How Do You Care for an Enameled Dutch Oven?

Your first enameled Dutch oven will hopefully be your last. With proper care, it can last you a lifetime. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, which allows you to match your decor or add a new color.

What to do Before Using an Enameled Dutch Oven

Step 1 – Wash it.

Before you ever use your Dutch oven, it needs to be hand-washed in hot, soapy water with a soft sponge. Be sure to dry it
completely.  Even though many manufacturers say the pot is dishwasher-safe, you should always hand-wash it. Using the dishwasher can dull the enamel, so it is best to hand wash. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it because any extra moisture can cause rust.

Step 2 – Season the edges.

While the enamel surface should not be seasoned like a cast-iron pan, there is a thin border on the rim of the vessel and the lid of exposed cast iron that needs to be protected. These edges should be seasoned. Using a neutral, high smoke-point oil and your finger, lightly coat the edge of the exposed cast iron. If it drips down onto the enamel, use a paper towel to wipe it off. The first time you use the vessel, the pores will open and the oil will be absorbed into the cast iron.

Dos and Don’ts

Do Not Preheat on High Heat or Empty

Unlike stainless steel or other types of pans that can be heated empty, this is very bad for your Dutch oven. If you heat it empty, the enamel can crack. If you want to preheat before adding your food, always put a bit of butter or oil in the vessel and then let it heat up. Preheat on medium; no higher.

You could put the empty vessel in a cold oven and preheat the oven and vessel at the same time. However, there is a chance the enamel could crack. If you are baking a no-knead bread, you should think about a non-enameled Dutch oven.

Do Not Cook on High Heat

Because your Dutch oven retains heat so well, high heat, and even medium-high is too hot. You can scorch the vessel, and food can stick and burn the surface. Using medium heat is the most efficient. The only time to use high heat is if you are reducing a sauce or stock, or boiling a full pot of water.

Use Enough Butter or Oil on the Bottom of the Pot to Coat

Make sure you use enough butter or oil to completely cover the bottom of the vessel. The butter must be melted, or the oil warmed up before adding food and starting to cook. You can also use a liquid to preheat the pot before using it.

Do Not Use Metal Utensils

Metal utensils can scratch the bottom of your Dutch Oven. Instead, use wood or silicone utensils. If you must use metal, be extremely careful not to scrape the sides or bottom. Never use a sharp knife to cut anything in your pot.

Let the Pot Cool Down Before Washing

Putting cold water in a hot vessel can damage the enamel by “shocking” it. Letting the vessel cool slowly and then washing it will help preserve the enamel coating.

Find the Temperature that is Safe for the Knob

Depending on the type of knob your lid has, it may not be safe at high temperatures in the oven. Be sure to read the owner’s manual so you know what temperature your lid can withstand.

What Types of Heat Sources Can I Use?

An enameled Dutch oven can be used on all types of surfaces. It will work on an electric, gas, or induction stovetop. It can also be in the oven or on the grill.

Cleaning Your Enameled Dutch Oven

To learn how easy it is to clean your Dutch oven, please read our article on How to Clean an Enameled Dutch Oven.