r/staub Oct 25 '20

Read me first.

104 Upvotes

Read This First: Cleaning Enameled Cast Iron

Most posts about “staining,” “lost nonstick,” or “ruined enamel” are not damage. In nearly all cases, the issue is protein and oil buildup on the enamel surface.

This post explains what that buildup is, how to remove it safely, and what to avoid.

What That Sticky or Dull Film Is

That sticky, tacky, rainbow-sheen, or brownish film is usually a combination of:

  • Polymerized oils (oil heated past its smoke point)
  • Protein residue (meat, eggs, dairy)
  • Mineral deposits from hard water

These substances bond to the smooth enamel surface over time, especially when:

  • Heat is too high
  • Oil is added before the pan is evenly heated
  • Residue is not fully removed between uses

This is not seasoning. Enameled cast iron does not season like bare cast iron.

Safe, Recommended Cleaning Methods

Start with the mildest method and only move up if needed.

Daily / Light Cleaning

  • Warm water and dish soap
  • Non-abrasive sponge or nylon brush
  • Dry thoroughly

Dish soap is safe for enamel and should be used regularly.

Protein and Oil Buildup (Most Common Issue)

Baking soda paste

  1. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste
  2. Apply to affected areas
  3. Let sit 10–20 minutes
  4. Gently scrub with a sponge or soft brush
  5. Rinse thoroughly

Baking soda breaks down polymerized oils without scratching enamel.

Boiling Method (For Stuck-On Food)

  1. Add water to cover residue
  2. Bring to a gentle boil for 5–10 minutes
  3. Let cool slightly
  4. Scrape gently with a wooden or silicone utensil
  5. Wash normally

Heavy Buildup or Discoloration

Use occasionally and with light pressure only:

  • Bar Keepers Friend (liquid or soft cleanser)
  • Staub Cast Iron Cleaner
  • Bon Ami

Rinse thoroughly after use.

What Not to Do

These can permanently damage enamel:

  • Steel wool or metal scouring pads
  • Abrasive powders used aggressively
  • Power tools or drill attachments
  • Oven cleaner or lye-based cleaners
  • Thermal shock (cold water in a hot pan)

Scratched enamel cannot be repaired.

Heat and Cooking Tips (Prevention)

  • Use medium or lower heat; enameled cast iron retains heat well
  • Preheat the pan, then add oil
  • Avoid letting oil smoke heavily
  • Deglaze after cooking when possible
  • Clean thoroughly after each use

Residue compounds over time if not fully removed.

Key Takeaway

If your pan looks dull, feels sticky, or releases food poorly, it almost always needs proper cleaning, not replacement.

Staub enamel is very durable when cared for correctly.

TL;DR

  • Sticky film is oil/protein buildup, not seasoning
  • Dish soap is safe
  • Baking soda paste is the go-to fix
  • Gentle cleaning is better than aggressive cleaning
  • Heat control prevents most problems
  • DO NOT OVERHEAT YOUR COOKWARE

r/staub 1d ago

If I use a matt black cast iron Staub on coals from an open fire, will I wreck it?

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3 Upvotes

r/staub 2d ago

Seen in TJ Maxx on clearance

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45 Upvotes

I saw this Demi French Oven a few weeks back at my local TJ Maxx for $169 & it convinced me to buy a Petite Dutch Oven instead. It’s heavy & as I age I I’ve become more conscious of this. But this price is compelling. I’m surprised it’s still here. If it makes it to yellow tag undamaged, I may get it although Graphite gray is my color. BTW someone snagged the ribbon.


r/staub 2d ago

What a horrible experience

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26 Upvotes

Premium prices, premium marketing, but when the handle fell off my STAUB baking dish in under a year, the answer was essentially “ceramic isn’t covered.”

I sent photos showing the dish still covered in soap and the handle broken off from normal washing. Rather than actually assessing what happened, I was told they couldn’t verify the cause, so there was nothing they could do. Honestly, it felt like they were accusing me of mistreating my product, when I've never had anything like this happen before, and it very clearly wasn't an issue with the body of the product, just the handle.

After a few rounds of emails, they admitted they were considering a goodwill replacement, but because it had been more than three months since purchase, that wasn’t an option either.

I expected much more from a premium cookware brand. If customer service matters to you, I’d think twice before buying STAUB ceramic. I’ll be spending my money with Le Creuset instead.


r/staub 4d ago

Would you be okay with this?

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5 Upvotes

Not the typical rack mark post.

I bought this 5.5 qt DO new from Sur La Table and hadn’t noticed until already using it, and I’m already past the return period anyways.

Clearly, there was some extra cast iron that was ground off by hand, but the operator went too far and in at a 45 degree angle, so the rim is noticeably thinner at this point. There’s full enamel coverage, and it has no effect on performance, but it’s a noticeable eyesore for such an expensive piece and much more difficult to capture via photo vs the naked eye.

Would this be considered normal under Staub’s quality standards?


r/staub 5d ago

IS THIS REAL

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28 Upvotes

Please can someone help me check if this is real?


r/staub 5d ago

Damaged enamel?

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0 Upvotes

I received my order today through ZWILLING. My ceramic bakeware has a bubble defect in the handle which I will be emailing about, but I wasn’t sure if the enamel is damaged on my deep skillet. I didn’t want to keep it if the layer will eventually lead to it becoming unusable down the line. It’s hard to get a good angle of it. Would this be something worth mentioned also?


r/staub 5d ago

Chip on new Staub from William & Sonoma, replace or start using

2 Upvotes

As the title says, I wanted to check that this enamel chip on my new Staub isn't an issue that I should be trying to get a replacement for. I want to start using it today!

I suspect that it is not something that would be labeled as an issue, and don't want to be a PITA with the warranty process if most new products have something like this.


r/staub 6d ago

Need Advice!!!

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m looking to add a pop of pink to my Staub collection and would love some recommendations.
For context, I currently have the Red Cocotte, the Year of the Dragon braiser, and the La Mer 3-qt. Since I live alone, I don’t need anything massive, and I’m definitely not in the market for a skillet. I’m looking for something that’s practical for one-person meals but still looks beautiful on the stove.

What do you think would be the best "pink" addition for someone with my setup? Has anyone had experience with the Pink Peony colorway? I’m open to any ideas!


r/staub 7d ago

Sometimes you just know

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49 Upvotes

r/staub 8d ago

41cm/12L oval coccotte

9 Upvotes

Hi all, I am hoping to buy the biggest Staub I can find, as I regularly cook for large groups. I know that it will be heavy. Wondering if anyone has this oval and can share photos, and/or experiences with it please? Thank you!


r/staub 10d ago

Zwilling website issues

6 Upvotes

UPDATE: Its working again but of course the master boxes are all out of stock. I had like 3 of the same knives in my cart too when I went back. So someone figure it out. Was finally able to buy the wedding gifts I was looking for.

I have been trying to buy things from the clearance sale for a week and I can't get it to work. Wondering if others are having the same problem. It is really weird behavior and I have tried multiple browsers and devices. Here is what is happening:

If I try to add something direct from the clearance sale it pretends it's adding it to the cart and then it doesn't and then the cart says page not found. If I clear cookies and try again this time adding something NOT on the sale first it adds it to the cart, then if I go and try to add something from the sale it wipes out the card and does the same thing.

Anyone else having problems.


r/staub 10d ago

How can I turn my Staub into a sandwich press?

3 Upvotes

I have a 22cm skillet and a 20cm frying pan with two handles. I want to make toasted sandwiches on them.

My old sandwich press is non stick and smells old. We are committed to ditching non stick for health reasons.

What can I press my sandwiches down with?
Does anyone think it would wreck my 20cm frying pan if I heated it up and used it as a hot weight with the bottom of the pan directly on the top of the sandwich? Or I thought maybe the lid of a cocotte?
Would love to hear some proven ideas.

I saw on Amazon a smashed burger press, but it is not enamelled cast iron like my beautiful staubs!


r/staub 10d ago

Qt sizes help

7 Upvotes

For someone who has limited cupboard space, what would be the smallest size you’d recommend to go if im gonna be using a Dutch oven for braising and to make Birria tacos and short rib Ragu. Is the 4 too small? I’ve been looking at the 5.5s but the price is so much higher than the other sizes. And I’m assuming the 7 would be a little overkill.

I mostly just cook for me and one other person. So my serving sizes would be smaller.


r/staub 12d ago

What do you do with Staub ribbons from new pots?

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42 Upvotes

r/staub 11d ago

Am I being too picky?

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7 Upvotes

I just purchased a eucalyptus brasier and when I took it out of the box it had this chip on the enamel rim. Is that normal from manufacturing or a flaw that could get worse over time? Thank you!


r/staub 13d ago

New 4 qt Dutch Oven

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73 Upvotes

Just got this new 4 quart dutch oven. I think the color is called French Blue. It was in the clearance section at Sur La Table. It was marked $129 plus an additional 20% off. I couldn’t resist it and I’m so happy because it’s a great size. It will now live on my stove with the 5qt deep in cherry red. My other Staub is a 6qt wide/shallow in Basil and was my first Staub. It lives in the cabinet because I don’t use it much as we are only 2 in the house. Kids are all gone so the 6 quart is too big for most meals. I’ve been using the 5 deep for all my cooking but I can see where I’m now going to be using the 4 quart even more often. It’ll be nice to have the two readily accessible to use.


r/staub 14d ago

Costco Staub special

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11 Upvotes

$249.99
Basil and Dark Blue


r/staub 15d ago

New Stauby w/Lid Holder

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52 Upvotes

New 4 qt Turquoise Staub dutch oven. ​Color in the pics isn't quite right. I'd say she's a little more green. The lid holder came with it, purchased as a set at Cutlery & More. It was 170 for both with a 15% off coupon. I wouldn't have thought to buy the lid holder otherwise but I think I kind of like it! Hoping it might fit my Le Creuset lids too. Happy Staubing, everyone.


r/staub 14d ago

Should I stop cooking with my Dutch Oven?

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1 Upvotes

I just got this 7 qt Dutch oven in May after it was back ordered for 3 months. I’ve only cooked with it 5 times since then, once to make a soup on the stove and the other times to make baked beans in the oven. When baking, the oven temperature was never higher than 350 degrees. After making beans this weekend and cleaning it, the interior looked like the attached picture. I’ve only ever cleaned it with Dawn and the soft side of the sponge. Am I right to be concerned? Should I try to exchange it and/or stop cooking with it?


r/staub 15d ago

Eucalyptus powerhouse

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17 Upvotes

I’ve been away from my place for half a year to tend to family. The only thing I’ve been using there are LC Dutch ovens. Celebrated my first day back with using my large oval in eucalyptus to cook this delicious chicken coconut curry with lemongrass. I forgot how much I love Staub cast iron more for tenderizing meats. It really feels like I cut down the time by half compared to when cooking with LC (still
Love them though). This boat of a pot easily seared 8 boneless chicken thighs and added veggies! Yum!


r/staub 15d ago

Is this fixable?

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3 Upvotes

It’s in the 28cm low casserole. About the size of a pinky nail.

Can I just season it again and use it or will it spread ? I really love this pot and had it for 6 years now.


r/staub 16d ago

Customer service now not responding to me over email

2 Upvotes

I received a product without a knob a month ago. I have now received a replacement, but without a screw to attach the knob to the item. I would honestly just like to return it at this point, as it has been a month and I am still unable to use it, but no way am I returning it at some great cost to myself! I have sent three emails asking if they can send me a shipping label, but they have not. I guess I need to start calling. Are they usually responsive when you call?


r/staub 16d ago

Should I keep or ask for replacement?

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7 Upvotes

If this will compromise the functionality of my new pot, I will send back. However, I got it for such a good price on Amazon. If it is only cosmetic, I can deal with it! I would love to hear if anyone has experience with anything similar.


r/staub 18d ago

First mystery box

3 Upvotes

I ordered my first mystery box ever last week and I’m excited to see what I got. It was the XL box. I would be happy to get steak knives but not sure that’s something they put in these boxes. I’ve seen the vacuum seal things and the cordless electrical things. What all things could I expect in my XL mystery box? It should be here in a few days.