Best Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Brands
You’ve heard of cast iron skillets, pans, and Dutch ovens, but what about enameled cast iron? Known as enameled cast-iron cookware it is a type of skillet, pot, or pan whereby the cast iron piece has been covered in layers of enamel that has the added bonus of being nonstick. It also comes in more colors than traditional cast iron. Of all the cast iron brands available to us who makes the best enameled cast iron cookware?
The best enameled cast iron is made by two French brands Le Creuset and Staub. Both brands both have spent decades sourcing the highest quality materials, streamlining designs, and honing their manufacturing skills in France. With decades of seasoned cast iron manufacturing experience, Lodge enamel is also a contender.
If you want to make cooking and cleanup a breeze while using cast iron cookware, then this article can help you choose the best enameled cast-iron pan for your needs. I’ll show you the popular cast iron cookware brands on the market today and tell you about their features and, pros and cons so that you can find one perfect for your kitchen.
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Why Should You Buy Enameled Cast-Iron Cookware
There are many reasons why you should buy cast-iron enamel cookware, such as the fact that it is long-lasting and durable. These enameled pots and pans can be used for many different purposes, including searing and baking. It’s also easier to maintain than seasoned cast iron cookware because it does not have a nonstick coating that will peel off when used regularly.
Enameled cast iron is coated with a layer of vitreous enamel that makes it nonstick. It is easier to maintain than traditional cast iron because of the protective layer of enamel it has, meaning that there is no need to season the surface of the iron. This type of cookware can be used on gas stovetops, electric stovetops, induction, on the grill, or in the conventional oven.
What Are the Benefits of Using This Type of Pan
There are many benefits that come from using enameled cast iron pans, such as long life, durability, and ease of use. Cast-iron cooking is also best when you want your food to have a crispy crust or you want your meals to cook low and slow for a melt in the mouth result.
This type of cookware can be used on electric stovetops, gas stovetops, glass top stoves, on the grill, on an induction cooktop, in the oven, or under the broiler. You can also use it for recipes where you need high heat and you don’t plan on serving the meal right after you are done cooking. Cast iron pots with a lid as standard means the dish stays hot and does not cool down as quickly as stainless steel cookware does.
Enameled cast-iron cookware is affordable and easy to maintain because there is no need to season the surface of the iron before using it.
What Is the Best Brand on the Market Today and Why
The best brand on the market today is Le Creuset. The pans from the Le Creuset brand have been honing their designs, manufacturing skills, and most importantly high-quality material choices. Le Creuset products are made of high-quality, heat-resistant enamel that can handle very high temperatures.
They have wonderful designs and colors that can match any kitchen. All of their cookware is dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 500 degrees. They come with a lifetime warranty which is another big plus. The only downside to these skillets is that they can be expensive.
What Should You Look For When Buying Enameled Cast-Iron
There are a few things to keep in mind when buying enameled cast iron skillets and other cookware, such as the material used in the cast iron core and the number of enameled layers it has.
The enameled pans have at least three layers so that it does not release metal into your food which would be unhealthy and could cause allergic reactions in some people. Some pans have more than six layers though so that one side can be used for induction cooking and the other side can be used for gas or electric stovetops. It’s best if the pan has a thick layer of enamel because this means there will not be any metal contamination in your food.
Budget is important because enameled cast-iron skillets can be expensive. Therefore, they should last a long time so that you get your money’s worth out of them. It would also be helpful if the pan had a good warranty so that if it cracks or chips, it can be replaced immediately without hassle.
Size is also an important factor. For example, if you are a single person it’s best if you choose a pan that is small enough to use on the stovetop and oven but large enough to cook for more than one person.
Recommended Read: Choosing the best size cast iron cookware for you…
The shape is also important because you can use it to cook different foods. You can choose from a variety of shapes such as round, square, rectangle, oval, and more.
Handles, another thing to look for is the handle size. The handle should be comfortable to grip and easy to use. Most importantly the handle should be integrated into the design of the skillet.
Weight is the final factor to think about when buying a cast-iron skillet. You want it to be durable and long-lasting but you don’t want it to weigh too much so that it is difficult for you to carry around. However, if the pan is too thin then your food won’t cook evenly because there will not be enough heat transferred throughout the pan. This means that you should balance durability with weightiness so that your pan can last for many years without chipping or cracking, even if you use it almost every day.
Related read Why is cast iron cookware so expensive?
How Long Will a Cast-Iron Skillet Last?
Enameled cast iron cookware can give you many years of cooking fun because it has a protective layer that prevents food from sticking, makes them safer than traditional seasoned pans, and ensures that they do not rust or corrode with time.
Enameled cast iron is more expensive than traditional seasoned cast iron but if you take proper care of your pan, the investment will be worth it. A good skillet can still be used in 50 years! This is why it’s best to buy one that is good quality and will last for many years to come.
How to care for your new purchase
Although enameled cast iron cookware is sturdy and durable you should understand how to care for it.
- Use manufacturer’s instructions, especially if you are paying for a high-end model like Le Creuset and Staub. Although they offer great warranties you as an owner still have to treat the product according to instructions.
- Most manufacturers say that their product is dishwasher safe, read the fine print they recommend hand washing before using a dishwasher. This is to avoid harsh abrasive cleaners ruining the surface of your enamel skillet, pot, or pan, causing it to become dull and possibly causing food to stick when cooking.
- Cleaning as soon as possible after the pot has cooled before particles dry onto the surface is the best practice.
- Use warm to hot soapy water, and nylon scourers (NO METAL), soak or slowly simmer if required, and repeat the process if needed.
- Top brands may have their own enamel cast iron cleaners and conditioners.
- Dry and store safely for next use. Avoid stacking to stop chipping and cracking.
- Cleaning after every use will elongate the life of your enamel cast iron.
Recommended read: Cleaning enameled cast iron without losing the shine or ruining it
Is Enameled Cast Iron Worth the Price
I think that many people would agree with me when I say that enameled cast-iron cookware is worth the price. They are a healthier alternative to traditional cookware because they have a protective layer that prevents food from sticking and gives you complete control over the cooking process. Enameled cast iron also lasts much longer because of its superior durability.
The only downside to cast-iron skillets is that they can be expensive, especially if you buy from a reputable brand. There are cheaper brands out there but most of them don’t last as long or have the same level of quality as reputable brands. If you want to save money, it’s best if you wait for a sale before you purchase your enameled cast-iron skillet or you can try to find a pre-owned one.
Check out the best prices, where, and when for Le Creuset cookware
Which Brands Should You Consider
These five brands popular are consistently top sellers with fantastic customer reviews one of them would be perfect for your kitchen: Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge, Tramontina, and Cuisinart.
For the purpose of comparing brands and their features, I have chosen a similar-sized piece of porcelain enamel cast iron cookware “the Dutch oven”. You can expect to find many shapes and sizes of enamel-coated cookware including an enamel cast iron skillet with a lid, an enameled cast iron cookware set, cast iron saucepan, cast iron stock pot, enameled fry pan, and of course a cast iron enameled skillet.
1. LE CREUSET
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round French Oven (Dutch Oven)
This round enameled cast iron Dutch oven is Le Creuset’s signature piece and where the brand’s story started. It is an impressive piece of cookware that you can use to prepare large meals. There are hundreds of thousands of people all around the world over the last 100 years who have owned and passed down through generations a cooking pot like the one pictured above.
It looks great on your stovetop and also goes well with other color-enameled cast iron pots and pans in your kitchen. Le Creuset offers a core color range and also drops new colors occasionally to keep their brand fresh and in vogue – keep up to date with what Le Creuset colors are available now.
The lid fits snugly to ensure you get the best outcome every time you use it and because of the quality of the cast iron, it is lighter than most cast iron lids. The oven’s integrated generous handles are made from the same quality materials and coupled with design are what provide even heating of the pot no matter what heat source you throw at it.
| Le Creuset’s – PROS | Le Creuset’s – CONS |
|---|---|
| Over 100 years of experience with designs, materials, and manufacturing | The most expensive |
| Generous handles and oven safe knobs for extremely high temperatures of 500°F | Light interiors should be cared for by using correct utensils (not metal) and cleaning well after every use to avoid discoloration of enamel |
| The largest range of enamel cast iron skillets, pots, pans, braisers, woks… of all the brands | |
| The largest range of sizes of all the brands | |
| The largest range of core colors, with new limited edition colors being dropped all the time, all over the world | |
| Made in France | |
| Lifetime Warranty |
I own one like many thousands of others and use it regularly, I love it along with my Le Creuset cast iron skillet and other Le Creuset products, including silicon and wood cooking utensils and Le Creuset’s own brand of enamel cast iron cleaning products.
I own the Signature 5.5. Quart Enameled Dutch Oven, in Marseille. See my in-depth article where I share all the information you need before purchasing a piece of this enameled cookware.
2. STAUB
Staub Cast Iron Enamel Oval Cocotte
Staub’s Cocottes are impressive on sight. Thick cast iron coated in layers and layers of virtuous enamel with deep rich color tones on the outside and a black interior that looks smart and helps retain heat. They can be used for baking, slow cooking, and roasting even the most delicate of deserts.
Deep heavy spiked lids with extreme heat-resistant knobs that self bast your recipes. Many cookware shapes and sizes are available with a black interior and your choice of colored enamel on the exterior makes them easy to coordinate with other pots and pans in your cabinet as well as the rest of your kitchen.
| Staub – PROS | Staub – CONS |
|---|---|
| Decades of building durable high-quality cookware | Expensive, less than Le Creuset marginally |
| Interior black enamel finish great for high-temperature cooking, also hides staining of the interior surface, correct utensils to protect surface still required | Casting is thicker, therefore, heavier than Le Creuset also takes longer to heat up |
| Cookware shapes and sizes for most needs | Handles on the sides of Cocottes are not as large as Le Creuset’s, helper handles are small |
| Approximately 10 core colors | |
| Made in France | |
| Lifetime Warranty |
Undecided on the two top luxury brands? My article Staub vs Le Creuset gives you a complete comparison so you can make a more informed decision before purchasing any cast iron cookware.
3. LODGE
Lodge Color Enamel Dutch Oven, 6 quart
The Lodge brand has been around for decades honing its casting craft by making seasoned cast iron Dutch ovens and cookware. With so much experience the transition into designing and manufacturing enameled cast iron cookware was inevitable.
Lodge Color Enamel Dutch Oven, 6 quart is the perfect addition to your kitchen. It is a beautiful sturdy Dutch oven with a smooth light-colored interior that can withstand high temperatures and can be used for cooking anything from soups to cakes, bread, and brownies.
This durable oven is made of cast iron with a porcelain enamel finish which means it is made to last. You can cook a meal in it while showing your family the benefits of cooking with cast iron. The Lodge Enamel Dutch Oven, 6 quart is one piece that you will not regret buying.
Lodge Feature Breakdown
- Cast iron construction with enamel coating
- Shapes round and oval
- Various size options
- Light interior, 10 plus exterior colors available
- Stainless steel knobs
- Oven-safe up to 500°F
- Gas, electric, ceramic glass, and induction cooktops
- Dishwasher safe but handwashing recommended
- Made in China
| Lodge – PROS | Lodge – CONS |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Knobs | A purchaser advised that the inside enamel was wearing and food starting to stick |
| Large Loop Handles | Purchasers have advised of chipping |
| 12 colors across the enamel cookware range | Heavier than other brands |
| Cheaper than Le Creuset and Staub | Made in China |
4. TRAMONTINA
Tramontina Enameled Cast-Iron 5.5-Quart Covered Dutch Oven
Tramontina enamel cast iron Dutch oven is coated with porcelain enamel, which allows for even heat distribution and prevents the food from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The thick walls insulate and distribute heat evenly to prevent hot spots that can burn your food or scorch it. This means you’ll get consistent results every time you use this dutch oven!
Tramontina Feature Breakdown
- Cast iron construction with enamel coating
- Shapes round and oval
- Various size options
- Light interior and various exterior colors are available
- Stainless steel knobs
- The lid has self-basting ridges
- Oven-safe up to 450°F
- Gas, electric, ceramic glass, and induction cooktops
- Handwashing will keep the cookware shiny
- Made in China
| Tramontina’s – PROS | Tramontina’s – CONS |
|---|---|
| Good price range compared to Le Creuset & Staub | Tapered based compared the top of the pot |
| Lighter than Lodge, heavier than Le Creuset & Staub | Some models don’t work on halogen |
| The pot heats up well due to the tapered base | Made in China |
| Lid seals to keep in moisture resulting in even cooking | |
| Cheaper than Le Creuset and Staub |
In-depth review of the Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Review
5. CUISINART
You may have noticed while shopping around that the names of cast iron cooking pots vary. For example, Cuisinart calls their enameled cast iron pots “enameled cast iron casseroles”, they work the same as a Dutch oven, Cocotte, or French oven.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Casserole
The Cuisinart 7-quart round casserole is ideal for cooking, serving, and entertaining.
VERSATILITY – Cast iron construction provides superior heat retention and even heat distribution. Porcelain enamel exterior is a strong, durable finish in rich colors that complements any kitchen decor; perfect for cooking, serving, and entertaining.
Porcelain enamel interior is ideal for cooking; surfaces do not impart flavors or absorb odors. Extreme versatility induction stovetop compatible; stovetop, oven, and broiler safe. Dishwasher safe convenient maintenance and easy cleanup.
EASE OF USE – Oven Safe knob wide handles cast iron construction provides superior heat retention and even heat distribution porcelain enamel exterior is strong durable finish in rich colors complements any kitchen decor perfect for cooking serving entertaining porcelain enamel interior ideal for cooking surfaces do not impart flavors or absorb odors extreme versatility induction stovetop compatible stovetop oven broiler-safe dishwasher safe convenient maintenance easy cleanup
Cuisinart Feature Breakdown
- Cast iron construction light interior and colored exterior
- Dutch oven Shapes are round and oval
- Various size options
- Other colors available
- Gas, electric, ceramic glass, and induction cooktops
- Dishwasher safe (per manufacturer)
- Made in China
| Cuisinart’s – PROS | Cuisinart’s – CONS |
|---|---|
| Various shapes, sizes, and colors | 2017 one customer advised that their round casserole arrive chipped |
| Induction stovetop compatible; stovetop, oven, and broiler safe | One customer in 2018 said they used their pot once and the enamel on the bottom of the pot melted |
| Dishwasher safe | Made in China |
| Cheaper than Le Creuset and Staub |
Where Can You Buy It? Online or in Stores Near Me
You can find enameled cast-iron pans at various department stores or online. You might want to consider purchasing from an individual BRAND selling on Amazon or eBay because they are usually more affordable and have the ability to see a seller’s ratings before you buy.
FAQ’s
Quick answers to questions that are asked about enameled cast iron every day!
Which Is Better Cast Iron or Enameled Cast Iron?
Seasoned cast iron, requires maintenance to retain its natural non-stick surface and can be used on any heat source including campfires. Enameled cast iron can also cook almost all recipes usually using lower temperatures and more oil on the surface to prevent sticking, for indoor use only.
Read more about choosing cast iron vs enameled cast iron cookware…
What Are the Pros and Cons of Seasoned and Enameled Cast Iron?
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Can be used with these heat sources on all cooktops, in the oven, and on the grill. Naturally induction ready | Heavy – they are cast iron |
| Withstands high temperatures | Enamel cannot take as high heat as seasoned cast iron |
| Retains heat better than any other cooking pot | Thermal conductivity is lower than seasoned cast iron – takes longer to heat up |
| Rust free if enamel remains undamaged, and seasoned cast iron will remain rust-free if the seasoning is maintained | Extreme temperature changes will have the enamel reacting to the cast iron core and the enamel will lose – cracking, and chipping will occur |
| The enamel stops iron from leaching into food | Enamel is not as non-stick as seasoned cast iron – oil is still required |
| Enamel is non-reactive | Seasoned cast iron can be reactive if the surface is not maintained correctly |
| Hand wash is recommended to protect enamel and seasoned cast iron | Dishwashers are too abrasive for enamel and cause rust on bare cast iron |
| High-quality materials and manufacturing enamel is toxin-free | Chipping/scratching – care should be taken with utensils – no metal – wood or silicone |
| Looks great, especially with the color choices available to suit any décor | Grey, darker grey, and black |
| No seasoning is required, but enamel should be cleaned with care | Seasoning is required for a truly non-stick surface and a rust-free long life |
| With care both enamel and seasoned cast iron can last a lifetime, high-quality brands are heirloom pieces and can be handed down | Cost – brands determine the price – but can be very expensive (remember you get what you pay for) |
Is Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Safe or Toxic?
The surface of good quality enameled (at least 3 layers of enamel) cast iron cookware is so smooth that you’ll never have to worry about it leaching any excess metal into your food. This makes this type of pan or pot a good choice for people with hemochromatosis since they’re often looking for ways to reduce their levels of iron intake.
Lead and Cadmium
Strict California Proposition 65 standards ensure that your enamel cast iron cookware is free of lead and cadmium. Avoid low-quality materials with toxic chemicals such as these!
Low-quality cookware can leach cadmium and lead into your food because of the mixture used to give it a lustrous appearance. Food acidity, heating from cooking methods like baking or frying, and time spent in contact with acidic foods are what increase the risk for exposure.
PTFE and PFOA-free
Enameled cast iron cookware is PTFE and PFOA-free, meaning it does not release toxic fumes. This makes them safe for high heat cooking which ensures that the food you’re preparing doesn’t get burnt or carbonized from excessive exposure to heat!
Read more about how safe enameled cast iron cookware is…
What Cookware Do Professional Chefs Use?
Professional chefs will use either Le Creuset, Staub, or both… Check out my article that deep dives into do professional chefs cook with cast iron and why!
The article what cookware do professional chefs use takes a look at the various types of cookware chefs use and why?
Best Enameled Cast Iron: Recommendation
If the price does not matter I recommend Le Creuset and Staub. I own and use both brands and the main difference between them is the light versus dark interiors, and the vast choices of shapes, sizes, and colors Le Creuset offers. These two brands are continually pitted against each other because of the quality both trusted brands offer.
The price difference between the two top brands and the other contenders is extensive. My third choice is Lodge the brand is a trusted household name in seasoned cookware and their enameled cast iron cookware with its sturdy thick cast offering and smooth enamel finish will satisfy any home chef. Although their seasoned cast iron is still made in the US, their enameled cast iron is made in China.
Tramontina and Cuisinart are cast iron cookware although durable and reliable look a little less rugged than the Lodge enamel offerings. Therefore some cookware connoisseurs may choose these brands to complement their kitchen decor.
Some Final Advice Before Making a Decision
Enameled cast iron cookware can add an artisan look to any kitchen. You’ll want to make sure you buy a brand that has a good quality enamel coating. As they have unrivaled resistance against scratches and dents as well as a non-stick smooth interior coating. It is one of the best ways to ensure that your food doesn’t stick and tastes delicious.
There are many brands you can select from to find the one that has the style, size, and color that you like best, while most affordable pots have an even heating base so your food will not burn or cook unevenly.
Enameled cast iron is a versatile material that can be used to make many different types of dishes. As you might have gathered from the reviews above, there are many benefits that come from cooking with cast-iron cookware such as durability, ease to clean, and even cooking properties.
With so many different brands to choose from, there is a wide variety of prices and quality levels in the market. I hope this article has given you some great suggestions about which brand you should purchase for your kitchen.
For more helpful advice about choosing which pan is right for you, cruise around my site or check out this video from America’s test kitchen!
Related read Cast Iron Cookware Made in the USA
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