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Staub ’s expert reveals the all-important dos and don’ts for maintaining your enameled mold iron cookware — and they might surprise you .

Courtesy of Staub

A holiday collection of Staub cookware in yellow, navy blue, and white.

Credit:Courtesy of Staub

After tour theStaubfactory in Northern France , I will never wait at cast iron cookware the same room again . Did you cognize it takes three days and 30 artificer to make just one of their iconic pots and pans ? With that form of craftsmanship , it ’s no admiration each piece is vouch for life . Even so , there are thing you could do — and should avoid doing — to ensure your enameled cast smoothing iron cookware stay in tip - top condition . Here are four essential top from Staub ’s firebrand coach , Diana Drewes .

1. Enameled Cast Iron Doesn’t Need to Be Seasoned

Unliketraditional plaster cast iron , enameled cast atomic number 26 is made from a thin bed of spyglass and pigments , which are fuse permanently to the cast iron during manufacturing . It ’s not a software and it does n’t contain any harmful chemical substance like PFOA , PTFE , or PFAS . However , it does let off you from needing toseason your pots and pans .

“ There ’s a usual misconception about Staub draw atomic number 26 : because of its black interior enamel , many people assume it needs flavorer or limited upkeep like traditional cast iron . In fact , it ’s amply enameled and quite humble - maintenance ! ” says Drewes . incentive : because it ’s not seasoned , you’re able to cook acidulent ingredients without fear of damaging the surface . Just be certain to use wooden or silicone polymer utensil as metal ones can scratch the enamel .

2. It Rarely Needs High Heat

It might be made with liquified red-hot alloy ( check out these behind - the - scenery shots from the factory floor ! ) but that does n’t make cooking with high heating system a secure idea . “ The biggest mistake mass make is belt along the preheating process . have clock time to by rights preheat your cast Fe cookware constitute a huge difference in performance — and clean up , ” says Drewes .

She recommend turn your burner on broken for three minutes , " until you’re able to feel heating system glow when you hold your mitt above the pan . ” Only then should you increase the temperature and add your cookery oil . “ When you preheat properly , you ’ll find that high heat is rarely necessary , even when the recipe call for it , ” she says .

3. It’s Easy to Clean

Newsflash : you’re able to put enamel cast iron in the dishwasher in a collar . However , handwashing is recommended for veritable cleaning as harsh dishwashing machine detergents can benumb the exterior tooth enamel over time . ( You should never puttraditional shape ironin the dishwashing machine ) .

“ For day-to-day cleaning , use a soapy quick study and a stiff raw bristle or nylon brush , ” says Drewes . “ For stubborn rest , Bar Keepers Friendis excellent — but never use steel woolen ! ” Like all cooking utensil , allow your cast atomic number 26 coolheaded completely before washing it ( this prevents “ thermal shock absorber ” ) . It ’s also a effective theme to dry out cooking pan and lids entirely before place them away .

4. It Retains Cold Temperatures, Too

“ Here ’s a surprising fact about cast branding iron ’s versatility : while renowned for oestrus retentiveness in cooking , it ’s every bit excellent at keep cold temperature , ” says Drewes . That signify you could use your Dutch oven to keep cold dishes chilled ( think oysters on methamphetamine hydrochloride ) or even turn it into an extraice bucket . Just retrieve to only cool down your mould iron from elbow room temperature , never go straight from hot to cold ( that sure-enough “ thermic stupor ” warning again ) .

What Size Dutch Oven Do I Need?

If you ’re thinking about buying a Staub Dutch oven ( called a Cocotte ) and wondering what sizing is right for you , Drewes says their most popular sizes are :

Staub factory with men working.

Staub factory with hands making cookware.

A large warehouse of the Staub factory with stacks and pallets of cookware.

Dutch ovens displayed in every color.

Credit:Courtesy of Staub