FAQs
About Us
What makes Cast Iron Warehouse different?
Simple: we cut out the middlemen. We work directly with specialist foundries and sell straight to you online. This means you get premium, heavy-duty enameled cast iron without the "luxury brand" markup. No marketing fluff, just solid gear built to bake great bread.
Where are your products made?
Our cookware is responsibly and sustainably manufactured in China by specialist Foundries. We chose partners who meet strict ethical standards and really know how to handle iron. The result is high-performance cookware that rivals the expensive French brands, at a fraction of the price.
Is it safe?
100% yes. We take safety seriously. Every batch is rigorously tested to be free from Lead, Cadmium, PFOAs, and PTFEs. Our enamel is simply glass fused to iron—it’s non-toxic, non-reactive, and safe for everything from sourdough to tomato sauce.
Do you have a warranty?
If your cookware develops chipping, cracking, or flaking due to a manufacturing defect within 12 months, we’ll issue a full refund—hassle-free.Learn More.
Shipping & Orders
How much is shipping?
It’s on us. We offer Free Standard Shipping on all orders within the continental US. No minimum spend, no surprise fees at checkout.
How fast will I get my order?
Because we ship directly from our US warehouse (often via Amazon Logistics), most orders arrive within 3–5 business days.
Can I track my package?
As soon as a label is printed, you’ll get an email with a tracking link.
Can I cancel or edit my order?
You have a 60-minute window after placing your order to make changes yourself. The fastest way is to go to your Order Status Page (check your confirmation email for the link) and hit the edit/cancel button. If you get stuck or can't find the link, email support@castironwarehouse.com immediately. After that first hour, our warehouse automation takes over and the order is locked in for shipping.
Returns & Warranty
What is your return policy?
We want you to be obsessed with your purchase. If you’re not, we accept returns within 30 days of delivery. To make it easy, we provide a discounted prepaid shipping label (a flat $9.99 deducted from your refund) so you don't have to pay full retail shipping rates.
What is the warranty?
All enameled cast iron cookware from Cast Iron Warehouse comes with a 12-month warranty, covering defects in materials, construction, and workmanship under normal, non-commercial use.
My item arrived damaged. What should I do?
Please do not return the broken item. Just snap a photo of the damage and email it to support@castironwarehouse.com. We will ship you a replacement immediately, completely free of charge.
Care & Maintenance
Can I use metal utensils?
We recommend wood or silicone. Our enamel coating is tough, but over years of aggressive scraping, metal tools can leave grey marks or scratches. If you want to keep it looking brand new, treat it gently.
Can it go in the dishwasher?
We recommend hand washing with warm soapy water. Sure, it’s technically dishwasher safe, but dishwasher detergents are harsh and will dull the beautiful finish over time.
Is it oven safe?
Our cookware is built for baking and is safe up to 500°F (260°C). This covers pretty much every bread recipe, roast, or slow-cook stew you can think of.
What is "Thermal Shock" and how do I avoid it?
Thermal shock is what happens when hot iron meets cold water—it can crack the enamel (and break your heart). Rule of thumb: Never plunge a hot pot into a sink of cold water. Let it cool down on the stove or a wooden board until it’s warm to the touch, then wash it.
Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
The inside is black and feels rough. Is this raw iron?
Nope, it’s Matte Black Enamel. It looks and feels like raw cast iron, but it is fully coated. This means it’s rust-resistant and you never need to season it. Just wash it with soap and water like any other pot.
What is enameled cast iron?
Enameled cast iron is traditional cast iron covered in a glass-like enamel coating that is fused on at very high heat. Unlike bare cast iron, the enamel surface is non-reactive, so it will not interact with acidic foods, and it does not need to be seasoned or kept oiled to prevent rust.
Is enameled cast iron safe and non-toxic?
High-quality enameled cast iron uses a glass-based enamel that is non-reactive and does not rely on PTFE or PFOA-type non-stick chemicals. As long as the enamel is intact (not badly chipped or cracked), it is generally considered a safe, stable surface for everyday cooking, including acidic sauces.
Is the knob safe for 500°F (260°C)?
Unlike some older brands that use plastic (phenolic) knobs that melt, all our knobs are solid metal. They are built to handle the same heat as the iron itself. No need to unscrew them or wrap them in foil—just bake.
Sourdough & Baking
What size Dutch Oven do I need?
For a standard loaf (about 500g of flour), the sweet spot is a 5 to 6-quart pot. Anything smaller restricts the rise, and anything massive lets the steam escape too fast. Just make sure to match the shape to your dough—get an Oval pot for batards and a Round one for boules.
When do I take the lid off?
The golden rule is 20 minutes ON, 20 minutes OFF. Keep the lid on at first to trap steam and help the loaf rise (oven spring). Then take it off for the second half to let the crust harden and get that beautiful dark color.
Why is my bread gummy inside?
You probably cut into it too soon! I know it smells amazing, but if you slice sourdough while it's hot, the remaining steam escapes instantly and ruins the texture. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour so the crumb can set properly.
Can I do the "Cold Start" baking method?
It depends on the bread.
- For Sourdough: Stick to preheating. While you can start cold, you’ll miss out on that explosive "oven spring" and thin, crackly crust that comes from hitting hot iron. Preheat the pot for the best professional results.
- For Yeasted Bread: Yes, go for it! Put your dough in the cold pot, slide it into a cold oven, and set the temp (usually 400°F). It works perfectly because the dough gets a gentle final rise as the oven heats up.