There’s a lot to consider when buying cast iron cookware for your kitchen. As far as the material goes, you have two options: traditional cast iron and enameled cast iron. You might be wondering: is enameled cast iron safe?

Yes, enameled cast iron is completely safe and non-toxic. Unlike traditional cast iron, enameled cast iron does not leach any iron into your food. It is also more durable, protects your pan from rust, and does not require seasoning. You can cook whatever you like in an enameled cast iron pan – you can even boil water or cook acidic foods. With proper care, these pans can last a lifetime.

Now we’ll answer all your questions about enameled cast iron. Does enameled cast iron contain lead? Does it scratch? Is it dishwasher safe? Find out these answers and more in this article.

Or check out the video below to learn more about the differences between enameled and traditional cast iron.

What is enameled cast iron?

Enameled cast iron is cast iron with an incredibly durable coating. Enamel is powdered glass that’s melted to the cast iron at high temperatures. The glass bonds with the metal creating a durable, non-reactive, coating that’s safe to cook with.

Which is better: cast iron or enameled cast iron?

Both cast iron and enameled cast iron are great options for your kitchen. Enameled cast iron is more low maintenance. It doesn’t require seasoning and protects against rust for years. If you cook a lot of acidic foods, go with enameled cast iron. That way you won’t have to worry about reseasoning your pan.

Which is better for cooking, cast iron or iron?

There are many different alloys of iron used for cookware. Wrought iron is not as durable as cast iron as it only contains a trace amount (<0.1%) of carbon. By comparison, cast iron contains two to four percent carbon. Wrought iron can melt or lose its shape when heated to high temperatures, so cast iron is a much better option for cooking. 

Is enameled cast iron better than nonstick cookware?

Enamel is more durable than non-stick cookware and not toxic like some non-stick coatings. Most enamel cookware is not completely non-stick. So if you want a fully non-stick surface, buy regular cast iron and season it on your stovetop.

Does enamelware contain lead?

Modern enamel cookware does not contain lead. If you have an antique enamel pot, particularly one with bright colors, it may contain lead. The FDA has strict safety standards to ensure that all enamel cookware is safe for cooking.

Does enameled cast iron scratch?

Yes, although enameled cast iron is durable, it can scratch. You can use metal utensils without scratching your cast iron. But avoid digging into the surface of the cookware. 

You can repair light scratches with a powerful cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend or Le Creuset’s special cleaning solution from Amazon. If you have deep scratches in your cookware, replace it.

Is enameled cast iron dishwasher safe?

Yes, enameled cast iron is dishwasher safe. Take a look at the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to care for your brand of enamel cookware. Keep in mind that not all enamel cookware is the same.

Is enameled cast iron better for bread than other cookware?

Enamel cast iron is great for cooking bread. The cookware traps moisture effectively giving your bread the perfect texture right out of the oven.

Is enameled cast iron safe on a glass cooktop?

Yes, but be careful. Enameled cast iron is quite heavy. Dragging it across the stovetop can scratch it. Don’t drop your enameled cast iron as it can cause irreparable damage to your glass stove.

Is enameled cast iron oven-safe?

Yes, enameled cast iron is oven-safe. The exact temperature will vary depending on the brand of cookware. The popular cookware brand Lodge manufactures enamel cookware that’s oven-safe up to 500º.

Is enameled cast iron durable?

Yes, enameled cast iron is incredibly durable. It is still prone to cracking if dropped since enamel is made of glass. With the right care, an enameled cast iron pan can last a lifetime.

Is enameled cast iron porous?

No, enameled cast iron is not porous. Enamel is a tough outer layer of melted glass that is non-porous. This is why enamel cookware does not require seasoning. Unlike enameled cast iron, unseasoned cast iron is porous which makes it prone to rust. Water readily absorbs into the surface and accelerates rusting. 

Is enameled cast iron safer than non enameled?

Yes, enameled cast iron is safer than traditional cast iron because it does not leach any iron into your food. It’s also naturally nonstick and is highly resistant to rust.

Is enameled cast iron hard to care for?

Not at all. Just take some hot water, dish soap, and a scrubby sponge or scrub brush. Scrub away to break down baked-on food. That’s it! The enamel coating is strong enough to withstand dish soap and other light abrasives.

Is enameled cast iron heavy?

Yes, enameled cast iron is quite heavy. It’s best for shallow frying, deep frying, roasting, or slow cooking. You can pretty much use your enameled cast iron for anything but stir frying, as it’ll be hard to move the heavy pan around often.

Is enameled cast iron the same as porcelain?

Enamel and porcelain are both durable materials used in manufacturing today’s cookware. Enamel is made from glass while porcelain is made from clay composites. These materials are heated to several hundred degrees until it vitrifies, or turns into a glass-like compound.

Is enameled cast iron safe for birds?

Yes, enameled cast iron is safe for birds. Copper, stainless steel, and aluminum are also safe for birds.

Is enameled cast iron safe at 500 degrees?

Most enamel cookware is safe to use at 450-500º. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions as the durability depends on the brand of cookware.

Is enameled cast iron better than cast iron for acidic foods?

Yes, you can safely cook acidic foods in cast iron without having to worry about the seasoning wearing off. If heated to 500º for prolonged periods of time, the enamel coating will start to chip away.

That’s all for our article on enameled cast iron! Remember that it’s totally safe for cooking. Just don’t drop it and your cookware could last a lifetime. To learn more about cast iron, check out the articles below!

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