As with all metal surfaces in contact with high temperatures, please take caution when handling Le Creuset Teakettles heated on the stove. Le Creuset proudly uses high heat resistant plastic on our handles and whistles; however, we encourage you to use an oven mitt or silicone Cool Tool™ to avoid any burn or injury from heat or hot steam.

• Before first use – Remove all packaging and labels. Wash teakettle in hot water with a mild detergent; rinse well and dry thoroughly. Make sure that handle is secured in the locked position.

• When filling the teakettle with water, only fill water above the first layer of holes on the spout (see diagram on box for more information).

• For efficient and safe boiling, always use a similar size burner as the base size of the teakettle.

• Do not bang stockpot or teakettle down onto stove’ surface or work surface. Repeated banging may damage the exterior enamel.

• Do not place the teakettle on the heat source without having water in the kettle. Never leave teakettle simmering for long periods on any heat source; it may boil dry which can result in damage to the base and enamel.

• Do not leave water standing in stockpot or teakettle when product is not in use. A buildup of scale may occur and reduce efficiency.

• Before pouring from your teakettle, remove teakettle from burner and ensure handle is "locked" in upright position.

• Use teakettle on stovetop only. Never place teakettle in the oven, microwave or dishwasher.

• To clean, simply hand wash the teakettle with hot soapy water, and dry thoroughly.

• Le Creuset Teakettles can be used with all cook top types, including induction.

• Avoid banging teakettle down onto stove’s surface or work surface. Repeated banging may damage the exterior enamel.

This information is from the Le Creuset Company website

Back in the old days, cast iron cookware was used on a cast iron Dutch oven to cook. But what is the difference between these two? Well, for one, cast iron enamel cookware, much like any cast iron cookware set, is a heavy type of metal cooking set that relies on heat from some kind of source to cook with. You can fry with it, bake with it, or anything. A lot of people do not necessarily like cast iron Dutch ovens or cast iron cookware sets because they are so much heavier. Also, most Dutch ovens require you to use wood or coal to fuel it, as this is what was used back in the old days.

While cast iron does have a few drawbacks, there are also advantages to cooking with it. For one, it is so heavy that you get a lot of support while frying stuff up. Have you ever been stirring a big skillet of potatoes in a newer, more flimsy skillet, and had it spill right over? Well, this is not a problem in a cast iron cookware set. Another great thing about this cookware is that you can get seasoned cast iron cookware that will make your food taste and smell more seasoned. These are more of specialty items though they might cost you a bit more, but they definitely make up for it with how effective they are. You can actually season a cast iron skillet yourself, but this is a method that takes a bit of practice and knowledge to accomplish.

Here is how to season a cast iron skillet. You must first remove all of the paper and plastic packaging. After that, you will clean the skillet thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure to dry it when you are done! Once you do this, get some grease, oil, or shortening and coat the inside of the skillet with it. Once you do this, place the skillet upside down in the oven, and turn the heat up to about 350 degrees. Place a cookie sheet underneath it so that you can catch any unwanted grease before it drips onto the burners. Leave the skillet in the oven for about an hour. Don’t worry if it smokes a bit that means that the oil is slowly filling up all the tiny crevices in the metal so that food cannot become trapped in them. From now on, do not use water to clean the inside of your cast iron cookware, but rather paper towels and salt.