The Knob of Le Creuset, black composite vs. sliver metal (bread, stove)

[snowmountains]

Some of Le Creuset dutch oven lids have black phenolic, can withstand oven temperature up to 500F, some are silver stainless steel, can probably withstand much higher temp. What I'd like to know is, when used on stove top, does the black one have the advantage of more staying cool? Anyone has both to verify?

[LesLucid]

Originally Posted by snowmountains

Some of Le Creuset dutch oven lids have black phenolic, can withstand oven temperature up to 500F, some are silver stainless steel, can probably withstand much higher temp. What I'd like to know is, when used on stove top, does the black one have the advantage of more staying cool? Anyone has both to verify?

I don’t know for sure but, in general, metals conduct heat better than polymers, so I would suspect the phenolic would feel less hot to the touch at the same temperature.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by LesLucid

I don’t know for sure but, in general, metals conduct heat better than polymers, so I would suspect the phenolic would feel less hot to the touch at the same temperature.

Based on my experience, this is correct; however, once the LC has been On the stove top for awhile, the black one gets hot. I keep a potholder handy.

[snowmountains]

Thanks. So I guess if I mainly use it on stovetop, the black knob may be preferred.

[Debsi]

I got the silver knob to make bread in the oven, it definitely can withstand a higher temperature.

I don't know if I've noticed a difference on the stove top, after a while you need a potholder as with any pot.

I have an older version of this: https://www.amazon.com/Creuset-SG100.../dp/B01NBTH4K5 which works great.

[Cdarocks]

I have the black knobs on all of mine, and I haven't noticed any ill effects of using them in the oven.

[grampaTom]

we have the black ones and I always use a potholder. They do fine in the oven.

[Debsi]

The black ones will melt a bit and get misshapen if you use them in the oven at very high temperatures. Trust me.

They only guarantee it up to 390 degrees. https://www.lecreuset.com/classic-phenolic-knob

That's why they offer the stainless knob. https://www.lecreuset.com/classic-stainless-steel-knob

[snowmountains]

Originally Posted by Debsi

The black ones will melt a bit and get misshapen if you use them in the oven at very high temperatures. Trust me.

They only guarantee it up to 390 degrees. https://www.lecreuset.com/classic-phenolic-knob

That's why they offer the stainless knob. https://www.lecreuset.com/classic-stainless-steel-knob

The have a new one, the Signature one,thicker than the classic one, safe up to 500F:
https://www.lecreuset.com/signature-phenolic-knob

[Debsi]

Is that the knob that comes with new Dutch ovens, or is it an aftermarket like the stainless knob?