How to Clean Enamel Dutch Oven?

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Enamel Dutch ovens are not only beautiful but also very long-lasting; in addition, they are great for cooking a wide variety of foods. However, these popular pots are often more expensive than the standard cast iron pot; learning how to clean and maintain them is essential. Let’s explore some of the effective methods in the article below!

How to use a Dutch oven

A Dutch oven is a large cooking pot that is typically made of cast iron and has two short handles on either side with a tight-fitting cover. This pot is heavy and flexible, making it one of the most commonly useful essentials of food cookware that is present in every home cook’s cupboard.

In the kitchen, this cookware is served as a multi-pot that can adapt to many techniques of cooking. The heavy-duty pot can brown meat and veggies and then simmer on the stovetop or braise in the oven. Making soup, boiling pasta, making bread,… anything else in one pot only.

Here are some top tricks for using your Dutch oven that be helpful for you:

With a deep sear technique: First, heat the pot; add a little bit of oil or cooking spray then add meat next. This way helps keep the oil from overheating and burning. Or before cooking, you can add oil directly to the meat.
When making soups or other dishes that require cooking gradually and gently, keep the pot fully covered. When you’re trying to keep the heat in, put that lid on to save time and energy.
For making sauce, get slightly ajar when cooking to allow for evaporation. The more water evaporates and the thicker the liquid becomes.
When cooking the Dutch oven in the oven for a long time with the braising dishes; put the lid on it to keep in moisture, remember to use the handle with oven mitts or dry dish towels when taking the dish out of the oven.
The Dutch oven can keep dishes hot for a long time; always use a sturdy trivet and warn people to be careful because the pot is hot.
When finished using, clean enameled cast iron covering by hand. It will help preserve the luster of its colorful finish for a long time.

How to clean enamel Dutch oven

Enamel Dutch ovens may turn discolored with normal use over time. Fortunately, you can reduce the damage done to their look by proper maintenance and cleaning them right away after you are finished using them. Below are the best ways to take care of your enamel Dutch oven so that it looks its best and lasts durably for a long time.

Preparation

Scrubber sponge
Dish soap
Baking soda
Brush for scrubbing
Dishcloth

Step by step

Wait until the pot has cooled down: Before attempting to clean the Dutch oven, let the Dutch oven cool down first for 20 to 30 minutes. In the meanwhile, do not place the pot in hot or cold water because it can severely damage the enamel and cause it to crack.
Soak the pot in water: After the pot has cooled, put it in warm soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften any hardened stains or the food left.
Use a scrubber to remove the food left: Use a nylon scrubber to get rid of any stubborn grime or stains. Try to avoid using steel wool or metal sponges on the pot, as they are able to easily scratch the surface and ruin the finishing coat on the exterior.
Apply baking soda: Use the ratio of two teaspoons of baking soda to one cup of water if you want to remove any stubborn stains that you can’t seem to scrub away. Using a spoon, stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste.
Rin the pot: Apply the mixture to the pot using a soft sponge, rubbing it in a circular motion for a minute or two to work on the stains. Once you have removed stains and spots left, rinse the pot with cool water. If needed, use a nylon scrubber to remove any hardened baking soda paste.
Use a clean, soft towel to dry the pot: Dry the inside and outside of the pot with a dry, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Then, store the pot in the cabinet.

FAQ Relate to topic How to Clean Enamel Dutch Oven

Can you use steel wool on a Dutch oven?

Steel wool can scratch the enamel of your Dutch oven, which can lead to food sticks and slowly cause the quality of the pan to degrade over time. Scrubbers made of plastic or nylon are better options for getting stubborn stains out.

When should you throw out enameled cast iron?

Your pot is warped: Place your pan on a flat surface then try moving the handle up and down to check if it wobbles. If it does, it means the bottom is warped, the pot won’t even get heated when you’re cooking.
Your non-stick pot is scratched: With non-stick cookware that has a scratch inside, the coating can start to flake off and go into the food you are preparing.
Your pot has loose, broken or melted handles: These items will put you in danger of injuring yourself when you pick them up; or spill or drop whatever is cooking inside.

What not to cook in enameled cast iron?

Smelly foods such as garlic, peppers, some fish, stinky cheeses; Bacon or sausage; Acidic things;… are among the things you should not cook in enameled cast iron.

Do you need to oil enameled Dutch oven?

Using cooking oils and fats like butter, rice bran oil, or extra virgin olive oil, not only has a pleasant aroma and flavor, but they also absorb some of the heat and distribute it evenly throughout our cooking vessels. Before you start to heat the pot, pour oil or drop that pat of butter into the pot – keep the temperature at no more than medium. In addition, never place an empty pot in a hot oven.

Above are some of the effective methods for cleaning enamel Dutch ovens so that they always look good and last a long time. Hopefully, this article is helpful for you. Thanks for reading!

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