Care & Cleaning
Caring for Your Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Use On Low to Medium Heat Only
Stovetop Agnostic
500°F Max Oven Heat
Handwash Only
Alva Nori cast iron is coated in enamel — which means no seasoning, ever. Follow these tips to keep it beautiful for a lifetime.
Quick Tips for Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
1. No Seasoning Required: The enamel coating replaces seasoning entirely — your pan is ready to cook on straight out of the box, and stays that way for life.
2. Let It Cool Before Washing: Never move a hot pan straight to cold water. Sudden temperature changes (thermal shock) can crack or craze the enamel.
3. Hand Wash Gently: Warm, soapy water and a soft sponge are all you need. Enamel is non-porous, so soap is always fine.
4. Use Gentle Utensils: Wooden, silicone, or nylon tools protect the enamel finish. Metal utensils can leave marks over time.
5. Store with Care: Enamel can chip if knocked. If stacking, place a cloth or paper towel between pieces.
How to Clean Your Enameled Cast Iron
Step 1 — Let It Cool: Allow the pan to cool completely before washing to protect the enamel from thermal shock.
Step 2 — Wash: Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or brush. Skip steel wool, scouring powder, and abrasive pads — they dull and scratch the enamel.
Step 3 — Loosen Stuck-On Food: Soak in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes. For baked-on residue, simmer water with a spoonful of baking soda in the pan for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Step 4 — Dry Completely: Towel-dry before storing. If your piece has an exposed cast-iron rim, wipe it with a drop of neutral oil to keep it rust-free.
Do's
- Cook on low to medium heat — cast iron retains heat so well that more is rarely needed.
- Let the pan cool before washing.
- Use wooden or silicone utensils to protect the finish.
- Lift stains with a baking soda paste or a gentle simmer of water and baking soda.
- Dry completely and cushion pieces when stacking.
Don'ts
- Don't shock hot enamel with cold water — it can crack.
- Don't use steel wool, metal scourers, or abrasive cleaners.
- Don't preheat an empty pan on high — overheating can discolor the enamel.
- Don't put it in the dishwasher — harsh detergents dull the enamel over time.
- Don't worry about seasoning — the enamel coating makes it unnecessary.
How to Remove Stains & Baked-On Food
Step 1 — Simmer: Fill the pan with an inch of water, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to lift baked-on residue.
Step 2 — Scrape Softly: Once loosened, nudge residue free with a wooden spoon or silicone scraper — never metal.
Step 3 — Brighten: For lingering stains or discoloration inside the enamel, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit 15 minutes, then wipe clean, rinse, and dry.
Shop Enameled Cast Iron
Enameled Cast Iron
Frequently Asked Questions
No — Alva Nori cast iron is coated in enamel, which replaces seasoning entirely. It's ready to cook on out of the box and never needs oil baked onto it. If your piece has an exposed cast-iron rim, an occasional wipe with a drop of neutral oil keeps it rust-free.
Yes — enamel is non-porous, so warm, soapy water is the recommended way to clean it. Just avoid abrasive pads and steel wool, which can scratch and dull the finish.
Yes. Unlike bare cast iron, enamel is non-reactive — tomatoes, wine, citrus, and vinegar-based dishes are all safe, with no metallic taste and no damage to the surface.
Simmer water with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda for 5-10 minutes, or apply a baking soda paste and let it sit before wiping clean. Avoid overheating an empty pan, which is the most common cause of discoloration.
We recommend hand washing. Dishwasher detergents are abrasive and will gradually dull the enamel's gloss, and knocking against other items can chip it.
Thoughtful cookware, designed in Belgium since 1949.