Enameled cast iron and untreated/raw cast iron consist of the same core, but are vastly different when it comes to how you should use and care for them.
If you are looking for a cast iron pot or cast iron pan, you will find that there are generally two types: enameled cast iron and untreated cast iron.
Both are great at retaining heat and provide a beautiful crust, perfect for braising or roasting vegetables.
Although they may look similar, there is one key difference between enameled and untreated cast iron—their surface.
What is enameled cast iron?
Enameled cast iron is essentially "just" cast iron that has been coated with a layer to protect the pot or pan.
This outer layer is an enamel, similar to glass, which covers the entire surface of the pot, saucepan, or frying pan.
Enamelled cast iron usually comes with a cream-coloured or black interior and an exterior in a wide variety of colours.
You will typically find that many cast iron pots are enamelled, while cast iron pans can be either enamelled or untreated.
Cooking with enameled cast iron
Enameled cast iron is a pleasure to cook with because it combines the excellent heat properties of cast iron with the protective and smooth surface of enamel.
Enameled cast iron is fantastic at retaining heat, so you rarely need to use high heat.
An enameled cast iron pot is perfect for frying or braising meat, sautéing vegetables, and baking bread—and unlike untreated cast iron, it can withstand acidic foods such as tomato sauce, citrus, or dishes with wine.
You can take the cast iron pot straight from the stove to the oven and from there to the dinner table.
Maintaining enameled cast iron
When it comes to cleaning, you should only use warm water and soap – and never put the cast iron pot in the dishwasher.
In addition, you should avoid metal utensils and stick to wood, silicone, or plastic so you don't damage the enamel.
If you take good care of your enamel, you will have a piece of kitchen equipment that will last you a lifetime.
What is untreated/raw cast iron?
Cast iron is an alloy consisting of both iron and carbon, which makes for durable and long-lasting cookware – and this material makes up the entire pan or pot when it comes to untreated cast iron.
Untreated cast iron is most commonly found in cast iron pans.
As there is no coating on untreated/raw cast iron, you must season a raw cast iron pan in oil before using it – and ensure that you maintain the oil coating on an ongoing basis.
Many chefs and home cooks love raw cast iron because it is virtually impossible to destroy.
Cooking with raw cast iron
Like enameled cast iron, raw cast iron is perfect for creating the perfect crust on a steak or frying vegetables.
Cast iron can go in the oven, and due to its good heat properties, we recommend that you cook over medium heat.
Acidic foods such as tomatoes, wine, vinegar, and citrus fruits can remove the seasoning (oil coating) that you have built up on your raw cast iron pan.
Therefore, we recommend that you cook acidic foods in enameled cast iron.
Maintenance of raw cast iron
Caring for raw cast iron requires a little more effort than caring for enameled cast iron.
It is important that you maintain a good seasoning, i.e., that you season the pan with oil from time to time and make sure to coat the pan with a thin layer of oil after use to prevent rusting.
Although it is relatively easy to do, untreated cast iron requires significantly more care and attention compared to enameled cast iron, and it cannot be washed with soap, as this removes the seasoning.
Which is best?
Enameled cast iron isn't necessarily better than untreated cast iron—and vice versa.
Both types are fantastic to have in the kitchen, but if you have to choose one, consider the following:
If you don't mind giving your frying pan a little extra care – and are looking for a pan that can be used on the stove or grill – then choose untreated/raw cast iron.
If you don't want to spend time on care and maintenance – and at the same time want a slightly smoother surface that can also withstand acidic foods and washing up with soap, then choose enameled cast iron.
Enamelled cast iron is also the type that works best as a pot, because the enamelled surface is not affected by liquids and long-simmering dishes.
Are you looking for a new addition to your cast iron kitchen? Find it here.
