Cookware Guide: Are Enameled Cast Iron Items Right For Me?

Following on from last week’s guide to cast iron cookware and bakeware, this week we look at enameled cast iron……the pros and cons, what foods it works well on, and whether it’s right for you. 

Enameled Cast Iron

Last week, we looked at cast iron cookware. The major advantages of cast iron is its robustness and durability, and the fact that it retains heat well (making it perfect for searing meat),

The major drawback, however, is that it needs regular ‘seasoning’ with oil, so that it remains nonstick, withstands rusting, chips and cracks, and does not react to acidic foods, such as lemon juice or tomatoes.

Enameled cast iron offers all of the benefits of cast iron, but completely eliminates the need for seasoning.

The ceramic enamel layer is non-reactive, unlike the cast iron underneath, so you don’t have to worry about simmering away acidic lemon juice or tomato sauce.

Enameled cast iron items do take a while to heat up (just like normal cast iron items). However, the enamel layer does not interfere with cast iron’s ability to retain heat, so enameled cast iron remainsgreat for browning meat, or for recipes that require you to transfer directly from stove to oven.

The enamel also allows manufacturers to offer cookware and bakeware in a myriad of attractive colors – if you love the idea of having colorful skillets, pots and pans, then you’ll love enameled cast iron!

They are easy to clean,needing just a little detergent and water, or they can be placed into a dishwasher. Keep in mind, however, repeated dishwasher use can wear away the enamel coating.

This actually leads to a small disadvantage of ceramic enamel. It’s is quite a robust material, but can still be worn away. Do not use steel wool or abrasive tools on it. Instead use a plastic scrub brush.

I also do not recommend using metal utensils, such as spatulas, spoons and whisks. Instead I would opt for softer materials that will not scratch the ceramic enamel lining, such as nylon.

Another disadvantage is that this extra enamel layer causes items to be heavy. Cast iron is rather heavy already. Add to that a layer of enamel, and you have heavy cookware that can be difficult to maneuver for some people.

Additionally, ceramic enamel is not nonstick, and you can’t turn it into nonstick (as you can do with cast iron by seasoning it in oil).

Lastly, enameled cast iron is usually more expensive than traditional cast iron.

Personally, I do believe that enameled cast iron cookware has a place in my kitchen. I love how I can add acidic items and simmer for hours, without worrying about any food reactions.

My essentials are a 4 quart and an 8 quart ‘Dutch’ oven (round or oval pots), which are invaluable for making stew, chilies, and braising meats.

Should I have enameled cast iron cookware in my kitchen?

Here’s a roundup of the pros and cons to help you make your decision:

Pros:

• Nonreactive enamel coating that eliminates the need for regular seasoning with oil – will not react with acidic foods.
• Conducts heat and retains heat
• Visually appealing with a wide array of colors to suit all tastes

Cons:

• Is not nonstick, and cannot be made nonstick by seasoning
• Enamel layer adds further heaviness to cast iron
• More expensive than cast iron items
• Can become scratched when using metal utensils or abrasive cleaning products

Should you have enameled cast iron cookware in your kitchen? It really does depends on what kind of cooking you generally do.

If you love a slow cooked chili, or a stew that’s been stewing for hours, then having one or two enameled cast iron items in your kitchen would be a great idea.

Yes, you can just make sure you keep your cast iron items seasoned. But it’s easy to forget this essential step. Having one or two enameled cast iron items means you’re always ready to cook a gorgeous, spicy chili!

Chef Remi recommends:

The Chef Remi 3 Piece Kitchen Spoon Set is the only set of kitchen spoons you’ll ever need.

The solid spoon is perfect for mixing and stirring stews, chilies, soups and sauces. The slotted spoon is ideal for draining foods, such as vegetables from water or broth. 

And the silicone spoon rest means you will never have to worry about where to rest your dirty spoons!

As the spoons are made from food-safe nylon, they will never scratch your precious nonstick, Teflon, ceramic enamel or coated pans.

Add these indispensable kitchen tools to your collection today.