Cast iron cookware with ceramic coating is a relatively new, but also quite revolutionary way to cook. This type of kitchenware has the great ability to go from stovetop cooking all the way up to oven-level temperatures without any issues or warping of the material.
The best part about these type of utensils? You can experience frying, stove-cooking and baking while making sticking food an issue of the past!
It’s no wonder there are so many people who want ceramic coated cast iron pots/pans, but don’t know what else they need when purchasing one online or at a store nearby.
If you’re looking for a pot or pan that can withstand the heat and still be easy to clean, cast iron cookware with ceramic coating is what you should buy!
So, let’s take a closer look.
Why Choose Enamel Coated Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron is a popular cookware choice, because of its even heat distribution and incredible durability. However, over time, cast iron can become rusty and difficult to clean. A ceramic coating can help to prevent this and keep your cookware in good condition.
Ceramic coatings are applied as a liquid mineral solution and then cured in an industrial oven at very high temperatures. They form a protective barrier on the surface of the cast iron, which prevents moisture and oxygen from coming into contact with the metal. This helps to keep the seasoning intact and prevents rust from forming.
What Is Cast Iron With Ceramic Coating?
Cast iron with ceramic coating is a special type of nonstick cookware. It is coated on the interior and sometimes on the exterior with ceramic layer. Because of this, it can withstand high temperatures like traditional cast iron cookware, but it won’t gave food residue sticking and will cook your food evenly. This combination of features makes cast iron with ceramic coating an excellent alternative to other types of pans and cookware.
It will last you longer than one that isn’t coated in ceramic, because the nonstick surface will prevent food from sticking to the pan’s surface. The ceramic coating will not have scratches and damage to the surface over time as well as wear on utensils that are used on it.
The nonstick surface also means that less oil will be required when cooking your food. Which is always a good thing.
How To Clean and Care For Your Ceramic Coated Cast Iron Kitchenware
Soak your enameled cast iron cookware in hot water with dish soap.
- Pour some water in your sink and place the enameled cast iron pan inside it
- Add dish soap to a sponge or scrub brush
- Scrub the surface your pan with the soapy water
- Rinse off any residue, wet under cold running tap water
- Let it dry before storing
The ceramic coating is durable enough to last for years and it’s also extremely easy to clean as we’ve seen. The downside is that these pots and pans are more expensive than other types of cast iron pans. They’re also heavier than most non-ceramic coated cast iron cookware. You can use them for cooking any type of food, including meat, vegetables, and desserts. These pots and pans are safe to use on any type of stove top or in the oven, because they can withstand high temperatures without breaking or bending.
Benefits Of Cast Iron With Ceramic Coating:
– The nonstick surface of this type of cookware prevents food from sticking to the pan, which means that it’s perfect for cooking foods like eggs, pancakes, and sautéed vegetables.
– Because food won’t stick to the surface of a ceramic coated cast iron skillet, you won’t need as much oil when cooking.
– This type of pan can be used under high temps because it has a thick base that is great for distributing heat evenly.
– Such cookware is very durable and will last for many years if properly maintained.
– It’s easy to clean because you can just use soap and water (do not use hard metal utensils on it).
A ceramic coated cast iron skillet or pot is a good option for someone who doesn’t want to season it themselves, especially if you are new to using cast iron cookware in general.
Disadvantages Of Cast Iron With Ceramic Coating
The nonstick layer could still be scratched and flake off with harsh and prolonged use. You can remove a Teflon nonstick surface all together from a pan by just scrubbing the it with a Scotch-Brite pad or sandpaper, though that would be harder to do with a ceramic coating. But obviously you don’t want to do that.
Although, it could withstand a sandpaper scrubbing, the ceramic coating won’t stay intact in the long run and will need to be replaced after a few years of use.
It can also crack or chip off if you drop it too hard.
The ceramic coating may break out if not handled properly and the particles can end up in your food. Which isn’t that great, really.
Things You Need To Consider Before Buying A Cast Iron Cookware With Ceramic Coating
If you want a cast iron skillet or pit with a ceramic coating, be prepared to spend more money than you would on one without such nonstick surface, because they are more expensive to produce.
The ceramic coating makes it easier to cook with because food doesn’t stick, but that also means the pan will scratch more easily and require more care than a traditional cast-iron skillet.
If you are new to using this type of cooking utensil, there is a higher risk for accidents like scraping off the protective coating while using or washing them.
Tips on How To Properly Use Cast Iron Cookware With Ceramic Coating
Although there are many advantages to owning a non-stick skillet, there are also some disadvantages. The most common problem with non-sticks is that the coating will eventually wear off and start flaking off into your food. When this happens, it can be very dangerous because it can cause chemical poisoning or other health issues.
It is very important that you don’t use hard metal utensils on a ceramic non-stick pan, because although the ceramic layer is very hard, they could still scratch the surface and cause damage which in turn could cause more flaking of the coating.
If you follow these simple tips, your ceramic coated cookware should last you a very long time.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s up to you whether or not you want to buy a enameled cast iron cookware. It’s very convenient to use and easy to clean, but as with anything in this world it does have some disadvantages as well. So, take that into account when shopping.
Some people just prefer cooking with a stainless steel skillet, because it can’t be scratched off into your food and is relatively cheaper. However, if you decide that the convenience and price tag of a ceramic coated cat iron skillet is worth it and outweighs the risks, then by all means buy one!
You will love how easy it makes cooking and cleaning up after a meal!
Additional Questions
Is ceramic coated cast iron cookware safe?
Yes, it’s safe to say that enameled cast iron cookware is absolutely safe and non-toxic. Unlike its traditional counterpart, enameled cast iron doesn’t contribute any iron to your food. Not only does this ceramic coating enhance the durability of your cookware, but it also shields your pan from rusting and relinquishes the need for seasoning. You see, I have been using enameled cast iron for many years, and not only have I loved how easy it is to clean, but I’ve never had any health concerns with it. In fact, it has been a staple in the culinary world for years!
How do you cook with ceramic coated cast iron?
The process of cooking with enameled cast iron is quite simple, although there are a few pointers to keep in mind. Above all, it is recommended to preheat your pan slowly and over low heat. Unlike regular cast iron, rapid preheating can harm the enamel coating. So, you should simply turn on your heat source to a low or medium-low setting, adding your cooking oil as needed, and gradually bring it up to the desired temperature. Having spent years perfecting the art of cooking with enameled cast iron, I’ve found this method to be most effective!
Does ceramic coated cast iron need to be seasoned?
One of the huge advantages of enameled cast iron is its lack of any requirement for seasoning. You can literally start utilizing it immediately for a myriad of purposes – be it pan-frying, simmering, or baking, and so forth. That being said, it’s smarter to preheat your pan on low-to-medium heat with some cooking oil or fat. From personal experience, I’ve observed that this leads to better cooking results and also extends the longevity of the enamel on the cast iron.