Le Creuset - Stew Pot Signature - 26 cm - Satin Black

Cook your favorite braised dish on the stove or let it cook in the oven, allowing all the delicious flavors to develop fully.

Thanks to the angled rim, a domed lid, and the even, long-lasting heat retention of this round cast iron pot, preparing hearty meals becomes perfect.

• Material: L 37.4 x W 27.8 x H 17.3 x D 10.0 cm
• Heat-resistant lid knob (up to 260°C)
• Easy to clean
• Material: Enamelled cast iron

Enamelled Cast Iron

Light enamel is particularly well-suited for slow cooking processes on very low heat sources and at medium oven temperatures. At MEDIUM and LOW COOKING TEMPERATURES, the best results are achieved when cooking, frying, and even baking. Heat your cookware slowly and carefully to achieve even and excellent cooking results. Once the cookware is heated, all cooking processes can continue on low heat. HIGH TEMPERATURES should only be used to heat water for vegetables or pasta, or to reduce the consistency of broths and sauces. Never use high temperatures to preheat the cookware if you plan to lower the temperature afterward for cooking. Cast iron retains heat so well that overheating in this manner results in poor cooking results, with food sticking and surface discoloration. Also, always wait until the pores of the food have closed before turning it. Then the food will release on its own and not stick.

The black enamel was specifically designed for frying at high surface temperatures, making it ideal for frying with optimal results. Since cast iron is such an excellent heat retainer, frying and cooking are possible even at medium heating temperatures. For all cast iron products with a black enamel interior, we recommend "seasoning" them beforehand so the positive properties can be fully developed.

Le Creuset Cast Iron:

• Perfect for searing, braising, cooking, marinating, and storing cooked food – very energy-efficient
• Suitable for all types of stoves, including induction, ovens, and grills
• Oven-safe lid knob: Phenolic lid knob heat-resistant up to 200°C, stainless steel lid knob indefinitely heat-resistant
• Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
• Keeps food warm until the end
• Suitable for serving at the table

Le Creuset Quality Standards

All products undergo multiple manual inspections during the manufacturing process to ensure they meet Le Creuset’s strict quality standards. All enamel coatings used by Le Creuset comply with international regulations.

Cooking with Le Creuset Cast Iron

Enamelled cast iron is a remarkable, durable material that meets all modern requirements for food preparation and cooking. Whether you want to use cast iron for quick searing, braising stews, searing steaks, or baking cakes, there is always a suitable product form and size.

Cast iron is a material that retains heat very well. This can be especially beneficial when using low temperature settings on the stove or in the oven. Additionally, cast iron is ideal for serving: because of its excellent heat retention, food stored covered in warm cast iron will stay warm until the second course. Cast iron can also be used to keep cold dishes cool. A refrigerator-cold cast iron pot is the perfect place to store cool dishes on a hot summer day. Cast iron items are also suitable for storing food in the freezer and for preparing meals in advance.

Use in the Oven
Products with black phenolic lid knobs are designed for oven temperatures of up to 200°C (or 390°F) or level 6 in gas ovens.
Products with cast iron handles or stainless steel lid knobs can be used in the oven at any temperature.
Do not place cookware directly on the floor of ovens with cast iron interiors. This would increase the cooking temperature in the oven and cause excessive cooking, which could damage the food. Avoid dragging your cast iron cookware across the oven floor to prevent damage. For optimal cooking results, always place the cookware on a rack or baking sheet in the oven.

Cooking Temperatures

Light enamel is particularly well-suited for slow cooking processes on very low heat sources and at medium oven temperatures. At MEDIUM and LOW COOKING TEMPERATURES, the best results are achieved when cooking, frying, and even baking. Heat your cookware slowly and carefully for even and excellent cooking results. Once the cookware is heated, all cooking processes can continue on low heat. HIGH TEMPERATURES should only be used for heating water for vegetables or pasta, or reducing the consistency of broths and sauces. Never use high temperatures to preheat products if you intend to lower the heat afterward for cooking. Cast iron retains heat so well that overheating can result in poor cooking results, food sticking, and discoloration of the cookware surface. Also, always wait until the pores close before turning food. This way, it will release naturally and not stick.

The Black “Silk-Enamel”

The black enamel is slightly rougher for traditional reasons. Most people think that cast iron is black (while it's actually gray), and the rougher enamel transfers the characteristic qualities of cast iron to the exterior of the cookware, giving it a traditional look.

The black enamel was specifically designed for frying at high surface temperatures, making it ideal for frying with optimal results. Since cast iron retains heat so well, frying and cooking are possible even at medium heating temperatures.

You will achieve the best results when preparing your recipes and foods by cooking at medium or low temperatures or by waiting until the oils/fats have reached the right temperature. Never use high temperatures to preheat cookware if you plan to lower the heat afterward. Too high a temperature leads to overheating and food sticking, especially with delicate foods like omelettes or other egg dishes. Cast iron retains heat so well that overheating can lead to poor cooking results, food sticking, and discoloration of the cookware surface.

For all Le Creuset cast iron products with black enamel interiors, we recommend “seasoning” them beforehand so that the positive properties can fully develop. Through "seasoning" and repeated frying with oil, a natural patina develops over time, which enhances frying results and makes food release more easily during cooking.

Seasoning – It’s easy:

• Clean the pan or casserole with dishwater and dry it thoroughly.
• Place the cold cookware on the stove and fill it with 0.5 cm of oil (high-heat oil, such as sunflower oil), rubbing the sides and grill ridges with a (silicone) brush or kitchen towel.
• Now heat the oil on medium heat to the usual cooking temperature.
• Important: do not leave the oil unattended! Stay close by!
• Remove the pan or casserole from the heat and let it cool down.
• Pour out the oil. You can then add more oil and start cooking.
• This "seasoning" process is only required before the first use (or after cleaning in the dishwasher).

Thanks to the black "Silk-Enamel", a patina (a brownish layer) will form at the bottom with continuous use. This patina is created by the natural oils and fats from the cooked food binding to the pan’s interior surface. It is recommended not to clean or remove this patina with dish soap, as it improves the frying properties of the pan and helps food release more easily when cooking.

Cleaning Black Silk-Enamel Products

• Do NOT remove the patina (the brownish-black bottom layer) that forms at the bottom of the pan on the black "Silk-Enamel" surface. It improves frying results and helps with food release from the pan.

• Always let the hot product cool down slightly before washing. If possible, wash the cookware with hot water and wipe the surface with a damp cloth. This is recommended after normal frying and when only minimal food residues are left in the cookware. For a deeper clean, you can use hot dishwater, rinse with clear water, and dry thoroughly. The patina will remain intact.

• To remove stubborn food residues, fill the cookware with warm water and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it with clear water afterward and dry it as usual.

• A nylon bristle brush can be helpful for removing food residues and cleaning between grill ribs. Do not use scouring pads or other abrasive cleaners on the cooking surface. Frying marks on the outside of the pan can be cleaned with a nylon sponge.

• Never store a wet product in a cupboard. Store your cookware in a dry cupboard or other well-ventilated place where steam cannot reach it.

• Le Creuset cast iron cookware is extremely durable, but it can be damaged by dropping or striking hard surfaces. Please note that such damage is not covered by the warranty.