Is enameled cast iron vs cast iron?

Author: Brian Stark  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Traditional cast iron needs to be regularly seasoned, and you can't use soap or detergent to clean it. Enameled cast iron, on the other hand, cleans easily, and it doesn't need seasoning. You can use as much soap and detergent as you like on enamel, and you don't need to worry about causing any rusting.

Which is better, cast iron or enameled cast iron?

The key piece of information to keep in mind is the enamel coating—do you prefer the ease of mind that comes with a non stick surface and protection from rust? If so, choose enameled. Does the thought of a little care and maintenance not bother you? If that's the case, you can go with unfinished cast iron.

What are the disadvantages of enameled cast iron pans?

Not for High-Heat Dry Cooking

The best way to preserve the enamel is to heat your cookware with oil or liquid. Dry heat—like when making bread in a Dutch oven, or searing ingredients without oil—can damage the enamel over time. Excessive high heat can also cause damage.

What should you not use enameled cast iron for?

Enameled cast iron is quite inert, acidic foods are fine in it. The only thing I can think of that you need to be aware of when using an enamelled pan, braiser,or Dutch oven is ``thermal shock'', or going from vert cold to very hot temperatures or in reverse. You can damage the glaze.

Why does food stick to my enamel cast iron?

It's just oil sticking to the enamel. It's essentially how a normal cast iron skillet builds up seasoning, but on an enameled skillet there's nothing for the oil to stick to, so it just pools up, polymerizes and becomes sticky and gooey. It's normal, and nothing to worry about.

Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Does enameled cast iron leach into food?

One concern with enameled cast iron is the potential presence of lead or cadmium in the enamel coating. These toxic metals can pose health risks if they leach into food. However, high-quality manufacturers like Caraway adhere to strict safety standards to ensure their products are lead- and cadmium-free.

What is the safest cookware for your health?

ceramic is among the safest material for pans

From dishes, to glasses, bakeware and cookware, ceramic bakeware is our pick for the best cookware material for health thanks to its non-reactive nature and resistance to high temperatures and acidic foods. Plus it's so pretty!

When should you throw out enameled cast iron?

Just like with traditional cast iron cookware, you should replace enameled cast iron cookware if any cracks appear. Enameled cookware is more likely to crack than traditional enamel from sudden temperature changes.

Why is Le Creuset so expensive?

Why is Le Creuset cookware so expensive? The short answer is: because you get what you pay for. Le Creuset makes some of the best cast iron cookware on the market, including the best Dutch oven money can buy.

Can you sear steak in enameled cast iron?

Preheating your enameled cast iron skillet is the first step after you have a clean pan. Place it on medium-high heat for up to five minutes until it's hot. This ensures an even sear on your steak.

What is the point of enameled cast iron?

Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware combines durability, heat retention, and versatility, providing home cooks with the ability to experiment with many recipes and cooking techniques.

Who makes the best enameled cast iron cookware?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $220. ...
  • Best Overall, Runner-Up: KitchenAid 12-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan/Skillet at Amazon $130. ...
  • Best Value: Crock-Pot Artisan 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $31. ...
  • Best Splurge: ...
  • Most Versatile:

What is the disadvantage of enamel cookware?

Lower-quality porcelain enamel has a thinner coating that can crack and chip easily, which significantly affects the cooking experience. Dropping porcelain enamel cookware can also crack or chip the surface. Some porcelain enamel cookware has non-stick coatings, including Teflon, so be sure to check labels.

Is Le Creuset cast iron or enamel?

Distinctive French Quality and Craftsmanship. Since 1925, Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron has been produced in our flagship foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France. Each piece is hand-crafted to perfection by no less than fifteen artisans, and no two pieces are alike as they are individually cast in single-use sand molds.

Do real chefs use Le Creuset?

Not only is the Le Creuset Dutch oven one our Test Kitchen's official preferred pot, but it's also a personal favorite of our prep kitchen manager, Catherine Ward. Here's why. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Is Le Creuset now made in China?

While some Le Creuset products are made in China, the company's enameled cast iron products are still made in its original foundry in France. Le Creuset's stainless steel and nonstick cookware is most often made in Portugal.

Is Le Creuset or Staub better?

So the choice between Staub and Le Creuset really comes down to personal preference around look and feel. While in our product tests we prefer Le Creuset due to its slightly lighter weight and beginner-friendly light interior, we still recommend Staub as a high-quality Dutch oven.

What not to cook in enameled cast iron?

Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods in Cast-Iron Pans

You should avoid cooking acidic sauces in cast-iron pans for two reasons: first, the acid loosens trace amounts of molecules from the metal that can then leach into your foods, imparting a metallic flavor.

Can I use stainless steel utensils on Le Creuset?

To protect your pans, we recommend using silicone, heat-resistant plastic or wooden tools in both uncoated and non-stick coated pans. However, metal tools, spoons, and balloon whisks may be used with care, but should not be used harshly or scraped over the surface. Never knock metal tools on the top rim of the pan.

Is it better to cook with cast iron or enameled cast iron?

Traditional cast iron can become extremely non-stick once properly seasoned. Enameled cast iron, however, is not non-stick, and you will need to grease or oil it to avoid sticking. Some food may stick to the pan if you cook on it without oil or cook at high heat.

What pans to stay away from?

Based on this list, it is best to avoid Teflon and other nonstick pans, especially those made with either PTFE or PFOA, as well as aluminum pots and pans.

Is HexClad worth it?

You can find nonstick cookware at much lower prices than HexClad. If you have the budget, however, HexClad is the better option. It's nonstick, it's more durable, and it provides a superior cooking experience.

Why do we no longer recommend GreenPan?

Then, we removed GreenPan entirely from our list of non-toxic cookware. There were two primary reasons: Competing brands began providing independent laboratory testing to prove their products are non-toxic. We became aware of lawsuits against GreenPan that cast doubt on the company's marketing claims.

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