Can you use enamel cookware on the glass top stove?

Enamel cookware is a great choice for glass stovetops because it is resistant to heat and scratches, so it is a great choice for all types of stoves.

In brief, the material used to make enameled cookware is a polymer that reacts to heat, and the color develops as it comes in contact with heat. 

This polymer also protects against scratches and other forms of damage to the cookware’s surface. It won’t scratch the stovetop, preventing foods from sticking to the pan.

In this blog post, you will know about enamel cookware and the benefits of using enameled cookware on a glass stovetop to enjoy your new stovetop and cook delicious meals without having to worry about ruining your cookware.

What is enamel?

The enamel is a ceramic material that has been fused to a metal substrate such as iron or steel. It was developed by the German company A.G. Schmidl in 1933. The enamel is used in many applications such as kitchen appliances, automobile parts, dental equipment, and electrical components.

Enameled cookware is nonstick manufactured with an outer layer of enamel on a metal base. Enameled cookware is very common in commercial kitchens, but it is also widely used in the home.

The main benefit of enameled cookware is that it has a very high resistance to heat, and it also has a tough and durable surface that is very easy to clean. This makes it a great choice for use on gas and electric stoves.

Because it is easy to clean, it is also a good choice for stovetops with nonstick coatings. In general, using regular enameled cookware on a glass stovetop will not cause any damage to the surface of the cookware, and it will not affect the cookware’s performance.

If you are using a glass stovetop with a magnetic base, you may have to remove the cookware after every use because the magnets in the base will attract the metal in the cookware.

How to select enamel cookware?

In brief, enameled cookware can be made with various materials, but most are composed of metal with an outer layer of enamel fused to it. Enameled cookware comes in three main sizes: 10-inch, 11-inch, and 12-inch.

The most popular size is 11-inch because it is good for large pots and pans. It is also a good size for families with kids or families that want to have a lot of cookware.

The 10-inch cookware is perfect for medium-sized stoves, but you should avoid it for larger stoves.

Enamel cookware is also available in round, oval, and square shapes. Round and oval shapes are good for stoves with open oven racks, and they are better for stovetops that don’t have a magnetic base.

Which enamel cookware should you buy?

You need to pay attention to the cookware material used. Enameled cookware is made with either ceramic, metal, or both. Enameled cookware made with ceramic is good for stovetops that do not have magnets in their bases.

Enameled cookware made with ceramic is also a good choice for stovetops that do not have an oven rack above the stove. Enameled cookware made with ceramic is not a good choice for stovetops with magnets because the magnet will attract the metal base of the cookware, and it can damage the cookware.

Enameled cookware made with metal is better than ceramic cookware because it is less likely to chip or break over time. Magnets will not damage Metal-based enameled cookware in the glass stoves, and they will not scratch the glass surface.

Is it worth the extra cost?

Enamel cookware is indeed more expensive than nonstick or cast-iron cookware. Enamel cookware is typically much more expensive than nonstick or cast-iron cookware because it costs more to make.

Because the enamel is made by melting together metal and enamel, the cost of making an enameled pan can be significantly higher than the cost of manufacturing a nonstick or cast iron pan.

However, remember that nonstick and cast-iron cookware have high initial costs, but enameled cookware is a far better value. Enamel is durable, and it can last for years.

You will not have to worry about replacing the enamel on your cookware after being used for many years. The enamel can resist extreme heat up to 1,200° F (650° C).

How to care for enamel cookware?

You can care the enamel cookware by using the following tips:

• Do not use steel wool or coarse metal scouring pads to clean your cookware. These items should not be used on enameled cookware since they will scratch it.

• Do not use acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon juice to clean your cookware. Acids will eat away at the enamel. Instead, use baking soda or a soft brush.

• When you are done using your cookware, immediately put it into the sink full of hot water. Soak it at least for 15 minutes.

• Do not put the cookware into the dishwasher. Dishwashers can quickly cause chipping and flaking of the enamel. Instead, hand washes your cookware by soaking it in soapy water, rinsing it off, and then drying it with a towel.

• Avoid using a metal spoon when removing food from your skillet since the metal may harm the enamel.

• Avoid putting the cookware into the sink or cooking area where it will be exposed to acids. acids such as those found in vinegar or lemon juice will quickly damage the enamel surface.

• Keep your cookware dry. If you keep your cookware wet, the moisture will cause the enamel to crack and peel.

• Store your cookware someplace where it is not exposed to extreme heat. Extreme heat can cause the enamel to crack and peel. Store your cookware in a cabinet not directly over an electric burner. This will prevent the heat from causing the enamel on the cookware to expand and contract.

• Use only the amount of oil needed to lubricate the pan. Use a pastry brush to apply the oil. Do not use a paper towel or other absorbent material to remove excess oil from the pan. This will cause the pan to rust.

• Do not put aluminum foil under the pan when heating the pan on the stove. The foil will melt, and it will seep into the pan and become trapped between the pan and the heat source. When you attempt to remove the foil, the grease will be trapped underneath it, impossible to remove.

• Instead, use a baking sheet to hold the pan while heating it. Baking sheets do not melt when you heat them on the stove, and they will allow the pan to release any grease that may trap underneath safely.

• Keep your cookware free of rust. Rust will eat away at the enamel, and it will eventually cause the pan to break or chip. Rust can form on the pan’s surface even if the pan is clean.

How to Clean Enamel Cookware?

The following is a way to clean enamel cookware:

• Use a sponge or soft brush to remove all food particles from the cookware.

• Use hot water with a little liquid dishwashing detergent in it. The liquid dishwashing detergent will loosen any leftover food particles and grease from the cookware. Make sure you use a mild liquid dishwashing detergent.

• Do not use a product with an odor like “Bon Ami.” It has strong abrasive qualities, and it will scratch the surface of your cookware.

• Rinse the cookware thoroughly under running water. Make sure the soap residue is rinsed away. Soap is an acid, and it will eat away at your cookware’s enamel.

• Dry the cookware with a clean towel.

Is it a good idea to replace your nonstick or cast-iron cookware with enamel?

As I have said earlier, enameled cookware is great for use on glass stovetops, and it is secure to use on gas and electric stovetops. However, if you have nonstick or cast-iron cookware, you should not switch to using enamel because the enamel coating will eventually come off.

Your cookware will no longer be nonstick. In fact, over time, the enamel will chip and flake off, and your cookware will develop a dark film on the surface. This dark film will cause foods to stick to the pan, making the pan difficult to clean.

If you are using a glass stovetop, the enamel film will also scratch the stovetop, making the stovetop difficult to clean.

What are the advantages of using enamel cookware?

The following are some advantages of using enamel cookware:

• Enameled cookware has been tested and shown to be one of the most durable pans available for cooking. Enameled cookware is more durable than stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum pans.

• The pan itself does not have to be replaced as often. The finish lasts much longer than other cookware surfaces, such as those made from cast iron or stainless steel.

• It is easy to clean. Unlike non-enameled cookware, enamel pans require no special care during the cleaning. Just use a sponge or soft brush to remove food particles and grease. There are no scrubby scrubbing pads needed. You do not need to soak the pan in soapy water, rinse, and dry it off.

• Enameled cookware is much lighter than non-enameled cookware. Enamel cookware weighs less than non-enameled cookware, and it will not add weight to your kitchen counter.

• Enameled cookware can use on any stove. Most non-enameled cookware is designed only for use on gas stoves.

• Enamel is an excellent alternative to stainless steel cookware. The material is less expensive than stainless steel and has the appearance and feel of high-end cookware.

• You can use enamel cookware for all types of cooking, including frying, baking, broiling, grilling, and poaching. It also works great for baking muffins, cookies, and cupcakes.

• Enamel is very durable. Enamel cookware is virtually indestructible. The enamel can withstand high temperatures without flaking or chipping. It will also not scratch when rubbed against other cookware.

• Enamel is very light in weight. Enamel cookware can use on any heat source, including gas, electric, and stovetop.

• Enamel is also corrosion-resistant.

What are the disadvantages of using enamel cookware?

The following are disadvantages of using enamel cookware:

• The finish may eventually chip or wear away if the cookware is exposed to moisture or acids.

•  It is not suitable for all types of cooking. You cannot use it for searing, sautéing, or caramelizing because it has no nonstick surface.

• You cannot use it for boiling because you will have to remove the pan from the heat source after the water boil.

• You cannot use it to poach or simmer foods because it will begin to dissolve at a lower temperature than other types of cookware. 

• It is slightly more expensive than non-enameled cookware. However, the added cost is small compared to the benefits of using enamel.

• The color of the enamel may fade after several years of use. This does not affect the pan’s operation, but it appears worn and exhausted. You can restore the original luster by simply cleaning the pan with warm water and soap.

• Enamel is not 100% opaque. There will be some transparency to the finish which reveals the color underneath.

• While enamel is dishwasher safe, it should not be put in the top rack. Soap and water will eat away at the enamel finish. Instead, it would help to put the enamel pans in the bottom of the dishwasher.

• Enamel is extremely soft. Because of this, it is vulnerable to scratching. Do not use a metal utensil to scrape food from the pan. Use a spoon or other soft, non-metal material.

What is the best type of cookware for you?

Naturally, you will want to buy the type of cookware that matches your budget and lifestyle. If you want an economical cookware option, look at enameled cookware. It is more affordable than stainless steel and aluminum cookware. Enamel is very easy to clean.

It does not require special care as non-enameled cookware does. You can easily clean it with a sponge and warm water.

Enameled cookware comes in several styles and shapes. Enameled cookware will not show any signs of wear after years of use. It remains its luster for a long period.

Conclusion

Enamel cookware is a relatively new and exciting product, but it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to eat healthy while cooking at home. Enamel is a form of ceramic that is non-porous and won’t react with most foods.

It also helps prevent rust and maintain a shiny finish. You can find enamel cookware at many different prices and sizes, so shop around to find the best fit for your kitchen. Do you have any tips on enamel cookware? Please share them with us below.