Enamelled cast iron cookware
Quick answer
Enamelled cast iron's iron body conducts heat at about 52 W/m-K. It works on induction and is oven safe to about 500F. It is best for braises, stews, beans, bread baking and anything acidic that needs hours of gentle heat.
Conductivity and density are published material properties. Oven ceilings are what manufacturers publish for this class of cookware and vary by brand.
| Material | Conductivity | Induction | Oven ceiling | Reactive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-ply stainless clad | 237 W/m-K aluminium core, 16 at the surface | Yes | 600F | No |
| Five-ply stainless clad | 237 W/m-K aluminium layers, 16 at the surface | Yes | 600F | No |
| Disc-base stainless | 237 W/m-K aluminium disc in the base, 16 at the surface | Yes | 500F | No |
| Bare cast iron | 52 W/m-K | Yes | 700F | Yes |
| Carbon steel | 50 W/m-K | Yes | 600F | Yes |
| Enamelled cast iron | 52 W/m-K iron body | Yes | 500F | No |
| PTFE nonstick | 237 W/m-K aluminium body | Depends | 400F | No |
| Ceramic nonstick | 237 W/m-K aluminium body | Depends | 350F | No |
| Bare or anodised aluminium | 237 W/m-K | No | 500F | Yes |
| Plain stainless steel | 16 W/m-K | Depends | 500F | No |
| Lined copper | 401 W/m-K copper body, 16 at the surface | No | 450F | No |
| Stoneware and ceramic bakeware | 1.5 W/m-K | No | 450F | No |
| Tempered glass bakeware | 1 W/m-K | No | 425F | No |
| Wood | not applicable | No | Not oven safe | No |
| Polyethylene and polypropylene | not applicable | No | Not oven safe | No |
What is enamelled cast iron?
A cast iron body coated inside and out with fused vitreous enamel, so there is no seasoning and no bare metal.
Enamel chips if the pot is knocked or dropped, and a chipped interior on the cooking surface means the pot should be retired from cooking. It also dislikes thermal shock, so no cold water into a hot pot.
How it behaves on the heat
Its iron body conducts heat at about 52 W/m-K. That figure sits in the middle, well above stainless and well below aluminium. Heat retention is very high, responsiveness is low, and evenness is excellent once preheated.
Conductivity and heat capacity are different things and it is worth keeping them apart. Conductivity is how fast heat moves through the material. Heat capacity is how much energy the material holds once hot. Cast iron conducts poorly and holds a great deal, which is exactly why it sears well: the pan barely cools when cold food lands on it.
Induction, oven and care
It works on induction. The enamel is only a surface glaze. The body underneath is iron, so it works on induction. The settling test is a fridge magnet on the base: a firm grip means it works.
The oven ceiling is about 500F. Le Creuset publishes 500F for its enamelled cast iron, and this is the figure most brands publish. The knob is usually the real limit: a phenolic knob is often rated only to about 375F while a stainless knob matches the pot. Dishwasher guidance: Permitted by most brands, though it dulls the exterior finish over time. It is not reactive, so acidic food presents no problem.
What it is genuinely best at
Braises, stews, beans, bread baking and anything acidic that needs hours of gentle heat.
On sticking: Somewhat. Enamel is not nonstick and a light interior will stain.
Enamelled cast iron cookware
- SUNOUTLY
Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6QT Pot with Lid, Cream White
6 qtUnder $50 Check priceBudget band; Amazon shows the current price - Lodge
Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6 Quart, Island Spice Red
6 qtUnder $100 Check priceBudget band; Amazon shows the current price - Le Creuset
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Deep Round Oven, 6.5 qt., Sea Salt
6.5 qtUnder $500 Check priceBudget band; Amazon shows the current price - Le Creuset
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 qt., Cerise
5.5 qtUnder $500 Check priceBudget band; Amazon shows the current price - Le Creuset
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt., Cerise
7.25 qtUnder $500 Check priceBudget band; Amazon shows the current price
Common questions
Does enamelled cast iron work on induction?
Yes. The enamel is only a surface glaze. The body underneath is iron, so it works on induction. The reliable test is a fridge magnet against the base: a firm grip across the whole base means the pan will work, a grip only in the centre means uneven heating, and no grip means it will not work at all.
How hot can enamelled cast iron go in the oven?
About 500F. Le Creuset publishes 500F for its enamelled cast iron, and this is the figure most brands publish. The knob is usually the real limit: a phenolic knob is often rated only to about 375F while a stainless knob matches the pot. Remember that the ceiling for any assembled pan is the lowest of its cooking surface, its handle and, if it goes in covered, its lid, and the handle is very often the lowest of the three.
Is enamelled cast iron dishwasher safe?
Permitted by most brands, though it dulls the exterior finish over time. Even where a dishwasher is technically permitted, hand washing extends the life of almost every kind of cookware, because detergents are aggressive and the heat cycle is harder on coatings and finishes than anything that happens during cooking.
Can I cook acidic food in enamelled cast iron?
Yes. This material is inert, so tomatoes, wine, vinegar and citrus present no problem however long they cook. That is one of the main practical reasons to own it.
What is enamelled cast iron best at?
Braises, stews, beans, bread baking and anything acidic that needs hours of gentle heat. No single cookware material is good at every job, which is why a mixed kitchen outperforms a matched set at every budget. Choose each vessel for what it will actually be used for rather than buying everything in one construction.
