This article was last updated on January 3rd, 2021
Ever wondered why over time the enamel on your cast iron cookware seems to wear down and stick? I was under the impression that enamel cast iron was considered a non-stick type of cookware! Boy was I wrong!
Enameled Cast Iron Sticking? The reason your enamel cast-iron is sticky or has food sticking to the inside of the enamel is that it is not a non-stick cooking surface. Combining a non-stick cooking surface, with the exceptional heat output from cast-iron and not enough oil or other liquid is what makes it sticky over time.
Unlike seasoned cast iron cookware cast iron coated with enamel is not non-stick.
When you combine heat, improper use, certain food types, care, and maintenance this is when the sticky residue builds up over time and cooking on the enamel becomes more difficult.
With a few simple steps, you can use your enamel cast-iron without your favorite recipes sticking to the enamel.
Why Does Your Cast Iron Enamel Cookware Sticking
Unseasoned
As I have already touched upon above enamel coating is not a non-stick surface, not like the man-made advertised non-stick options on the market these days.
Seasoned raw cast-iron is non-stick because it has a seasoned surface.
Temperature
Cooking at high temperatures is a sure way to have sticking problems with an enamel pot.
To be fair it there is not enough oil used for non-stick purposes food can stick in any pot or pan if cooking at high heat.
Ingredients
Have you ever wondered what ingredients stain enameled cast iron?
There are certain types of food that will stick more than others these are food that will caramelize, stick and burn easily and quickly such as
Some of these ingredients are:
- Tomatoes
- Wine
- Onions
- Garlic
Expert Tip
Smelly cast-iron – check out this article for help.
It is not only the types of ingredients that stain the enamel but the cooking process itself. If you have any light-colored cookware it will absorb the color of foods that are cooked in it but also particles will stick and burn. So even when this is removed discoloration can occur.
Cooking Utensils
Cooking utensils ideally should be wooden, plastic, or silicone when preparing meals in an enamel cast iron pot or pan.
Metal will scratch or chip the enamel and this will be a base for all other particles/oil/burn/sticky buildup.
There is a lot of information out there about what utensiles and accessories you need when preparing food with Dutch ovens. In my article here I have done all the work for you so you only have to purchase what you really need. A lot of pieces you will already have at home…
How to Stop Your Cast-Iron Enamel Cookware From Sticking
Season the Enamel
As I have already touched enamel coating is not a non-stick surface, not like the man-made advertised non-stick options on the market these days.
Temperature Control
When using any cast iron cookware you must remember its heat output properties.
Cast-iron heats up slowly but when it is hot it retains heat like no other piece of cookware you will ever use. For this reason, you should use the following steps to heat up your cookware before putting any food inside to cook.
1. Liquid
Put oil, broth, or water into the bottom of the pan or pot. Be generous.
2. Heat Source
Heat up the pan over low heat.
You can increase to medium heat if you want to sear, saute or fry.
You need to remember that even at low heat the oil or other liquid will become hot so when inserting be prepare for splatter.
3. Increase Heat
Once you have inserted your food into the liquid you can then start to raise the heat if you require the pot or pan to be hotter.
Tip – Remember if you pot or pan gets too hot just reducing the heat will not cool it down quickly. Turn heat off and remove it from the burner. You can also stir to avoid sticking while the pot cools down a little.
Seasoning
Enamel is semi non-stick not true non-stick for that reason the pot or pan needs to be seasoned generously with every use. By this, I mean lashings of oil on the bottom as well as up the side of the pot or pan.
This act alone will help stop food from adhering to the enamel.
In my article here you will learn all about cast iron and enamel cast iron and why it sticks and in-depth preventative measures to make your cooking experience easier.
After Meal Preparation
Remove all the food as soon as you can after cook and fill with water. Letting food dry onto the pot makes your job harder when it comes time to clean…
Care and Maintenance
It can also look dull and lifeless even if there is no burn or sticky food particles visible on the enamel.
This dull look comes about over a period of time and the contributing factors are
- Not enough liquid covering enamel
- Sticking – heat to high
- Utensils
- Acidic food
- Cleaning
Removing Stains from Enamel
Stain can be removed from light-colored enamel. You should remember that enamel ages and are well used even with gentle loving care – it will stain lightly.
Warm Soapy Water
Start with warm soapy water and a sponge or nylon scrubber – gently scrub and remove as much as you can of the sticky burnt-on particles.
Does the discoloration need more attention? You can use 3 tables spoons of baking soda in the pot filled 1/2 to 3 quarts full of water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn heat off and let the pot cool down completely.
When cool empty pot and wash/scrub again with soapy water.
Hopefully, you now have the desired result. If not repeat again.
Dry that Pot
Do not think that because you have a covered cast-iron pot it cannot be susceptible to rusting. If the enamel is compromised in any way rust will grow.
After washing dry thoroughly with a soft towel. Better still if you can place the pot in a warm oven for a few minutes that will totally dry it out before storing.
Shine that Enamel Surface
Enamel will dull over time.
You can use your oil of choice and rub it all over the pot inside and out also the lid if you have one.
Then with a soft cloth wipe off any excess oil then buff the pot all over inside and out. You will be surprised at the result.
In my article here you find many variations of ways to clean and restore enamel cast iron pots.
Final Thoughts – Enameled Cast Iron Sticking?
Caring for your enamel cast-iron takes a little care and work. But you can clean and restore it if it does become sticky.
Use the tips above and you will find that your food adheres to your cooking pot a lot less than previously.
