Le Creuset

[shoezoo]

I have a very old Le Creuset dutch oven that seems to be flaking
inside on the bottom. I'm wondering if I should still be using it or
if it's ruined.

[sneezles]

I would hesitate to use it as it is a paint. I'm curious as to why it's doing that. Mine is about 25 years old and I use it at least once or twice a week. It is very well seasoned but show no signs of shedding it's enamel. Wonder if you could find some info on the internet?

[Ralph]

Given that's it's got a lifetime warranty, & hopefully you have been treating it properly, I'd drop them an e-mail for advice. I found the link for you:
http://www.lecreuset.com/us_contact.htm

[Shirley Ekstein]

I've always been slightly bemused by these lifetime warranties (or guarantees, as we call them).

Whose lifetime?

Yours, or that of the product?

If it's yours, supposing it gives out the day before you die - do your heirs have a claim on the company?

If it's that of the product, who decides what the lifetime of the product is?

????????????????

[lindrusso]

Whoops - lost track of original poster :o .

Shoezoo,

Martha Stewart just happened to answer a letter asking about this very thing this month and I remembered your question. Here's what she says:

"Chipped or otherwise damaged enameled cookware is safe to cook with, but doing so is likely to further the damage."

She goes on to suggest this for care:

"Use medium to low heat settings; overheating can damage the enamel finish permanently. Do not heat an empty piece - always add food or liquid first. Use wooden, heat-resistant plastic, or nylon tools for stirring on enamel surfaces, just as you would for nonstick. The enamel coating resists chipping and scratching, but is not impervious, so never clean enameled cookware with a scouring pad, steel wool, or a harsh detergent. Instead, let the piece cool, and then soak it in hot, soapy water to remove cooked-on food."

She also says that repairing would be difficult.

Anyway, thought this might help a bit.

[Lynn B]

Originally posted by Shirley Ekstein
I've always been slightly bemused by these lifetime warranties (or guarantees, as we call them).

Whose lifetime?

Yours, or that of the product?

If it's yours, supposing it gives out the day before you die - do your heirs have a claim on the company?

If it's that of the product, who decides what the lifetime of the product is?

????????????????

Hmmmm... never quite thought of it like that before!!! :)

Actually, though, if I'm not mistaken, Le Crueset has a "101 year" warranty. (No, not 100 years... and not 102... 101!!!!) (And your dutch oven probably isn't THAT old, is it, shoezoo?!!!) Anyway, I definitely agree w/ Ralph -- contact them right away. I expect that they will be quite helpful and quickly replace the piece. Their customer service has a good reputation. And please let us know how it goes!

Lynn

[hlao23]

Quick comment on "whose life time". I'm pretty sure the warrenty is 101 years with a single owner. Don't know how they can keep track of whether or not you are the original owner.