Enameled cast iron
Monday, 12 January 2009 21:06
administrator
Enameled cast iron is cast iron that has a vitreous enamel glaze. This type of cast iron was a popular material for cookware in the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries, but it has since been replaced by modern metal alloys. It remains a popular material for Dutch ovens.
The enamel coating over the cast iron prevents rusting, eliminates the need to season the metal, and allows for more thorough cleaning. Furthermore, pigments used in the enameling process can produce vibrant colors. While enamel coated cast iron doesn't have the seasoning and cleaning issues of bare cast iron, it can be several times more costly, and does not have some of the benefits of bare cast iron, for example the ability to withstand searing heat and the leaching of dietary iron.