Safety instructions
PLEASE READ THESE CARE AND USE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT AND STORE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. FAILURE TO USE THE PRODUCT AS DESCRIBED IN THESE CARE AND USE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES, DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO OTHER PROPERTY. DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT FOR ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN FOR PREPARATION OF FOOD TO AVOID SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES, DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO OTHER PROPERTY. Remove all packaging materials, clips, labels and stickers. Wash the product in warm, soapy water then rinse and dry thoroughly. All Le Creuset Enamelled Cast Iron products are suitable for dry cooking ONLY if used correctly at low to medium heat settings following these care and use instructions. ALWAYS place a hot product on a heat-resistant protector when resting on any surface which is not a heat source to avoid damage to surfaces. NEVER use in microwave ovens as products are made of metal and will damage the microwave and its electric wiring. NEVER use on unregulated heat sources (e.g. outdoor grills, open fires, pizza ovens) as uncontrolled high temperatures may seriously damage the product. The following maximum advised oven temperatures are based on the temperature limits of any non-cast iron component included in the product, such as Le Creuset: Phenolic knob 200°C/390°F, Regular and Coloured Stainless Steel knob or handle 260°C/500°F, Phenolic handle 200°C/390°F, Glass or Enamel on Steel lid with stainless steel knob 220°C/425°F, Glass or Enamel on Steel lid with phenolic knob 200°C/390°F, Stoneware lid 260°C/500°F, Enamelled Cast Iron products with non-detachable Enamelled Cast Iron handles 350°C/660°F. Wooden handles are NOT suitable for oven use. To prevent damage to the product due to excessive temperature changes, ALWAYS allow the product to heat and cool gradually and evenly. ALWAYS use low to medium heat settings for best cooking results and care of the product. NEVER heat the product too quickly or use on maximum/ high for preheating or cooking as excessive surface temperature changes (thermal shock) will damage the cooking surface of the product which can include crazing, cracks and chipping. To avoid damage to the product and/or the cooktop/hob, ALWAYS ensure the product base and the cooktop/hob are clean before use. To avoid damage to the product, match the product base size to the cooktop/hob heat zone. Using an incorrect heat zone can lead to uneven or overheating of the product, causing damage to the product and/or handles which can include crazing, cracks, and chipping. To reduce the risk of personal injury and product damage, gas flames must be confined to the base area and NEVER extend up around the sidewalls of the product. Flames above the sidewalls may also result in burns and in damage to items that are near to the flame. For induction cooktops/hobs, ALWAYS match the diameter of the product base to the cooktop/ hob cooking zone. Using a product with a small diameter on a too large cooking zone may affect the functionality of the cooktop/hob resulting in a reduced or no heat output. For oven use: ALWAYS place the product on an oven rack. NEVER place the product directly on the oven floor as this will increase cooking temperature inside the oven and result in faster, uncontrolled cooking causing damage to the product and potentially to the oven. For use under a broiler/grill, leave a minimum distance of 5 cm/2 inches between the heat source and the top rim of the product. To avoid damage to the product, NEVER place a product with a phenolic knob or handle under a broiler/grill. NEVER slide the product on any glass-topped cooktop/hob or any other surface as this may damage the product base as well as the surface. Instead, ALWAYS lift the product on and off the surface with care. NEVER use a product when the interior enamel has chipped. It is no longer safe to use and you should immediately CEASE USING the product. Chips from damaged enamel could cause personal injury if ingested. ALWAYS handle the product by the handles, lid and knob. Handles, lids and knobs will become hot during use in the oven and may become hot during use on the cooktop/hob. ALWAYS use a dry heat-resistant hand protector when handling a hot product during and after cooking to reduce the risk of burns and injuries. Heated or hot contents in the product may cause burns and serious injuries if spilled or if the product is not used carefully. DO NOT leave this product unattended during use. NEVER allow long handles to overhang from the cooktop/ hob and keep positioned away from direct heat to reduce the risk of potential personal injury. Screws on handles or knobs may become loose over time. Retighten screws ONLY while the product is at room temperature. NEVER overtighten screws as this may damage the product. DO NOT place any stoneware parts on a cooktop/hob or any other direct heat source. Failure to do so may break the product and potentially cause personal injuries which may include, but not limited to cuts and burns. ALWAYS use caution when removing the lid as steam may be released and may cause burns and injuries. NEVER use a glass lid when damaged (i.e. chipped or cracked). It is no longer safe to use and you should immediately CEASE USING the lid. New chips or cracks could occur and the lid could shatter, which could cause personal injuries which may include, but not limited to burns and cuts. The glass lid is made from tempered glass. The glass lid is dishwasher safe. Glass lids with stainless steel knob are oven safe up to 220°C/425°F. Glass lids with phenolic knob are oven safe up to 200°C/390°F. NEVER place the glass lid directly onto a cooktop/hob. Failure to do so may break the glass lid and potentially cause personal injuries which may include, but not limited to cuts and burns. To prevent damage to the glass lid handle with care; a strong impact or sudden change in temperature (from hot to cold or cold to hot) may cause the glass lid to break or shatter. ALWAYS allow a hot glass lid to cool before cleaning, either by hand or in a dishwasher. To prevent damage to the glass lid, NEVER use metal, abrasive or stiff pads, washing brushes or abrasive cleaning agents on the glass lid. It is recommended to use silicone, wooden or other heat-resistant tools when cooking. NEVER use knives or other sharp metal utensils that may mark and scratch the enamel cooking surface. NEVER knock metal utensils on the top rim of the product to avoid chipping or breaking the enamel surface. ALWAYS cool the product to room temperature before cleaning. DO NOT plunge it into or fill it with cold water when hot as sudden and extreme temperature changes may damage the product. Clean the product with warm soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or brush. For stubborn residue, fill the product with warm soapy water and allow it to soak. This will soften the residue and make it easier to remove it. More stubborn stains may be removed with an enamelled cast iron cookware cleaner. NEVER use any metal cleaning pads or harsh, abrasive cleaning agents on any surfaces. Regular use of an enamelled cast iron cookware cleaner will assist in retaining the original enamel appearance. NEVER use on any decal on the product. ALWAYS rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent the appearance of rust on the rim. All products are dishwasher safe except products with wooden handles or accessories, Enamel on Steel lids, coloured stainless steel knobs, coloured stainless handles and decals. ALWAYS ensure that the dishwasher rack is able to support the weight of the product before placing the product into the dishwasher. Wash products with wooden handles or accessories, Enamel on Steel lids, coloured stainless steel knobs, coloured stainless steel handles and decals by hand ONLY using non-abrasive dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge. When using the dishwasher, ALWAYS allow the cycle to finish before opening the dishwasher door to ensure products have thoroughly dried. Dulling of the enamel finish may be caused by constant dishwashing. Dulling is not harmful and will not affect performance. This is considered normal wear and tear and is not covered by the Le Creuset Limited Warranty/Le Creuset Limited Guarantee. NEVER store the product when still damp. Store the product in a dry place. To prevent scratching/chipping of the exterior, interior and rim use a suitable cookware protector in between products when stacking for storage. Avoid knocking or bumping the product on hard surfaces to avoid chipping the enamel. The Enamelled Cast Iron surface is non-porous and is suitable to use for storing raw or cooked food in the refrigerator or freezer. ALWAYS ensure the product is at room temperature and that the refrigerator or freezer can support the weight of the product and its content before placing the product in the refrigerator or freezer. NEVER place the product with frozen food directly from the freezer into a pre-heated oven. Place the product in a cold oven and gently increase the oven temperature, allowing the product and oven to gradually heat together.
