Health

The Risky Mistake You Might Be Making with Enameled Cast Iron

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How to Safely Preheat Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

Dutch ovens from brands like Le Creuset, Lodge, Staub, or KitchenAid are built to last for decades—if you treat them correctly. Proper care, especially when it comes to preheating, is essential to avoid damaging your cookware or, in extreme cases, causing it to crack or shatter.

A premium enameled cast iron Dutch oven is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can own. Its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution make it ideal for braising, baking, simmering, frying, and more, whether you’re using the stovetop or the oven. But misusing it—such as preheating it the wrong way—can lead to serious problems, as one viral TikTok video dramatically showed when a Dutch oven appeared to explode on the stove.

The Risky Mistake You Might Be Making with Enameled Cast Iron

What Is Enameled Cast Iron?

Le Creuset is the iconic name most people associate with enameled cast iron, but it’s far from the only option. Lodge, Staub, KitchenAid, and other manufacturers also produce high-quality enameled cast iron pots and pans.

Traditional bare cast iron requires routine seasoning to keep it relatively nonstick and to protect it from rust. Enameled cast iron, on the other hand, is coated with a smooth, glass-like enamel layer. This coating:

  • Prevents rust
  • Removes the need for seasoning
  • Makes cleanup easier
  • Helps the cookware last for generations with the right care

However, the enamel surface, while durable, is not indestructible. It can be scratched or chipped by metal utensils or harsh scrubbers. More importantly, sudden or extreme temperature changes can stress the material and cause what’s known as thermal shock—which, in severe cases, can cause the pot to crack or even break apart.

Can You Preheat Enameled Cast Iron?

You can absolutely preheat enameled cast iron, but it must be done in a controlled way to protect both the enamel and the cast iron underneath.

According to Lodge, there are two safe and effective methods for preheating an enameled Dutch oven:

  1. Preheat in the oven (empty):
    Place the Dutch oven, empty and dry, into a cold oven and allow it to warm up as the oven heats. The gentle, indirect heat surrounds the pot and warms it evenly, reducing the risk of thermal shock.

  2. Preheat on the stovetop with liquid or fat:
    Add a thin layer of oil, butter, or water to cover the bottom of the pan before turning on the burner. Start over low heat and gradually increase the temperature. This liquid helps distribute heat more evenly and prevents the bottom from overheating.

The key point: avoid cranking up the burner to high with an empty enameled Dutch oven sitting directly over it.

What Happens If You Heat an Empty Dutch Oven on High?

In the TikTok clip that grabbed so much attention, the Dutch oven shattered because it was heated empty over high heat on the stovetop. Whether you’re using gas, electric, or induction, stovetop burners focus intense heat directly on a small area—the base of the pot.

When an empty enameled cast iron pot is subjected to that kind of concentrated, high heat:

  • The bottom can become dramatically hotter than the sides.
  • The temperature difference between different parts of the pot can be extreme.
  • This sudden, uneven heating can cause thermal shock.
  • The result can be cracks, chips, or in rare cases, a dramatic break similar to what was shown in the video.

How to Avoid Thermal Shock and Damage

To reduce the risk of damage when preheating enameled cast iron:

  • Always use low heat to start on the stovetop. Gradually increase the heat rather than going straight to high.
  • Add liquid or fat before turning on the burner. Water, stock, oil, or butter in the bottom of the pan helps moderate the temperature and distribute heat more evenly.
  • Use the oven for even preheating. For recipes that require a very hot Dutch oven, like baking bread, preheat the pot inside the oven instead of on the stove.
  • Avoid drastic temperature swings. Don’t place a very hot Dutch oven under cold water or move it directly from the freezer to a hot burner.

With these habits, the “exploding Dutch oven” scenario becomes highly unlikely.

The Takeaway

The viral TikTok mishap has turned into a useful reminder for home cooks everywhere: enameled cast iron is incredibly durable, but it isn’t invincible. Preheating it the right way—either in the oven or gently on the stovetop with liquid—will help your Dutch oven stay safe, beautiful, and functional for a lifetime of cooking.