Enamel Cookware Set: Embracing A Non-Toxic Kitchen

Enamel cookware is a great non-toxic option for your kitchen. Enamel cookware is made of porcelain or vitreous enamel, which is a type of glass, coated on a metal base, usually steel, cast iron or aluminium. This blend has the benefits of marrying the heat conduction properties of the metal, with the non-stick properties of the porcelain. Enamel cookware is also very durable, with higher quality brands easily lasting a lifetime, and potentially even being passed down the generations.

Enamel cookware is a great alternative to non-stick cookware, which can release toxic gases when overheated. Enamel cookware is also a great alternative to cast iron, which can release a certain amount of iron into the food being cooked on it. Enamel cookware will not rust where regular cast iron can if not seasoned properly. Also, porcelain enamel won't leach iron because of the coating, where cast iron will.

There has been some concern about the use of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead within the colours in enamel cookware. However, because of the high temperatures that the enamel is made at, these metals will not be released by cooking. All brands sold within the UK are tested to ensure they are food safe. However, more local brands in countries with less stringent testing should be avoided.

Pros and cons of enamel cookware

Enamel cookware is a great option for those looking for a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. Enamel cookware is made by coating metals such as copper, aluminium, cast iron, and stainless steel with porcelain enamel, a type of glass. This gives the cookware a smooth, non-stick surface that is easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. Enamel cookware is also durable, with some high-quality brands lasting a lifetime and being passed down through generations.

However, there are some drawbacks to enamel cookware. Firstly, it can be prone to chipping and cracking, especially if exposed to rapid temperature changes or if metal utensils are used on the surface. Therefore, it is important to handle enamel cookware with care and avoid using abrasive cleaning materials. Additionally, enamel cookware can be heavier and more expensive than other types of cookware.

Pros:

• Non-stick surface
• Easy to clean
• Durable
• Resistant to stains and scratches
• Available in a variety of colours
• Safe alternative to non-stick cookware
• Good heat resistance
• Versatile

Cons:

• Prone to chipping and cracking
• Heavier than other types of cookware
• More expensive
• Not suitable for very high heat

Porcelain enamel cookware

Some popular brands of porcelain enamel cookware include Le Creuset, Lodge, Tramontina, Rachael Ray, and Ayesha Curry. These brands offer a range of pots, pans, skillets, and Dutch ovens in various colours and designs.

When choosing porcelain enamel cookware, look for high-quality pieces with a thick enamel coating that will make them more durable and easier to cook with. Avoid using metal utensils on the surface as they can scratch and chip the coating. It is also important to avoid sudden temperature changes as this can cause the ceramic coating to crack.

Non-toxic alternatives to enamel cookware

• Cast iron
• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Glass
• Ceramic
• Stone
• Clay

Cast iron is a popular alternative to enamel cookware. It is durable, naturally non-stick, and can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or outdoors. However, it is heavy and requires regular seasoning to prevent rusting.

Carbon steel is similar to cast iron but lighter and more heat-conductive. It is also naturally non-stick and requires seasoning to prevent rusting.

Stainless steel is generally considered safe, but it may leach nickel and chromium, especially when cooking acidic foods. High-quality stainless steel with lower nickel content, such as 18/4 or 18/0, is recommended to minimise this risk.

Glass is probably the most inert cooking surface and is suitable for pots and pans. It is durable, non-porous, and easy to clean.

Ceramic cookware offers excellent heat retention and distribution. It has a non-reactive surface, making it ideal for cooking acidic foods, and it is generally considered safer than non-stick alternatives as it does not contain potentially harmful chemicals. However, some ceramic cookware may be coated with materials that contain heavy metals, so it is important to choose ceramic cookware that is certified as being compliant with safety standards.

Stone and clay cookware are also available as alternatives to enamel.

Safest non-toxic cookware brands

Enamel cookware is a type of porcelain or vitreous enamel cookware. It is made by coating a base of steel, cast iron or aluminium with porcelain enamel, a type of glass. Enamel cookware is durable, non-stick, and resistant to stains and scratches. It is also safe to use, as the high temperatures at which the enamel is made ensure that heavy metals such as lead and cadmium do not leach into food. However, it is important to take care of enamel cookware, as dropping it or changing the temperature too quickly can cause the coating to chip.

• Xtrema: Xtrema's pure ceramic cookware is made without any coatings or metal cores. It is PTFE-free, PFOA-free and FDA-approved. The cookware is also oven, microwave, grill and dishwasher-safe.
• Le Creuset: Le Creuset's enameled cast iron cookware is safe, durable and versatile. The enameled cast iron provides a slick surface without harmful chemicals. Le Creuset's products are dishwasher-safe, though hand-washing is recommended.
• Caraway: Caraway's ceramic-coated nonstick cookware is PTFE, PFOA and PFAS-free. The cookware is oven-safe up to 550°F. Caraway also provides magnetic pan racks and canvas lid holders for easy storage.
• GreenPan: GreenPan's Thermolon ceramic nonstick coating is PTFE, PFOA, lead and cadmium-free. The cookware is oven and dishwasher-safe. GreenPan's GP5 line is made with 15 years of innovations, making it the most advanced ceramic nonstick collection the brand has ever created.
• Made In: Made In's stainless steel and carbon steel cookware is safe, durable and of high quality. The brand recycles unused metal and any returned merchandise is sold or donated to ensure nothing is wasted.
• Demeyere: Demeyere's stainless steel cookware features a unique electrochemical surface treatment that makes the pans easier to clean and keeps them shiny. The pans have superior food release, making clean-up a breeze.

Best enamel cookware

Enamel cookware is a great non-toxic option for your kitchen. It is made by coating a metal base, usually steel, cast iron or aluminium, with porcelain enamel, a type of glass. This makes it highly durable, non-stick, and resistant to stains and scratches. It is also safe to use at high temperatures and is suitable for cooking acidic foods.

When choosing enamel cookware, it is best to opt for a high-quality brand, as lower-quality enamel can chip or crack more easily. It is also important to note that cheaper enamel cookware may contain lead or cadmium in the coating, so it is best to buy from reputable manufacturers. Some good options for enamel cookware include Le Creuset, Lodge, and Anchor Hockings.

In addition to enamel cookware, there are several other non-toxic options available, such as cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, and glass. When choosing non-toxic cookware, it is important to avoid materials that may contain harmful chemicals, such as Teflon and other non-stick coatings, aluminium, and copper. It is also crucial to consider the maintenance and care instructions for each type of cookware to ensure that it is properly cleaned and maintained.

Frequently asked questions