From pasta to soups, almost any recipe includes water or liquid of some sort. Using an enameled cast iron helps to cook large batch meals at once without using multiple pots and pans.
Boiling water helps to prepare meal for pasta, soup, stews, braises, and many more. But because of the pan is coated, you may question whether it is ok to boil water in an enameled cast iron.
Can you boil water in enameled cast iron? Yes, you can boil water in enameled cast iron. These ceramic coating around the cast iron makes it more durable, long lasting, and prevent from rust.
Generally, water boils at 212 degree Fahrenheit and enameled cast iron is heat safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 degrees Celsius.
Enameled cast iron is great cookware to boil water, steam vegetables, make soup, and more. It’s a long lasting and extremely durable piece when cared for properly during every use.
This article answers frequently asked questions about why enameled cast iron is different than regular cast iron. Included in the article are tips to use enameled cast iron properly when cooking, baking or simply boiling water.
What is the point of enameled cast iron?
Enameled cast iron is coated with a ceramic based enamel. This coating adds color, design, and texture, but also forms a useful protective layer on the surface of the cast iron cookware to prevent it from rusting.
The main function of the enamel is to protect the cookware from rust and maintain heat compared to plain cast iron. However, the enamel coating may take longer to initially heat thorough.
This type of cast iron is easier to maintain and does not require seasoning with mineral oil and high heat. The enamel prevents any pitting of the iron and the does not food pick up a metallic taste.
Is enameled cast iron safe?
Yes, enameled cast iron is safe for cooking food. In fact, it is safer than traditional cast iron because it does not react with any food nor leach iron into the food.
Similar to nonstick cookware, enameled cast iron is naturally does not allow food to stick and is highly resistant to rust.
However, it is not safe to use citrus juice or citrus-based dishwasher detergents directly on the surface as it may dull the exterior glossy finish.
Tips to boil water in enameled cast iron
It takes about 15 minutes to boil water in the enameled cast iron. This time frame depends on the heat source, amount of water, and heat setting.
Boiling water is the first step to preparing many recipes, and enameled cast iron is much more easy to use compared to standard cast iron. The main benefit is that you don’t have to worry bout seasoning the pot after exposure to water
Here is useful tips to boil water in an enameled cast iron to save time, energy and prepare the meal efficiently:
- Use lukewarm water for heating up the enameled cast iron instead of cold water.
- Avoid boiling water for more than 15 minutes.
- Always select a burner similar in size to the base of the enameled cast iron for efficiency and safety.
- Do not exceed the oven temperature higher than 450 degree Fahrenheit.
- Start low temperature to boil the water instead of overheating the cast iron.
- No need to season the enameled cast iron after use.
Boiling Water in Enameled Cast Iron: Conclusion
Enameled cast iron is great cookware to make meal prep easy and clean compared to regular cast iron. The coating helps to keep the flavors in the food and also does not rust when contacted with water and air.
In addition, it is safe to use enameled cast iron when boiling water or even cook with because the coating does not leach into the food.
It is best to avoid any acidic fluid to clean or cook with due to damaging the outside surface. The finish may react with citrus or citrus based dish soaps, so do not use directly on the enameled surface.
How you care for the enameled cast iron does affect the longevity. It is recommended to not use abrasive scrubbers or metal utensils inside the pot because you do not want to damage the finish.
Whether cooking pasta or boiling water for coffee and tea, use above tips to preserve your favorite enameled cast iron to last forever.