Enameled cast iron cookware is a favorite among home cooks for its durability, versatility, and aesthetics. Essentially, it is cast iron coated with an enamel glaze that makes it easier to clean and non-reactive to acidic foods than traditional cast iron.
An outstanding feature of enameled cast iron is its even heat distribution, making it ideal for slow-cooking and consistent temperature dishes. It’s also versatile for various cooking techniques, as it can go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
When buying enameled cast iron cookware, quality is crucial. Poorly made cookware can chip or crack over time, exposing the cast iron underneath and causing rust. Additionally, the enamel coating’s thickness can impact the cookware’s heat retention and durability.
We have spent hours researching and testing various enameled cast iron cookware options to identify the best combination of quality, durability, and performance. In the following sections, we’ll delve into our top picks and what sets them apart from the competition.
1. Lodge 6 Quart Red Enameled Dutch Oven
We highly recommend the Lodge 6 Quart Red Enameled Dutch Oven for those looking for a high-quality enameled cast iron Dutch oven that’s both functional and stylish.
Pros
- The Lodge Dutch Oven is incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including broiling, braising, baking, roasting, sautéing, simmering, and frying.
- The 6 quart capacity is perfect for preparing large meals, making it ideal for families or those who love to entertain.
- The Dutch oven’s heat distribution and retention are excellent, ensuring consistent and even cooking every time.
Cons
- The Lodge Dutch Oven is quite heavy, which may make it difficult for some users to handle.
- The enamel coating may chip or scratch over time, especially if the Dutch oven is not cared for properly.
- The Dutch oven’s price point may be a bit high for some users, especially those who are just starting out with enameled cast iron cookware.
As avid home cooks, we’ve had the pleasure of using the Lodge 6 Quart Red Enameled Dutch Oven on numerous occasions, and we’ve been consistently impressed with its performance. The Dutch oven’s size and versatility make it a go-to choice for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
One of the things we love most about the Lodge Dutch Oven is its ability to retain heat. Whether we’re searing meat on the stovetop or slow-cooking a stew in the oven, the Dutch oven always delivers even heat and consistent results.
Another standout feature of the Lodge Dutch Oven is its durability. Despite regular use and occasional bumps and scrapes, our Dutch oven still looks and performs like new. We’ve found that the enamel coating is resistant to staining and easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze.
Overall, we believe that the Lodge 6 Quart Red Enameled Dutch Oven is an excellent investment for any home cook. While it may be a bit pricey, its versatility, durability, and performance make it worth every penny.
2. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole
We highly recommend the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole for anyone looking for a versatile, durable, and stylish piece of cookware.
Pros
- Even heat distribution and retention for perfect cooking results every time
- Smooth glass surface eliminates the need for seasoning and makes for easy cleaning
- Can be used for marinating, refrigeration, cooking, and serving
Cons
- Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames
- Not for use in microwaves
- Hand washing recommended to preserve the cookware’s original appearance
The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole is a workhorse in the kitchen and a showpiece on the dinner table. We love the Caribbean Blue color and the stainless steel knob, which add a touch of elegance to any meal. The cast iron vessel heats evenly and retains heat well, so you can cook with confidence. The smooth glass surface is easy to clean and won’t react with ingredients, so you can enjoy the full flavor of your food. We also appreciate the versatility of this cookware – it can go from the stovetop to the oven to the table with ease. Whether you’re making a hearty stew, a savory casserole, or a delicious paella, the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole is up to the task.
While this cookware is dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing to preserve its original appearance. The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole is not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames, and it is not suitable for use in microwaves. However, these limitations are minor compared to the many benefits of this cookware. If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and stylish piece of cookware, the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole is an excellent choice.
3. Crock-Pot Artisan Enameled Cast Iron Braiser W/Lid, 5 Quart
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable enameled cast iron braiser, the Crock-Pot Artisan 5 Qt. Braiser Dutch oven with self-basting lid is a great option. It’s perfect for slow simmering stews or baking up your favorite dishes, and its lower profile makes it great for cooking, serving, and storing leftovers. It’s oven and stove top safe, and its non-stick surface makes it easy to clean.
Pros
- Distributes and retains heat evenly
- Self-basting lid creates a continuous basting environment
- Lower profile is great for cooking, serving, and storing leftovers
Cons
- Heavy
- Hand wash recommended
- Not as high quality as some other brands
We’ve used this braiser for a variety of dishes and have been impressed with how evenly it cooks and how well it retains heat. The self-basting lid is a great feature that helps keep your food moist and flavorful. The lower profile is also a selling point, as it makes it easier to cook, serve, and store leftovers. However, it is on the heavier side, so it may not be the best option if you have trouble lifting heavy objects. Additionally, while it’s easy to clean, hand washing is recommended to prevent damage to the non-stick surface. Overall, we would recommend the Crock-Pot Artisan 5 Qt. Braiser Dutch oven with self-basting lid for anyone looking for a versatile and durable enameled cast iron braiser.
One thing to note is that while it’s a great option for most home cooks, it may not be as high quality as some other brands. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line enameled cast iron braiser, you may want to consider other options. However, for the price, it’s a great value and will serve most home cooks well.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s important to follow the care instructions to ensure that your braiser lasts as long as possible. Hand washing is recommended, and you should avoid using abrasive cleaners or utensils that could scratch the non-stick surface. If you take good care of your braiser, it should provide you with years of delicious meals!
4. Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet
We highly recommend the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet for anyone looking for a durable and affordable option for their kitchen.
Pros
- The loop side handles make it easy to transport from the stove to the oven and back again.
- The cast iron provides even heat distribution and retention, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection.
- The 3.3 quart size is perfect for a variety of dishes, from soups to casseroles.
Cons
- The enamel coating doesn’t have a non-stick function, so food may stick if not properly oiled or seasoned.
- The skillet is quite heavy, so it may take some getting used to when moving it around the kitchen.
- Hand-washing is required, as the skillet is not dishwasher safe.
We have been using the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet for several months now and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The loop side handles make it easy to move from the stove to the oven and back again, and the cast iron ensures even heat distribution and retention. We have used it for a variety of dishes, from soups to casseroles, and have been pleased with the results every time.
One thing to note is that the enamel coating doesn’t have a non-stick function, so it’s important to properly oil or season the skillet before use to prevent food from sticking. Additionally, the skillet is quite heavy, so it may take some getting used to when moving it around the kitchen. Finally, hand-washing is required, as the skillet is not dishwasher safe.
Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet for anyone looking for a durable and affordable option for their kitchen. Its 3.3 quart size is perfect for a variety of dishes, and its even heat distribution and retention make it a reliable choice for any home cook.
5. Basque Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set
If you’re looking for a durable and versatile cookware set, the Basque Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set is worth considering.
Pros
- This 7-piece set includes everything you need: a skillet, saucepan, and two dutch ovens.
- The hard-coat enamel interior and exterior make it easy to clean and transition from cooking to serving.
- The oversized handles provide additional control and balance when moving the pans around your kitchen.
Cons
- It’s not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it.
- The white enamel can scratch easily.
- It’s a bit heavy, so be mindful when manipulating it.
We’ve been using this set for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The cast iron provides superior heat distribution and retention, so our food cooks evenly. We’ve used it on both the stovetop and in the oven, and it’s worked well on both. The hard-coat enamel makes it easy to clean, and most messes wipe away easily. The oversized handles provide additional control and balance when moving the pans around, which is especially helpful when they’re full. It’s a bit heavy, but that’s to be expected with cast iron. Overall, we’re happy with our purchase and would recommend this set to others.
The Basque Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set is a great addition to any kitchen. Its versatile cooking abilities and durability make it worth the investment. If you’re looking for a cookware set that will last for years to come, this is a great option.
6. Crock Pot Artisan 10 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Round Skillet
We highly recommend the Crock Pot Artisan enameled cast iron skillet. This versatile skillet is perfect for cooking, serving, and storing your favorite dishes.
Pros
- Distributes and retains heat evenly for perfect cooking results every time
- Great for searing, frying, roasting and stir frying
- Works on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction cooktops, giving you more options for cooking
Cons
- It is quite heavy, so it may be difficult for some people to handle
- It is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing
- It may chip or scratch if not handled carefully
The Crock Pot Artisan skillet is a beautiful and durable addition to any kitchen. The convenient pour spouts make it easy to drain sauces and drippings, and the skillet is oven safe up to 500 degrees, so you can go from stove top to oven with ease.
This skillet is perfect for cooking up a steak, eggs, chicken, or your favorite burger. The enameled finish is not only beautiful, but it also helps distribute heat evenly for perfect cooking results. The skillet works great on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction cooktops, giving you more options for cooking.
Overall, we highly recommend the Crock Pot Artisan enameled cast iron skillet. It is a versatile and durable skillet that will make a great addition to any kitchen. Order yours today!
7. Godappe Enameled Cast Iron Braiser
We highly recommend the Godappe Enameled Cast Iron Braiser for its exquisite design, large capacity, and versatility in cooking.
Pros
- The self-circulating condensation design locks in moisture and flavor, making meals more delicious.
- The thick, heavy-duty cast iron with a glossy enamel finish and white, non-stick enamel interior provides exceptional heat conduction, retention, and distribution for reliable cooking.
- The large capacity of 3.8QT can cook large portions of ingredients to meet the needs of parties with many people.
Cons
- Do not use metal tools for cleaning as this may cause damage and peeling of the enamel layer.
- The lid has rough edges with unfinished ceramic, and lid slides all over the base due to poor fit.
- It’s a little hard to get rid of the coating when you first get it.
We have thoroughly tested the Godappe Enameled Cast Iron Braiser and found it to be a reliable and versatile addition to any kitchen. The wide bottom of the skillet with a large heating area can save cooking time and enjoy the delicious food faster. It can be used on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stovetops, or conveniently in the oven up to 500°F. The non-stick enamel interior makes it easy to clean, and hand washing is recommended. Overall, we highly recommend the Godappe Enameled Cast Iron Braiser for its exquisite design, large capacity, and versatility in cooking.
8. Crock-Pot Artisan 5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
We highly recommend the Crock-Pot Artisan Dutch Oven for anyone looking for a versatile and durable kitchen essential that delivers consistently delicious results.
Pros
- The durable cast iron construction retains and distributes heat evenly, making it perfect for slow-cooking, simmering, braising, baking, and more.
- The porcelain enamel finish is easy to clean and naturally nonstick, making cleanup a breeze after cooking.
- The 5-quart size is perfect for everyday one-pot meals or special Sunday roasts, and the slate grey color adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
Cons
- Hand washing is recommended, so it may not be as convenient as some other cookware options.
- Some users have reported flaking paint on the exterior and small cracks on the interior ceramic after a few months of use.
- It may take some trial and error to adjust cooking times and temperatures to get the best results with this Dutch oven.
The Crock-Pot Artisan Dutch Oven is a versatile and reliable kitchen essential that can handle all your cooking needs. Whether you’re making a hearty stew, a tender pot roast, or a delicious batch of homemade bread, this Dutch oven delivers consistent, delicious results every time. The even heat distribution ensures that your food cooks evenly and thoroughly, while the nonstick finish makes cleanup a breeze. While it may require a bit of extra care in terms of hand washing and adjusting cooking times, the results are well worth the effort.
If you’re in the market for a high-quality Dutch oven that will last for years to come, we highly recommend the Crock-Pot Artisan Dutch Oven. With its durable construction, easy-to-clean finish, and versatile size, it’s the perfect addition to any kitchen.
9. Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven
We highly recommend the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven for anyone looking for a reliable and durable cookware item that is perfect for stews or roasts.
Pros
- Even heat distribution and retention
- Large capacity serves 6+ people
- Oven safe to 400 degree Fahrenheit
Cons
- Enamel doesn’t have non-stick function
- Hand wash only
- Heavy weight makes it difficult to handle
Our experience with the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven has been nothing short of amazing. We were impressed with the even heat distribution and retention, which ensured that our dishes were cooked to perfection every time. The large capacity of 7.5 quarts made it easy for us to cook for a big family gathering or when hosting dinner parties.
One downside of this product is that the enamel doesn’t have a non-stick function, so we had to use oil or butter to prevent food from sticking. Additionally, it is hand wash only, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer to use a dishwasher. The weight of the Dutch oven is also quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some people.
Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven for anyone who is looking for a reliable and durable cookware item that is perfect for stews or roasts. Its even heat distribution and retention, large capacity, and oven safe feature make it a great investment for any home cook.
10. Crock Pot Artisan Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
We highly recommend the Crock Pot Artisan enameled cast iron skillet for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cooking tool.
Pros
- Distributes and retains heat evenly for perfect cooking results every time
- Perfect for cooking, serving and storing your favorite dishes
- Great for searing, frying, roasting and stir frying, making it a true multi-purpose kitchen essential
Cons
- It is quite heavy, so it may be difficult to handle for some users
- The enamel coating may chip or crack if not handled with care
- It is not dishwasher safe, so it requires some extra cleaning effort
We recently purchased the Crock Pot Artisan enameled cast iron skillet and have been extremely impressed with its performance. The skillet heats up quickly and evenly, and the pour spouts make it easy to drain sauces and drippings. We love the versatility of this skillet, as it can be used on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven up to 500 degrees.
The skillet is also very attractive and looks great on our kitchen table when we use it for serving. However, we do caution that the skillet is quite heavy, so it may not be the best choice for users with limited strength or mobility. Additionally, while the enamel coating is very durable, it may chip or crack if not handled with care. Finally, the skillet is not dishwasher safe, so it requires some extra cleaning effort. Overall, we highly recommend the Crock Pot Artisan enameled cast iron skillet for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cooking tool.
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