• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Days Well Spent
  • Beekeeping
  • Gardening
    • Greenhouse
    • Herbs
  • In The Kitchen
    • Recipes
    • Canning 101
    • Food Preservation
  • Mini-Workshops
  • About Us
    • Terms and Conditions
    • copyright Disclaimer and Disclosure
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Gardening
  • Recipes
  • Food Preservation
  • DIY Projects
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » blog » Enameled Cast Iron Use And Care

    Enameled Cast Iron Use And Care

    September 3, 2019 by Margaret

    ENAMELED CAST IRON red lodge dutch oven

    ABOUT ENAMELED CAST IRON

    After the iron cookware is cast in the traditional method, a glass particulate called “frit” is applied. This is baked on between 1200 and 1400ºF, causing the frit to transform into a smooth porcelain surface that is bonded to the iron. There is no exposed cast iron on your enameled cookware. The black surfaces, pot rims, and lid rims are matte porcelain.  Enamel is resistant to acidic and alkaline foods and can be used to marinate, cook, and refrigerate. 

     

    COOKING WITH ENAMELED CAST IRON

    • Wash and dry cookware before first use. If cookware includes rubber Pot Protectors, set them aside and keep for storage.
    • Enameled Cast Iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, and are oven safe to 500 °F. Do not use in microwave ovens, on outdoor grills or over campfires. Always lift cookware to move.
    • Use vegetable oil or cooking spray for better cooking and easier cleaning.
    • Do not heat an empty Dutch oven or covered casserole. Add water or oil when heating.
    • For added longevity, pre-heat and cool your cookware gradually.
    • Low to medium heat when cooking stovetop provides best results due to natural heat retention of cast iron. Do not use high heat.
    • To sear, allow cookware to gradually come to heat. Brush cooking surface and food surface with vegetable oil just before introducing food into the pan.
    • Use wooden, silicone or nylon utensils. Metal can scratch the porcelain.
    • The heat retention of cast iron requires less energy to maintain the required temperature. Turn the burner down to accommodate.
    • When on a stovetop, use a burner nearest in size to the diameter of the pan bottom to avoid hotspots and over-heating of sidewalls and handles.
    • Use oven mitts to protect hands from hot cookware and knobs. Protect countertops/tables by placing hot cookware on trivets or heavy cloths.

    CARING FOR ENAMELED CAST IRON

    Everyday

    1. Allow cookware to cool.
    2. Handwashing with warm soapy water and a nylon Scrub Brush is recommended to preserve the cookware’s original appearance. Avoid cleaners with citrus.
    3. If necessary, use nylon pads or scrapers to remove food residue; metal pads or utensils will scratch or chip porcelain.

    Every Now and Then

    1. Follow the steps above
    2. Remove slight stains by rubbing with a dampened cloth and Lodge Enamel Cleaner or other ceramic cleaners according to directions on the bottle.

    If Needed

    1. Follow all steps above.
    2. For persistent stains, soak interior of the cookware for 2 to 3 hours with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of household bleach per quart of water.*
    3. To remove stubbornly baked-on food, bring to a boil 2 cups of water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Boil for a few minutes then use a Pan Scraper to loosen food.

    Always dry cookware thoroughly and replace rubber Pot Protectors between rim and lid before storing in a cool, dry place. Do not stack cookware.

    If you’re interested in our other favorite kitchen tools check out our resources page.

    Shop This Post

    Lodge Enameled Cast Iron & Ceramic Stoneware Ca…

    $22.99$25.99

     (90)

    Lodge A-CARECP1PLT Seasoned Cast Iron Car…

    $17.90

     (694)

    Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole D…

    $83.11$90.00

     (846)

    Pan Scrapers, 4 Pack Durable Plastic Pan Scr…

    $8.97

     (204)

    All

    Ads by Amazon 

    rest enameled cast iron Lodge dutch oven
    « How to Can Tomatoes in Natural Juices
    How to Grow Green Onions In a Container »

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Popular

    • spinach growing in ground.
      How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Spinach
    • peas growing.
      How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peas
    • How to Make Amazing Mocktails
    • seasoned cast iron pan
      How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware

    Recent Posts

    • How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Spinach
    • How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peas
    • How to Make Amazing Mocktails
    • How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware
    • Holiday Hacks: 3 Time-Saving Kitchen Tips

    Footer

    This site does not provide medical advice. All material provided on this website is provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. Use of this site is subject to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Days Well Spent LLC