Regular vs Enameled Cast Iron Cookware, what’s the difference?

Cast iron cookware is enjoying a surge in popularity. Cast-iron skillets, pans and Dutch ovens are must-have kitchen items for any serious home cook. Questions like: Is it better than non-stick? (In some cases, yes.) Should I throw it away if there’s rust on it? (Absolutely not.) And more.

But not all cast iron is the same, it’s time to address another popular question: Regular vs Enameled Cast-Iron Cookware, what’s the difference?

About Regular Cast-Iron Cookware:

1. Cast-iron cookware features a classic black or brown color and includes pig iron, and scrap steel to give them a rugged look with excellent factory seasoning.

2. The regular cast iron cookware have plenty of sizes and shapes as well as many cast iron accessories required when using seasoned cast iron, especially outdoors. Unfortunately, the colors are limited to gray, darker gray, and black.

3. Avoid cooking acidic foodstuffs such as tomatoes with your cast-iron cookware as it damages the seasoning. However, you can re-season with a layer of animal fat or vegetable oil. Seasoning new cast iron before its first use is always beneficial.

4. Raw cast iron can be used on all types of heat sources, electric stovetops, ceramic, glass, gas, induction, conventional ovens, grills open campfires. The caveat is that if you are cooking with cast iron on a glass top stove and there are sharp spots on the base you could scratch the glass stovetop.

5. A well-seasoned cast-iron surface makes it one of the most nonstick cooking surfaces available even when exposed to extreme heat. Making it important to maintain the non-stick cooking surface with regular seasoning.

6. Cast-iron cookware is heavy and dense, metal utensils can be used making it durable. Plain cast iron can withstand open flames and higher temperatures, making them a better choice for outdoor use.

7. Cast-iron cookware leeches significant amounts of iron in the food, so individuals who are anemic can benefit from this effect.

8. When a cast iron is adequately seasoned, you can expect it to fry and sear various dishes without any problem thanks to its non-stickiness feature.

9. Bare cast iron is durable and can last you for years, it’s hard to clean and maintain, and most soaps are not compatible with the seasoning.

10.  To wipe out with a paper towel after use or washing with hot water, a chain mail scrubber, or a stiff brush. Another option is to scrub the surface with coarse salt and a clean towel. To avoid rust dry cast iron cookware immediately, preferably on a warm surface.

11.  Quality seasoned cast iron with care and maintenance will last your lifetime, and beyond.

About Enameled Cast-Iron Cookware:

1. Enameled cast-iron cookware comes in vibrant colors with a glossy finish that makes a design statement in any kitchen. It’s easy to clean and fits comfortably in a dishwasher, making it an ideal choice for all-purpose cooking and keeping food evenly cooked.

2. In comparison, there are many more sizes and shapes available in enameled cast iron cookware. An added advantage of enameled cast iron is the ability to match decor pieces to your kitchen. Offering matching colors throughout their entire range including utensils, accessories, and cookware.

3. An enameled cast-iron pot, skillet, or lid doesn’t need to be seasoned as the glazed enamel coating prevents rust.

4. Although enameled pan is safer to use on kitchen appliances in regards to scratching campfire flame on enamel cookware should be avoided.

5. Enameled cast iron pots and pans glass like non-pourus surface will not be ruined by acidic food.

6. The glazed enamel coating can chip, crack or come off with rough usage.

7. Enameled cast iron cookware is safe because it is a durable material that does not leach iron, has a naturally non-stick surface, and does not rust. These qualities make it a safe choice as it minimizes the risk of health problems associated with cookware made from other materials.

8. Can use lower temperatures to stop your enamel cast iron from sticking.

9. You can wash enameled cast iron with soap and warm water without worrying that you might ruin the non-stick properties. Also, they don’t trap intense aroma, making them an ideal choice for cooking various foods.

10. With care, this enameled cast iron will be handed down through generations. Inferior products will of course last as their materials will allow, before cracking and chipping starts.

Cast iron and enameled cast iron are two types of cookware that can be incredibly daunting to newbies in the culinary world. Give and take, both these pots are versatile, durable, and perform as well as the other. They are both low maintenance and don’t require much care.