FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Enamel
What is enamel? Is all LAVA cast iron cookware enameled? Does LAVA sell raw cast iron cookware?
Vitreous enamel is made by fusing powdered glass onto a substrate at high temperatures. All LAVA cast iron cookware is coated with enamel, which creates a protective layer against rusting. In addition, the enameling process contains no synthetic chemicals or cancerogenic materials. LAVA does not sell raw cast iron products.
Seasoning
What is seasoning? What kind of cookware needs seasoning?
Seasoning is baking oil onto cast iron cookware through polymerization. It is only needed for unenameled cast iron cookware to prevent it from rusting. All LAVA cast iron cookware is enameled and does not require seasoning.
What kind of oils should I use for seasoning?
Flaxseed oil, soy oil, sunflower oil, corn oil. However, seasoning with flaxseed oil will most likely produce less smoke indoors.
Should I season my LAVA cast iron cookware before my first use?
No, all LAVA cast iron cookware is primed and enameled.
Use & Cooking
I've bought a cast iron pan; how should I use it for the first time?
First, wash your pan once you unbox it. Add some dish soap/detergent onto your sponge and gently clean all surfaces while washing. Then thoroughly rinse your pan with water and dry it using a paper towel. You are now ready to use your pan!
Can I use metal spoons/spatulas etc., while cooking with my cast iron?
We don't recommend using metal spoons/spatulas, etc., during cooking. An alternative can be silicon.
Are LAVA toasters also enameled? What is the thickness? How do I use the toaster?
The toaster is enameled like all our cast iron cookware. It is made of two separable parts, and each part can be used individually as a grill pan. Each is 3.5 mm thick.
To have a more crispy toast, preheat the toaster; however, you can also coat the toaster's surface with a thin layer of oil and dive straight into toasting for a softer one. Remember to use heat-resistant gloves or mittens while using the toaster.
Can I use my enameled cast iron cookware on induction stovetops?
LAVA cast iron cookware is suitable for any heat source except for the microwave. You can use your cast iron with gas, electric, glass-ceramic, vitro-ceramic, induction, coal- or wood-fueled stoves.
Can metal flatware be used with cast iron?
You can use metal flatware while eating; however, exerting too much force can cause scratching.
Which casserole should I use to cook rice?
We suggest LAVA Cast Iron Multipurpose Casseroles for cooking rice, "karnıyarık," stuffed peppers, and braising meat for the most efficient results.
Can I use LAVA cast iron cookware in the oven?
Yes, LAVA cast iron cookware is suitable for any heat source except for the microwave. However, do not put it while still with wooden platters or any other accessories.
Can I cook pasta or veggies with cast iron?
Yes, you can cook any food with LAVA cast iron cookware.
Can I use LAVA cast iron cookware on electric stovetops?
LAVA cast iron cookware is suitable for any heat source except for the microwave. You can use your cast iron with gas, electric, glass-ceramic, vitro-ceramic, induction, coal- or wood-fueled stoves.
Would rice stick on the surface while cooking?
Remember to preheat and add oil. Because cast iron has high heat-retaining qualities, the cooking time will likely be lower than other cookware such as stainless steel or Teflon.
Can the casserole's lid also go in the oven?
You can put the casserole in the oven with the lid still on; remember to use mittens when taking it out.
Cleaning & Care
How should I clean my product after using it?
First, let your cast iron cool down. Next, pour some boiling water into the cast iron, add some baking soda, and one tbsp of white vinegar if available. Let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water. The warmer the rinsing water, the easier any residues will be washed off. Then, add a thin layer of flaxseed oil with the help of the soft side of a dish sponge. Finally, wipe off the excess, and your cast iron is ready to be stored!
Is it hard to care for cast iron?
Care for enameled cast iron cookware is convenient. You can use dish soap/detergent to clean them! While dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing to increase longevity. Please note that any dish soap/detergent stains that might arise from washing in the dishwasher are not covered by warranty.
How can I clean the toaster?
First, please do not put the toaster in the water while the toaster is still hot. Instead, let it cool down, and then you can clean it using dish soap/detergent. The key is to rinse off the fat first.
How can I get burnt food off my cast iron grill/frying pan?
The fat should never be left to cool down on the cast iron. After the cooldown, you can gently clean with dish soap/detergents. In addition, you can use a nylon/silicon brush for hard-to-reach spots, like in between the griddles.
Design & Colors
Is LAVA's Bim casserole line second-rate quality? Why are they cheaper?
Bim casseroles do not have any defects, nor are they made of inferior-quality raw material. Our contract with Bim, limited to a quantity, bounds the prices.
What is the capacity of the product?
The capacity changes based on the size of any given product. You can find size, capacity, and weight information on www.lavashops.com.
Why doesn't the lid fit?
Our lids have a unique design. The spikes in the lid minimize the nutrient loss from evaporation, and the three tiny bumps on the rim ensure the even spread out of the steam. That's why the lids do not seal perfectly. For any other issues, please contact us at our WhatsApp Support Line.
What colors does LAVA offer?
While LAVA offers more than a dozen colors, red, orange, blue, and green are our main ones. You can discover them all on www.lavashops.com
What size would be considered the medium-size?
LAVA has a wide size range on most of its products. For example, we offer casseroles in the 9-32 cm range, and 24cm is considered to be medium-size, which can serve 4-6 people.
I couldn't figure out the casserole's shape. Is it round or oval?
Our casseroles are categorized into round, oval, or multipurpose. Please refer to Y TC, O TC, and Y ST in the product code. If you need clarification, please share a photo with our support team.
Are your products original?
LAVA cast iron cookware is made in our factory in Eskişehir, Türkiye.
What are the spikes on the inner lid?
The spikes are specially designed to collect the steam that arises during cooking. By condensing the vapor, the spikes minimize evaporation and help conserve nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
Why are all products have a darker color on the bottom surface?
LAVA cast iron cookware colors start darker in the bottom and gradually get lighter to ensure the bottom coloring is more durable to high temperatures.
What is the difference between Trendy and Folk?
The only difference is the lid design.
Health & Safety
What are the health benefits of using enameled cast iron cookware?
Some level of iron mixes into your food while cooking, but not sufficient to fulfill your daily iron intake requirements.
I've heard that the LAVA cast iron cookware's enamel comes off if damaged by an impact. Is it still safe to use the product?
All LAVA cast iron cookware is coated with vitreous enamel containing no harmful additives. However, because the raw material of vitreous enamel is glass, fractures or breaking can occur during an impact. Yet, LAVA enameled cast iron cookware is coated with a primer coat before enameling, which acts as another protective layer between the cast iron and your food. However, please get in touch with us if you spot any rust.
Orders & Shipping
Why is LAVA cast iron cookware sold at different prices online?
LAVA has a wholesaler channel as well. From time to time, we provide our distributors with campaign opportunities by supporting them with special discounted buying prices. Our distributors then buy in bulk quantities and sell these stocks with campaign prices on various online marketplaces.
Do you sell your products in sets?
We often sell our products individually so that you can mix & match them according to your kitchen needs. However, limited quantity sets might be available in some campaigns.
I thought LAVA cast iron cookware had a lifetime warranty — is the warranty period only two years?
The warranty period starts on the product's delivery date and is two years.
How can I get in touch with the support team?
You can reach us at our WhatsApp Support Line, the number of which is listed on www.lavashops.com. The reply time frame might extend during busy periods.
What courier company are you working with?
We are working with Aras Kargo on domestic orders.
What is the packaging standard for online orders?
Your order will be sent in an original LAVA box. You can find product info on the box labels. While all LAVA products go through multiple quality control during production and when ready to dispatch, please do not accept the delivery of damaged boxes.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Food sticking to the surface when cooked: Our products are unsuitable for cooking without oils. Please use liquid cooking oil before heating your cast iron.
- High heat must only be used while warming up the cast iron. Because cast iron has high heat-retaining qualities, remember to take it down to medium-low while cooking. Otherwise, the food can stick to the surface, or the color might wear off due to overheating.
- LAVA does not produce the glass products, such as glass lids. Therefore, LAVA is not responsible for any glass fractures or breaking.
- Tightening the knobs of the glass lids too much might result in fractures or breaking.
- When fat is burnt on the surface, it will likely result in a scale-like look. This has nothing to do with enamel wearing off. To clean it up, first, let your cast iron cool down. Next, pour some boiling water into the cast iron, add some baking soda, and one tbsp of white vinegar if available. Let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse with boiling water. This way, any residues will be washed off. Then, handwash with dish soap/detergent and rinse thoroughly.
- LAVA cast iron cookware does not require seasoning.