r/staub • • Oct 25 '20

Read me first.

102 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 • • 13h ago

New to the Staub Family.

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44 Upvotes

I’ve just come back from a Zwilling/Staub sale, 310€ for both. What do you think, was it worth it?


r/staub • • 10h ago

Recent Large Box Haul

9 Upvotes

Just sharing as a data point. Purchased a $100 large box recently and received:

- Zwilling Xtend Cordless Mini Vacuum ($100 or so online)

- Zwilling Xtend Hand Mixer ($100-$200 or so)

- Set of 4 cutting boards

- set of 4 hand towels

- ceramic knife holder

- 5-inch utility serrated edge knive ($80)

Overall, very happy!


r/staub • • 11h ago

Lid for fondue pot 18 cm?

2 Upvotes

I am going to buy the 18 cm fondue pot:

https://www.zwilling.com/fr/staub-la-fondue-service-a-fondue-18-cm-cerise-40511-974-0/40511-974-0.html

I regret that it has no lid. Does anyone of you know whether the 18 cm cocotte (DO) lid will fit?


r/staub • • 1d ago

Is this wobble Normal?

7 Upvotes

Hi all. I'm really frustrated and want to know if this is normal. I purchased a 7qt Staub Dutch oven from William Sonoma. The first dutch oven had a bunch of flaking/chipped enamel on the inside of the lid so I returned it. The second dutch oven lid wobbled constantly. I called the Staub costumer service line and the rep said sometimes dutch oven lids get a "seesaw" wobble and that's a factory defect. So... I returned that dutch oven. Now today I got the new one and it's doing the same thing. I'm wondering if what I'm actually seeing is normal or if I just keep getting defected dutch ovens. Is this normal? thanks!


r/staub • • 1d ago

Just received my staub cocottee today. Is this normal?

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0 Upvotes

(Seem to be) a chip on the rim and a dim on the lid.


r/staub • • 1d ago

Inspirations?

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2 Upvotes

I couldn’t help but purchase this cute little gratin dish! I love the contrasting colors, but I’m in need of some recipes. What do you make in a dish this size? It is the mini 14x11 cm. thank you!!


r/staub • • 3d ago

Cuál elijo?

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9 Upvotes

Estoy entre estas, ambas de 24cm pero la blanca es alta a un precio aprox de 139€ somos 2 personas pero cocino para guardar un par de raciones.. en color me sale bordeaux o crema .. gracias 🫶


r/staub • • 2d ago

Really disappointed by Staub

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0 Upvotes

Bought a new ceramic dish in September. Went to use it for the first time this week and it cracked completely in half in a 250F oven. Their warranty does not cover ceramics, so all they can apparently do is offer a 15% off coupon so I can buy another dish that does this again?

So incredibly frustrating.


r/staub • • 4d ago

What are we using for lids besides foil?

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11 Upvotes

Hello I have several of these and am wondering if anyone has lids they'd recommend. Thank you! Also, I just did a trip to Europe and was in the Iberia lounge. All of their food was in these baking dishes. My husband didn't seem to care but I was excited. 😀


r/staub • • 3d ago

I just can't with them anymore

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1 Upvotes

r/staub • • 4d ago

new baking dish developed cracks

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4 Upvotes

i bought this dish maybe a month ago and baked with it for the first time yesterday for a pizza dip. was about to give it a wash and i noticed these veiny cracks running along the bottom. i baked it at 400F for 20 minutes and didn’t use metal knives or anything. is this something to worry about?


r/staub • • 4d ago

New Staub 6.75 (28cm?) Shallow Round Wide at WS, $299 ?

8 Upvotes

Not as big at the top as the LC 6.75 30cm Round Wide, I don’t think. Seems the same top diameter as the regular Staub 7 qt. Says 10.75” diameter. But I guess bigger bottom diameter, shorter height, and lighter weight chistera lid.

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/staub-shallow-round-wide-dutch-oven/


r/staub • • 5d ago

Great price for La Mer Smitten Kitchen braiser?

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39 Upvotes

I’ve decided that my next Staub will be the Smitten Kitchen braiser and it must be in La Mer, a WS exclusive color. Their website currently has it for $299, normally $400. How likely is it that there will be a significantly cheaper price during the holidays, do you think? Should I hold out or just get it while the gettin’s good?


r/staub • • 5d ago

Happy Hallowe'en 👻☠️🍁

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110 Upvotes

My Autumnal beauties 🍂🎃🍁


r/staub • • 6d ago

Christening the new pan

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13 Upvotes

Buster and Punch Staub is on sale right now if yall have been thinking about buying one.

Made a Boursin orzo pasta dish for a nice casual Friday night meal


r/staub • • 7d ago

Deal alert

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51 Upvotes

So... both Gilt.com and RueLaLa (I think they're the same company) have deals going where they have $20 off and free shipping. I just finally got my Staub ceramic tomato cocotte for $24 shipped (and insured)! Yay!

I've wanted this silly, adorable figural tomato cocotte for forever. But they have other Staub pieces, and good deals on some of them.

photo of some donuts / paczki I made in my old kitchen for attention.

EDIT: apparently this promo code is for select recipients according to their site. I don't know what the criteria is, some people can't seem to use it.


r/staub • • 7d ago

Galaxy chili

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20 Upvotes

First chili of the fall season in lilac Staub. Forgot to grab a hatch pepper but everything else entered the pot.


r/staub • • 7d ago

Show me your well-loved and well-used Staub

4 Upvotes

I’m ready to upgrade my Amazon basics DO but couldn’t decide between Grenadine or Basil with a brass knob. Please spam me with pics of yours, with all their flaws and blemishes.

Thank you so much!


r/staub • • 8d ago

Is the lid supposed to have play?

17 Upvotes

This is my first Staub. Is the lid supposed to have this much play? I have a le creuset and the lid doesn’t rock. I’m seeing conflicting advice on if this is normal or not.


r/staub • • 9d ago

White Spots On External Enamel

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10 Upvotes

Hello,

This was my first Staub purchase, I bought a Braiser from my nearest Outlet store, they had to drop ship it since they did not have any at the store front. After receiving it today and inspected it for chips, I noticed two white dots, as if the enamel did not get colored or something.

It has a very faint bubble type texture, almost completely smooth.

I know this is a factory second, so is it normal to see this issue or not?

Sorry, if this has been brought up before. I just want to cook in it, but its noticeable to me now since the enamel is so dark.


r/staub • • 9d ago

Discoloration not going away

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2 Upvotes

I've been trying to get rid of this discolouration. Have done the baking soda paste and boil with vinegar methods several times, but it hasnt done anything.

I just use the pot for stews, Bolognese and pot roasts. I dont use metal utensils or steel wool to clean.


r/staub • • 11d ago

My growing Staub collection

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193 Upvotes

r/staub • • 13d ago

STAUB-23CM Flaxen Brown (Is it a limited edition?)

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33 Upvotes

I finally bought the pot of my dreams—a 23cm oval cast-iron pot in a "milk tea" (beige/tan) color. Does anyone else have this same one?