40 Something Reviews

Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

I’ve always known the benefits of cooking with cast iron.

• * More even heat distribution
• * Able to cook at high temperatures without burning food as quickly
• * Lasts forever if you don’t allow it to rust
• * Stick resistant when properly seasoned
• * More tenders meats
• * And others

But the cleanup is a pain. Washing (or rinsing if you’re opposed to using soap on your cast iron) and drying it completely before putting away got old quick. My cast iron ended up in the back of the cabinet. Then, on a trip to Lake of Ozarks one year, my husband and I stumbled into a store that carried enameled cast iron. I knew these types of pans existed, but had forgotten all about them. When we flew home, I began looking for an enameled cast iron skillet and also an enameled cast iron Dutch oven.

I opted for a Cajun enameled cast iron skillet. It was very reasonably priced (about $35 depending on where you get it).

Pros

My husband and I have deemed my enameled cast iron skillet the “magic pan.” We really don’t know why, but the meat comes out so much more tender when cooked in this skillet than a regular frying pan. My husband has actually asked the question, “You didn’t use the magic pan, did you?” He can tell.

Cleanup is much easier with enameled cast iron than regular cast iron. You hand wash the skillet and let it sit in your strainer to air dry. No worries about rust or about your pan acquiring a soapy taste (if you used dishwashing soap to clean your regular cast iron).

Because it’s all coated metal, an enameled cast iron skillet can go directly from stove top to oven. You don’t have to dirty up two dishes if you make a recipe that starts on the stove and bakes to finish.

Cons

You can’t season an enameled cast iron skillet and sometimes the enamel coating will stick. You’ll want to use spray, oil or something else to prevent sticking of food. If you get a skillet with a white enamel coating, it tends to stain. My did after just a few uses. Next time, I’ll get one with a black inside coating.

Cast iron – enameled or not – is heavy! I tend to use the smaller pieces. I’d love to have a larger skillet, but I don’t know if I’d be able to comfortably lift it.

There are several brands of enameled cast iron skillets and cookware that are extremely pricy! Le Creuset is probably the most popular. But even a small, nine-inch skillet of theirs costs $99 at Amazon.com (and they usually have great prices!). As for me, that was just a tiny bit more than I wanted to spend.

Overall, I love my skillet. I use it on a regular basis and can truly tell a difference in how tender the meat is and how it and other foods taste.

Recommended? Yes

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