How to Care for Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware
Quick Answer: Clean enamelled cast iron with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Never use steel wool or abrasive pads. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Store with the lid off or ajar. Treated correctly, enamelled cast iron lasts decades.
Enamelled cast iron is the most forgiving of all cast iron types — no seasoning, no rust prevention routine, dishwasher-safe. But the enamel coating can chip or dull if mishandled. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your La Cocina or any enamelled cast iron pot performing like new for decades.
First Use: What to Do Before Cooking
- Remove all packaging and any stickers
- Wash the pot with warm water and mild dish soap
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth
- The pot is now ready to use — no seasoning, no oil treatment required
Everyday Cleaning: Step-by-Step
- Let it cool first. Never plunge a hot cast iron pot into cold water. The thermal shock can crack the enamel. Allow the pot to cool to near room temperature.
- Warm water and mild soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth with dish soap. Enamelled cast iron — unlike bare cast iron — tolerates soap without harm.
- Stubborn residue: Fill the pot with warm water and a squirt of soap. Simmer on the hob for 5 minutes. The food will lift off without scrubbing.
- Dry thoroughly. Pat dry with a cloth. Do not leave standing in water.
- Store with lid ajar. This allows any residual moisture to escape and prevents enamel-to-enamel chipping if stored with lid on.
What to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Steel wool or metal scourers | Scratches and dulls the enamel glaze permanently |
| Sudden temperature changes | Cold water on a hot pot can crack the enamel (thermal shock) |
| Empty pot on high heat | Dry heat can damage the enamel interior; always heat with food or liquid |
| Metal utensils on the enamel interior | Can chip the enamel; use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils |
| Open fire or braai coals | Extreme direct flame heat will crack enamelled cast iron; use bare cast iron for fire cooking |
| Bleach or oven cleaner | Harsh chemicals strip enamel finish |
Dealing with Staining
The light-coloured enamel interior (common in La Cocina sets) will show discolouration over time. This is cosmetic, not functional. To remove staining:
- Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply to the stained area, leave for 15–20 minutes, then wipe clean with a soft cloth.
- Alternatively, fill the pot with water and add 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar. Bring to a boil, simmer for 15 minutes. Cool and wash normally.
- Do not use bleach — it weakens the enamel bond over time.
Storage
- Store lids off or ajar to allow ventilation and prevent moisture build-up
- If stacking pots, place a folded cloth or pot protector between pieces to prevent enamel chips
- Do not store with bare cast iron inside an enamelled pot — the iron will corrode and stain the enamel
Oven Use
- Enamelled cast iron is oven-safe. La Cocina pieces can be used at standard oven temperatures.
- Pre-warm the pot gradually on the hob before transferring to a hot oven
- The coloured exterior enamel is also oven-safe and will not discolour from moderate oven temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put enamelled cast iron in the dishwasher?
Yes, enamelled cast iron is dishwasher-safe. However, frequent machine washing over many years can gradually dull the exterior enamel glaze. Hand-washing is recommended to preserve the finish long-term.
The enamel is chipped. Is the pot still safe to use?
Small chips on the exterior (coloured enamel) are cosmetic only and do not affect cooking safety. Chips on the interior cooking surface should be assessed carefully — small chips are generally still functional, but if the bare iron underneath is exposed and rusting, contact Big5 Cookware for guidance.
Why is the bottom of my La Cocina pot turning brown?
Light interior staining (brown or orange tones) is normal and cosmetic, caused by heat and food residue over time. It does not affect cooking performance. Use the bicarbonate of soda paste method described above to reduce staining.
Can I use cooking spray in enamelled cast iron?
Avoid aerosol cooking spray — the propellants can leave a residue that builds up on the enamel surface and is difficult to remove. Use butter, oil poured directly from a bottle, or a brush-applied oil instead.
My enamelled cast iron lid no longer fits perfectly. What happened?
This is not uncommon with cast iron. Cast iron lids and pots can expand and contract slightly with heat cycling over years. This rarely affects cooking performance as cast iron lids are heavy enough to create a seal even with minor fit changes.
