Enamelware is prized for its durability and classic style – but to get the most out of your porcelain-coated pots, pans, and dishes, a little care goes a long way. In this guide, we share ten essential tips for using enamelware and keeping it in great condition. From cooking on the stove to cleaning up after dinner, these pointers will help ensure your enamelware serves you beautifully for years to come.
1. Gradually Preheat and Avoid Thermal Shock
Enamelware can handle high heat, but it doesn’t like sudden temperature changes. Avoid thermal shock by heating your enamelware gradually. Don’t take an enamel dish straight from the fridge or freezer into a hot oven – let it warm up a bit first. Similarly, when cooking on a stovetop, start on a low flame and increase heat gradually rather than going to max heat right away. After cooking, allow the pot or pan to cool down before washing. Never plunge a hot enamelware item into cold water, as the rapid change in temperature could crack the enamel.
2. Don’t Heat an Empty Pot
Always have some food, water, or oil in your enamelware when heating it. Never put an empty enamel pot or pan over heat for long. Dry heating can cause the enamel layer to overheat and potentially crack or discolor, since there’s no contents to absorb the heat. If a recipe calls for preheating the cookware, do it briefly on low heat and add ingredients as soon as possible. Generally, it’s best to add a bit of butter, oil, or other cooking liquid to the pan before you turn on the burner.
3. Use the Right Utensils
Protect the enamel surface by using wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils when stirring and serving. Although high-quality enamelware has a tough coating, metal utensils can scratch or chip it if used aggressively. Avoid cutting food directly on an enamel plate or baking dish for the same reason. By sticking to gentler utensils and using knives only on cutting boards (not in the cookware itself), you’ll preserve the smooth enamel finish and avoid unwanted scratches.
4. Suitable for Stove, Oven, and Grill – But Not Microwave
One great thing about enamelware is its versatility. You can use it on gas and electric stovetops, in the oven, and even on induction cookers (many enamelware pieces have a steel or iron base that works on induction). It’s also safe on outdoor grills or campfires, which is why enamelware is popular for camping. However, never use enamelware in a microwave, since it’s metal underneath the enamel. Also avoid putting enamelware under a broiler or over a very high flame empty (see tip #2), as extremely concentrated heat can damage the enamel.
5. Prevent Sticking with a Little Oil
While enamelware’s glossy surface is fairly non-stick, it’s not the same as a modern Teflon pan. To prevent food from sticking or burning, especially in enamel bakeware or frying pans, use a bit of oil, butter, or cooking spray to lightly grease the interior before cooking. This is particularly helpful for baking casseroles or cakes in enamelware, and when frying eggs or searing meat in an enamel skillet. A little grease goes a long way to ensure easy food release and quicker cleanup.
6. Gentle Cleaning – No Abrasive Scrubbers
When it comes time to clean up, be gentle. Avoid steel wool, metal scouring pads, or harsh abrasive cleaners that could scratch the enamel. Instead, use a soft sponge or dish cloth with warm, soapy water. In most cases, that’s all you need to remove grease and residue from enamelware. If you encounter stubborn stuck-on bits, fill the cookware with warm water and a squirt of dish soap and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. This will loosen burnt-on food so you can wipe it away without heavy scrubbing. For tougher grime, use a plastic or nylon scrubber – never metal. While many enamelware items are labeled dishwasher-safe, hand washing is gentler and helps preserve the enamel’s shine over time.
7. Use Baking Soda for Stains
For tough stains or discoloration on your enamelware, baking soda is your friend. Make a paste of baking soda and a little water, then apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for several minutes to break down the grime. Afterwards, gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge or nylon brush. Baking soda’s mild abrasive action can lift stains without harming the enamel. For extra cleaning power, you can add a splash of vinegar to the baking soda paste – it will foam up and help dissolve mineral deposits or burnt residue. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach on enamelware, as they can dull the finish.
8. Dry Thoroughly to Prevent Rust
After washing, make sure to dry your enamelware completely, inside and out. The enamel coating itself won’t rust, but enamelware often has exposed metal at the rims or edges (for example, around the lip of a mug or where handles attach). If water sits on those spots, it could cause the metal to develop rust over time. Use a towel to dry every part of the item, or let it air-dry and then wipe off any remaining moisture. Storing your enamelware dry will keep it pristine and rust-free.
9. Store and Handle with Care
Although enamelware is sturdy for everyday use, it can chip if knocked or dropped. Take care when handling and storing your pieces. If you stack enamelware dishes or bowls, place a paper towel or cloth between them to avoid scratches. Don’t bang your enamel cookware against other hard objects or toss it into the sink. A little caution will prevent those unsightly chips and keep your cookware looking like new. Remember, a chipped enamel surface can expose the metal underneath and lead to rust (not to mention affect the appearance), so it’s worth handling enamelware with a bit of care.
10. What If It Chips?
Sometimes accidents happen and an enamel piece might get chipped. If you notice a small chip on the outside of a pot or on the rim of a plate, you can generally continue using it. Just keep the chipped area clean and dry, and you might rub a drop of cooking oil on the exposed metal to seal it against moisture (reapply occasionally). However, if the enamel chips on the inner cooking surface where it contacts your food, it’s safest to discontinue using that item for cooking. The exposed metal could rust, and you definitely don’t want bits of enamel chipping off into your meal. You can repurpose a badly chipped item as décor or for holding utensils, or look into enamel repair kits for minor fixes. But for regular food use, it’s best to replace cookware once the enamel coating is significantly damaged.
By following these ten tips, you’ll ensure your enamelware remains a trusty companion in your kitchen and on your adventures. With a little mindful care in how you cook, clean, and store your enamel pieces, they can truly last a long time – staying as beautiful and functional as the day you got them.
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