Enameled Cast Iron Vs Cast Iron Cookware: Which One is The Best
Being new in the culinary world can be a quite daunting scenario. It is hard enough to find out the perfect recipe and to choose the cooking method that will work the best.
On top of that, if you need to understand the nuances between all kinds of cookware, then it is natural to feel overwhelmed.
Two types of such cookware that get people all confused are cast irons and enameled cast irons.
While a difference in structure can be understood by the names, what exactly does this difference do? And which one is the best for your recipes?
To find the answers to your questions, keep reading this article as we have explained the difference between these two for you.
Contents
What is Cast Iron Cookware?
Cast irons are the pans that are found everywhere in the cooking supplies section of a store and are made from melted iron poured into a cast.
These pans are very popular in the cooking world for their sturdiness and various uses. It also helps that they are not expensive at all and can last for a lifetime.
What is Enameled Cast Iron Cookware?
Enameled cast iron cookware are basically cast irons that are covered in enamel paint. The enamel helps to keep the iron from rusting, and also aids in cooking various foods that you can’t with cast iron cookware.
Also, it is a great heat conductor and comes in various colors and sizes. Another huge advantage is that these enameled cast iron cookware do not rust so easily, and you can try different methods of cooking in these.
The only downside is the price, which might not be a huge deciding factor for a lot of people.
Enameled Cast Iron Vs Cast Iron
By now, you have understood that these two terms are not interchangeable. So, what are the things that actually separate this two cookware? Let’s find out –
1. Durability
In terms of durability, a cast iron cookware is definitely better than an enameled one. It can withstand being on an open flame and a high amount of temperature. However, too much of anything is bad, so do not be reckless with it and use ice-cold water the moment after it has been on the stove for a long time. Taking a little bit of care for this thing can keep it in its primary condition for years.
On the other hand, enameled cast iron cookware is not as durable. They cannot tolerate high heat, and the enamel coating starts to come off if used roughly. Nobody really wants bits of enamel in their food after using it for a few years, so it is not popular in this sector.
2. Price
The cast iron cookware is the cheaper alternative between these two. However, the enameled can deliver some benefits that the bare cast iron can’t. So, it actually depends on what kind of results you are looking for while cooking with these two.
3. Reactiveness
A cast iron can acquire some rust over time, which does not happen with an enameled one. So, it is imperative to take good care of the cast one.
Cast iron cookware also reacts with acidic foods like tomato sauce, chili, etc. The seasoning on a cast iron cookware needs to be strong so that it does not wear off with the continued use of acidic food.
Enameled cast iron cookware does not have any such problems; you can use them to cook any food-no matter how high the acidic content is.
4. Iron Content
Bare cast irons are well known to add some extra iron in your daily food. If you need some extra iron (due to anemia or any other health problems), bare cast irons are quite a good choice for you.
And for those of you who do not need any such thing, go with the enameled one by all means. Interestingly enough, a seasoned iron cast will work somewhere in the middle.
5. Design
The cast iron cookware is a classic design that does not differ at all across countries or different brands. It is a kind of well-known best comfort cookware, and almost every kitchen has one of these for cooking purposes.
Plus, most people do not care whether what the food was cooked in is pretty; all they care about is taste and preferably hygiene.
On the contrary, enameled cast iron cookware can come in various colors and designs. If you are someone who values good food as well as beauty, pretty cooking ware and dishes are essential for you. So, you can choose this over the cast iron in this regard.
6. Non-Stickiness
If you are looking for something that will not stick to the pans, we feel you. None of us likes the struggle of scarping off melted hot food from the bottom of our cooking essentials.
Therefore, in terms of non-stickiness, you should go with the cast iron without any doubt. Cast irons are known for their non-stickiness pretty well. But the prerequisite is that they have to be well seasoned.
If not, they cannot prevent food from sticking in them. Enameled cast irons have food sticking in them either way, so this is not an option.
7. Maintenance
Cast iron cookware is hard to clean and maintain, as the soap is not exactly compatible with the seasoning. Strong aromas also get easily trapped in these.
Enameled cast iron cookware, on the other hand, can be washed with as much soap as needed. They also do not smell of the previous food that has been cooked in them, which is definitely a huge plus point.
Conclusion
If you had any questions as to which one is better – cast iron cookware or enameled cast iron cookware – hopefully you have got your answers now by reading this article.
Remember that there is no right or wrong choice here, it all depends on your needs and to some extent, the amount you’re willing to spend. So, choose the one that suits you best, and get cooking!
FAQs
Can you use enameled cast iron cookware glass top stove?
Sure. You can use it on any stove, you just have to be careful not to burn the enamel.
Enameled cast iron is just as suitable for use on a glass top stove as it is on any other type of cooktop.
Can you use a cast iron skillet on a glass top stove?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Cast iron is heavy and could crack the glass if you move it around too much. Instead, use a pan that’s specifically made for glass top stoves.
Can you use a cast iron skillet on an electric stove?
You can use it, but you’ll have to heat up the electric stove to a higher temperature than usual. Use an oven mitt as well because cast iron gets really hot!
Can you season a cast iron skillet with olive oil?
People use a variety of oils to season cast iron skillets. Olive oil is a popular choice because it has low smoke points, which makes the skillet easy to clean.
Can cast iron skillet go in dishwasher?
Cast iron skillets can’t go in the dishwasher but that doesn’t mean they’re hard to clean. Just put some warm water and soap inside, scrub it down with a brush, then rinse it off.
