"Steve Pope" > wrote in message
...
> jay > wrote:
>
>> My LeCreuset is old and still looks new. Maybe they can actually
>> take it. I bet it will still be cooking long after I'm not.
>
> Le Creuset says the max is 375 F for pieces with the phenolic
> handle (i.e. the lid). That says to me higher temperatures are okay
> for the pot itself. I think it is reasonable to heat the Le Crueset
> to a medium temperature, then heat it additionally to a higher
> temperature if your recipe calls for high initial heat for browning.
> So long as you don't put it cold into a really hot oven.
>
> But I don't have much experience doing this, I always cook things
> at a steady temperature, usually lower than 375 F.
>
> Steve

The problem is not the heat, but the rate it is heated. The cast iron and
the coating do not expand and contract at the same rate. As they move, the
coating can lose its bond and chunks come off. Gentle heating should allow
you to take it as hot as your home oven can get.