Can Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Be Used Under a Broiler?

When we talk about kitchen must-haves, enameled cast iron tops the list. This cookware is a useful and extremely efficient addition to your kitchen.

When it comes to whether or not enameled cast iron can go under a broiler or not, the answer is yes. Providing manufacturer instructions indicates the piece is broiler-safe or can withstand heat up to 550°F. Handles also should be able to withstand the same high temperatures.

Enameled cast-iron cookware has undergone a resurgence in recent years. It can prepare almost any meal because of its ability to be used on many heat sources and its heat retention properties. Add to that the many shapes, sizes, and unique décor enhancements to any kitchen.

Let’s dive deep into this topic as this article explains why enamel cast iron can be used under a broiler. I will also give you a fantastic cookware alternative if you want to regularly use your cookware under a broiler.

What Is a Broiler

Broiling food is a popular method of cooking. The high, direct heat from the oven’s element cooks the food quickly and with complex flavor. Food can be placed close to the heating element to char or caramelize. This technique has been used for centuries by chefs looking to make more flavorful dishes!

High Volumetric Heat and Emissivity of Cast-Iron

The most significant benefit of cast iron is that it remains at that high temperature once you initially heat the pot, pan, skillet, or Dutch oven.

This property of being both high volumetric and having a high heat capacity makes searing meat easy because the high volume means that it can absorb large amounts of energy quickly. In contrast, the high heat capacity can store this energy for long periods.

Broiling any dinner usually requires a pan that can withstand high heat. Pans are made with enameled cast iron, perfect for this task. Cast iron’s thermal conductivity is low, but it does make up for this by maintaining its temperature for longer periods.

Furthermore, the high emissivity of these pans evenly radiates their heat energy from their surface and helps you easily cook your food. The heat radiation from these pans easily heats up whatever you are cooking, making it easier to make your favorite dishes.

Tips for Broiling with Cast Iron

Cast iron is one of the best options for broiling because it distributes heat evenly and retains it well.

1	Preheating on a stovetop – place on the burner for 10 minutes then rotate for another 10 minutes.
2	Preheating in a conventional oven – preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit before adding your cast iron pan or skillet. Leave it to heat up for 20 minutes. It has a 0.64 emissivity rating.
3	Do not use parchment paper. It will burn. Also, plastic wrap is a no-no – it will melt.
4	Do not use parchment paper it will burn. Also, plastic wrap is a no-no – it will melt.
5	Food will cook evenly if you can spread food to be broiled out evenly in the pot or pan.
6	Be careful not to move food around too much while it cooks as this can cause sticking, and some parts are overcooked or burnt, while others are undercooked.
7	Be careful not to move food around too much while it cooks as this can cause sticking, and some parts are overcooked or burnt, while others are undercooked.
8	When placing your enameled cast-iron pot, pan, skillet, or Dutch oven under the broiler, never leave it unattended.
9	Do not close the door (it depends upon the type of broiler) but door ajar is always recommended.
10	Remember to always use extremely thick oven mitts to move your cast iron around while pre-heating, while stovetop cooking as well as moving to and from the broiler.

Can Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Go Under the Broiler

Yes, Le Creuset enameled cast-iron cookware’s recommended maximum temperature is 500°F / 260°C. Black Phenolic knobs are heat resistant up to 480ºF. Stainless steel knobs can resist even higher heat and are safe to use in a broiler.

Can Le Creuset Stoneware Go Under the Broiler?

Le Creuset Stoneware is safe for use in the microwave, freezer, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and broiler and has a large temperature range that includes 500°F / 260°C.

You can safely cook most dishes with Le Creuset without worrying about breaking or cracking from high heat temperatures. If you’re using the pan under a broiler, keep at least 2 ½ inches between your stove top’s rim and the bottom of the dish to avoid scorching your food.

Warning – Enamel-coated stoneware cannot be placed upon cooktops of any kind. They are not designed for directional heat. Always read manufacturers instructions before using any cookware…

What Pans Can Go Under the Broiler?

Whatever pan you use under a broiler, you must know the extreme direct heat the cookware will be exposed to. Use the correct tools every time you use your broiler, such as very thick oven mitts, wooden cutting boards for placing hot pots and pans on, and most importantly, no metal utensils inside the broiler.

Remove the pan to move food around. You do not want any utensils touching any heat source inside the broiler.

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Seasoned Cast-Iron Cookware

An even more robust and durable cooking pot, pan, skillet, or Dutch oven, the enameled cast iron is made of seasoned cast iron. It can handle anything and is the perfect broiling-friendly substitute for enameled cast iron.

This cast-iron cookware has a thin layer of polymerized oil coating the inside and the outside of your cast iron. To season a piece of cast-iron cookware, it is rubbed with oil and heated at high heat until the pan smokes.

It allows the oil to break into a plastic-like substance that bonds to the metal surface. The process is repeated until the surface is smooth, shiny, and non-stick.

Making it not only safe for the pan to be put on high heat for broiling and other types of cooking but also for the cooks. It gives your well-seasoned cast iron its non-stick characteristics. The seasoning is resilient and chemically bonded to the metal, so you can freely use metal spoons and spatulas, and won’t chip in high-heat situations.

They are also incredibly durable and nearly indestructible, and it is difficult to ruin them completely. Hence, the high temperature of broiling is never going to be a concern with a seasoned cast-iron pan.

Best Enameled Cast Iron Cookware This article deep dives into some of the best brands of enamel cookware.

Metal Pans and Sheet Pans

Any metal used under a broiler must withstand heat in excess of 500 degrees – including the handles. Metal handles screwed into a pot can warp, discolor, and sometimes break off due to the extreme heat they are placed under. Wooden handles are also not safe, even wrapped in foil.

A sturdy roll-top sheet pan is also an option, depending on the types of dishes you want to prepare under the broiler. Checking the manufacturer’s instructions regarding its cookware is always the best practice.

Final Thoughts – Can Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Be Used Under a Broiler?

There you have it. Because enameled cast iron pans are made from heavy-duty materials, they can be used on the stovetop, under the broiler, and in the oven. You have also learned that if you want to use the broiler regularly, investing in seasoned cast iron cookware or a roll-top sheet pan with no handles may be beneficial.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!

Source: Sun Sentinel / Le Creuset