Is Le Creuset Dishwasher Safe? Yes… But Should You?
So you’ve just bought your first Le Creuset Dutch oven (Yay! I’m so excited for you!) One of the first questions you’ll probably wonder is whether it can go in the dishwasher.
The short answer is yes. Most Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher-safe. But I’m not going to lie, there are a few “buts” in there! And after cooking with Le Creuset enamel cast iron for years, it’s not something I recommend doing regularly. So here’s why. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty, shall we?
If you’re new here, you might not know I also run a small online store where I keep many of the tools I cook with every day, along with a few timeless homewares for good, slow living…
Quick answer
Yes, most Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher-safe, including enamel cast-iron Dutch ovens, braisers, saucepans, stoneware, and stainless steel cookware. There are some exceptions like Le Creuset cookware with wooden handles and Le Creuset toughened and ceramic non-stick pans, which should always be washed by hand.
Is Le Creuset dishwasher-safe?
Yes. Le Creuset designs the majority of its cookware to withstand dishwasher cleaning. If your Dutch oven accidentally ends up in the dishwasher after Sunday dinner, don’t panic. One cycle won’t ruin it. Where people get caught out is assuming that dishwasher-safe and dishwasher-recommended mean exactly the same thing.
Quite simply, they don’t. Le Creuset has long recommended hand washing its enamel cast iron cookware because it’s the gentlest way to care for the enamel finish. You are going to have that piece hopefully for a very long time, so it’s all about helping it keep looking its best.
Here’s what years of dishwasher use actually look like
I’ve owned Le Creuset cookware for years, and I have some enamel pots that go through the dishwasher and some that don’t. I’m obviously a lot better informed than I was 20 years ago when I bought my first piece, so my newer pots and pans are handwash only. A quick wash in warm, soapy water takes less than a minute, and I’d rather spend that minute than risk dulling the finish.Â
The photo below shows exactly why.
Two Le Creuset lids of the same age. The lid at the top was cleaned regularly in the dishwasher, while the one below has always been hand washed. Both are perfectly functional, but years of dishwasher cycles have noticeably dulled the enamel finish on the top lid.
For many people, that’s reason enough to skip the dishwasher.
Why does the dishwasher dull the enamel?
The enamel itself isn’t being damaged in a way that affects the cooking performance. However, it’s the combination of harsh dishwasher detergents, high temperatures, and repeated wash cycles that can gradually reduce the glossy finish over time. Your Dutch oven will still cook exactly the same whether you handwash with a gentle detergent or use a dishwasher. It simply just may not look quite as shiny as it once did. If you’ve invested in a beautiful piece of cookware that you hope to pass down one day, hand washing is an easy habit that helps keep that pristine appearance.
Does this only apply to Le Creuset?
Not at all. While I’ve focused this post on Le Creuset, the same advice generally applies to most enamel cast iron cookware, including brands like Staub, Lodge, Chasseur, and Crock-Pot.
Most manufacturers state that their enamel cast iron cookware is dishwasher-safe. However, they also recommend hand washing whenever possible to help preserve the enamel finish for years to come. Over time, regular dishwasher use can gradually dull the glossy enamel finish. While it won’t affect how your cookware performs, it can definitely change the way it looks.
So whether you’re cooking in a Le Creuset Dutch oven or another quality enamel cast iron pot, a quick wash in warm, soapy water is still the best option. I own Staub, Lodge, and Chasseur, as well as Le Creuset, and I care for and clean them all the same.
Is every piece of Le Creuset dishwasher-safe?
Almost.
Most Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher-safe, including:
- Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens
- Braisers (shallow casseroles)
- Skillets with cast iron handles
- Saucepans
- Stainless steel cookware
- Stoneware bakeware
The exception is cookware with wooden handles and toughened non-stick and ceramic non-stick pans.
Wooden handles shouldn’t be placed in the dishwasher because repeated exposure to heat and moisture can cause the timber to dry out, crack, or deteriorate over time.
If your Le Creuset cookware has a wooden handle, firstly, always wash it by hand. And don’t immerse the handle in water to keep it in perfect condition.
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So…should you put Le Creuset in the dishwasher?
Can you? Absolutely.
Should you?
Personally, it’s your call. Do you want that glossy look forever? Then no, don’t dishwash. If you’re not worried and you have a relationship with your dishwasher, you do you!
If life gets busy and your Dutch oven goes through the dishwasher once or twice, don’t stress, it’s nothing to worry about. But if you’re washing it in the dishwasher every week for years, don’t be surprised if the beautiful glossy enamel slowly loses some of its shine. If you have black phenolic knobs on your pot, these too can dull with constant dishwashing.
Considering how easy enamel cast iron is to clean, I think hand washing is well worth the extra minute.
The easiest way to clean Le Creuset
Keeping your Le Creuset cast iron cookware looking its best is surprisingly super simple.
- Allow the cookware to cool before washing.
- Wash with warm water, a little dish soap, and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth.
- Dry thoroughly before putting it away.
If you’ve got stubborn residue or burnt-on food, don’t always reach for the dishwasher. Instead, soak the pot in warm, soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes before cleaning. For light stains, use Le Creuset’s pots and pans cleaner – it works a treat! I clean all my enamel surface cookware with it every few months for a little maintenance.
For more tips, read my guide on How to Clean Enamel Cast Iron.
FAQ’s
Well, I hope that cleared a few things up! As always, shoot me any questions in the comments!
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