Cooking & Care
Differences Between Sand and Black Satin Enamel
You might have noticed that Le Creuset has two different options when it comes to the interiors of our enamelled cast iron cookware, and we’re often asked about the differences between the two. Our light-coloured sand interior enamel is the most common, while the other is our matte black satin enamel. Both are enamel coatings, but each has a specific function and use. Read on to learn about the similarities and differences.
About Our Sand Interior Enamel
Light-coloured sand interiors are found inside our iconic Signature Cast Iron Casseroles and most of our other enamelled cast iron cookware. The glossy sand-coloured finish is, in fact, an enamel coating – a type of glass. Most importantly, the coating serves several purposes and does not need to be pre-seasoned, making our enamelled cast iron cookware simple to maintain.
The light-coloured sand enamel allows for better monitoring of the cooking process and is well suited to moist cooking methods. You can easily see the brown bits (known as fond) on the bottom of the cooking surface and keep watch, so that they don’t burn. The sand enamel's smooth, almost glossy finish also means food is less likely to stick for fuss-free clean up.
One of the many benefits of using an enamel coating is that glass is inert, meaning it won’t absorb odours or flavours from your food. It's also great for storing leftovers and won't react with acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus. If you find that the sand enamel has become stained via the cooking process, don't worry! These stains are not permanent and can be cleaned with the help of our Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner and Protector or even readily available baking soda.
One-Pot Perfection
Use our cookware with sand enamel interiors for a wide range of mouth-watering dishes.
About Our Black Satin Interior Enamel
Black satin enamel is mostly found on the interior of our Signature Skillets, Frying Pans and fan-favourite Grills. With its matte black finish, many think this surface is raw cast iron. However, this is not the case, and Le Creuset's innovative glass enamel coating applied to the cast iron creates a much easier use and clean surface than traditional raw cast iron.
Similar to our sand enamel, the black satin enamel requires no pre-seasoning. It is ideal for grilling, searing, and other dry cooking methods and results in a lovely brown caramelised crust on your food. Our cookware retains and distributes heat so well that you need only use low-medium heat settings when cooking.
The pan’s surface will develop a beneficial patina that enhances cooking performance, reducing sticking and the need for surface oiling. While easier to maintain than raw cast iron, you still want to be careful not to scrub off the patina when you clean the pan. Be sure to read our Cleaning & Care page.
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Searing Good Flavours
Our satin black enamel interior takes flavours to delicious new heights.
Where Can I Use My Cast Iron Cookware?
Oven
Grill
Electric Hob
Ceramic Glass Cooktop
Gas Hob
Induction Hob
Cooking with Cast Iron
A lifetime of delicious meals awaits.
