Enamel Cookware

Some time ago I got a cookery book signed at a book launch from one of my favorite chefs. My mother, knowing my immense love for cooking and being in the kitchen scoffed at me - how well are you going to use this book? She asked me. I shrugged my shoulders in reply. That instant my eyes got riveted to this awesome, shiny and glossy and elegant set of cookware my mother dearest was using. I asked her what is it and she told me that it was enamel cookware. She told me all about it.

What is Enamel Cookware?
Primarily, cookware with enamel comes in two varieties. Enamel on steel and enameled cast iron cookware. Simply put,enamel is a non reactive and non-stick coating on the top of a metal - like steel or cast iron. The coating gives it a shiny and colored surface. A very important reason for this coating is that it prevents the basic metal from leaking in and ingesting the food when the food is heated in these utensils. Another factor is that the coating also ensures that the cookware is easily cleaned. Easy food release and good heat retention are two basic advantages of cast iron or steel enamel cookware.

Safety Considerations for Enamel Cookware
Although they are FDA approved, there are a few things which have to be taken care of while using enamel coated utensils. To begin, with, once you are done with cooking in these utensils, let them cool down thoroughly before you wash them. Drastic and fast temperature changes while using these products can lead to cracks in the enamel and the base metal to get a way into your food. In addition to that, when cleaning enamel cookware sets, make sure you use a synthetic scouring pad, rather than steel wool or other abrasive cleaners. The latter can scratch the enamel and damage it. If you are using steel enamel, avoid using them on steel pot or in the microwave. Initially there was an issue with the usage of lead and cadmium in the enamel cutlery and cooking utensils, as these may turn out to be toxic. Now, however, these substances are hardly used, so enamel pots and pans are pretty safe. To avoid damage to the cookware as a result of the heat and prevent burns, always cook the food on medium heat when using enamel utensils. If these utensils are used carefully and are not subject to harsh treatment, this cookware is very durable.

Enamel Cookware Repair
To repair an enamel kit, you will mainly require a food grade enamel repair kit, fine grit sanding paper and a paint brush, a small one. Right before you try and repair the cookware, you will have to clean it thoroughly. Cast iron has a tendency to rust in a few cases, so that aspect has to be taken care of. After you clean the utensils, they will have to dry totally before you start working on it. To repair chipped enamel what you mainly have to do is to mix the paint which will be in the kit and apply a layer of the paint evenly on the chipped part. Check out the instructions given in the kit for details about drying and hardening of the enamel. Eventually, you will have to sand the enamel once it is absolutely dry. A firm and concentrated circular motion is necessary till the repair is in uniform height and is even with the surrounding texture. After the whole thing is done, clean the utensil again and let it dry and then start using enameled cast iron cookware.

At the end of the day as per some reviews, cast iron is a better option of the two available in enamel coated cookware. Seemingly, they are easier to clean, and the food gets cooked evenly on account of even heating and heat retention.

Ultimately though, it is your choice, which one to pick! But one thing is for sure. The more you take good care of enamel cookware, it will 'serve' you for longer period of time! I sign off here!