To understand whether a pot can be placed in an oven, you need to know the ingredients used to make the pot and its ability to withstand heat. Le Creuset is widely used with a lid for cooking. It is used for cooking and baking.
Now the question is, “can you put Le Creuset in the oven?” Le Creuset ceramic cast iron and enamel-coated containers can be kept at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, the temperature of the cooking oven does not exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit. So you can put Le Creuset in the oven.
Can you put Le Creuset in the oven?
Before answering this question, let me give you an idea about the structure of the Le Creuset. The le Creuset is made of 100% ceramic and has an enamel coating. No, it is not at all nonstick but enamel coating is more durable than nonstick coating. The enamel coating allows the le Creuset to withstand high temperatures (approximately 1450 degrees Fahrenheit).
An oven can be set to temperatures up to a maximum of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, the le Creuset can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. So, of course, you can put it in the oven.
The Le Creuset lid has a ‘Phenolic Knob’, so it can be kept at a maximum temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the oven can be set up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit most of the cooking is done within the temperature of 350-375 degrees. In that case, the le Creuset can be placed in the oven with a lid.
However, if it is necessary to keep the lid at a higher temperature, then you have to unscrew the knobs attached to the lid with a screwdriver and then put it in the oven. Needless to say, after placing the le Creuset in the oven, the distance from the edge of the le Creuset to the edge of the oven should be at least two and a half inches.
Why did Le Creuset crack in half in the oven?
Le Creuset is a ceramic vessel with an enamel coating. So it is fragile at intense hits. Again the Le Crueset’s may crack in half in the oven due to the following three reasons.
Thermal shock: Since enamel coating is applied on the crucible, special care has to be taken because the enamel is brittle in thermal shock.
Heating in an empty state: If the crucible is allowed to preheat the oven to preheat it while it is empty, it may break. Le Creuset can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. So it is normal for it to explode at a higher temperature.
Excess temperature: As there is a knob in the lid, if it is kept at a tolerable temperature, both le Creuset and lid will crack.
What is le Creuset oven-safe symbol?
Of course, Le Creuset is oven Safe, to say the least. Yet a symbol must be labeled to be sure. So you need to be aware of the sign. If there is any sign of three curved lines on the top of a pan, it should be understood that it is Oven Safe. This symbol may not be on the vessel, but it may be on the le Creuset box.
Moreover, the lid of the Le Creuset has a mark on the top of the phenolic knob. It should be understood that the lid can be kept at a maximum temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can le Creuset go from fridge to oven?
But keep in mind the issue of thermal shock. Le Creuset can withstand temperatures ranging from 9 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, you can take it out of the fridge and put it in the oven. This will prevent thermal shock.
However, in this case, the temperature of the oven should be increased a little. If you do not take it out of the fridge and place it at a high temperature, then the sudden change of heat will increase the thermal stress and enamel coating will create the possibility of cracking.
Is it safe to use a cracked Le Creuset?
The enamel coating is usually applied to ceramic cast iron. If the enamel coating is cracked, then the ceramic and cast iron inside will be exposed.
If you use a broken le Creuset, the cast iron will mix with the food during cooking and contaminate the food. Be sure not to use a cracked le Creuset even after knowing this.
So, cracked Le Creuset should not be used. Instead, look at the manufacturer’s guarantee and buy. If the le Creuset is cracked, you can exchange it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Le Creuset will be great cookware if you use it in the right way. Though it is not very difficult to save and use, it is important to know. There are many counterfeit Le Creuset in the market. So buy with caution.