If you’re a cook who appreciates the look of enamel pots and pans, such as Le Creuset, you may be wondering, what is enamel cookware made from? And is it safe to use?
Enamel cookware is a ceramic coating applied over a metal base. The coating is fired under very high temperatures and, once cooled, forms a hard protective surface. The metal can be either iron, aluminium or stainless steel. The porcelain enamel is non-stick and can withstand very high heats, making it safe to use on most cooktops, including gas and electric stove tops and ovens. Enamel is also nonreactive and won’t react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
The ceramic coat is extremely durable, and enamel cookware is normally dishwasher-safe and easy to clean with warm soapy water. However, it’s best to hand-wash enamel cookware in order to protect the smooth coating. Also, it’s important to avoid using metallic utensils as these can cause deep scratches on the enamel. This can eventually lead to rusting and possible chemical leaching from the metal inside the pot.
It’s also important to take care of enamel cookware as it can chip and crack if dropped or exposed to thermal shock. This is especially true if the enamel is thin or poor quality. If the enamel is damaged, it’s not recommended to continue using the pot and the bare metal should be cleaned and dried immediately. This will help prevent rusting and keep the cookware safe to use.