Ceramic Enamel

Ceramic enamel, also called porcelain enamel or vitreous enamel, is a coating made from powdered glass fused to a metal substrate (typically cast iron or steel) at high temperatures, creating a smooth, glass-like surface that is chemically inert, non-porous, and highly durable.

Enamel provides a non-reactive cooking surface that doesn't require seasoning like bare cast iron, resists staining and odor absorption, and creates natural non-stick properties when properly preheated and used with adequate fat.

For plastic-free living, ceramic enamel offers an excellent combination of cast iron's heat retention and durability with a maintenance-free, non-reactive surface. Unlike synthetic non-stick coatings (Teflon/PTFE) that degrade and release chemicals, ceramic enamel is stable, contains no PFAS or harmful chemicals, and lasts decades when properly cared for.

While enameled cookware is heavy and more expensive than bare cast iron, the convenience and safety justify the investment for many households seeking high-quality, plastic-free cookware.

Ceramic enamel is used across multiple categories:

Cookware: Dutch ovens, braisers, saucepans, sauté pans, frying pans, stockpots

Bakeware: Casserole dishes, baking pans, roasting pans, pie plates, gratin dishes

Kitchen Items: Mixing bowls, colanders, tea kettles, canisters, utensil holders

Home Fixtures: Bathtubs, sinks, range surfaces, appliance exteriors

Serveware: Serving dishes, platters, trivets, baking-to-table dishes

Decorative: Jewelry, artwork, signage, decorative bowls

Microplastic Concerns: Ceramic enamel does not shed microplastics. It is a glass-like inorganic coating that remains completely stable and does not break down into particles during normal use. Enameled cookware and bakeware are completely free from microplastic concerns, making them far superior to non-stick coatings that can flake into food.

Chemical Safety: High-quality ceramic enamel is extremely safe and non-reactive. The enamel coating is essentially glass fused to metal, containing no PFAS (forever chemicals), PTFE (Teflon), or other synthetic non-stick chemicals. Enamel does not react with acidic foods (tomatoes, wine, citrus) or alkaline substances, making it suitable for all cooking applications.

Certifications to Look For: FDA compliance for food contact surfaces. Lead-free and cadmium-free certification (particularly important for colored enamel). California Prop 65 compliance. PFAS-free certification (though genuine enamel inherently contains no PFAS). Look for products from reputable manufacturers with transparent safety testing.

Recommendations: Don't use metal utensils on enamel (causes chipping) - use wood when possible. Avoid thermal shock (don't place hot enamel cookware in cold water or on cold surfaces) which can crack enamel. Enameled cast iron is dishwasher-safe but hand washing extends the coating's life.