An enameled cast-iron skillet is a cast iron skillet with an outer layer of enamel. The term “enamel” here does not refer to paint but to vitreous glass. Vitreous glass is fused at very high temperatures to the cast iron cookware’s core material to create a very smooth and nonstick surface for cooking. The vitreous glass layer is also nonporous and will not absorb odors and liquids. So are these two types of cookware the same? At the core, they do share similarities, but at the same time, they’re quite different because of the vitreous glass layer.
Some benefits of enameled cast iron cookware include:
- Fast heat transfers or conduction
- High heat resistance
- Can be washed easily and without the usual limitations of cast iron pots and pans
- Can do anything that a classic cast iron pan or pot can cook
- It comes in many modern and very stylish colors
Obvious, cast iron pans are black, and they haven’t changed much through the years. Top chefs like Gordon Ramsay swear up and down that cast iron skillets are topnotch, right beside stainless steel cookware and copper cookware. They’re high end if you think about it. Enameled cast iron cookware kicks it up a notch and makes things more convenient. You don’t have to season an enameled skillet anymore because the vitreous glass on top won’t rust, unlike a conventional skillet. Furthermore, you can invest in different colors and make your pots and pans look more stylish.
An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven would be a good place to start if you have never tried using enameled cast iron cookware.
Can You Use Enamel Pots On Gas Stove?
Can you use a ceramic Dutch oven on the gas stove? Yes, ceramic Dutch ovens are manufactured with cast iron at the core. Combined with the natural heat resistance of the ceramic finish and the high-level heat resistance of the cast iron component, you can use your ceramic Dutch stove on virtually any heat source, including induction stoves and gas stoves. What is more important here is you have the right kitchen utensils – avoid using kitchen utensils that might chip or damage the surface of your ceramic Dutch oven while cooking.
Can You Use A Le Creuset On A Gas Stove?
Can you use a cast-iron Dutch oven on the gas stove? Le Creuset is a brand of enameled cookware that uses cast iron at the core. Le Creuset pots and pans are safe for use on any gas stove. It is a myth that you cannot use these specialized pots and pans on the gas stove. While they perform fairly well with induction stoves, you can pop them on top of any gas stove and get things done. Heating the pots and pans might be slower (sometimes) with a gas stove, but the fire will certainly not damage your Le Creuset pots and pans.
Using and Maintaining Enameled Cast Iron in the Kitchen
- Don’t forget to wash – You might be excited and all at the arrival of your first set of enameled cast iron cookware; however, it’s important that you wash it first before using it. Always wash your enameled cookware before and after using. A soft sponge and some dishwater are fine. Unlike cast iron skillets, these won’t rust when washed with water and soap because of the vitreous layer.
- Aim for low to moderate cooking temperatures – While both cast iron and vitreous glass are excellent for cooking and won’t crack easily, vitreous glass does age and take damage. Small cracks will eventually form across the vitreous surface. Dutch ovens, in particular, work best with a slow and gradual build-up of heat over time. Additionally, higher cooking temperatures can cause food to burn (and you won’t notice it). Burnt food will stick to the bottom of the Dutch oven, and we’re sure you don’t want unnecessary cleanups after cooking.
- Use your enameled cast iron skillet to warm food – One of the special capacities of enameled skillets is how they can hold in heat better than other types of cookware. In particular, Dutch ovens will slowly heat up but will continue to hold that heat in and distribute it evenly throughout the pot. The result is evenly heated food, no hot spots, and delicious food. You will enjoy using them shortly because they’re going to be easy in the kitchen to keep food deliciously warm.
- Enameled cast iron can also keep heat away – Like a Thermos bottle, enameled cast iron pots and pans can stay cold as well as warm. This is awesome if you are having salads and other foodstuffs that need to remain cold to be palatable. Can you put your Dutch oven in the fridge? 100%, you can.
- About oil – If you are using a classic cast-iron skillet, you need to use oil. You can use the seasoned surface, yes, but that eventually wears away with use. Add oil before and after use to keep the surface gorgeous. As for the enameled variety, we recommend using oil, so the food doesn’t dry out. Remember that this cookware can heat up after a period. It’s best to use oil to keep the food from sticking to the bottom of the pot or pan.
- Best for marinating food – Since vitreous glass is nonreactive, you can safely marinate food in it for hours or days. Don’t worry about the pots and pans’ inner surface because the metal won’t take any damage. All the marinade and meat juices will come into contact only with the enameled layer of the cookware.
