAid, and Staub, also produce these durable pots. Enameled cast iron is essentially an upgrade from traditional non-enameled cast iron, which requires regular seasoning to maintain its nonstick properties and prevent rust. The enamel coating prevents rust, eliminates the need for seasoning, and ensures the cookware can last for generations.

While the enamel coating offers numerous benefits, it’s important to protect it. Abrasive cooking tools or dish scrubbers can chip or scratch the surface. Additionally, exposing enameled cast iron to extreme temperature changes can lead to thermal shock, causing the pot to rupture. This is the potential explosion we want to avoid.

Can You Preheat Enameled Cast Iron?
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