Dutch ovens are precious to us for the versatility of the cookware. They are easy to wash and clean using hands. But with hands, you would need some time and effort.
Some of us might even think of putting it in the dishwasher just to lessen some of the workloads. But is that really good for the Dutch oven?
Are Dutch ovens dishwashers safe?
Dutch ovens should not be put into dishwashers. Few Dutch ovens that are designed with an enamel coating are usually dishwasher safe. Though, it is recommended that Dutch ovens are always hand washed regardless of material. Dishwasher detergent is harsh and can wear off the oven surface.
While cast iron and enamel coated Dutch ovens last longer when washed with hands and are mostly not dishwasher safe, ceramic and steel ones are.
Cast iron Dutch ovens get damaged quickly and enamel-coated ones after a few washes.
Here are a few brands that can or cannot be put into the dishwasher.
Le Creuset:
Le Creuset Dutch ovens are enamel coated. Hence, they are dishwasher safe. Because of their strength, they can resist any cracking or staining from the dishwasher.
Enamel:
Enamel-coated Dutch ovens that have a base of cast iron, are labeled as dishwasher safe. They can be put into the dishwasher but the protective layer might wear off over time.
Lodge:
They are also manufactured with an enamel coating and can be put into the dishwasher. However, washing them with hands makes them more durable.
Martha Stewart:
Martha Stewart Dutch ovens are not dishwasher safe. If you wish to maintain the protective coating, shine, and color of the Dutch oven, you would need to wash them by hand.
Pioneer Woman:
Pioneer woman dishwashers are safe to be put into the dishwasher with dishwasher detergent.
These Dutch ovens are made with steel and can be washed by hand as well. Since there are no coatings, the harsh dishwasher detergent would not ruin the pot.
Tramontina:
Tramontina enamel-coated cast-iron Dutch ovens should not be put into the dishwasher for cleaning.
Users have complained about how this Dutch oven gets seriously damaged when used with a dishwasher.
Calphalon:
These nonstick, high enduring Dutch ovens are dishwasher safe. The manufacturers suggest that you carefully read the instruction manual first.
The first wash should always be done by hand.
Chrissy Teigen:
Chrissy Teigen Dutch ovens are not dishwasher safe. They should only be washed with mild soap and water.
KitchenAid:
Although the KitchenAid Dutch ovens are manufactured as dishwasher safe, it is best to wash them with hands.
Paula Deen:
Pots like the Dutch oven made by Paula Deen are dishwasher safe.
Wolfgang Puck:
Wolfgang puck should be washed with hands in order to keep the Dutch oven durable.
Tasty:
Tasty Dutch ovens are made of ceramic and can be washed in the dishwasher. It is still safer to wash it by hand the first time to keep the protective layer intact.
Staub:
You can wash Staub Dutch oven in a dishwasher but most people recommend hand washing for this cookware.
All-clad:
These stainless-steel dutch ovens are 100% dishwasher safe. Even if you repeatedly wash them in the dishwasher, the finish never becomes dull.
Can the Dutch oven go in the dishwasher?
Dutch ovens should not be put in the dishwasher. Some Dutch ovens, which are enamel coated are sometimes labeled dishwasher safe, but even those manufacturers recommend hand washing.
Dishwasher detergent is too harsh for the protective layer on Dutch ovens and can wear them off. The finishing might become dull over time, as well.
Can you put a cast-iron Dutch oven in the dishwasher?
Anything made of cast iron, including the Dutch oven should never go in the dishwasher. You would notice that enamel-coated cast-iron Dutch ovens are dishwasher safe.
However, since all Dutch ovens come with a protective layer, this cookware should be kept away from the dishwasher if made in all cast iron.
3 reasons why Dutch oven is not dishwasher safe:
Sure, there are a few Dutch ovens available that are marketed as dishwasher safe.
However, if you notice the instruction manuals and note the manufacturer’s words, you would know that they recommend washing the Dutch oven.
Even a dishwasher-safe Dutch oven should not be put in the dishwasher. Here are some good reasons why:
A dishwasher uses harsh chemicals:
The soap or detergent that is used in a dishwasher is specialized. They are harsh and are particularly meant to wash utensils without any coating.
Having said that, you can wash most of your dishes and kitchen utensils in the dishwasher with those harsh chemicals, but not Dutch ovens. Cast iron Dutch ovens have a protective layer, or might have an enamel layer.
Other Dutch ovens have cast iron parts. Harsh chemicals from these soaps are capable of wearing the layers on the Dutch oven.
Dutch ovens may become porous:
The non-porous coating and surface of any Dutch oven are what make it non-sticky. If the layering becomes porous, the finishing will wear off.
Whether the finishing of the Dutch oven is a simple preseason or enamel coating, if the protective or seasoned layer comes off, your Dutch oven might deteriorate and lose its nonstick feature over time.
Every time you wash your cookware in a dishwasher, you might diminish a bit of the layer. That is turn leads to major problems such as chipping and eventually drying of the surface.
Your Dutch oven also loses its shine and would look dull.
The oven becomes prone to rusting and cracking:
After the initial seasoning, Dutch ovens become better seasoned every time they are cooked.
Even if you want to preseason them, it is recommended that you avoid washing the oven before seasoning it. Putting the Dutch oven will wear off the protective coatings and expose the surface of the cookware to quick rusting, as well as, cracking.
How to clean a Dutch oven?
Nothing better for the quality and durability of your Dutch oven than washing them using your hands. Cleaning a Dutch oven is a simple task and involves only a few easy steps:
Step 1:
The very first step to cleaning your Dutch oven while making sure you do not ruin its finish, is allowing the Dutch oven to cool completely.
In no way should you pour water or any solution on hot or even warm cookware. The hot and cold imbalance might create thermal shock and cause the coating to crack and chip off.
Step 2:
Use a mild soap or detergent and some warm water. Using the solution along with a soft sponge, rub and wash the Dutch oven.
When you are using a sponge, make sure it is not made out of any harsh and hard materials. You’d want to avoid metal scrubbers and any chemically charged detergent, especially dishwasher ones.
If you don’t have a sponge, you can opt for nylon pads to go with your usual soap and water.
Step 3:
You would require an additional step if there is hard food stuck on your cookware.
Pour warm water mixed with the same soap and allow the food clutters to soften themselves up. Clean up the food chucks and the rest of the pan with the sponge.
You can also use a solution of baking soda with warm water. Just let the food debris soak the solution for 10 minutes.
Step 4:
Since the Dutch oven with warm water a few times to make sure all the soapy water is gone. For the final step, dry the Dutch oven completely.
How do you clean the inside of a Dutch oven?
If you want to clean the inside of a Dutch oven, let the oven cool down completely. Next use warm water with mild soap, and a sponge to clean the inside.
You can also the same solution and let the inside soak into it for a while. A solution of baking soda and warm water also works. Rinse the oven and dry completely.
How do you get brown stains out of a Dutch oven?
To remove brown stains from a Dutch oven, boil water on the cookware. As the water comes to a boil, add a few tablespoons of baking soda, slowly.
Keep the flame on low as the water simmers. During this time, you’d want to scrap off harder gunk with a wooden spoon. You can also use a spatula.
Next strain the water and after the oven cools off, rinse off with warm water, and soap.
Can you soak a Dutch oven overnight?
A Dutch oven can be soaked overnight. Whether you have a cast-iron Dutch oven or an enamel-coated Dutch oven, soaking it overnight would get rid of any hard and burnt food on the pot.
You can soak the Dutch oven in a solution of warm water and soap, and you can also use a solution of baking soda with warm water.
Final Thoughts:
Dutch ovens are versatile and helpful kitchenware that needs to be cleaned now and then. Although enamel-coated Dutch ovens have the layering to make them dishwasher safe, it is always safer to wash and clean all ovens by hand. With warm water, soap, and a sponge, you can clean it safely.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Dutch Ovens Work on Induction?
Why Are Dutch Ovens So Expensive?
Are Dutch Ovens Non-Toxic & Safe?
What Can You Cook in a Dutch Oven?