Porcelain Coated Cast Iron Pans: To Season Or Not To Season?

Do you need to season porcelain-coated cast iron pans? The answer is no. Porcelain, or enamel, already has a smooth, semi-nonstick surface, so oil won't bond to it in the same way as regular cast iron. In fact, trying to season porcelain may create a layer of sticky oil that makes your pan less nonstick.

Seasoning cast iron pans, on the other hand, is crucial to maintaining their non-stick properties and preventing rust. This is done by creating a hard, protective coating by heating thin layers of fat (like oil) on the cast iron. As the fat is heated, it bonds to the metal and to itself in a process called polymerization, creating a form of plastic.

Porcelain coating vs. cast iron: what's the difference?

Porcelain-coated grills and pans, also known as enameled cast iron, are a modernized version of traditional cast iron cookware. They are made from steel or aluminium coated with a layer of porcelain enamel, whereas cast iron cookware is made from a single piece of cast iron. So, what's the difference between porcelain coating and cast iron?

Heat Retention and Searing Ability

Cast iron is known for its exceptional heat retention, making it ideal for maintaining consistent cooking temperatures. It also has superior searing ability due to its ability to reach high temperatures quickly, which is perfect for caramelizing the surface of food. Porcelain-coated grills, on the other hand, do not retain heat as well and are less effective at searing food.

Weight and Maintenance

Cast iron is heavy and can be difficult to move around, whereas porcelain-coated grills are lightweight and easy to handle. When it comes to maintenance, cast iron grills require regular seasoning and cleaning to prevent rust. Porcelain-coated grills, in contrast, are easy to clean and maintain due to their smooth, non-porous surface. The porcelain coating protects them from rust and corrosion.

Durability

Both cast iron and porcelain-coated grills offer excellent durability. Cast iron grills can withstand heavy use for decades, while porcelain-coated grills are also relatively durable. However, the porcelain coating can chip or crack over time if not properly cared for, and the inner coating of enamel on enameled cast iron skillets is weaker than the cast iron exterior.

Non-Stick Surface

The porcelain coating provides a non-stick surface, making cooking and cleaning easier. Cast iron, on the other hand, requires seasoning to create a protective layer that prevents food from sticking. Without this seasoning, food will stick and burn onto the pan.

Cooking Style

Cast iron is ideal for searing, grilling, and smoking, thanks to its heat retention and searing capabilities. Porcelain-coated grills, however, are better suited for grilling and roasting, as they cannot withstand extremely high temperatures.

Price

Cast iron grills tend to be more expensive than their porcelain-coated counterparts.

Flavour Development

Cast iron grills add a unique flavour to food due to the interaction between the iron and the food. Porcelain-coated grills do not have the same effect on the flavour of the food.

In conclusion, both porcelain-coated and cast iron cookware have their advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain-coated cookware is lightweight, easy to clean, and non-stick, but may not be as durable in the long run. Cast iron, on the other hand, is incredibly durable and retains heat well, but requires more maintenance and is heavier. The best option for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Do you need to season porcelain-coated cast iron pans?

Porcelain, or enamel, is a smooth, semi-nonstick coating made of glass powder fused to the underlying cast iron surface. It is non-reactive and scratch-and-chip-resistant.

Because of its glossy coating, porcelain-coated cast iron does not need to be seasoned. In fact, trying to season cast iron may create a layer of sticky oil that makes your pan less nonstick. Oil won't bond to enamel like it does to regular cast iron, so seasoning enamel cast iron won't build the same hard, nonstick patina.

However, if your porcelain-coated cast iron pan has some raw iron showing, or if the porcelain coating is so damaged that seasoning may be your last shot at saving your pan, you can season it. Here is how to do it:

• Before seasoning your pan, ensure it’s clean and dry. If it has burned bits of food stuck to it, remove them by gentle scrubbing and boiling water with vinegar or baking soda. After washing, put the pan on low heat to dry it.
• Pour a few drops of cooking oil with a high smoke point, like canola or avocado, into the pan.
• Rub the oil into the pan using a paper towel.
• Remove all the excess oil and keep rubbing until you get a shiny surface.
• Put the pan in the oven at 425°F for 40-60 minutes.

If you want to season only the bare cast iron parts, it’s safer to pour the oil on a paper towel and rub it on those parts. This will prevent the oil from dripping into the enameled parts.

How to season porcelain-coated cast iron pans

Porcelain-coated cast iron pans, also known as enameled cast iron pans, have a glossy finish made of glass powder fused to the underlying cast iron surface. They have a smooth, semi-nonstick porcelain surface, so they don't need to be seasoned like regular cast iron pans. In fact, trying to season a porcelain-coated cast iron pan may create a layer of sticky oil that makes your pan less nonstick.

However, if your porcelain-coated cast iron pan is old or poor quality and the enamel has worn thin, exposing bare iron, you may want to consider seasoning it. Similarly, if your pan has bare cast iron rims or exterior, you can season these parts to prevent them from rusting.

Step 1: Clean and Dry Your Pan

Before seasoning your pan, ensure it is clean and dry. If there are any burned bits of food stuck to it, remove them by gentle scrubbing and boiling water with vinegar or baking soda. After washing, put the pan on low heat to dry it completely.

Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

Use a piece of paper towel to rub a small amount of cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil, all over the pan, including the bare cast iron parts. A very thin coating is desirable, and you should remove any excess oil. Your aim is to buff the pan with oil, leaving the thinnest coating possible.

Step 3: Heat the Pan in the Oven

Place the pan in the oven at 425°F for 40-60 minutes. If you want to season only the bare cast iron parts, it is safer to pour the oil onto a paper towel and rub it onto those parts to prevent the oil from dripping into the enameled parts.

By following these steps, you can create a layer of polymerized oil on your porcelain-coated cast iron pan, which will improve its non-stick properties and help prevent rusting.

How to clean porcelain-coated cast iron pans

Porcelain-coated cast iron pans, also known as enameled cast iron pans, are easy to clean and maintain. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your porcelain-coated cast iron pans:

• Always let the pan cool down: Before you begin cleaning, it is important to let the pan cool down completely. Do not fill the pan with cold water or place it in a sink full of water while it is still hot, as this can cause cracks in the porcelain coating.
• Boil water in the pan: Once the pan has cooled, fill it halfway with water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and let the water come to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 2-3 minutes.
• Scrape off residue: After boiling the water, use a wooden spoon or a silicone/plastic scraper to gently remove any residue or stuck-on food from the pan. Be careful not to scratch or damage the porcelain coating.
• Wash with warm soapy water: Pour out the water and let the pan sit for a while. Then, fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Place the pan in the sink and use a soft sponge, cloth, or nylon brush to gently scrub the pan. Avoid using metal scourers or abrasive pads, as they can scratch or damage the coating.
• Rinse and dry: Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan completely with a soft cloth or kitchen towel before storing it away.
• Remove stubborn stains: If you have stubborn stains or burnt-on food, there are a few additional steps you can take. First, try using a certified enamel cookware cleaner on the surface of the pan. If that doesn't work, create a paste or solution with baking soda and water, and apply it to the stained areas. You can also add a few teaspoons of baking soda to hot water and let the pan soak overnight. This should help loosen and remove the stains.
• Avoid the dishwasher: While enameled cast iron pans are generally dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to wash them by hand. Dishwashers can be too harsh and may not give your pans the care they need. Additionally, hand washing ensures that you can pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or discolouration.
• Be gentle and avoid metal utensils: When cleaning your porcelain-coated cast iron pans, always be gentle and avoid using metal utensils, scourers, or scrapers. These can scratch or chip the porcelain coating. Instead, opt for wooden or nylon utensils and scrubbers.
• Don't use excessive heat: When cooking or cleaning, avoid using very high temperatures as this can weaken the porcelain coating and cause it to crack over time. Medium temperatures are best for cooking and boiling water.

How porcelain-coated cast iron pans compare to regular cast iron pans

Porcelain-coated cast iron pans, also known as enameled cast iron pans, are a modernised version of traditional cast iron pans. They are essentially cast iron pans with a porcelain or enamel coating. This coating forms a protective layer that helps to prevent rusting and is ideal for slow cooking.

Durability

Porcelain-coated cast iron pans are highly durable and can be used for many years. The outer cast iron shell and handles are just as sturdy as those of a regular cast iron pan. However, the inner porcelain coating is weaker and can chip or scratch if not handled with care.

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of porcelain-coated cast iron pans is that they do not require seasoning, unlike regular cast iron pans. Seasoning is the process of creating a protective layer on the pan's surface by heating oil and allowing it to react with the iron. Without seasoning, cast iron pans are prone to rusting and may require more careful cleaning to avoid moisture. Porcelain-coated cast iron pans, on the other hand, are easier to care for and can be cleaned with soap and detergent without worrying about causing rust.

Cooking Performance

Both types of pans offer different cooking experiences. Regular cast iron pans need to be well-seasoned to be non-stick. If the seasoning starts to break down, food may stick and burn onto the pan. Porcelain-coated cast iron pans, on the other hand, are naturally non-stick and provide a smoother cooking experience at lower temperatures. They are ideal for slow-cooked stews, oven-baked casseroles, and bread-baking. Regular cast iron pans, on the other hand, excel at high-heat cooking, such as searing meats or stir-frying vegetables.

Design and Versatility

Porcelain-coated cast iron pans have a modern, sleek look and come in a broader range of colours and shapes. Regular cast iron pans, on the other hand, have a traditional, rustic design and typically only come in the classic dark colour. Regular cast iron pans are incredibly versatile and can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over a campfire. They are excellent for high-heat cooking and have superior heat retention properties. Porcelain-coated cast iron pans, while also versatile, may not be suitable for extreme high heat or open flames as the enamel coating may crack.

In summary, both porcelain-coated and regular cast iron pans have their unique advantages. Porcelain-coated cast iron pans offer durability, ease of maintenance, and smooth cooking performance at lower temperatures. Regular cast iron pans, on the other hand, are highly versatile, excellent for high-heat cooking, and built to last for generations. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific cooking needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions