Important Safety Warnings
- Never use oven spray cleaners on exterior enamel — these destroy the finish.
- Avoid all abrasive scrubbers, scouring pads, and powders.
- Do not let acidic liquids (lemon juice, vinegar, wine) sit on enamel.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Daily: Wipe While Warm
After cooking, once the range has cooled to a safe warm temperature, wipe exterior enamel surfaces with a damp soft cloth. This prevents oils and vapors from baking onto the surface.
Weekly: Mild Soap Clean
Mix a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap in warm water. Using a soft sponge, clean the enamel panels working in the direction of any subtle grain. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately.
Address Spills Immediately
Acidic foods — tomato, lemon, wine — will etch enamel if left to sit. Blot immediately with a damp cloth. Do not rub, as this spreads the acid and may scratch the surface.
Remove Stubborn Marks
For stubborn grease near burners, apply a baking-soda paste on a soft cloth. Gently work in small circles, rinse thoroughly, then dry. Never use more pressure than needed.
Polish Annually
Once or twice a year, a specialist enamel polish designed for high-fired glass-ceramic surfaces can restore deep gloss. Consult your La Cornue service technician for product recommendations specific to your color.
What Is La Cornue's Enamel?
La Cornue's exterior finish is not paint. It is a vitreous enamel — a glass-based coating applied in multiple layers over the cast-iron frame and kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures. Each La Cornue is finished by hand, which is why no two ranges are identical, and why bespoke colors are achievable. This glass-over-iron construction gives the enamel exceptional durability against heat and humidity, but it is vulnerable to impact, abrasion, and concentrated acids.
The Risk of Chips
Unlike paint or powder coat, enamel is somewhat brittle. A sharp impact from a cast-iron pan or a heavy pot handle can chip the glass layer. Small chips are primarily cosmetic, but larger chips can expose the iron substrate to moisture, leading to rust expansion under the enamel. If you notice a chip, touch up with La Cornue-approved enamel repair compound promptly.
Protecting Rare Custom Colors
If your La Cornue is finished in a custom or limited-edition color, obtaining future touch-up compound requires the original factory color code. This code is recorded on the product specification sheet delivered with your range — store this document safely. Our technicians can help identify the code from the serial number if the documentation has been lost.
Still Experiencing Issues?
Our factory-trained technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any La Cornue appliance.