Le Creuset Skillet with Damaged Non-stick Layer

L

LeslieG

New member
I purchased a now- vintage Le Creuset enameled CI skillet in the 80s. Its got a wooden handle in perfect condition. The cast iron bottom says Feu Doux, low heat, made in France 26. Its a beautiful dark blue enamel in decent condition.

When I purchased, it was a truly non-stick surface similar to Teflon. Over the years, it has developed pits and flaking areas where a black plastic like substance is coming off. I refuse to use it in this condition! It occurred to me after researching cast iron seasoning etc that maybe this skillet is still salvageable if I can completely remove the non-stick coating and reveal the cast iron. Once I started researching this idea, I realize it is not so easy to determine the truth as there is so much misinformation online--grr!! On a cooking website, there are people who don't "believe" that Le Creuset ever made a CI pan with a non-stick coating (really?) and the entire thread becomes "did so, did not" etc etc.

Some people claim that once you remove the non-stick layer, there is yet another strange "gray" layer of metal that doesn't appear to be iron. What would it be? And could you safely cook on it? Will being more vigorous with an Avanti grinder pad be the way to get to the iron layer?

My plan was to use a power drill with an abrasive Avant pad, then maybe switch to a steel brush attachment if necessary. I don't have access to sandblasting unless I sent it out. Does any one have any experience or suggestions with this situation? I hate to never use this nice skillet (12"?) again even though I have others that are non enameled.
 
Sounds like too many unknowns and a whole lot of trouble. Whatever the case, I don't think you'll find the kind of iron surface beneath whatever's there to be all that suitable for cooking. LC really needs the iron surface texture to be optimal for the enamel to adhere (or in this case Teflon and whatever may be under it), and not as a cooking surface itself. Rims of LC pots and edges of lids where the iron is just clear glazed give an idea of what's under the enamel, kind of rough and sandpaper-y.
 
As a follow up to this post, this is what happened. I contacted Le Creuset, and the service rep was very nice and accommodating.She asked me if I had done anything to the pan like sanding or sandblasting, as if I did, it would void the warranty. She said there was a lifetime warranty on this pan's surface, and since it failed, they would replace the skillet. They promptly sent me a beautiful replacement skillet, bright enamel of my color choice, with a black cooking surface. How awesome is that?! I'm very impressed with Le Creuset and just want to get the word out what a great company they are. This is probably the most responsive customer experience I've ever had.
 
Had the same experience with LC. My aquired pan $3 was enamel cook surface which was chipped in several places. Sent it in to them they gave me the new, replacement skillet for 60 % off because I had not origionaly purchased it. Which was a steal in my book!! You can cook on it and dishwasher it if you wish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top