First off, congratulations on your new piece of Le Creuset! We’d love to see your happy unboxing video or pics of your first meal, make sure to tag us on Instagram! (@chefscomplementsnz)
Before first use
Wash your Le Creuset product in warm, soapy water; then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Cooking
Stay protected – always use oven gloves when handling anything hot. We recommend using Le Creuset Silicone Tools or wooden/heat-resistant plastic tools. Metal utensils may be used with care but they should not be used harshly or scraped over the cooking surface as this may cause damage. Use the product on the most appropriately sized hob ring — it’ll make your food cook more evenly, and reduce the risk of damage to the handles and sides. This is especially important on induction hobs: if you use the wrong-sized ring, there’s a risk the hob won’t ‘recognise’ the product. Cooking on medium or low heat gets the best results — even for frying and searing. Let the product heat up gradually for great tasting food that’s cooked evenly. If you do need to use a higher heat, lower the setting once the desired heat has been reached. Never slide the product on any glass-topped hob/stovetop, as this may cause damage to the product base and the glass. Instead, always lift the product on and off, or across the surface.
Satin Black
Satin Black enamel can be found on skillets, grills, frying pans, sauté pans, woks, tagines and a number of other speciality dishes. Satin Black enamel has a smooth feel but is not as glossy as other light-coloured interior enamel finishes. It has been specially designed for higher surface temperature cooking, which is not the same as simply using a piece on high heat. With cast iron, higher surface temperatures can be achieved by allowing any piece to heat thoroughly on a medium setting. This makes the satin black interior ideal for frying, grilling and searing. Satin Black enamel will keep its good looks and allow a patina to build on its surface with continued use. A patina is the result of the natural oils and fats from foods baking on to the hot surface. The patina should not be cleaned off, as it enhances the cooking performance and the release of foods. It also reduces the need for surface oiling. With the higher surface temperatures achieved during frying, grilling and searing, sugars and some enzymes will cause caramelization. This not only aids in the retention of moisture and flavour but also produces the sear lines and crusty exterior on grilled meats.
Cleaning
Wait for your product to cool down before you start cleaning it. Wipe any leftovers off the base and sides of the product. If there’s food stuck on, fill the product with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing as usual. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or metal, harsh abrasive or very stiff cleaning pads or brushes on any of the surfaces. Dry well after washing and store in a dry place.
Storage
Freezer Compatible
For a full Use & Care Guide and Warranty, check out our Le Creuset Guide
