Chipped My Le Creuset Enamel. Now What?

Le Creuset cookware is not only one of the best performing brands on the market, but it also looks amazing. Even if you aren’t known to cook gourmet meals in dutch ovens all that often, you might still want to own a Le Creuset simply for its shiny and colorful enamel.

But these statement pieces aren’t cheap. So, when you notice the enamel has chipped on your Le Creuset, you will want to know what your options are to fix the problem.

When your Le Creuset enamel chips you should stop using it and see if the damage falls within the company’s lifetime warranty.

You should not attempt to repair the chip yourself. Make sure you follow the proper procedure when mailing a chipped piece back to Le Creuset.

If the item was intentionally or recklessly damaged, or the care instructions were neglected, you might not be eligible for a free replacement.

Even though the Le Creuset company prides itself on its durability and high-quality enamel, accidents and damage can occur. The good news is that while you likely paid a pretty penny for the cookware item, there is a good chance that your chipped cookware is still under warranty.

As you prepare for the next steps, you should understand the different types of chipping and how they are caused and should be addressed.

Exterior chipping happens on the outside of the pan. This means that the vibrant color is what is chipping off, rather than the porcelain-looking interior.

This is an eyesore for sure. However, the good news is you can still use your Le Creuset if you have exterior chips.

This is because the chips are not in direct contact with food, and no remnants are likely to end up in your mouth. You should still make sure you address this issue and follow the steps to see if the damage falls within the warranty.

Interior chipping is when you notice chipping on the inside of the Le Creuset cookware.

This often happens at the base or along the interior walls of the item. Interior chipping should be taken seriously, as they can continue to chip.

This new chipping could occur when you are cooking and stirring the pot. This means you could consume the enamel, which could crack your teeth or cause other internal damage.

If your Le Creuset has internal chipping, stop cooking with it immediately, and instead start the warranty return process.

The lid of Le Creuset pans is another common place to find chipping. This can result from banging a lid a bit too hard, or even from dropping a lid on the ground.

Lid chips can occur on the exterior, the rim or the interior. The rim and lip of the interior are common places to find these chips.

While much of the lid is not exposed to food, some interior and lid chips can continue to chip, and as a result fall into the food.

So, use your judgment, but in many cases, unless the chip is all on the outside, then you might want to cook without the lid until you have it replaced.

If you notice chipping on your Le Creuset cookware, not only should you stop using it for the time being, but you should also not try to fix it yourself.

The reason for this is that any “fix” you are likely going to try will not properly match the enamel, and is unlikely to stand the test of time.

Le Creuset uses its own patented enamel that has its signature shine, colors and longevity. Therefore, using any other means of repair or replacement is likely to show.

Additionally, if you try to manipulate and repair the crack yourself, you might make things worse. In doing so you might even render the product void of its warranty.

So, think twice before you try a DIY on this one.

Many Le Creuset fans rave and stand by the company’s lifetime warranty.

Even with products more than 5 or 10 years old, if the enamel chips, the company will likely send you a new product within a month, as long as you follow the return guidelines.

While Le Creuset is true to its word when it comes to its lifetime warranty, there are several circumstances where a product is not eligible for warranty that we listed below.

The Item Was Intentionally Damaged. If you think you can chip the enamel with a tool and get a brand new one in a new color, you are mistaken. The experts at Le Creuset make it clear that intentionally damaged products are not eligible for replacement.

The Care Instructions Were Completely Neglected. If the chipping is caused due to neglecting the care instructions, like using metal spoons or knives, you might be denied.

You Bought The Item Second Hand. The warranty applies to the original owner. So if you find a chipped Le Creuset item at a flea market and think you can send it away for a new one, you will find yourself disappointed.

Gifted items, however, should be approved (as long as they are given new).

The Product Does Not Fall Within The Lifetime Warranty. While all the cast iron enamel cookware, for the most part, comes with a lifetime warranty, some Le Creuset products do not. Items like tea kettles, for example, have a limited warranty.

If you notice a chip in your Le Creuset’s enamel, you might feel anger and distress. The cookware is, after all, quite expensive. Lucky for you, one of the reasons Le Creuset is so expensive is because most of the products have a lifetime warranty.

So, if you notice a chip, see if your item is eligible for replacement and follow the steps to have it replaced. Keep in mind you must be the original owner. The lifetime warranty also does not cover intentional or reckless damage.