Can You Put Dutch Ovens in the Dishwasher?

You Shouldn’t Even Though Some are Dishwasher Safe, Wash by Hand

Dutch ovens are a staple in modern kitchens due to their versatility. The heavy-duty pots can brown veggies, sear steaks, bake bread, and boil simple dishes like pasta. They have thicker walls than regular pots to retain heat and allow browning and caramelization of ingredients.

Closeup Look at a Dutch Oven Being Very Gently Cleaned

Their overall construction makes them pretty pricey hence the need to look for ways to prolong their life. One aspect that causes Dutch ovens to wear out quickly is cleaning them. Many users can’t decide whether to wash them by hand or use a dishwasher. So, can you put a Dutch oven in the dishwasher?

Are Dutch Ovens Dishwasher Safe?

To be safe, check the manufacturer’s instructions or the bottom of the Dutch oven to learn if your Dutch oven is safe for the dishwasher. While you may find that your Dutch oven like many others is labeled dishwasher safe, homeowners quickly realize that washing them by hand is the best way to preserve their shine and luster. Dishwasher detergent can be abrasive and break down the layer coating the oven making it dull over time.

Even Though Officially Dishwasher Safe, Le Creuset Strongly Recommends Hand Washing Their Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

While a cast iron dutch oven may be relatively dishwasher safe, placing enameled cast iron cookware in the dishwasher may have adverse effects over time. This is because the cast iron material is left unprotected, causing the finish to become porous and rust. Without the protective finish, the oven becomes prone to chipping, drying, and cracking.

Keep Your Dutch Oven Out of Your Dishwasher - A Dishwasher Can Shorten the Life of Your Dutch Oven

The effects of washing Dutch ovens in a dishwasher vary by brand and the material used in their construction.

Dishwashing Seasoned Cast-iron Dutch Ovens

Dutch ovens made from seasoned cast iron are layered with oils that give them a lasting shine. However, dishwashing the cast iron cookware scrapes off these oils, exposing them to:

• Chips: The cast iron particles break and spread to other utensils in the dishwasher.
• Cracks: When the oven is constantly exposed to heat and cold, causing it to break.
• Rust: This is the first indication that dishwashing seasoned cast-iron isn’t healthy. The cleaners strip it off the protective seasoning, exposing it to rust.

The best way to clean seasoned cast-iron Dutch ovens is using hot, soapy water (use a mild dish soap) and a soft sponge or nylon brush to scrape off stubborn food particles. Then rinse, dry the oven with a towel and invert it to a flat surface to allow it to dry thoroughly.

Some good housekeeping tips to help you clean seasoned cast iron Dutch ovens correctly include:

• Allow the oven to cool down before cleaning. Note that cast iron ovens take longer to cool off, so you should be patient enough.
• Use hot water and a sponge or nylon brush to remove the particles.
• In case of stubborn stains, use water, some elbow grease, and kosher salt to remove them. Kosher salt is an excellent abrasive for seasoned cast-iron Dutch ovens as it doesn’t scrape off the protective layer. Sprinkle the salt on areas where the food is stuck, add water, and use a sponge to remove the stain. Once the stain comes off, wash the pot with warm water and a sponge.
• Occasional seasoning comes in handy, especially if the coating appears dull. Rub some oil onto the surface, allow it to dry, and store the oven.

Enameled Dutch Ovens Should NOT Be Treated as Dishwaser Safe

The enameled Dutch oven is one of the best Dutch ovens on the market. It’s made from cast iron and coated with enamel, the white layer seen inside the pot, which retains heat.

Use Warm Soapy Water and a Sponge or Gentle Brush with Your Dutch Oven - If Using a Brush Use Care Not to Scrape the Inside of the Dutch Oven

It also prevents the cast iron material from leaching into acidic foods allowing you to safely cook recipes with vinegar, tomatoes, and wine even when simmering for an extended period. In addition, enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens don’t need seasoning because they’re sealed in multiple coats of enamel.

The coats prevent pitting corrosion and other damage caused by exposure to moisture and oxygen. When cleaning Dutch ovens, the primary goal is to preserve the white layer because it’s prone to chipping or scratching if not cared for.

An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven isn’t dishwasher safe. It’s best to hand wash it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush. Then wipe it with a paper towel or dry cloth before storage. Be sure to let it cool down before cleaning it. Pouring cold water on a hot oven causes thermal shock, which cracks the enameled surface.

Some enameled cast iron ovens develop brown or dull gray stains, which can be challenging to remove. You can use a mild abrasive like Bar Keepers Friend cleanser, usually applied with a sponge or nylon brush, to remove the stains.

Alternatively, soak the cookware in warm water and dish soap and add a generous amount of baking soda before scrubbing. If the stain is stubborn, add water and dish soap to the oven and cook the solution on low heat until it comes loose. After ten minutes of scrubbing, pour and wash the pot with warm, soapy water.

You could be tempted to use metal scouring pads to remove the stain, but they will only scratch and remove the protective enamel coating. It’s best to prevent the stubborn stains from sticking onto the pot in the first place by pre-heating it over moderate heat.

Dishwasher Safety by Brand

A few brands regard their Dutch ovens as dishwasher safe. Here are some of them:

Le Creuset

Le Creuset Dutch ovens are coated with enamel which makes them dishwasher safe - however Le Crueset recommends hand washing instead of using the dishwasher to preserve the Dutch Oven. The coating is resistant to staining and cracking, but continuous cleaning in the dishwasher dulls the finish. Although the dull finish isn’t harmful and doesn’t impede the oven’s performance, handwashing keeps the oven in pristine condition.

Lodge

Lodge makes enameled Dutch ovens, so they are dishwasher safe. However, Lodge strongly recommends handwashing instead of the dishwasher to lengthen the lifespan of your Dutch oven.

Pioneer Woman

Dutch ovens from Pioneer Woman are made from stainless steel, making them dishwasher safe. Since they don’t have coatings, the harsh dishwasher cleaners won’t damage the pot. Pioneer Woman Dutch ovens can also be washed by hand.

Staub

Staub Dutch oven cookware is labeled dishwasher safe, but most users prefer washing it by hand.

Brands Whose Dutch Ovens Definitely aren’t Dishwasher Safe

Some brands require users to hand wash their Dutch ovens because they aren’t dishwasher safe. They include:

• Martha Stewart: Dutch ovens from Martha Stewart aren’t dishwasher safe. The best way to maintain their shine, color, and protective coating is to wash them by hand.
• Tramontina: Dutch ovens from Thamontina are enamel-coated but not dishwasher safe.
• Wolfgang Puck: Ovens from Wolfgang Puck must be hand washed to keep them durable.

FAQs

So the answer to the question, “can you put a Dutch oven in the dishwasher?” depends on the brand. If you still have questions about Dutch ovens, here are a few answers to the most frequently asked question.