Confused about Le Creuset

silverchair

I recently bought a Le creuset Griddle & a pan. I didnt actually realise that the black satin finish didnt make them non-stick & so have been trying scrub them clean. I read on their website that the pans will start produces its own surface “patina”. Its described as a brownish black film that shouldnt be scrubbed off.

1) Does this mean that the patina is grease from the previous cooked meal (if its not scrubbed of)?

2) If the "patina" is kept on will that mean that my food will not keep sticking to it?

I just really dont like the thought of cooking food in a not so clean pot (not scrubbed clean). But I also find it a bother cooking food that constantly sticks to the pan


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Im thinking that the only use for the expensive, heavy pan is wacking a burglar over the head with it!

rachbc

I just wipe my cast iron griddle with a damp cloth and its becoming more non stick over the months- yes I guess the patina i grease but given the extreme heat its subjected to I don't worry about the hygiene aspect!

Psykicpup

silverchair wrote: »

I recently bought a Le creuset Griddle & a pan. I didnt actually realise that the black satin finish didnt make them non-stick & so have been trying scrub them clean. I read on their website that the pans will start produces its own surface “patina”. Its described as a brownish black film that shouldnt be scrubbed off.

1) Does this mean that the patina is grease from the previous cooked meal (if its not scrubbed of)?.. yes in a way

2) If the "patina" is kept on will that mean that my food will not keep sticking to it? Yes!

I just really dont like the thought of cooking food in a not so clean pot (not scrubbed clean). But I also find it a bother cooking food that constantly sticks to the pan


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Im thinking that the only use for the expensive, heavy pan is wacking a burglar over the head with it!

It absorbs the fat/grease over time & becomes non stick ... do you remember you nan's favourite yorkshire pud tin that no one was allowed to wash?
Only wipe with a soapy cloth DONT scrub! .. you can even reheat it to sterilise if you are worried, but please trust it is safe & clean to do so

BitterAndTwisted

Never, ever clean a cast-iron pan with anything other than kitchen-paper!

The pan needs to be properly seasoned before use. You can look up how to do it properly on the net but it entails greasing it and putting it upside-down in a very hot oven several times to build up a proper layer of charring. Looking after them properly and re-seasoning at interval should render them completely non-stick and last several life-times. These Le Creusets are about to become family heirlooms

silverchair

Thanks. Looks like it will eventually become non-stick