Can Le Creuset Go In The Microwave?

Le Creuset is one of the highest regarded manufacturers of cookware, known for its durability and color variety. As such, they are usually more expensive, and it is important to properly use Le Creuset stoneware with a microwave. If you have recently invested in Le Creuset stoneware, you will likely want the cookware to last. So, we have carefully researched if Le Creuset stoneware can go in the microwave.

According to the official Le Creuset website, it is possible for Le Creuset stoneware to safely be used in the microwave. However, using Le Creuset stoneware in the microwave for too long can heat up the handles more than usual. This is particularly true for handles that have been wrapped in plastic. Use caution by handling with oven mitts, as these overheated handles may be unsafe to touch.

Le Creuset offers a wide variety of different utensils and cookware in various materials or colors. But they can still be vulnerable under certain conditions. Keep reading to learn how to properly use your Le Creuset stoneware in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher.

Le Creuset cooking pots for sale at a store, Can Le Creuset Go In The Microwave?

Can I put my Le Creuset stoneware in the microwave?

Stoneware is a broader term for ceramic cookware that was made at higher than usual temperatures. If you shop for Le Creuset stoneware, you may also tend to seek out ceramic pieces.

Click here to see this platter with lid on Amazon.

Many Le Creuset products, such as the famous stoneware, are safe to use in multiple kitchen appliances. This includes the fridge, freezer, and microwave. But remember that the handles of some Le Creuset stoneware can become too hot after microwaving them for too long.

In order to avoid this problem, it is best to avoid wrapping the handles in plastic by covering only the dish's opening with plastic.

You can read the post "Do Le Creuset Handles Get Hot?" to learn why these handles are more vulnerable and if the lids can get hot too.

Can you put a Dutch oven in the microwave?

Le Creuset’s famous Dutch oven is designed for slow-cooking one-pot meals. Unfortunately, the Dutch oven is also made of the same enameled cast iron as many other Le Creuset products.

This porcelain enamel is what gives the Dutch oven its unique coloration. Therefore, you cannot use it in the microwave because the metal material can potentially incur damage or end up damaging the microwave.

Interested in purchasing a Dutch oven for yourself? Read more here: Where To Buy A Dutch Oven [Top 30 Online Stores]

Can I put my Le Creuset in the oven empty?

It is usually considered best to avoid putting empty Le Creuset cookware into an oven to preheat. For example, the official Le Creuset care and use page advises against using high heats to preheat an enameled cast iron pan before cooking with it. This is because Le Creuset's signature, colorful enamel is vulnerable to high temperatures.

Click here to find this enamel on steel stockpot on Amazon.

When subjected to higher temperatures, empty enamel cookware can become discolored or even crack. Savvy chefs agree, chipped enamel should be replaced. This is because chipped enamel can potentially peel off the cookware and end up in your food.

If you intend to use the stovetop instead of the oven, we recommend reading "Can Le Creuset Ceramic Go On The Stove?" to ensure your crockery avoids damage.

Can I wash Le Creuset in the dishwasher?

It is possible to put most Le Creuset products in the dishwasher. For example, the ceramic stoneware is listed as dishwasher safe on the Le Creuset website. You should consider Le Creuset's advice to allow the full cycle to complete before opening the dishwasher door. It may also be important to ensure that the cookware you plan on washing has had time to cool down before it is subjected to the dishwasher.

However, it is also crucial to remember that the dishwasher isn’t always ideal for every Le Creuset product. These products can be sensitive, and as such, they may require different cleaning methods. For example, you can read the post "Do Le Creuset Kettles Rust?" to see the negative effects of improper cleaning.

The official Le Creuset blog clearly suggests that certain cookware should be washed by hand instead of the dishwasher. For instance, any Le Creuset pans with wooden handles are not dishwasher safe as the dishwasher could damage the handles over time. While the dishwasher will not usually damage the Le Creuset products, it can potentially dull the color of any porcelain enamel, too, given enough time.

Click here to find this cast iron pan with wooden handles on Amazon.

For those pans and skillets that are routinely seasoned, the dishwasher could break down that patina over time. This would result in the use of more oil every time you cook. So, you should consider hand washing seasoned pans to avoid ruining your non-stick surface.

Click here to find this enameled cast iron pan on Amazon.

Can Le Creuset glassware go in the dishwasher?

Other Le Creuset products may require special treatment inside the dishwasher, even though they can safely be run in an ordinary load. For example, the Le Creuset glassware should only occasionally be used in the dishwasher. It also needs to be placed in the top rack, because the power of the water distribution may potentially be too strong for the glass.

You can read the post "Can Le Creuset Mugs Go In The Dishwasher?" if you are interested in purchasing mugs instead of glassware.

Can Le Creuset cast iron go in the dishwasher?

Cast iron products such as the Le Creuset Dutch oven can also safely be used in the dishwasher. However, Le Creuset cast iron is typically covered in enamel, so it will likely lose its color over time.

This is not necessarily a serious problem, but the colorful enamel is the signature of the Le Creuset brand. In fact, Le Creuset sells products that are made by hand. So the unique look is one of the two primary appeals of the brand, and the hand-crafted designs increase the price tag.

Since the investment is so costly, it may be best to simply wash the Dutch oven with warm water and mild soap. Any sponge that is not made of metal will be sufficient.

Click here to see this Le Creuset cleaning set on Amazon.

If there is especially tough residue, it is possible to purchase a uniquely designed Le Creuset cookware cleaner. Otherwise, it may be as simple as soaking the inside of the cookware in warm, soapy water. You can even add in some baking soda if necessary.

Summary

Le Creuset products are often more expensive than traditional alternatives. And they each have a lot of rules involving the microwave, oven, and other kitchen appliances. But the quality of the Le Creuset brand generally makes the investment a worthwhile and long-lasting opportunity.

As such, it is also worth it to properly take care of the Le Creuset products. If the advice for each product is followed closely, then the cookware can potentially last for generations.

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