Enameled Cast Iron VS Cast Iron: Step By Step Guide – Bestcastirons
People! We are here again to bring something interesting for our food lovers. We will discuss Enameled Cast Iron VS Cast Iron here to give you a clear understanding between them.
Basically, Both types of pans are made up of Cast Iron; we can say that the basic element for both is the same, which is Cast Iron.
But, a question arises here: if both basics are the same, then why are we comparing both types of utensils? Is enameled cast Iron is as good as enameled cast iron? Quality & Colour of coating, Shapes, Sizes, colors, Utilities, and use with different heating sources make a big difference.
The sizes, Handles, Shapes, and lids of both the pans could be similar, but durability and utility for cooking, simmering, deep frying, and uses make a difference.
Enameled Cast Iron and Cast Iron are two different types of cookware used for different types of cooking and can be used alternatively depending upon the source of heat.
Here we will compare both the cookwares with the help of research done by the experts. This article will be serving as a complete guide to newbies.
Are Enameled Cast Iron & Cast Iron two different types of pots?
The answer to the question is a big YES…. Cast Iron pots are usually in black or grey color, and Enameled Cast Iron pots come in various colors with a glossy finish which adds to the beauty of the kitchen and dining table.
The ability to absorb the heat and distribute the heat does not differ a lot as both are made of Steel – Carob alloy. Size and shape can be the same, but the quality of coating and colors differ, and coating makes a difference in the durability of the pot.
Comparison of Enameled Cast Iron and Cast Iron is elaborated by following a detailed discussion.
1. Form Factor:
Enameled Cast Iron pots are molded by a steel–carbon alloy, a mixture of 98% Iron and 2% carbon, melted down and cast into different sizes and shapes. Sizes, shapes, and designs vary with or without having vitreous enamel coating.
Cast Iron pots:
are also precast of steel – carbon blend, a mixture of 98% Iron and 2% carbon, melted down and cast to different sizes and shapes of choice and demand as these can be used outdoors easily.
2. Cleaning:
Enameled Cast Iron:
While dealing with Enameled Cast Iron, cleaning is easy and is done with the help of soap and lukewarm water; this pot is not dishwasher safe. Dry immediately after washing. (dish wash can result in damage to the enamel coating)
Cast Iron:
And a Cast Iron pot could be easily cleaned with the help of soap and water that needs to be dried upon washing. These also are not dishwasher safe.
3. Versatility and finishing:
Enameled Cast Iron:
utensils have a vast range of designs and shapes available to the market’s utensils. The glossy finish from the outside makes it more attractive.
Cast Iron:
pots are available in different sizes and shapes. But, they always come in Dark grey or black finishing, which gets darker and dull with the use and passage of time. It hampers the beauty of your kitchen when someone visits your kitchen.
4. Durability:
Enameled Cast Iron:
pot is durable enough if used with care and concern, i.e., while selecting the source of heat and the level of temperature, you have to be more careful as it can result in wear-tear/ damage of the coating and can decrease the life of the pot.
Cast Iron:
pot is more durable as compared to enameled cast iron as it can be used with any source of heat; that is the reason that it can be used outdoors more often as compared to enameled cast iron.
5. Ease of Use:
Enameled Cast Iron:
pots do not need any seasoning before they start to cook for your loved ones. It can preserve the heat and moisture of the food making it more delicious and healthy.
Cast iron:
Cast Iron Pots need seasoning on every cook. It also can retain heat and moisture of the food but is usable with any source of heat enhances its ease of use. This pot can deal with higher heat levels even on coal and wood while partying outdoors.
6. Heat Retention:
Enameled Cast Iron:
due to its metal, can absorb the heat well and distribute the heat evenly along the entire surface of the pot. Enameled cast Iron becomes ideal for simmering and slow cooking on the stovetops.
Cast iron:
pots have an equal ability of heat retention as compared to Enameled Cast Iron (as being cast of the same metal) hence ideal for cooking, slow cooking, simmer, and deep fry on all types of heat source indoor and outdoor.
7. Heat Source:
While dealing with enameled cast iron, excessive heating can damage the enamel coating on the pot. These pots cannot be used to all heat sources and remain safe with stovetops.
In contrast to Enameled Cast Iron pots, Cast Iron Pots could be easily used on all types of heat sources, i.e., stovetops, coal, and wood.
8. Temperature:
Enameled Cast Iron becomes sensitive to excessive heat and can damage the enamel coating of the pot.
Cast Iron Pots can be used for higher temperatures of heating sources.
9. Maintenance:
Cast Iron pots with enamel coating do not need any seasoning. Bare can be seasoned to prevent rusting.
Cast Iron pots do not have any coating; hence need seasoning before cooking and can also be seasoned bare to prevent rusting.
10. Price
Enameled Cast Iron pots are more expensive as compared to Cast Iron Pots. To find the best budget enameled cast Iron and best budget cast Iron needs to surf through the market first.
FINAL VERDICT
As per research performed by the experts and the comparison provided in the above table, if you are a party lover and have to cook outside and use a different variety of heat sources, then Cast Iron will be the best choice for you.
On the other hand, if you love to have gatherings with your loved ones at your home, Enameled Coated Cast Iron is the best choice for you as its glassy finish adds beauty to your kitchen and table. So it is ideal to have good food on the stovetops.
