What exactly is an enamel cast iron pan and why do you need one? Also called a Dutch oven, they come in pot and skillet variations, and their primary feature is that they can be used on the stovetop and in the oven. Basically, it’s a cast iron pan with a porcelain coat on top. Many brands make trendy colors and styles to make cooking look good, as well as taste good. 

Non-Toxic & Easy to Clean 

The primary benefit to owning an enameled pan is that you don’t have to worry about Teflon, metal poisoning, and other dangerous chemicals leeching into your foods. Cheap pans with a thin enamel coating can hide harmful aluminum or toxic materials underneath, which is why the combo of cast iron and an enamel coating is the golden goose of cookware safety. 

Easy to Clean

A lot of cookware boasts nonstick coatings or the ease of putting it in the dishwasher. The results are mixed, and the longevity is never what you hoped for. A high-quality enamel coating is truly easy to clean, and at worst requires a little soaking. 

Good Cooking

By far, the best feature of a cast iron enamel pan is the epic food that comes out of it. It has the versatility of stovetop use while also acting as an oven roasting pan. The cast iron creates even heat dispersal, so you get consistently well-cooked din-din. Check out a few culinary creations you could be making with your own pan. 

An Investment

The most popular breed of cast iron enamel hails from the Le Creuset line. They are the crème de la crème of French cookware, born in France in the 1920s. While they are pretty spendy, they have a century-old reputation to back up their claims to great food, high quality, and a long shelf life. You can research a few cheaper brands, but ultimately you get what you pay for. 

It’s time to get cooking! Looking for more delicious ideas? Check out the Olympus 7th Street Station blog.