When it comes to the world of high-end cookware, few names stand as tall as Le Creuset. But with such prestige comes the popular kitchen question: How good are they with metal utensils?
A fair question, if you ask me, considering their cost. However, let’s go over it.
Can you use metal on Le Creuset?
The short answer? It’s not the best idea. Here’s why:
Le Creuset is renowned for its high-quality enamel coating, a feature that gives it excellent non-stick properties, superb heat distribution, and a vibrant, appealing look.
However, this enamel surface can still be prone to scratches or chips if not treated properly. This is where metal utensils come into the picture.
Metal utensils, particularly those with sharp edges, can potentially damage the enamel surface. A nick here, a scratch there, and over time you might find the once-smooth surface of your Le Creuset becoming rough, which can impact its non-stick properties.
Even worse, if the enamel is deeply scratched or chipped, the cast iron underneath could start to rust, just like the image below¡
Sure, Le Creuset’s enamel is durable and designed to withstand a fair amount of wear and tear.
The company even states that its cookware is safe to use with metal utensils. But ¡®safe’ doesn’t necessarily mean ¡®ideal.’
You see, while it’s true that occasional use of metal won’t necessarily harm your Le Creuset, regularly scraping and stirring with metal can potentially degrade the enamel over time.
The company confirms this here¡
So, when it comes to your Le Creuset, you might want to opt for utensils made of silicone, wood, or plastic.
Related: How to Season Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet
They’re far less likely to damage your cookware and will help to keep it in top shape for longer. This way, you can enjoy your cooking sessions without worrying about scratching your beautiful Le Creuset.
What Flatwares or Cookwares are Best Safe with Le Creuset
Alright, so we’ve established that it’s best to tread lightly when using metal utensils with your Le Creuset. Like most people, your next question would be ¡°What should I use then.¡±
1. Silicone Utensils
Well, one of the safest options for your Le Creuset is silicone utensils.
They are heat-resistant (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or even more in some cases), which is perfect for any stovetop cooking. Plus, silicone is very gentle on the cookware’s surface and won’t cause any scratches or dents.
2. Wooden Utensils
Wooden utensils also work great. They’re natural companions and are also excellent at preserving the integrity of the enamel surface.
However, be sure to take proper care of your wooden utensils, as they can crack or warp over time if they’re not dried properly after washing.
3. Plastics
Plastics are lightweight and gentle on the cookware’s surface. But here’s a word of caution: always check the heat tolerance of plastic utensils.
Some might warp or even melt if exposed to high temperatures, which is obviously not ideal when you’re in the middle of cooking a delicious meal, and most importantly can be harmful.
4. Ceramic and Glass
Ceramic or glass dishes are a fantastic match, especially when it comes to a comparison that pairs well with your Le Creuset?
Basically, these materials are durable and can withstand high heat, making them ideal for baking or broiling. Just like Le Creuset, they also retain heat well, which is great for keeping your food warm at the table.
The main takeaway here?
Yes, you can use metal on Le Creuset, but there’s a caveat. If you want your cookware to last for generations, the safer bet would be to avoid using metal utensils as much as possible. Your Le Creuset will thank you for it!
