Instructions

1. Wash the Le Creuset Dutch oven before use, especially if it is new. Use a soft sponge, hot water and mild dish soap and to remove all labels from the Dutch oven before use. Do not put Le Creuset Dutch ovens in the dishwasher.

2. Inspect the Dutch oven before use and, if possible, familiarize yourself with the pot by reading the instruction manual. Pay especially close attention to the material the handles are made from. Some Le Creuset Dutch ovens have metal handles and knobs; these Dutch ovens can be put in the oven at any temperature. Other types of Le Creuset Dutch ovens have phenolic knobs and handles, which aren't designed to withstand temperatures above 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Place the Le Creuset Dutch oven gently on the cooktop. Le Creuset Dutch ovens are designed for use on all types of cooktops, but their weight can break glass or ceramic cooktops if they're slammed down. To maximize the pot's efficiency, use a burner with a size similar to that of the base of the pot.

4. Heat the Le Creuset Dutch oven over low to medium heat, and do not increase the heat beyond that unless you're boiling or reducing a liquid. Le Creuset Dutch ovens can heat more quickly and maintain temperature better than other pots, so food can burn easily in them.

5. Use a wooden utensil to stir food in the Dutch oven. Metal utensils can scratch the enamel finish on Le Creuset products.

6. Use a thick potholder to remove the Dutch oven from the stovetop or oven. Le Creuset Dutch ovens grow dangerously hot and can cause serious burns if gripped with the naked hand.

7. Place hot Le Creuset Dutch ovens on a heatproof pot stand. Le Creuset Dutch ovens will burn counters and tabletops if they're not placed on an appropriate receptacle.

8. Allow the Le Creuset Dutch oven to cool completely before placing it in a refrigerator or freezer or washing it. Cooling the Dutch oven too rapidly can cause the pot to buckle, weakening the metal.

9. Always wash Le Creuset Dutch ovens as soon as they are cool. Use a soft sponge, mild dish soap and hot water. Do not use any type of steel wool or abrasive cleaner, as these can damage the enamel.