Enameled cast iron cookware

[Quint]

I was browsing through a catalog this week and happened across some nice looking enameled cast iron cookware. There was a dutch oven and what I think was called a lasagna pan that looked like something I could really use and also a covered skillet that caught my eye as well. The problem is that I have never owned enameled cast iron cookware and I have no idea how it is to cook with or clean.

Anyone out there use enameled cast iron cookware? Do you like it? Can it be washed in the dishwasher?

[Jeff54321]

Enameled cast iron is amongst my favorite cookware. You can do just about anything with it. Stove top, oven, broiler. It conducts, transfers, and holds heat very well and it resists sticking due to the enamel coating (calling it "nonstick" would not be accurate). The minor downside is that the enameling requires a liitle more care in not chipping or damaging it. Not a big deal but a little extra caution is a good thing. Yes it can go in the dishwasher. All in all this is fantastic cookware that has become quite expensive in recent times.

[diane]

I have a set of three fry pans that nest inside each other with one handle that fits all three. I received them as a gift in 1965. I totally love them and only have one small nick in the enamel after all those years of use.

[tallpines]

I have the 5 quart coverd pot and love it. (LeCreusent)
Got it for a wedding gift in 1969.
After 26 years it developed a CRACK-----and they replaced it FREE of charge!

[LittleJohn]

I've never heard of them. It sounds like the solution I have been looking for something that wont taint my food but is durable (regular enamalware is so easy to ding then it chips)
But where can I find it do you have a link?

[CraftyDiva]

I have a few pieces (LeCreuset) and they are great cooking in. Problem is the price, if they were cheaper I'd have more then a few pieces. Better have strong wrists too.


http://www.21stcook.com/lecreuset.htm

[Paranoid]

sounds like enameling is a great way to remove all the good qualities of correctly seasoned cast iron: nonstick, non hassle, durable, indestructable, and of course, cost.

[mightybooboo]

Does it scratch easily? I really like buying quality kitchenware,it pays off. That looks like some nice stuff.

BooBoo

[norris]

Aren't those things like a hundred bucks for just a three quart saucepan?

[computerchick]

I have a LeCrueset dutch oven that is as old as I am (not tellin' but it's over 30) was a wedding gift to my mom.

Works better than regular cast iron IMO and cleans better too.

I am saving to buy a few more pieces.

Go for it if you can afford it - maybe check at estate sales? It's totally worth it.

Andrea

[MoonShine]

My Mom has an old enamel cast iron skillet...it's lasted a long time.
I have one of those Doufeu lids,that hold ice cubes ontop of a round pot...I never use it though.

[tallpines]

Yes------a Dutch Oven goes for about $150.
I have the 5 quart and a 2 quart saucepan.
Both were wedding gifts in 1969.

They DO NOT scratch-------

Mine are 36 years old and on their way to 100.
I have no doubt that my grandchildren and their children will be using them.

I love them------but, yes, they are heavy and not for the arthritic wrists.

[LittleJohn]

Well it looks great but I dont know when I could ever afford that will put it on my "when I get rich" list lol
I did find some in a search a little cheaper no surprise its at one of my favorite discounters dont know why I havent seen it before.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=231287

[GrannyG]

I have been lucky enough to pick up a couple pieces at garage sales, evidentally they did not know what they had, or just didn't want them because they are heavy. I love mine.

[ceresone]

Just had to tell you about mine--at a garage sale years ago, i bought a Lacruset(?)pan thats about 20" across, just does fit in my oven. its in flame orange, and over the years, i've picket up over 25 pieces in same color. the big one, with a lid, cost me $15. altogether, all my pieces cost me about $75.compare the prices with their catalog!!as to cooking, i use the big one to cook down apple butter, canning my tomatoes(cooking dn sauces), i use it in the oven and no burning. i have plain cast iron, and together, thats all i use.oh, and stains come out easy with a little bleach water.

[RenieB]

I have a set of enamal cookware that we bought from Home Shopping Network. It is made in France but the price is much cheaper than Le Creust.
I love it as it easy to clean the only problem I have found with the enemal is cleaning the outside bottom of the pans. I am sure there is something made to clean them better but I haven't found it yet. It comes in a variety of colors. We have the red and all in all I am pleased with the set.

RenieB

[grannygardner]

I have several different pieces that I've picked up at yard sales, estate sales and auctions. I love using them.

[Quint]

Sounds like it may be worth a try. I've cooked on about every type of cookware imaginable but for some reason the enameled cast iron seems to have eluded me. It may have been the sportsman's guide catalog where I've seen them. Those look pretty familiar. I'd look but the catalog is in another room. I'll let you guess which one

[Christiaan]

Nordicware also makes enameled pans (or at least used to). Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to find it as many newer cooks don't know the wonders of it.
One the benefits of enameled cast iron is you can finally cook acid foods in your cast iron pans. Imagine being able to slow cook spaghetti sauce in your dutch oven.

[oz in SC]

Originally Posted by Quint

Sounds like it may be worth a try. I've cooked on about every type of cookware imaginable but for some reason the enameled cast iron seems to have eluded me. It may have been the sportsman's guide catalog where I've seen them. Those look pretty familiar. I'd look but the catalog is in another room. I'll let you guess which one

I would say the enameled cast iron cookware in Sportsmans Guide is probably made in China....