Caring for a Staub Dutch oven is easy and can help ensure it remains a kitchen staple for years to come. To keep your Staub Dutch oven in the best condition, the following cleaning and maintenance guidelines should be followed.
First and foremost, your Staub Dutch oven should never be cleaned using harsh abrasive scrubbers, scouring pads, or baking soda and bleach. These can permanently damage the enamel coating which is essential for optimal cooking.
Gentle washing with a cloth or soft sponge and warm water and mild soap should suffice.
For extra tough scrubbing, a mild non-scratch scrub pad can be used. If your Dutch oven is very oily, a small tablespoon of baking soda added to the warm water and mild soap can help dissolve away the oils.
If there is any burnt-on food, it can be removed by boiling water in the oven and soaking the pot overnight. In the morning the burnt-on food will often scrape away easily with a plastic scrubber or scraper.
When the interior of your Staub Dutch oven is cleaned, you should use a soft cloth or kitchen towel with a few drops of vegetable oil and rub it around the oven. This will help protect the enamel and improve the seasoning of your Dutch oven, keeping it strong and intact.
Likewise, to avoid any rusting on the exterior of your Staub Dutch oven, you should keep it clean, dry and store it in a cool, dry environment. If it does come into contact with moisture, it should be dried thoroughly before storing.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, your Staub Dutch oven will last for a lifetime of delicious dishes and happy memories.
Does Staub dutch oven need to be seasoned?
Yes, Staub dutch ovens should definitely be seasoned. Seasoning a dutch oven helps with two important aspects: it helps enhance non-stick properties and also helps prevent rust. It also adds a layer of protection to the cast iron which keeps your dutch oven looking great for years to come.
A Staub dutch oven should be seasoned before they are used, as well as after each use — specifically after cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes. To season your Staub dutch oven, give it a thorough wash and then use a paper towel to dry it completely.
Next, add a light layer of oil (preferably vegetable or flaxseed oil) to the entire surface. Place the dutch oven upside down in the oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour.
Overall, it is important to season your Staub dutch oven to ensure that it lasts you for a long time and that it is able to provide the best cooking results.
How do you clean Staub after cooking?
To clean your Staub cookware, you should first allow it to cool and then wash it by hand in hot soapy water. For stuck-on food, you can use a plastic scrubber or a brush with soft bristles. When cleaning the outside of your Staub, be careful to avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as this can cause damage to the porcelain enamel finish.
If a dishwasher was used during your Staub cookware’s initial seasoning, subsequent cleanings can be done in the dishwasher. However, always check your product’s manual, as some enameled cast iron products are not dishwasher safe.
To dry your Staub cookware, use a soft cloth and buff the surface until dry. If rust spots appear, it is recommended that you immediately dry the items and re-oil them. In general, it is best to season your Staub cookware regularly so that the seasoning creates an additional layer of protection, making it less likely to rust.
Do you have to oil Staub pans?
Yes, Staub pans should be oiled regularly to maintain their nonstick surfaces, protect against corrosion, and prevent food from sticking. To oil a Staub pan, first heat the pan on the stovetop until it is hot.
Once the pan is hot, turn off the heat and apply the oil of your choice with a paper towel. Use a painting motion to evenly spread the oil and make sure to coat the entire inside of the pan. Once it is evenly oiled, wait a few moments for the oil to cool and then wipe down the pan with a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
With proper care and maintenance, Staub pans can last a lifetime.
Can Staub be preheated empty?
Yes, Staub cookware can be preheated empty. This is especially important if you plan to use a high-heat cooking method, such as searing, which works best on preheated cookware. When preheating your Staub cookware, it is recommended that you heat it on the lowest burner setting of your stove-top to ensure a slow and even increase in temperature.
For optimal cooking, once preheated, add a small amount of oil and allow it to heat before you add the food. This helps to ensure that your food won’t stick to the surface of your cookware, making for easier clean-up after your meal.
Can you use steel wool on Staub?
Yes, you can use steel wool on a Staub cookware. However, it should be noted that using steel wool on any cookware, not just Staub, can cause scratching, so you should use it carefully. Additionally, you should avoid using steel wool on non-stick surfaces and areas where the enamel finish is chipping away.
To correctly use steel wool on Staub cookware, you should always wet the cookware first with hot water and use only circular, gentle motions when scrubbing. You should also use very light pressure and avoid pressing down, since applying too much pressure may cause the steel wool to scratch the surface, leaving behind thin lines or visible scratches.
Why does food stick to my Staub?
Staub cookware is known for its exceptional cooking performance due to its enameled cast iron material. This cast iron is known for being an excellent heat conductor and for developing a natural non-stick surface known as “the patina”.
But like any non-stick surface, improper staple and technique of cooking can cause food to stick to the pan.
High fat foods are more likely to stick to the pan due to the fat residues clinging to the surface. This can be easily averted by reducing cooking heat and time, or by preheating the pan until the fat residue sizzles, but afterward wiping away any residue before adding your food.
Also keep in mind cooking oils and fats release acidic compounds during cooking, which can upset the delicate chemical balance of your Staub. It’s important to not scorch or allow oils to carbonize on these pans as it can damage them and cause food to stick more.
As an extra precaution, using less oil than necessary to sauté food might help keep your Staub non-stick.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that with proper care, your enameled cast iron Staub cookware should remain naturally non-stick. So, follow the directions in the user manual to properly season and maintain your Staub cookware and keep it looking and performing like new.
With the proper care, your Staub cookware will last you a lifetime.
Can you boil water in a Staub?
Yes, you can boil water in a Staub, because it is made to be used on a variety of cooking surfaces, including stovetops. The enameled interior of the Staub helps create an even heating surface so that water can be boiled quickly and evenly.
For optimal boiling, use a medium to high heat setting and keep an eye on the water as it boils. Additionally, the Staub comes with a lid to help retain the heat, which can help the water to boil more quickly and evenly.
When the water has reached its boiling point, be sure to turn down the heat and remove it from the burner.
What is the oil to season a Dutch oven?
When seasoning a Dutch oven, it is important to use oil that can handle high-heat cooking. The best oil to use for this purpose is one that is naturally high in saturated fat content such as coconut oil, palm oil, peanut oil, lard, bacon grease, or ghee.
Avoid cooking with olive oil as the high heat can cause it to break down and turn rancid. To season your Dutch oven, coat the entire interior of the pot on both the lid and the base in oil and then place it in the oven at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-204 degrees Celsius).
Let it bake for an hour or two and then remove it from the oven and let it cool. After the Dutch oven has cooled, use a paper towel to remove any excess oil and it should be ready to use.
Can I use my Staub on the stovetop?
Yes, you can use a Staub pot or pan on a stove top or other cooktops. Staub cookware is designed to be durable and heat-resistant, as well as having a tightly fitting lid that helps lock in flavors, smells and moisture while cooking.
All Staub cookware can be used on any cooktop, including induction, gas, electric and even open flame. When using a Staub pot or pan on a cooktop, it’s important to adjust the heat according to the instructions on the pot or pan itself in order to ensure you’re cooking at the right temperature for the recipe.
Additionally, be sure to use low to medium heat settings on the cooktop, as Staub cookware is designed to distribute heat evenly and slowly build up heat levels, meaning higher settings may cause food to burn.
Is Staub cast iron or enamel?
Staub is an enameled cast iron cookware brand. Enameled cast iron is a combination of two materials, cast iron and a porcelain enamel glaze. It is made using both of these materials in order to provide the cookware with excellent heat retention and longevity.
Staub’s cast iron is treated with a matte black enamel to create its signature look and finish. It has a thick, heavy base which helps evenly distribute heat and sear food to perfection. Additionally, the enamel coating makes it both durable and adds a colorful style.
Staub offers an exciting selection of enameled cast iron cookware, ranging from Dutch ovens, to skillets, to grill pans, and more.
How do you clean the outside of Staub?
The best way to clean the outside of Staub cookware is to use a damp cloth or sponge, warm soapy water, and a mild, non-scratch cleaner. For stuck on liquids or burnt-on food, use a nylon scrub brush and make sure to avoid using steel wool, which could damage the surface of the cookware.
It’s best to avoid abrasive-type cleaners and sponges, as they could also damage the cookware. If you need to remove stubborn stains, you can use a light sprinkling of baking soda and white vinegar to create a paste.
Rub the paste onto the surface of the cookware with a non-scratch scrubbing pad and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water and drying. For deeper cleaning, you can also use a specialized Staub cleaning product.
Do I need to oil my Staub?
Yes, you do! For your Staub cookware to perform at its best, you will need to oil them periodically. It is recommended to oil your Staub cookware when it is new and then every few months after that, depending on the amount of use.
If your Staub cookware has been used for more than four months without oiling it, then it is best to give it a good oiling sooner than later. To oil your Staub cookware, you will need to apply a light coating of cooking oil with a soft cloth to the entire surface of the cookware.
Make sure to use refined oil such as vegetable, canola, or safflower. Allow the oil to absorb into the metal of the cookware and then buff off any excess with a dry, clean cloth. The oil will form a protective layer on the metal and will help prevent sticking, rusting, and preserve the texture and the color of the metal.
How do you use a Staub Dutch oven for the first time?
Before using a Staub Dutch oven for the first time, it’s important to make sure that the enameled surface is free of any debris or residue. This can be done by simply wiping the surface with a clean cloth.
Additionally, to protect the enamel and ensure an optimal non-stick finish, the pan should be lightly oiled before use.
The Pan is suitable for all heat sources, however it’s important to avoid sudden temperature changes, as this can damage the enamel. When cooking on an electric stove, medium heat should be used – never place the pan over a flame.
Staub Dutch ovens are also oven safe up to 500℉ and can be used for roasting and braising.
It’s essential when cooking with a Staub Dutch oven to use wooden utensils to avoid scratching the pan. Once finished cooking, the pan should be allowed to cool down before being taken apart and washed.
For best results, the pan should be gently hand washed with mild soap and warm water.
Can I preheat Staub empty?
Yes, you can preheat Staub empty, but it is always recommended to preheat empty cookware with a minimal amount of oil or butter in the pan to prevent sticking. This is especially important for Staub pans, as they are prone to sticking when not preheated correctly.
When preheating an empty Staub pan, add a thin layer of oil or butter to the pan and heat it over medium-low heat for about two minutes. Once the oil or butter starts to look slightly hazy, you can add your ingredients.
This will help give your food an even heat distribution and prevent sticking.