The Ultimate Enamel Cast Iron Cookware Sets: A Comprehensive Review Guide

Enameled cast iron cookware is a great addition to your kitchen. It is beautiful, durable, and ideal for cooking and serving everyday meals. The enamel coating makes cleanup easy and prevents the iron from rusting or reacting with acidic foods. It also eliminates the need for seasoning, which is common with traditional cast iron. Enameled cast iron skillets offer advantages over their non-enameled counterparts, such as better heat retention, protection from rust, and the ability to withstand high temperatures. They are compatible with various heat sources, including gas, electric, and induction cooktops. While enamel coating provides some benefits, it is prone to chipping, scratching, and staining. When choosing enameled cast iron cookware, consider factors such as size, finish, brand, and whether you prefer individual pieces or sets.

Pros and cons of enamel cast iron cookware

Enameled cast iron cookware is a popular choice for home cooks and chefs alike. This cookware has a cast iron base coated with enamel, similar to porcelain, giving it a smooth, glazed appearance. It is versatile, durable, and safe compared to other non-stick coatings. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as weight, heat conductivity, and a delicate surface. Here are the pros and cons of enameled cast iron cookware:

Pros:

• High Heat Tolerance: Enameled cast iron can handle temperatures ranging from 450°F to 500°F, with some brands like Made In going up to 580°F.
• Excellent Heat Retention: Due to its thick base and walls, enameled cast iron retains heat well, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures or slow cooking methods.
• Attractive Design: Enameled cast iron comes in a variety of colors, adding a pop of color to your kitchen. Brands like Le Creuset offer a wide range of color options.
• Compatible With All Cooktops: Enameled cast iron is compatible with all cooktops, including induction stoves, thanks to its iron content.
• No Added Iron Taste: The enamel coating prevents the transfer of iron into food, eliminating the metallic taste associated with uncoated cast iron.
• No Seasoning Required: Unlike traditional cast iron, enameled cast iron does not require seasoning and is easier to maintain.
• Durability: With proper care, enameled cast iron can last for many years and even become heirloom pieces passed down through generations.
• Non-Reactive to Acidic Foods: The enamel coating prevents the cast iron from reacting with acidic foods, making it suitable for cooking dishes with high concentrations of acidic ingredients like tomatoes.

Comparison of different brands

When it comes to enamel cast iron cookware, there are several brands to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here is a comparison of some popular brands to help you make an informed decision:

Lodge

Lodge is a well-known brand when it comes to cast iron cookware. They offer both the USA Enamel and Essential Enamel lines. The USA Enamel line is handcrafted in the United States and features colourful, American-made enameled cast iron designed to be passed down for generations. On the other hand, the Essential Enamel line offers great quality cookware at accessible price points. Lodge's enameled cast iron is easy to clean and provides even heat distribution. Their products include skillets, casserole dishes, dutch ovens, and more.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset is a premium brand known for its high-quality enameled cast iron cookware. They have been in the industry for nearly a century and are renowned for their Signature collection, which blends classic form and feel with modern ergonomic and functional design. Le Creuset's enameled cast iron cookware sets are available in various colours, including teal and Marseille. Their skillets heat up evenly and are suitable for cooking a variety of dishes, from over-easy eggs to perfectly seared steaks. Le Creuset's products are dishwasher-safe and induction compatible.

Staub

Staub is another premium brand that offers excellent quality enameled cast iron cookware. Their 10-inch fry pan has been praised by chefs and reviewers for its quick and even heating capabilities. The flared sides of the pan allow for optimal browning and easy spatula access. Additionally, the smooth, curved sides whisk away steam, preventing it from interfering with browning. Staub's enameled cast iron cookware has a maximum heat rating of 900°F, making it suitable for various cooking applications. Their products are also dishwasher-safe and induction compatible.

Crock Pot

Crock Pot is a household name known for its slow cookers, but they also offer a solid line of enameled cast iron cookware. Their Artisan Cast Iron Skillet is an excellent budget option, usually priced at less than $50. It performs well in cooking eggs and steaks, and even bakes cornbread with nice, even browning. The white enamel interior may require a bit more effort to clean, but it doesn't seem to stain or discolour easily. The Crock Pot skillet is comfortable to hold and manoeuvre due to its lightweight design.

Carolina Cooker

Carolina Cooker offers a range of enameled cast iron cookware in a vibrant red colour. Their products include a 7-piece set, baking pans, casserole pans, griddles, and pots with lids. The enamel coating on their cookware makes clean-up easy and provides an excellent food-friendly cooking surface. Carolina Cooker's enameled cast iron cookware is suitable for various stovetop meals, side dishes, and desserts.

Recipes to cook with enamel cast iron cookware

Enameled cast iron cookware is perfect for a wide range of recipes, from hearty stews to flavorful chicken dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

One-Pot Wonders

One-pot meals are a breeze with enameled cast iron cookware. Try a creamy chicken and rice casserole, a vegetarian kale and cannellini bean stew, or a beef stroganoff. For a twist on a classic, make a one-pot chicken teriyaki with vegetables and rice, or a cheesy taco pasta.

Braises and Slow-Cooked Meals

The even heat distribution of enameled cast iron makes it ideal for slow-cooked dishes. Braise some beef short ribs or French onion chicken with Gruyère. You can also try a wine-braised chicken (coq au vin) or a wine-braised brisket with grainy mustard and lemon zest.

Soups and Stews

Whether it's a simple weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for a chilly day, enameled cast iron is perfect for soups and stews. Try a tomato tortellini soup, a vegetarian chili with avocado cream, or an Irish beef and stout stew. For something different, make a summer smoked-salmon chowder or a spiced beef stew with carrots and chickpeas.

Breads and Bakes

Enameled cast iron can also be used for baking. Bake a whole-wheat no-knead bread or try your hand at a super-easy one-pot lasagna. You can even make homemade baked beans or applesauce.

Other Ideas

The possibilities are endless with enameled cast iron. Try a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich, chicken in coconut milk with lemongrass, or a whole roasted chicken. For a side dish, braised cabbage with bacon or easy lemon-ginger spinach are great options.

How to care for enamel cast iron cookware

Enameled cast iron cookware is a worthwhile investment for your kitchen, offering both form and function. To ensure your cookware lasts a lifetime, follow these care instructions:

Prevent Scratching and Chipping

Avoid using metal utensils as they may scratch the enamel. Instead, opt for wooden, nylon, or silicone utensils. Be gentle when handling your cookware to prevent banging it against hard surfaces, which can also cause chipping.

Cooking Instructions

Always cook with liquid such as oil or butter in the pot or pan before you start cooking. There is no need to use high heat—a medium setting will usually suffice and maintain a steady temperature for a long time. Cast iron absorbs heat evenly, so you can turn down the flame and continue cooking over a lower setting once the pan is hot. Only use high heat when boiling water or reducing sauces, and be sure to coat the base of the pan with fat first.

Cleaning and Storage

Always let your cookware cool down before washing it. Introducing a hot pan to cold water can cause thermal shock and damage the enamel coating. Hand washing and drying are best. Dry your pan immediately and do not let it soak in water, as the exposed iron edges could rust. If something is stuck on, use soap, hot water, and a non-abrasive pad to scrub it off. Avoid stacking other pans on the enameled surface as this could also damage the coating.

Different types of enamel cast iron cookware

There are several types of enamel cast iron cookware available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular options:

Enameled Cast Iron Skillets

A popular choice for many home cooks, enameled cast iron skillets offer several advantages over their uncoated counterparts. The enamel coating protects the skillet from rust, eliminates the need for seasoning, and can withstand high temperatures. Enameled skillets are also easier to clean and provide a semi-nonstick surface. However, the enamel coating is prone to chipping, scratching, and staining, so care must be taken to avoid thermal shock and sudden temperature changes. Some popular brands for enameled cast iron skillets include Staub, Le Creuset, and Crock Pot.

Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

Dutch ovens are versatile pots that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, such as marinating, cooking, baking, and refrigerating. Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are available in various sizes, from small 1.5-quart pots to larger 7-quart options. They typically feature dual handles and are oven-safe up to temperatures of around 500°F. Some popular brands for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens include Lodge, Crock Pot, Amazon Basics, and Le Creuset.

Enameled Cast Iron Casserole Dishes

Enameled cast iron casserole dishes are ideal for one-pot meals and side dishes. They are designed for both stovetop and oven use, offering even heat distribution. These casserole dishes usually come with lids and are available in various sizes, from 2-quart to 7-quart options. Some popular brands for enameled cast iron casserole dishes include Lodge, Carolina Cooker, and Bruntmor.

Enameled Cast Iron Braisers

Braisers are perfect for searing and slow cooking, and enameled cast iron braisers combine the benefits of a skillet and a Dutch oven. They typically have a larger surface area for searing and browning, with lower sides that allow steam to escape. Enameled braisers are available in various sizes, from 2-quart to 5-quart options. Some popular brands for enameled cast iron braisers include Crock Pot, Tramontina, and Lodge.

Sets of Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

For those looking to equip their kitchen with a full set of enamel cast iron cookware, several brands offer comprehensive sets. These sets typically include a combination of pots, pans, skillets, and casseroles in various sizes. Sets can range from 2-piece to 7-piece collections, providing a complete cookware solution. Some popular brands for sets of enameled cast iron cookware include Lodge, Crock Pot, and Basque.

Frequently asked questions