Enameled Cast Iron | How to CHOOSE, CARE FOR and COOK With It!

[@barbaradeclerck7341]

Baking soda does a great job cleaning stains. Use it like barkeepers friend plus it doesn’t scratch!

[@joygreenstreet8940]

I use old hot pads put in between my pans to protect the surface. Easy peasy.

[@MarciPrice-cl6eq]

Love all mine! I have 1 that was my maternal great grandmothers skillets was a wedding present, married in 1902! It's huge! Also a Dutch oven.

[@damianhackett4761]

Extra pans not being used is not a problem for my wife. She is able to use every single one of our pots and pans and say we still need different sizes. Thank you so much for all your videos and effort!

[@yourbrojohno]

I bought a really cheap one at lidl cause i wanted something to abuse for deep frying, making caramel, roasting/making abrasive pan sauces and using as a mixing bowl with a whisk. Since living on my own i have ruined 2 cheap nonstick pans. I appreciate the tips to clean off and store, as well as slowly preheating. Not a problem for frying but will be aware for caramel.

[@patbury4642]

The new Lodge Enamel is made in Tennessee.

[@MyHeritageHome]

Thank you for this reply!! I live in TN and buy Lodge cast iron exclusively. I recently purchased my first two enamel pieces from Lodge and was almost in tears when Carolyn said they were all made in China. I ran to check mine again thinking I had purchased with assumption…..but thankfully they are made in TN, USA🇺🇸

[@literalsteve]

I just bought a new Lodge enamel Dutch oven and it comes with a certificate saying Lodge is American company but it is enameled in China with strict standards. It works great though.

[@victorbenner539]

You bought a older "new" lodge piece. They opened their ceramic plant in the last year or so. And they are currently making pieces in, yup that's right, Red White and Blue.

[@johnferreira174]

Looked at lodge but made in China is a no go for me.

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Oh cool!

[@ellyberghoef1866]

I brought a large Dutch oven from the Netherlands almost 35 years ago in a suitcase. Yes, customs stopped us and searched through our luggage! 😁 it’s orange and in great condition! Just got the large red Lodge one too. Now I need a frying pan like this. Great tips! Thank you! 💕

[@susanfreeman6350]

Thanks for this great video. I love my Le Creuset and use it so much. When I retired, my co- workers gifted me a Williams Sonoma gift certificate and I knew exactly what I would buy with it. After spending hours deciding on the size and shape Dutch oven to buy, I spent another hour deciding on the color. And yes, it lives mostly on my cook top. When I brought it home, I told my daughter-in-law that she would own it one day, followed by my granddaughter. These pots are work horses and gorgeous to look at. A perfect example of form meeting function. All that being said, I still cherish my well used cast iron frying pan given to me as a wedding gift 51 years ago!

[@Stevefor1776]

Lodge now has a line of enameled cast iron that is completely made in America. Called the USA line, it is priced more along the lines of Le Creuset and Staub. If you want Lodge but not Chinese, you now have the option.

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

That’s good news! When we started collecting the Lodge was still made in China, so we went with Le Creuset.

[@ErinJoy-f3o]

I kist ordered a set frm paula deen line. It's beautiful dark blue enameled. Is this made in the usa ? Im frm canada so i never knw where they are being made frm its usially china or the ststes.

[@dancnluc1]

I have never had emenal cast iron but have been looking at it lately. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@loribach534]

This is extremely informative! A "mortal sin" is using any sharp object inside a nonstick pan and ruining the interior. Use a rubbery shelf liner between the pot bottoms when nesting them on top of one another or install cabinet tiers to keep them separated. It's best to store lids separate from the pots to avoid scratching or rusting.

[@allenpost3616]

This was of great help! I have never owned any enameled cast iron, but I just ordered one of Lodges new USA Enamel 6qt dutch ovens, and I'm now researching on how to properly care for it. I want to get as many years of use out of my investment as possible. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of enamel ware. 👍

[@barbaradumont8672]

Same here!

[@poppetanya]

Ah thank you so much! I just got my first lodge dutch oven for Christmas and im trying to do as much research on them before breaking her in! These videos have been so helpful. Even when I for my first cast iron skillet

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Glad it was helpful for your new Dutch oven!

[@L8rCloud]

I always clean and dry mine AND I add a pinch of salt as a desiccant before I add the lid so if there is any moisture left over it’s absorbed by the salt

[@creativeessentialmama913]

Oh what a beautiful collection of enameled cast iron!!! I can’t wait to get first one soon!! ❤

[@WitchyE]

I just received a Lodge Dutch Oven in a beautiful blue color as a Christmas gift. Your video was so helpful. Thank you! 😊

[@maureenhargrave3568]

In 1967 I bought a 7 set of Le Creuset flame color (only color available then) in Daytons Department store in Minneapolis. Moved to California. Several years later I gave away 2 pieces that had wooden handles. Kept burning the handles and got tired of replacing them. About 20 years ago I bought one large pan by Cousances Creuset. Cousances foundry began making cast iron pans in 1553 in France. They were acquired by Le Creuset in 1957. Cookware under the Cousances brand continued to be made by Le Creuset until early 1980s. When was mine made I do not know. The lid is not cast iron but a much lighter metal weight still in the flame color. My pots can continue for another two generations at least. I never put them in a dishwasher.

[@bobcostas9716]

Cousances is quite nice. If you can find it they make a lovely double set of a frying pan that doubles as a pot lid for the accompanying pot. It's a brand a lot of people miss in the thrift stores, but is really nice quality. If yours is light, then it may be enameled carbon steel. IIRC Dru Ware made some items like that which were excellent camp pots because of the reduced weight, but impervious enamel finish. This was back before stainless of course, but they still cook well today. Pro Tip: If you ever find any Copco or Husqvarna enameled cast iron (yes that Husqvarna) buy it. They are nice quality pans.

[@401xyz]

@@bobcostas9716 love Cousances!

[@loribach534]

Thank you for the history!

[@tterry53]

I have several black cast iron pans and dutch ovens and I got lucky going to work early Friday morning at a yard sale and got a Great Jones enameled Dutch Oven, anxious to try it out. The young lady said that she had not used it for the 3 years that she has had it.

[@n2skiing76]

Lodge just came out with enameled Dutch ovens made in USA. And are more expensive like a Le Creuset. I didn’t buy one but seen. I have a lot of Le Creuset and love them. Awesome cooking and beautiful

[@KHomestead]

This is good to know, thank you!

[@anneblenkhorn5258]

Thank you! I am looking into buying a Dutch oven for baking sour dough bread so this video is very timely. After watching this I am thinking I may slowly replace my stainless steel pots and pans to ceramic costed cast iron. I have 3 traditional cast iron pans which are used pretty muc daily.

[@bobcostas9716]

As a longtime commercial chef I would say don't replace your stainless. I have quite a lot Le Creuset that I've accumulated over the years and it's marvelously made cookware. I love it for baking bread and braising. That said, for most day to day stuff you don't need it. Stainless is the go to, and with a nice thick bottom will do almost everything that cast and enameled cast will do. The main benefit of any kind of cast iron is heat retention and even distribution. If you buy sufficiently thick or well made stainless then the difference is negligible. Personally I like Mauviel, All Clad, and if you're not a pro or stupidly wealthy then Tramontina makes a very nice pan for not much money. Personally, my favorite pan is an old 11.5 inch, 5 qt Wolfgang Puck Chinese made stainless with a base that must be half an inch thick. There's very little it won't do, it cleans up easily, and it cost me $8 at Goodwill. One thing to check for on modern stainless is if it it's magnetic. If it is, the you can use it on an induction burner. Anyway, keep your stainless and save some money.

[@codex7305]

I was planning to buy one of these for mother's say. It was great help. Thanks :)

[@meesfeesher414]

I buy Staub brand enameled cast iron pots. The enamel is black, so it doesn't stain.

[@gamingwithfrodo]

Lodge USA Enamel is Made in the USA, in Tennessee. They released their line in June/July, 2023. Color options are red, white or blue. They are beautiful!

[@barbaramandy8708]

Was just going to say this! Made in USA from a great company

[@joghaella9500]

Thank you very much for this video. Today I an enamelled cast iron for the first time in my life, and I want to cherish it forever. Your video is very helpful in knowing how to care about it! Thank you!

[@meganemery6312]

I needed to know if I could preheat my enamel Dutch oven in the oven for making sourdough bread; thank you so much for answering this question!!!

[@simonab3130]

I do it all the time!

[@CArmOrthoRN]

Lodge now offers made in USA enameled dutch ovens. They cost more than the China made ones, but I think it's worth it. I just got mine today - it's as beautiful as my Le Creuset and I can't wait to use it!

[@murielfields7445]

I used my frying. I have a build-up of grease on the outside. How can it be removed? Can I clean with easy off over spray?

[@joshuastoll6808]

Just bought my first le crueset Dutch oven! Thanks for the video!

[@annajustice7620]

I am making a roast and have put my gorgeous new dutch oven in the oven for the first time. Up to now have only used it on the stovetop. Ugh, so nervous. It is in there right now at 300. It sounds like this is the best way to cook this kind of roast and that the pot is made for this kind of use. I will update....

[@lilblackduc7312]

In the 1960s, my Great Grandmother used to clean her stained cookware by simmering lime Kool Aid in them!

[@lindagieseler9566]

i want that green one

[@tonicecilio1759]

Thank you so much! You’re my cast iron hero! I love cooking with cast iron, I mean that’s all I own!

[@kathismatastic]

I've got a Staub (made in France), which I really love, and just got a 7.5 qt Mueller (which is made, I thought, in Germany, but am not able to get confirmation online), which was cheaper than Lodge and not as heavy.

[@motorheart9045]

I gave my used LeCreuset red dutch oven to my son and his fiance. He learned to cook in that pan. They send me pictures from that pan.

[@gailremp8389]

Just lucked up a 6” enameled capturing abd bew to this type. But great size. So Target had this brand - figment. Not sure but tried egg and used butter and got sticking. So time to research. Thanks.

[@manxology]

Nice presentation! Thanks.

[@jacquesmertens3369]

Very proud of this Belgian invention.

[@masone4589]

What about on a low heat pellet smoker? I’m doing chili and wanted to do it on the smoker. 225 for 7-8 total hours

[@aliyabatool3184]

Wow that’s all I needed to know God Bless you 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@freemanmt]

How do you bake bread in the cast enamle Dutch oven without preheating the oven to 450 F? You mentioned that we should heat on low temperature until we reach the desired temperature for baking bread . I am confused with the process ?

[@findsharon]

The pan will slowly heat up as the oven heats up. You put it in the oven before you preheat it, and then take it out to add the dough.

[@mckenzie2260]

Hi Carolyn, thank you for your wealth of information. Wondering what y’all do with the whey after making cheese? I tried making oatmeal with it and it was a big fail for our family 😂

[@joanshealy1662]

Yes the exposed cast iron rim on the edge of the pot and lid can indeed rust and should be dried really good with a soft cloth and then wipe a little coconut oil on the exposed rim on the pot and lid! It’s well worth taking care of it in this way and you won’t get any rust

[@HomesteadingFamily]

That's a great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@ErinAmundson]

@@HomesteadingFamily Is there a way to restore an already rusty lid? :(

[@happychobits]

i learned a lot from this video! thank you

[@andreacremeans1055]

Lodge just announced a new line of USA made enameled iron ware. The ones made in the USA are comparable in price to Le Creuset. They will still offer their more economical enamelware.

[@LCP_452]

Would you know how can we fix the rim if rusted?

[@Mate2Frio]

If you want to remove stains baking soda works for me.

[@r_ds8057]

If you scrape an enamelled one even just a bit...what recourse do we have?

[@0neinaMillyon]

How do I remove rust off the edge? Baking soda as well? 9:00

[@StringofPearls55]

Vinegar/water solution for just a few minutes. 50/50 solution.

[@jennifermundy6813]

I cooked a roast and put water with it. I cooked it @350 but I burned it. I added hot water 3 different times. Do I just need to turn the temp down?

[@maureenhargrave3568]

Oh. One more thing. You need to handle with care. However if you wear out sections of the inside enamel you can send it back to Le Creuset with the story of that pan, where you bought it, must be the original owner. If it meets their guidelines they will send you another one for free in the same size but not necessarily in the same color. You pay the postage.

[@graciousme2258]

How do you know this?

[@maureenhargrave3568]

Because I did this. One of my small pans the enamel wore through inside place and I sent it back for the new one. I contacted them first and hot the information where to send it. Bought the piece in 1967 and had it replaced in the 90s. I had to be the original owner which I was

[@quackerfarm1234]

Where do you get yours? Where is the best place to get some.

[@HomesteadingFamily]

We have more on that here: homesteadingfamily.com/enameled-cast-iron/

[@lcarmen100]

Thank you! I’ve been trying to decide on enameled steel or enameled cast iron cookware. What’s your take on ceramic baking dishes?

[@RuchelleTucker]

Mine has chipped is it safe to cook with , if not what must be done ?

[@thomascrompton7775]

That rim shouldn't rust. It looks bare but it's actually coated with a clear enamel. That is where le creuset stands out. There is 3 coats of enamel the China ones who know but likely one ckear one white coat. I will say I have had China made dutch ovens enameled for years and work great no issues.

[@Kayenne54]

6:34 I was freaking out. "Oh noooo I've ruined my expensive enamelled cast iron dutch oven when I made bread"...whew. Apparently not. Hopefully.

[@SilenceHurtsMore]

Can you stick it to a pre-heated oven?

[@mimiashford5544]

IF the enamel happens to get damaged and dull by using the wrong cleanser (OxyClean) is it still useable or not?

[@theastewart6721]

Interesting video. My enameled cast iron pans are Le Creuset and one brand called Well Equipped Kitchen. Both of the Dutch ovens are all black on the bottom. I can’t tell if the enamel is worn off or it’s just from use because they both turned black very early on. Such a disappointment. They were way too expensive for this to happen. If I had it to do all over again, I would never brown any meats in them. Actually I’d probably never buy them again. Then I’d have more mess to clean up. I love lodge cast iron. Thanks for a thoughtful video.😊

[@nykka3]

Le Creuset has black satin enamel versions of their cookware such as the frying pan and some braisers.

[@theastewart6721]

Good to know, thank you @nykka3

[@kaylapilon1447]

To clean my I soaking it in a water with one dissolve dishwasher tablet. It takes it right off

[@kingkobra2282]

Hi do it turn black from the fire of the stove like other pots and pans

[@petergreenwald9639]

I just cooked a marinaded chicken breast in a "off brand," enameled, grill pan. (Purchased new from Aldi.) The breast stuck like glue and the surface of the meat shredded off on the first side. The second side didn't as it sat on the residual meat. What did I do wrong? I really want to master this for the grill marks and char. If I can't figure this out, I will drop it at Goodwill and go back to my Griswold. I just want those lovely grill marks. (Yes, I applied oil to the pan prior to cooking, but started at mid heat)

[@miabeia3117]

Do you get the same benefits from an enameled cast iron pan? I’m needed to get my iron levels up and I’m not sure if it will do the same as the regular one? Thanks! I’m a new subscriber!❤️

[@pelicandame]

Might also bring up that not all enameled cast iron pans are oven safe! Not because of the pans themselves, but because the handles are not made for high temperatures.

[@mrs.ezirike]

If you scratch it is it still good to use?

[@lcarmen100]

I was hoping you would have compared lower cost enameled cast iron besides the most expensive VS one of the expensive USA companies. Are there any lower cost ones you recommend? Like HAWOK, Crock Pot , or Tramontina?

[@kingkobra2282]

I talking about the outside of the pots or pans the be turn black I never use one that's why I'm asking thank you in advance

[@moozzzzz]

if the rims have rusted, is there any solution to remove rust?

[@jenc8953]

Has anyone cooked with the Italian enameled cast iron brand called Brandani? It’s sold at TJMaxx and HomeGoods. I was wondering if it’s any good? The price is very reasonable.

[@ruthcapulong4041]

Which cast iron is safe to put in the refrigerator?

[@laguy8181]

So is it okay to cook with just butter rather than oil?

[@Jesuswillbeback]

Is it bad for coating if i preheat with lard until it start to smoke, becouse if i do like that, my eggs dont stick(it is like teflon) Thank you for answer.

[@ShyannFerguson-ig7qj]

Hi! What do you think of the Target brand “FigMint”? I purchased a dutch oven, and am planning on purchasing the skillets!

[@gailremp8389]

Thunk I got it, thx for info. Subscribed of course, peace.

[@edwardfrankenhoff4548]

Thank you very much . . . very helpful!

[@vsierra15]

🤦🏻‍♀️Soooooo what happens if I’m a dummy and preheat an empty enamel coated cast iron pan how do I know if I’ve completely ruined the pan?

[@kaesmomFitz]

Oh my gosh - I had no idea that enamel coated cast iron even existed!

[@dragoness0000]

Sadly also the Lodge enameling wears off faster. Mine is wearing off already and it has only been 5 years.

[@berrysweet2321]

How many quarts is the big red one?

[@theodoremeyer2829]

Can you use it on open coal fire ?

[@amanda73571]

You slay Carolyn.

[@lm1275]

I wrecked the finish on my kitchen aid 7 quart by trying to remove stains with a green pad. Now the smoothness is gone and I don't know if It's safe to use!

[@dianacastillo498]

Does anyone know anything about Cook’s Tradition enamel coated cast iron pans?

[@petepalmeri]

Question: What happened to the domed bread pan? Looks like the enamel is chipped off. I want to be sure not to have that happen to mine.

[@amanda19836257]

Hey homestead family have a question is it possibly to use the pink stuff to clean small stains on the out side or inside of the lodge dutch oven that you show on your vid, as i have the same one or will it damage it? I figure i can use it considering its all natural and non toxic what are your thoughts? Thanks again!

[@tudorverde]

Can I use baking soda to wash the enameled iron cast?

[@honeyj.badger5484]

Borough Furnace makes enameled Dutch Ovens in New York State, The best enamel ware made in the US

[@MiriamT-x4m]

Can I cook enamelled cast iron on electric stove ?

[@GrunonFeliz]

what make and model is that really tall piece on your left (as we look at it), not the dutch oven. It's red and the top part is tall and the bottom has two handles?

[@tinabow3812]

I have two of them. My granddaughter completely destroyed my first one. And my daughter same to my second. I did what you said about putting the baking soda in there and bring it up with a wooden spoon clean it and everything I finally got it back to normal. I told them they're not allowed to touch my good dishes anymore. They are so expensive especially when you get the good ones. That's not made in China

[@SlingsAxes]

Thank you for this informative video, ma'am.

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CharleneFreedInChrist]

Thank you!!!

[@johnsanford3596]

Lodge USA Enameled Cast Iron is made in the USA now. They may have an imported line as well, I don't know. Lodge USA falls into the middle of the cost spectrum. The myriad of Chinese imports at the bottom, Lodge in the middle, the French at the top.

[@carolkalmerkalmer3135]

Le Creuset and Staub and probably many other enameled cast iron manufactures glaze their rims so they do not rust. I have 21 enameled cast iron pans and many brands only one a cheap Smith and Clark (not Smithy) has ever shown any rust on rim and that just barely. Le Creuset says you do not have to oil their rims!

[@rachelleroberts4290]

Isn't cooking with enamel toxic? Is it not the same as cooking with non-stick skillets?

[@GodGunsGutsandNRA]

Le Creuset Enamel has been tested and proven to contain no lead or cadmium by the California Proposition 65 Standards Le Creuset Enamel has been tested and proven to contain no lead or cadmium by the California Proposition 65 Standards

[@lauren8627]

Yes apparently cadmium and lead. Not sure about Le Cruset though.

[@elizabethjones9440]

Cameo powder is better and gentler than Bar Keeper’s Friend if you can get it. I think I saw it on the shelf at Walmart a year or so ago. It’s good for stainless steel because it’s less abrasive.

[@mikemaryhaggerty2728]

I've never understood the worry over cooking acidic foods or soaking cast iron. I've been using the same cast iron skillet for 30+ years, l've never had to reseason it. I cook tomato stuff in it all the time. Once in a while if something really gets stuck in it I fill it with water and a little dish soap let it soak for 5 or 10 minutes then scrub it out with either a plastic scrubber or one of the silver ones and it comes out with a beautifully nice smooth seasoned surface. Dry it out, put a dab of oil in it, wipe it off a paper towel and it's good till next time. No reseasoning needed.

[@mckenzie2260]

It can be done with a well seasoned cast iron but if it isn’t well seasoned the acidity can corrode the iron and then you have issues with the cast iron.

[@CptApplestrudl]

@@mckenzie2260 Acidity doesnt corrode (rust) iron. Oxygen and moisture does though when it gets to exposed Iron. The only thing acidity does is attacking the coating within your cast iron pan. So the wisdom goes, you can get a stonger Iron or metallic taste in your tomato sauce when done in a cast iron pan. But I have read articles that tested this and at least according to those, it's basically fine if it's only in there for like 15-20 minutes. I also strongly assume that unless you do this all the time, the coating will replenish itself through use anyway.

[@mckenzie2260]

@@CptApplestrudl thanks for the correction!

[@enigmaa5195]

if you don't want to deal with seasoning, why not to buy stainless steel ?

[@Antyweszka]

Hahaha❤️ one just today was delivered to my house😅

[@eskennedy5]

Goals!

[@boranshao]

As chinese, I really hate someone just lists "made in China" as a negative. You could say it is not well defined/manufactored in this that way, rather than making "China" just as a bad factor. There are many great things manufactored in China, as long as you are willing to pay for a decent price.