Latest news with #Staub
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a professional baker — 10 kitchen tools I've tried and would re-buy (so many are on sale right now)
In my friend group, I'm definitely the personality hire, except when it comes to cooking advice. After a decade of working on food trucks and in bakeries (even opening my own in 2015), I've become the go-to person to ask, 'Why did my cookies go flat?' or 'What should I make for Easter dinner?' Cooking and baking professionally, combined with years of trial and error as a home cook, means I've tested (and tossed) a lot of kitchen equipment in my life. Over the years, I've formed very strong opinions about what to splurge on and what to skip altogether when it comes to outfitting your kitchen. I've cooked up a list of my favourite kitchen appliances, utensils, and accessories that have proven to be ride-or-die for the everyday home chef. My favourites range from investment pieces like a Staub Dutch Oven to a set of silicon baking mats that are under $15. And the best part? So many items are still on sale after Amazon Prime Day 2025. Keep scrolling for the best Amazon kitchen deals. Related post-Prime Day articles: 60 best extended Amazon Prime Day deals you can still shop in Canada — Apple, Nespresso, Dyson and more 20 of the most popular deals Yahoo Canada readers bought during Amazon Prime Day 2025 Amazon Prime Day is over, but this 'lifesaver' power bar is still on sale for $16 I can't be the only little girl who dreamed of owning an entire line-up of Dutch ovens, all matching in the same bold colour. When it finally came time to invest in one of my own, the research was all pointing to one brand: Staub. I opted for their 5.5-qt Round Cocotte, realizing very quickly it's the only Dutch oven I will ever need to own. Made in France, these hefty pots are built to last, transferring seamlessly from stovetop cooking to oven braising. Trust me: It's more than worth the investment. This may be surprising, but this set of mini spatulas is my most-used item in my kitchen. I actually have two sets because they're just that good. These spatulas are perfect for everything from getting the last little morsels out of a jar of honey to cooking scrambled eggs. I find myself reaching for one multiple times a day. This set has the lowest cost per use of any tool in my entire kitchen. As a professional baker, an accurate food scale can be the difference between an airy loaf of sourdough and an inedible brick of flour. I recently switched to the Oxo Good Grips Food Scale, and it has upped my baking game tenfold. The unique feature of this scale is the pull-out display, making it easy to see no matter the size of the bowl you choose. This scale's utility goes way beyond a dynamite focaccia dough — perfectly portioning bulk groceries and divving up this week's prepped meals. Please accept this as my formal declaration of love for hand blenders. Do I have a traditional blender and also a food processor? Yes. Do I reach for either of those even half as much as I reach for my KitchenAid Hand Blender? Not even close. Soups, sauces, jams, compound butters — do I need to go on? I still have the exact KitchenAid Hand Blender I opened my bakery with ten years ago, and it hasn't skipped a beat. You often hear chefs say that the one tool you need in your kitchen is a high-quality knife—this fact became very clear when I finally bought one for myself. I've become a huge fan of the entire catalogue of Global Knives since purchasing my first one a few years ago, but even with a drawer full of knives I'm always reaching for the GS90 Santoku Knife. The super sharp fluted blade makes chopping vegetables less of a chore, and the lightweight handle fits perfectly in my small hands. There are dozens of digital thermometers on the market these days, ranging in price from $10 to more than $100. You may be shocked to find that the thermometer I've trusted for over five years is one of the most inexpensive on the market. I use the Thermo Digital Thermometer for everything from checking whether my roast chicken is cooked through to making sure boiled sugar is hot enough to turn into marshmallows. It's compact and easy to read, and I can't even remember the last time I needed to change the batteries—sometimes, simplicity is best when it comes to cooking. Getting to feed delicious things to the people I love is a big part of why I enjoy cooking. After years of entertaining, I recently found a new favourite hosting hack: Pacolit P's Warming Mat. The pressure of making sure everything on the Thanksgiving table is ready at the same time has finally been lifted. This mat has three temperature settings to keep the mashed potatoes from cooling while you're carving the turkey. I'm never hosting another dinner party without it. A bench scraper is a non-negotiable tool in any kitchen I cook in. I first learned how handy they can be working in professional bakeries, and it turns out they're just as useful in my home kitchen. Dividing pizza dough, scrapping flour off counters, and scooping up chopped onions — this may be the most versatile tool in my kitchen that's under $20! The Anaeat scraper has the added benefit of measuring guides, making it the perfect gift for amateur bakers. It doesn't take a professional baker to know that KitchenAid Stand Mixers don't always do the greatest job of incorporating everything in the bowl. I've owned five of their mixers, and the one thing that consistently improves every batter and dough is the Flex Edge Beater. The added silicone covering drastically reduces the number of times I find myself scraping down the bowl with a spatula, often allowing me to skip that frustrating step altogether. Whether in my home kitchen or a professional bakery, I always find that most of my waste is parchment paper. Silicone baking mats not only reduce my use of parchment paper, but they also save my pans from the wear and tear of stuck-on food. Pro tip: If you've ever pulled out your hair trying to master a French macaron, a silicone mat may be the missing piece. 38% off: Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Egg Cooker | Shop for $18 $29 Take 38% off an ecozy Countertop Ice Maker | Shop for $99 $160 30% off a Philips Series 3300 Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine | Shop for $700 $1,000 Take 48% off a Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Coffee Machine | Shop for $99 $18 Save 19% on a CyberChill Slushie Machine | Shop for $243 $300 Save 77% on a Canoly Masticating Juicer | Shop for $149 $640 52% off: HOSHANHO Kitchen Knife | Shop for $38 $80 Take 38% off a Keurig K-Supreme Plus K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker | Shop for $130 $209 31% off: KitchenAid Digital Air Fryer Countertop Oven | Shop for $200 $288
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a professional baker — 10 kitchen tools I've tried and would re-buy (so many are on sale right now)
In my friend group, I'm definitely the personality hire, except when it comes to cooking advice. After a decade of working on food trucks and in bakeries (even opening my own in 2015), I've become the go-to person to ask, 'Why did my cookies go flat?' or 'What should I make for Easter dinner?' Cooking and baking professionally, combined with years of trial and error as a home cook, means I've tested (and tossed) a lot of kitchen equipment in my life. Over the years, I've formed very strong opinions about what to splurge on and what to skip altogether when it comes to outfitting your kitchen. I've cooked up a list of my favourite kitchen appliances, utensils, and accessories that have proven to be ride-or-die for the everyday home chef. My favourites range from investment pieces like a Staub Dutch Oven to a set of silicon baking mats that are under $15. And the best part? So many items are still on sale after Amazon Prime Day 2025. Keep scrolling for the best Amazon kitchen deals. Related post-Prime Day articles: 60 best extended Amazon Prime Day deals you can still shop in Canada — Apple, Nespresso, Dyson and more 20 of the most popular deals Yahoo Canada readers bought during Amazon Prime Day 2025 Amazon Prime Day is over, but this 'lifesaver' power bar is still on sale for $16 I can't be the only little girl who dreamed of owning an entire line-up of Dutch ovens, all matching in the same bold colour. When it finally came time to invest in one of my own, the research was all pointing to one brand: Staub. I opted for their 5.5-qt Round Cocotte, realizing very quickly it's the only Dutch oven I will ever need to own. Made in France, these hefty pots are built to last, transferring seamlessly from stovetop cooking to oven braising. Trust me: It's more than worth the investment. This may be surprising, but this set of mini spatulas is my most-used item in my kitchen. I actually have two sets because they're just that good. These spatulas are perfect for everything from getting the last little morsels out of a jar of honey to cooking scrambled eggs. I find myself reaching for one multiple times a day. This set has the lowest cost per use of any tool in my entire kitchen. As a professional baker, an accurate food scale can be the difference between an airy loaf of sourdough and an inedible brick of flour. I recently switched to the Oxo Good Grips Food Scale, and it has upped my baking game tenfold. The unique feature of this scale is the pull-out display, making it easy to see no matter the size of the bowl you choose. This scale's utility goes way beyond a dynamite focaccia dough — perfectly portioning bulk groceries and divving up this week's prepped meals. Please accept this as my formal declaration of love for hand blenders. Do I have a traditional blender and also a food processor? Yes. Do I reach for either of those even half as much as I reach for my KitchenAid Hand Blender? Not even close. Soups, sauces, jams, compound butters — do I need to go on? I still have the exact KitchenAid Hand Blender I opened my bakery with ten years ago, and it hasn't skipped a beat. You often hear chefs say that the one tool you need in your kitchen is a high-quality knife—this fact became very clear when I finally bought one for myself. I've become a huge fan of the entire catalogue of Global Knives since purchasing my first one a few years ago, but even with a drawer full of knives I'm always reaching for the GS90 Santoku Knife. The super sharp fluted blade makes chopping vegetables less of a chore, and the lightweight handle fits perfectly in my small hands. There are dozens of digital thermometers on the market these days, ranging in price from $10 to more than $100. You may be shocked to find that the thermometer I've trusted for over five years is one of the most inexpensive on the market. I use the Thermo Digital Thermometer for everything from checking whether my roast chicken is cooked through to making sure boiled sugar is hot enough to turn into marshmallows. It's compact and easy to read, and I can't even remember the last time I needed to change the batteries—sometimes, simplicity is best when it comes to cooking. Getting to feed delicious things to the people I love is a big part of why I enjoy cooking. After years of entertaining, I recently found a new favourite hosting hack: Pacolit P's Warming Mat. The pressure of making sure everything on the Thanksgiving table is ready at the same time has finally been lifted. This mat has three temperature settings to keep the mashed potatoes from cooling while you're carving the turkey. I'm never hosting another dinner party without it. A bench scraper is a non-negotiable tool in any kitchen I cook in. I first learned how handy they can be working in professional bakeries, and it turns out they're just as useful in my home kitchen. Dividing pizza dough, scrapping flour off counters, and scooping up chopped onions — this may be the most versatile tool in my kitchen that's under $20! The Anaeat scraper has the added benefit of measuring guides, making it the perfect gift for amateur bakers. It doesn't take a professional baker to know that KitchenAid Stand Mixers don't always do the greatest job of incorporating everything in the bowl. I've owned five of their mixers, and the one thing that consistently improves every batter and dough is the Flex Edge Beater. The added silicone covering drastically reduces the number of times I find myself scraping down the bowl with a spatula, often allowing me to skip that frustrating step altogether. Whether in my home kitchen or a professional bakery, I always find that most of my waste is parchment paper. Silicone baking mats not only reduce my use of parchment paper, but they also save my pans from the wear and tear of stuck-on food. Pro tip: If you've ever pulled out your hair trying to master a French macaron, a silicone mat may be the missing piece. 38% off: Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Egg Cooker | Shop for $18 $29 Take 38% off an ecozy Countertop Ice Maker | Shop for $99 $160 30% off a Philips Series 3300 Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine | Shop for $700 $1,000 Take 48% off a Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Coffee Machine | Shop for $99 $18 Save 19% on a CyberChill Slushie Machine | Shop for $243 $300 Save 77% on a Canoly Masticating Juicer | Shop for $149 $640 52% off: HOSHANHO Kitchen Knife | Shop for $38 $80 Take 38% off a Keurig K-Supreme Plus K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker | Shop for $130 $209 31% off: KitchenAid Digital Air Fryer Countertop Oven | Shop for $200 $288
Buzz Feed
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Nordstrom Items That Only *Look* Expensive
A subtle freshwater pearl necklace so you can have a simple, polished piece to dress up any outfit without overwhelming it. I'm talking fancy work events, I'm talking date nights, I'm talking your cousin Denise's med school graduation... this necklace does it all. Promising review: "The necklace is very pretty and dainty. Very happy with how it looks in person since I could only see it online." —SarahSunshineSarahPrice: $75 (available in two colors) A crescent bag that screams "I'm designer!"... only you will be able to hear it whisper "jk, I'm actually extremely affordable." Price: $39.99 A six-piece set of pastel Staub ceramic bowls to help you basically feel like you have a lil' rainbow in your kitchen — a rainbow you can eat snacks out of (empirically, the best possible kind of rainbow). Price: $99.99 A puff-sleeve stand collar blouse so you can get dressed for work in 30 seconds flat, but look like you put at least 30 minutes of thought into your outfit. Promising review: "Love this blouse. It is true to size, very comfortable, fabric looks high quality. Plan on purchasing it in another color." —SandraR84Price: $46.23+ (originally $69; available in women's sizes XS—XL and three colors) A mini bottle of Miss Dior eau de toilette, because honestly, is there anything more luxurious than smelling good all the time? Price: $46+ (available in three sizes) A pair of Le Creuset salt-and-pepper mills that will make all your friends go, "Oh, excuse me, does an adult live here now?" (Yes, they will always remember the years when you just used whatever condiments came with your DoorDash orders, but at least they'll also admire your current kitchen style, too.) Promising review: "I have an all blue Le Creuset set, but having a designated color for salt and pepper made it so easy to grab which one you want! This is perfect and it's adjustable with your choice on how coarse or fine you want your salt and pepper!" —SillymilliPrice: $75 (originally $96) A Maison Margiela candle for those of us who are dying to try one of the brand's scents, but are looking for something with a bit of a lower price point. The candle has the brand's signature smooth and stylish design, and, more importantly, it's gonna make your house smell amazing. Promising review: "This candle smells so good I just can't get enough of it!! Love it!!" —Spanky67Price: $39+ (available in two sizes) A BaubleBar gold-tone chain-link necklace because I'm writing the article and I literally can't believe this is only $48?? The chunky links are truly giving "I am a boss, but also I know the best vintage stores and most fun wine bars" energy. Promising review: "Super cute necklace — color still looks great a year later." —DaniMarie17Price: $48 A high-end–looking wine and champagne chiller to prevent your next fun backyard hang from being ruined by the horror of Warm White Wine. This vacuum-insulated stainless-steel chiller will keep your bevs cool for hours, aka. for exactly as long as it will take for you to tell your friends all about your new cubiclemate who just. Will. Not. Stop. Humming. Promising review: "Finally bought one for myself and I love it! Even in the AZ heat, it keeps the wine cold outdoors. It's a great alternative to having to use a bucket or go back to the fridge/freezer. A great gift for a wine lover and Vinglace boxing is very classy." —StaggPrice: $89.95 (available in four colors) A boho-inspired medallion-print rug that won't just tie your whole room together — it's machine washable, so when Muffins tracks some mud across it (or you accidentally upend an iced latte onto it), there's no need to worry. Price: $41+ (available in six colors and seven sizes; all colors not available in all sizes) A pair of Quay oval sunglasses because you know you have the deep inner spirit of an off-duty model on a Saturday morning latte run... time to start dressing like one. Promising review: "I had to have these glasses as they matched some of my outfits. They sold out, but I checked back and they were in stock and on sale. These glasses are stylish and come in an amazing green color. If you purchase these glasses, you won't be disappointed." —seasoned womanPrice: $70 (available in four colors) A Herschel Supply Co. duffel bag with a zip-close exterior shoe compartment, so you can enjoy all your summer travel without ever thinking about how your shoes, which touch the ground every day, are now touching your underpants and face wash in your bag. Price: $93.50 (originally $110) A pair of dangling strand earrings that I'm pretty sure you're about to make your ENTIRE personality. Price: $68 A blue petaled blown-glass vase to add some instant elegance to literally any room. (Yes, even a room that also has a giant Pokemon beanbag chair in it... life is all about balance, right?) Promising review: "Love everything about this." —littlemissmae77Price: $51 A French Connection structured button-down with a unique crossover back that will make people say "oooh" and "aaahh" and "can I borrow that" and "can you get me an internship at Vogue (since you obviously work at Vogue)." Price: $68.60 (originally $98; available in women's sizes XS—L and two colors) A Southwestern-print Barefoot Dreams throw because it's your chance to get cozy with the cult-favorite brand for just a fraction of the usual cost. Plus, reviewers say this blanket is extra thick, so you will feel even more like you're wrapped in a burrito of relaxation whenever you use it. Promising review: "Love that this is thicker than the other Barefoot Dreams blankets, it takes my coziness to another level. The pattern looks very nice in person. I would love for them to have a larger option available." —redrumlodgePrice: $62.99 (originally $158) An Ettika crystal hinge bracelet that's minimalist but also totally unique — you know, exactly like you. Price: $60 A three-piece Staub ceramic baking dish set, because these dishes are so beautiful, you might want to just leave them out as decor between meals. Price: $99.99 (originally $189.99) A pair of Isaac Mizrahi New York pleated wide-leg pants so you can instantly look sleek and in charge. When you wear these, will people around your office just assume you're their boss now? It's not for me to say, but also... yes. Price: $69 (originally $138; available in women's sizes 2—16) A hooded muslin wraparound towel that's so luxurious and decadent, every time you use it, you're going to be like, "Wait, AM I a millionaire??" The towel isn't just a cozy way to dry off after the shower; reviewers also say it's great for just kicking back on the couch (even if you haven't showered for... uh, a little while). Promising review: "Love this item. It's surprisingly thick. Good absorption and very cozy. Washed well." —MArvotPrice: $44.99+ (originally $49; available in six colors) A 100% cotton denim midi dress with separate top and bottom zips, so you can customize the cleavage or leg slit to your personal specifications. And honestly, how rare is it to get something exactly the way you want it in this life? Promising review: "Perfect denim dress. I've been looking for a denim dress for a while. I love the fit of this; it's perfect, exactly what I was looking for. I have a larger bust, and sometimes dresses can be tight at the top, but this has plenty of room. The denim is fairly lightweight with movement, so it will be great over the summer, and, of course, I love the pockets. It has a zipper at the bust and one at the bottom, so you can open either a little, depending on the look you are going for. The bottom zip doesn't come all the way to the hem, so there's already a decent size split at the front, not too high though." —chloegrlPrice: $89.99 (originally $98; available in women's sizes S—L) A Quip rechargeable water flosser because yes, I do realize that having a beautiful water flosser on your bathroom counter is not the kind of flex most people are thinking of, BUT YOU SHOULD BE. This cordless wonder is not only aesthetically pleasing — it's so simple to use, you might finally decide that flossing is easier than lying to your dentist. Promising review: "This has good pressure and cleans well. The design is slim and looks good on my counter. I have tried small flossers that don't take up much room, and this is the best. It took a few hours to charge and the charge lasts long." —LigePrice: $69.99 (available in two colors) An oversized AllSaints tote so you can be the most absolutely stylish person at the CSA pick-up. Promising review: "Love the bag! Color was better than expected." —AnonymousPrice: $47.20+ (originally $59; available in three colors) A pair of leather and jute sandals that reviewers say are are actually comfortable. They're pretty enough to wear to an outdoor wedding, and comfy enough to wear as you explore a new city on vacation. It's called versatility, and two of our favorites have it: Meryl Streep, and this sandal. Promising review: "The most comfortable sandals! Just bought my second pair." —CheryliePrice: $67.50+ (originally $135; available in women's sizes 5-12 and four colors) A croc-embossed wristlet for nights when you're just taking your phone and your credit card, but you want them to look dang good while you cart them around. Price: $87.50 (originally $125; available in two colors) A Vince Camuto sleeveless maxi that's so boho and breezy, I dare you not to live in it for the whole entire summer. Price: $47.99 (originally $69.99; available in women's sizes XS—XL) A pair of Adidas Tokyo low-top suede sneakers, because their neon colorways will render your most blah outfit totally exciting. If you're a fan of the Gazelle but looking for something with a bit more oomph, may I suggest these? Promising review: "Absolutely love my new sneakers!! They run large. I am a true size 8. I purchased a 7.5. Honestly, I could have done a 7, but I don't mind the extra room in the 7.5. I will purchase more colors!" —True to SizePrice: $90 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and seven colors)
Eater
27-06-2025
- Business
- Eater
The 15 Best Deals of the Week (Including a Sale on Japanese Pantry Staples)
We have finally reached air-fryer levels of heat in New York City, which means every bartender you know is toting their Coleman cooler to the nearest body of water before their shift and every office-goer is trying to figure out what level of ventilated shoe they can get away with. (Personally, I say let the platform Crocs rip.) We're also edging some of the biggest sale events of the year: Amazon Prime Day, aka Bezos' annual deals bacchanal, and an influx of Fourth of July sales on all kinds of summer-centric kitchen items, from Traeger grills to mid-century modern patio furniture; there are plenty of picnic table-ready finds, what with savings on gingham European linen tablecloths and tomato-shaped cocottes from heritage brands like Staub. Whether you're restocking your somen noodles for easy, cool summer dinners or looking to save $640 on the ultimate outdoor sectional, this week's deals are ripe for the picking. There was a point a few years ago when every design-savvy apartment in Williamsburg had the cult-fave Sven sofa — and the company behind it, Article, has managed to maintain its place as one of the most prominent makers of mid-century-modern-style furniture. It has already kicked off its Fourth of July sale with deals of up to 40 percent off, and we have our eyes on its bistro sets, statement dining chairs, and an outdoor sectional worthy of a 1970s conversation pit. I only discovered Piglet in Bed this past year, but the Horsham, U.K.-based brand is exactly what it sounds like: a purveyor of ultra-soft gingham linens, striped ceramic mugs, and other cottagecore items that would be right at home in Kate Winslet's cottage in The Holiday. There are quite a few tablecloths, napkins, and throws for sale on the site right now that are made in Portugal from 100% natural stonewashed European linen. Williams Sonoma always has some juicy sales cooking, but it's not every day that you can find Staub cookware in its hallowed halls for up to 50 percent off; highlights include deals on Dutch ovens of varying sizes, as well as whimsical artichoke- and tomato-shaped cocottes. Japanese Taste is an online Japanese marketplace where you can find everything from at-home sushi kits to smoked Kewpie mayonnaise (!). There's a nice selection of pantry goods on sale right now, but our top picks include a three-year barrel-aged soy sauce and handmade somen noodles, the latter of which are ideal for whipping up a refreshing, cold summer dish. While Amazon Prime Day proper will run from July 8–11, there are already deals rolling out in all kinds of kitchen-related categories. The Eater shopping team will be hunting down the very best savings — meaning, deals that are at least 20 percent off — for the next few weeks, and standouts so far include Italian tablewares from Alessi, affordable Japanese chef's knives, high-tech kitchen vacuums, and non-plastic storage containers. There's an Eater guide dedicated to the best non-plastic food storage options beloved by our staffers, and this set of BPA-free glass containers definitely makes the cut.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is It Safe To Cook With A Scratched Dutch Oven?
For many home cooks, a high-quality enameled Dutch oven represents one of the most valuable and serious cookware investments. Elite brands like Le Creuset and Staub sell Dutch ovens for hundreds of dollars each, and part of what justifies the high price tag is the assumption that these artisanally crafted pieces can last a lifetime (and beyond). So when you spot a scratch (or even a chip) on the enamel of your Le Creuset, it can send you into a not-so-minor tailspin. But how disastrous are enamel scratches really? Is it still safe to use a scuffed Dutch oven, or is your beloved pot now doomed for the dumpster? We asked a group of professional chefs and food safety experts to break down the potential health consequences of using a scratched Dutch oven, when a scratch needs to be taken seriously, and whether it's possible to bring a badly worn Dutch oven back to life. Here's what they had to say. First of all, we asked the experts to explain why exactly a scratch or a chip on an enameled Dutch oven can prove dangerous. 'Enameled cast iron that is chipped can present a physical hazard because the enamel coating is essentially glass that is fused to the iron,' said Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and food industry consultant for Mendocino Food Consulting. So if bits of enamel are coming off and landing in your food, you're essentially eating glass, which can lacerate your mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and/or intestines. Melissa Vaccaro, a food safety expert at the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), added that 'if the enamel coating is chipped or cracked, exposing the cast iron underneath, food can come into contact with bare metal, leading to rust and metal leaching.' Rust is made of iron oxide, which isn't easily absorbed into the body and is not considered food-safe by the USDA. If your Dutch oven is a vintage version inherited from a parent or grandparent, Vaccaro pointed out another important consideration: 'Some older or low-quality enamel coatings may contain lead or cadmium (modern reputable brands like Le Creuset or Staub do not), [and] if the enamel flakes off, there's a potential risk of ingesting [these] hazardous substances.' Lead and cadmium poisoning can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage, stomach irritation and pregnancy complications. While serious scratches and enamel chipping are bad news for Dutch oven users, we're happy to report that light scratches and scuffs on the exterior and interior won't negatively impact your health or the quality of your food. 'Minor, superficial scratches in the enamel (that don't expose the metal underneath) are typically cosmetic and not a health hazard. Scratches that don't penetrate the enamel layer are safe for cooking and occur naturally over time,' Vaccaro assured us. But while light scrapes and scratches aren't an inherent problem, Vaccaro and other experts recommend keeping a close eye on these marks and tracking their progress. According to Vaccaro, it's time to worry when 'you feel rough edges, see bare metal, [or see that] the enamel is peeling off.' In these cases, 'if the damage is in an area that comes into direct contact with food or liquids,' the Dutch oven can pose the health risks that we detailed earlier. Imagine that the worst-case scenario has come to pass: Your much-loved Dutch oven has a big, deep, metal-exposing scratch or a visible enamel chip. What's the next course of action? Is there a way to repair this pricey piece of cooking equipment, either at home or by a professional artisan? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is generally 'no.' 'Re-glazing at home isn't an option. Those enamels are fired at over 1,400°F in a kiln and need industrial-grade equipment,' pointed out Chris Van Dyne, head chef at Cosmic Pie Pizza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you're hoping that you might be able to take your chipped Le Creuset to a ceramic repair shop, you're about to be further disappointed. 'The enamel is a coating applied once at production through a special process, and is intended to be a permanent, continuous layer, so there is no way to rehabilitate it once damage has occurred. Even sanding down the spots to smooth out the scratches and chips won't help, and may even accelerate future breakdown of the enamel, due to the weakened structure,' Le told us. And while a bare cast-iron skillet can be scraped down and re-seasoned, 'you cannot re-season or patch enamel,' Vaccaro said. If your Dutch oven comes from one of the more reputable and high-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub, Van Dyne recommended 'checking their warranty. They often replace chipped units for free or at a discount, even years later.' But if you can't trade in your chipped Dutch oven for a replacement, there are other ways to make use of these colorful pots. Clever DIY-ers on YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest have repurposed their Dutch ovens as planters, storage vessels for home goods, ice buckets, bird baths, humidifiers, and much more. Do some searching on those platforms and see what you can find. Now that we've established the risks associated with chipped and deeply scratched Dutch ovens, you're likely wondering how you can avoid such a grievous fate for your own enameled pot. Luckily, Melissa Araujo, chef/owner of Alma Cafe in New Orleans, offered us some helpful pointers for keeping a Dutch oven in top shape. 'Make sure that [the Dutch oven] is cool before you wash it, and make sure you use non-scratch sponges, [as] anything abrasive will scratch it.' Araujo also warned against 'soaking it in the sink for a long time. [That] will allow water to seep under the coating, and you run the risk of rusting the outer rims.' Speaking of rust, it's important to 'dry the Dutch oven completely so it doesn't rust.' Should you find yourself with a particularly nasty stain from cooking in your Dutch oven, Araujo recommended mixing 'baking soda and water and putting it on [the stain] for about 10 minutes.' You can then rinse the pot and wash with a soft sponge and gentle dish soap, and if the stain still lingers, repeat the baking soda mixture and handwashing process. Whatever you do, don't even think about 'putting the Dutch oven in the dishwasher, even if it says 'dishwasher safe.' Constant water [pressure] and high heat are bad for the coating.' Finally, when it comes to storing the Dutch oven (whether you keep it in a cabinet, on a shelf, or on your stovetop), 'put a towel inside to keep it protected. I also store it with the lid slightly moved so there's air flow that moves in and out,' Araujo said. Reviewers Swear This $9 Oven Cleaner Is A 'Miracle In A Spray Can' What's The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Dutch Ovens? Is A Gas Stove Really That Bad For You? Safety Experts Reveal Whether You Should Switch.
