Cast Iron Cookware Without Enamel?

Logan-

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I like cooking beef on cast iron cookware. Is it o.k. to use the ones that doesn't have an enamel coating? What do you think?
 

Dave Clark

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I like cooking beef on cast iron cookware. Is it o.k. to use the ones that doesn't have an enamel coating? What do you think?
Beef and iron cookware will probably ensure you're not iron deficient, LOL ! I wouldn't use the iron cookware everyday, you will absorb iron into the food when cooking. And, probably since it is an inorganic form of iron it is most likely not the best form to be consuming anyway. Knowing what we know about iron overload, etc., you would be better off with the ceramic coated pans, but once in a while, I suppose, it wouldn't hurt to cook in them. Also, remember that acidic foods will react and pull more iron out of the pan.
 
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Logan-

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So, is the enamel coating safe?

We might never know the exact health effects of cast iron pans. Eating bits of oxidized oil every day might seem unwise, but a perhaps more likely detriment is getting too much iron, especially when using a newer or less-seasoned pan.
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While iron overload is a risk that applies to many millions of people, a far smaller number of people are allergic to nickel and chromium, and both of these metals can theoretically leach from stainless steel pans.[15][16] For people with severe nickel or other metal allergies, an enameled pan may be a safe bet.

Are cast iron pans unsafe?

You might know that nonstick cookware contains poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, which can be released during cooking and potentially cause health and environmental issues. But can enameled cookware, like most Dutch ovens, be similarly worrisome? Usually not, as it turns out. However, if the enamel on your pots and pans has begun to chip, you may want to replace them.

How Enameled Cookware Is Made

To create enamelware, companies use a base of iron, steel or aluminum and coat it with porcelain enamel. No poly- or perfluoroalkyl chemicals are used in the production of this cookware, and it's environmentally friendly. The resulting pots and pans are highly resistant to wear; a good enameled pot, like a Le Creuset, can last a lifetime. They're simple to clean, can be used at high heats (up to 842 degrees Fahrenheit) and are resistant to acidic foods, like tomatoes.

If you overheat a Teflon coated pan, it may release toxic fumes. But the chemicals in enameled ceramic cookware won't break down at high temperatures, making them a safe choice for cooking. Many enameled pots and pans are specifically designed for cooking both on the stove top and inside an oven, making them a good choice for a variety of recipes.

Cheaper enameled cookware, from countries with lax regulations, may contain lead or cadmium in the coating. However, this should not be an issue when buying products from most reputable manufacturers. Since all ceramic products sold in the United States are required by law to be free of lead and cadmium, the risk of being exposed to toxins are very low.

What If the Ceramic Cracks?
The ceramic coating on an enameled piece of cookware might crack if it is exposed to a sudden dramatic change in temperature, if it is dropped or if using metal utensils on the pot, which can cause scratches on the surface. If the inside of the pot cracks or chips, the danger isn't the base material (which is usually iron, aluminum or steel); the danger is that the ceramic will chip into your food. If you want to risk using a cracked pan, be sure to rub oil on the exposed iron to keep it from rusting. However, many good quality cookware companies have a lifetime warranty on their products. In the event the enamel cracks on your pan, it is worth seeing if you can exchange your chipped cookware for a new model.

How Can I Protect My Ceramic?
To maintain the quality of your ceramic cookware, take some simple precautions. It is recommended that you use only plastic, wooden, silicone or nylon utensils inside the pot or pan. To keep it clean, wash by hand using a mild detergent and avoid steel wool or scour pads. Finally, avoid changing the temperature of the pot from hot to cold too quickly—for instance, by putting it in the sink after cooking and running cold water over it before the pot has had a chance to cool down.

Are There Dangers of Enamel Cookware? | Hunker

Enamel coated cast iron cookware offers a superior and a more safe cooking experience. Moreover, the question if there is an Enamel Cast Iron Health Risk is nonexistent. However, this would not be possible without a plain cast iron foundation.
Enamel Cast Iron Health Risk - Is This Cookware Material Safe To Use?

https://nourishedkitchen.com/enameled-cast-iron-cookware/
 
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Logan-

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Probably the safest cookware isn't Stainless Steel- it's enameled cast iron. Enameled Cast Iron is perfectly safe as long as the interior of the dish is white - the lack of color very likely indicating a lack of lead in the enamal (colored enamels more often have lead). Le Creuset makes a model but it's super expensive. The Lodge makes one that's nearly as good at 1/6 the price. http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-EC6D43-Enam ... ql_qh_dp_t
 

fradon

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I like cooking beef on cast iron cookware. Is it o.k. to use the ones that doesn't have an enamel coating? What do you think?

sure...just cure it. use soybean oil to burn a patina onto the metal and cook on that.
 

Lilac

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I am a big fan of Le Creuset enameled cast-iron pots and pans. Made in France. Beautiful. Clean up amazingly easy. They are expensive but, in my opinion, worth it. If you have a Le Creuset outlet nearby, you can get better prices there. I have been cooking steak in a Le Creuset frying pan lately. I put a spot of coconut oil in the bottom, then cook the steak until it releases.
 

fradon

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Why not use coconut oil? Way better than soybean oil.

not for this... i'm not saying cook with soy oil i say create a patina which is hard polyplastic coating on the metallic surface similar to putting wax on a surf board. soy oil seems to have a better plasticking compared to coconut oil. infact coconut when hot and burns has horrible smell almost toxic.
 
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lollipop

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not for this... i'm not saying cook with soy oil i say create a patina which is hard polyplastic coating on the metallic surface similar to putting wax on a surf board. soy oil seems to have a better plasticking compared to coconut oil. infact coconut when hot and burns has horrible smell almost toxic.
Interesting. In the past, when I had a cast iron pan, I “seasoned”, what you call “patina” with ghee. Seemed to work great. I think ghee has a higher smoke point than coconut oil. I bet coconut oil might smell toxic. I wonder if highly refined coconut oil would work better?
 
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