The Advantages of Enameled Cast Iron and Raw Cast Iron Cookware

The Benefits of Enameled and Raw Cast Iron Cookware

Raw cast iron cookware is remarkably versatile, capable of preparing everything from a classic bacon and egg breakfast to a savory braised beef stew. It excels at baking, making it easy to whip up cornbread, cakes, and cookies. You’ll find that baking fresh sourdough bread in your Dutch oven is a game changer.

However, owning raw cast iron necessitates a bit more attention to maintenance. To achieve the non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleanup simpler, you need to season your cookware with animal fat or vegetable oils. This process builds up a layer over time that enhances its non-stick capabilities. Embrace raw cast iron; with the right techniques, you can create dish after dish that delights the palate—just remember, patience is key.

Chef’s Tip: Seasoning your raw cast iron is quite straightforward. After cleaning your skillet or Dutch oven, apply a layer of Milo Seasoning Oil or any fat like melted shortening, then bake it in the oven for an hour at 375°F. Allow it to cool inside the oven, and it will be ready for your next culinary project.

The Top 5 Enameled Cast Iron Skillets, Based on Our Testing

If you’ve decided that enameled cast iron is the perfect fit for your kitchen, you’re in the right place. Our tests have evaluated the finest enameled cast iron skillets available, considering design, performance, cleaning convenience, and durability to identify the all-around best options tailored for various budgets.

The non-reactive enamel makes these skillets suitable for acidic foods that would typically damage traditional cast iron. The enamel surface also reduces sticking, while still providing nearly identical cooking performance. Chef Taffy Elrod, an educator and cookbook author, notes that “Enameled cast iron skillets offer the benefits of standard cast iron skillets, such as even heat distribution and retention, without the hassle of seasoning or reactivity.” Both raw and enameled cast iron are induction-compatible, so there’s no need to worry if you are using an induction stove.

While sharing the same base materials, enameled cast iron stands out as a unique category of cookware with undeniable advantages. The enamel makes cleanup easy, preventing rust, while some models can even be washed in the dishwasher.

Cast iron is a staple in American cooking, with most kitchens owning at least one piece. Its capability to grill, brown, sauté, or bake is attributed to its exceptional ability to conduct heat and maintain temperature, along with its enormous durability.

Features of the cast iron Always Pan include accessories not found in most skillets, such as a glass lid, silicone pot holders that fit the handles, and a beechwood spatula designed for easy storage. Other supplementary accessories like a steamer basket add to its versatility. However, we did find that pouring could be a challenge; during our tests, butter dribbled down the side, necessitating clean-up to avoid burning.

The original Always Pan by Our Place is a favorite, and this cast iron variant builds upon its strengths. It effectively handles everything from baking fluffy cornbread to rendering pork fat and braising ribs in the oven. After testing, we were amazed to see how clean the pan remained with no leftover crumbs or residue. Its heat distribution was excellent, providing consistent sears for each pork chop, and it retained heat efficiently.

One drawback was that the white enamel inside stained quickly after just a single use, causing some concern about its long-term durability. The skillet’s shape is another advantage; its sloped, flared sides allow for more liquid, ideal for sauces or recipes that may spill. Overall, it is an excellent choice given its price.

For those looking to try enameled cast iron without a hefty investment, the Crock-Pot skillet serves as a solid introduction with its high performance at an affordable price—perfect for first-timers and seasoned cast iron enthusiasts alike.

Despite its affordability, we noted issues with the handle, which was small and difficult to grip. The helper handle didn’t provide much assistance, as both handles heated up quickly during cooking.

The deep design of this skillet minimizes spattering while maintaining solid performance, seamlessly handling delicate foods like skin-on fish. Our cornbread turned out beautifully crispy on the outside and fluffy within, releasing easily without any residue.

Sometimes investing in high-quality cookware is worthwhile. Brands like Staub, known for their craftsmanship, produce durable products like this skillet. The classic style and various colors available make this skillet a top choice. It’s comfortable to hold, with a helper handle that facilitates oven use. However, it is the heaviest model we tested, weighing nearly 9 pounds before accounting for any food.

KitchenAid’s skillet was a notable runner-up, excelling in all tests and nearly outperforming our top pick, Le Creuset. It seared meat beautifully, producing fantastic flavor, and baked cornbread perfectly, demonstrating even browning. Impressively, it retained durability without signs of wear through extensive use.

The heavier design of Le Creuset's skillet ensures even temperatures, but lifting may require both hands. The pour spouts minimized spillage, although some foods stuck slightly during cooking. Nevertheless, the enamel remained unscathed from stains or chips after multiple uses.

Throughout our evaluations, we tested 23 enameled cast iron skillets, each diameter ranging from 10 to 12 inches and with comparable heights.

Key Considerations When Choosing Cookware

Weight

Comfort and maneuverability are crucial factors when selecting cookware, particularly for heavy materials like cast iron. The density aiding heat retention also contributes to weight. Assess how much weight you can realistically lift—consider both the skillet and its contents—before making your choice. An ergonomically designed handle can help balance the pan's weight, and many larger models feature helper handles for two-handed use.

Size

Although the size difference between a 10-inch and a 12-inch skillet may seem minimal, it represents a significant variation—nearly 50% more area in the larger model. Consider your household's size and the frequency of your cooking needs, as a larger skillet is heavier and takes up more space.

Maximum Temperature

Raw cast iron can typically withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for broilers and grills. However, enameled cast iron has limitations; the enamel coating might degrade under excessively high heat. Always consult your user manual for specific heat tolerances, as they can vary significantly from one skillet to another.

Ease of Cleaning

Enameled skillets require less maintenance than traditional cast iron, yet care is still necessary. Following a cooking session, they should be washed with warm, soapy water and dried immediately to prevent rust. Many enameled cast iron options are dishwasher-safe, and there’s no need for seasoning.

Color of Enamel

The enamel's color range offers various aesthetic options. Brands like Le Creuset and Staub provide numerous colors, including collectible and seasonal editions. While light colors aid in monitoring browning, they may stain easily. Conversely, black enamel is stain-resistant but makes it harder to gauge browning levels.

With our cutting-edge technology combined with a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and growth, we look forward to creating a prosperous future with your reputable company via products like our 30cm Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan, 26cm Enameled Cast Iron Frying Pan, as well as our offerings as a cast iron cheese skillet exporter and a 15cm enamel cast iron dutch oven oem.