My husband says that the enamel used on our new pans (le creuset) cannot realistically be damaged by gentle contact with metal utensils because enamel is not that fragile.
I’ve read from a lot of different sources that metal utensils absolutely do scratch the enamel, even with a light touch, but I’ve never seen an explanation as to HOW they do this.
In: Engineering
He’s right that gentle contact with metal will not scratch enameled cast iron. It’s also true that people aren’t always as gentle as they intend to be. So why take the risk?
Enamel can be scratched. But, scratched doesn’t necessarily mean damaged. And, I doubt it is going to be due to a “light touch”
Keep in mind – when looking for information like this online, you’re going to find people who are super-extremely over cautious with their stuff. So “damage” to them will be “Yeah, if you hold it just like this, and turn your head, you can just barely see a tiny scratch”
It absolutely depends on the type of metal.
While enamel is a 5.5 on the mohs scale,
Some metals like plain steel can get up to 6, some are lower.
Higher number destroys lower number.
Enamel paint is very durable but at the end of the day it’s still just a paint. It’s not magic; you can absolutely scratch it.
From Le Creuset:
> For stirring comfort and surface protection, Le Creuset silicone tools are recommended. Wooden or heat-resistant plastic tools may also be used. Metal tools, spoons or balloon whisks may be used, but require special care – they should not be scraped over the enamel surface. Do not knock these on the rim of the pan.
Keep in mind that some ‘scratches’ are actually the metal smearing on the glass enamel coating, as opposed to creating a small groove. Those dark streaks will likely come off with some Barkeeper’s Friend and a Magic Eraser.
Something harder can scratch something softer.
Of course, there are a lot of physics that goes on like amount of pressure, or shape of the items. The back of a spoon likely won’t scratch the enamel but stabbing a pointy folk on it probably will.
Considering how expensive le creuset can be, better to be gentle.
Though they do have a lifetime warranty and are very loose with applying it.
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