Can you use metal utensils on enameled cast iron?

No, you should avoid metal utensils. They can scratch the enamel or leave metal transfer marks on the surface.

How do you remove stuck-on food from enameled cast iron?

A paste of baking soda and water works well, and Barkeeper's Friend is also recommended to bring the shine back to the enameled part.

Is it safe to cook with chipped enameled cast iron?

It is not safe. Once the enamel chips, slivers of the glass-like coating can come loose and flake into your food.

Can you preheat an empty enameled cast iron pan?

No, it is a bad idea to preheat it empty. You should add oil or water while the pan is still cool to absorb some of the heat.

How to Clean and Care for Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron requires gentler care than traditional cast iron because the enamel coating is basically glass and can scratch or chip easily.

You should clean it with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge, avoid metal utensils and abrasive scouring pads, and use baking soda or Barkeeper's Friend for stubborn stains.

Always heat the pan gradually with oil or water inside and stick to medium or lower stovetop settings, letting it cool before washing to prevent thermal shock.

How to Clean and Care for Enameled Cast Iron — infographic

Enameled cast iron is durable and versatile, but Users highlight that its care differs significantly from traditional cast iron, primarily due to the enamel coating's fragility.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Avoid harsh abrasives and metal utensils. Users advise against using metal utensils, green Scotch-Brite pads, or steel wool, as these can scratch the enamel. "Don't use metal utensils, green Scotch Brite pads or steel wool."

Gentle cleaning for everyday use. For typical cleaning, hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge are recommended. "Most of the time, cleanup for enameled cast iron is about as easy as it is for seasoned pieces. A simple rinse can do the trick, and unlike with seasoned pieces there is no need to be superstitious about using soap."

Treating stubborn stains. For baked-on food or stains, a paste of baking soda and water, or Barkeeper's Friend, can be effective. "Barkeepers friend on the enameled part would bring the shine back"

Heat Management

Avoid extreme temperatures and thermal shock. Enameled cast iron should be heated gradually and allowed to cool before washing to prevent damage to the enamel. "You DO have to be careful with them. No metal utensils, no abrasive cleaners, and you need to be careful with shocking the temperature(very hot to very cold)."

Use medium heat settings. The material retains heat efficiently, so high heat is generally unnecessary and can damage the enamel. "Because of the excellent heat retention of cast iron, there's usually little need for going much beyond the "medium" setting on your stovetop."

Preheat with oil or water. Users suggest adding oil or water to the pan while it's cool and letting it heat slowly. "It's generally a bad idea to preheat an enameled piece without oil or water to absorb some of the heat."

Damage and Safety Concerns

Scratches vs. chips. Minor surface scratches or metal transfer marks are often cosmetic and can be cleaned, but chips in the enamel can make the cookware unsafe as small pieces of glass-like enamel can flake into food. "It becomes unsafe if the whisk chipped the enamel at all. Since the enamel is basically layers of glass, once chipped, slivers of enamel surrounding the chip can come loose when you’re cooking something."

Non-toxic materials. Enameled cast iron from reputable brands is generally considered safe and non-toxic, free from microplastics, PFOAs, lead, or cadmium. "Enameled cast iron is absolutely safe. Do your research and keep to brands that don't use lead and cadmium elements in the enamel for an extra layer of peace of mind."

Practical Considerations

Heavy weight. Enameled cast iron is considerably heavier than other cookware, which can be a drawback for some users. "Other than being heavy is there a reason to NOT use enameled cast iron exclusively?"

Versatility with acidic foods. Unlike bare cast iron, enameled versions handle acidic ingredients like tomatoes and vinegar well, making them suitable for stews and sauces. "Unlike seasoned cast iron, enameled cast iron can more easily stand up to highly acidic foods like tomato juice and vinegar."

Are you concerned about the specific cleaning products to use for enameled cast iron?

Best for: home cooks who want the heat retention of cast iron for acidic stews and sauces but prefer low maintenance soapy cleanup.