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Can Le Creuset Go in the Microwave? Safety Tips & Care Guide
Codee Chessher
Last updated:
Le Creuset is well-known for making durable cookware like skillets and Dutch ovens, but microwave safety can be a little hazy. Thankfully, the manufacturer says that, in most cases, it’s perfectly safe to use its stoneware in the microwave. The exceptions are its enameled cast iron cookware and anything with plastic-coated handles. Also, any unknown plastic is a big no-no for your microwave.
Let’s delve into some more detailed information about Le Creuset, including what it’s made of and how to use it safely to reheat or cook food in the microwave. Check it out down below.
What Is Le Creuset Made Of?
Le Creuset cookware is generally divided into two types: enameled cast iron and stoneware. We know the latter is microwave safe and the former isn’t, but how else do they differ?
Stoneware is typically made of clay fired in a kiln to produce cookware that can withstand very high temperatures, conduct heat well, and last practically forever. Stoneware is chemically inert, and the glazes that give it color are also food-safe. It’s very similar to porcelain, but much thicker and specifically designed to withstand heat.
By contrast, enameled cast iron is cast iron coated in a glossy, vitreous enamel. The enamel is food-safe, conducts heat efficiently, and best of all, helps make cleanup easier. Metal isn’t good for microwaves, but microwaves are also bad for enamel. The appliance produces very sudden temperature changes that can crack, chip, or damage your enamel coating.
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How to Safely Use Le Creuset Stoneware in the Microwave
Before you get too excited and just throw your fancy Le Creuset stoneware in the microwave, we have some essential microwave safety tips for you to consider. Keeping the below tips in mind will keep you, your microwave, and your expensive stoneware safe, so listen up.
Le Creuset Microwave Safety Tips:
Avoid using chipped or cracked stoneware in the microwave.
Make sure there’s no plastic or metal trim on your Le Creuset stoneware.
Use oven mitts to remove stoneware from the microwave.
To avoid potentially dangerous hot spots in your food, remove the stoneware and stir the food halfway through the cooking time.
Only use lids or covers rated as microwave-safe.
Where Is It Safe to Cook With Le Creuset?
Le Creuset cookware, from glassware, stoneware, and enameled cast iron, is generally designed to be used in ovens and broilers. Stoneware, though, should not be used on a gas or electric range, and earthen cookware doesn’t handle direct heat sources well. You could crack or chip the stone, so just don’t risk it. The same thing goes for glassware, which can shatter into a billion shards.
As for enameled cast iron, you can use it anywhere—the range, oven, broiler, grill, wherever! Just be careful not to exceed 500°F because that’s the limit of the enamel coating’s heat resistance. You risk melting it by going any hotter, so we strongly urge staying well below that point.
Image By: 55Ohms, Shutterstock
How to Care for Le Creuset Cookware
Le Creuset is a fancy French brand of cookware, and both price and durability reflect that. You’ll want to keep your kitchen investments in good shape for years to come, and you can do so by taking good care of your Le Creuset products.
Avoid using abrasive or metal cleaning utensils to avoid damaging the surface, and instead use a soft brush, rag, or sponge. Water temperature isn’t a critical factor, but the manufacturer recommends warm water, so go with that. Never, ever use chemical cleaners to try and clean your Le Creuset cookware because they’ll damage it.
Conclusion
Le Creuset is a nice brand of cookware, but only their stoneware is usable in the microwave. As long as you’re careful to use oven mitts when you’re done, stoneware can be used to reheat stuff endlessly. Just be careful to check for chips and cracks first!
Codee Chessher is a freelance writer with extensive knowledge on a variety of subjects that include travel, sound engineering, automotive, DIY, pets, and more. He has a colorful past that includes building schools and commercial driving, but the written word was always his first love. He believes there's nothing a well-worded sentence can't accomplish.When not writing, Codee enjoys epic fantasy novels, home DIY projects, and memorizing useless pop culture trivia. He has lived in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. Most recently, he resides in northern Mexico.
Codee Chessher
