Enameled Cast Iron Is Not Nonstick—And That's Okay.

If I had to choose only one type of cookware to put in my kitchen, it would be enameled cast iron.

Enameled cast iron works well on all stovetops, including my fancy Italian induction cooktop, and it distributes and retains heat well. The enamel isn't just for looks; it protects the cast iron, making it rust-proof and non-reactive with acidic foods like tomatoes. The common enameled cast iron vessel is the Dutch oven, which is great for stewing soups and stews, braising large cuts of meat, frying chicken, and even baking bread. Enameled cast iron also works well in my house for pancakes, seared steaks, and crisp grated cheese.

The moral of the story is that enameled cast iron is reliable because it's versatile, very durable, and easy to clean. But it has one downside: it doesn't stick.

Nonstick Misconceptions

Last year, when I was researching enameled cast iron skillets for testing, I learned that many people thought they would make an omelet just as easy as a traditional nonstick skillet. Nearly every negative review of popular and highly rated models comes from people complaining about food sticking to the cooking surface.

Cooking with Enameled Cast Iron

While Dutch ovens have smooth white porcelain on the inside, enameled skillets typically have a darker, slightly textured cooking surface. When I tested 10 different pans, I found that the darker, more textured enamels did a better job of browning and crusting food. The texture helps prevent sticking because it allows small amounts of grease to move between the food and the surface.

To get the your enameled cast iron pan, you have to follow a few rules. No matter how your enameled cast iron pan looks or feels on the inside, food will stick to it if you don't let it fully preheat. Five or six minutes of preheating is usually enough. You'll also run into sticky situations if you try to skip the butter or oil.

Enameled cast iron, on the other hand, doesn't require seasoning, so it's very simple to clean and maintain. With very little effort, high-quality enameled cast iron cookware will last a lifetime—and that's better than any nonstick pan.

Another great aspect of enameled cast iron is its availability in various sizes, making it suitable for different cooking needs. For example, a 13 inch skillet is ideal for cooking meals that require a larger surface area, like pancakes, grilled vegetables, or multiple chicken breasts at once. The larger size allows for better heat distribution, ensuring that your food cooks evenly without crowding the pan.

Similarly, a 15 inch skillet can be a game-changer when cooking for a group. Its expansive surface is ideal for large family meals or entertaining guests. Whether you're searing steaks or making a stir-fry, the 15 inch skillet offers plenty of room to work with, reducing the need for batch cooking. Plus, the heat retention capabilities of enameled cast iron ensure that the food stays warm even after removing it from the heat source.

One thing to note with larger skillets, such as the 13 inch skillet and 15 inch skillet, is that they can be heavy to handle, especially when filled with food. However, enameled cast iron's durability means that these skillets will last for many years with proper care. Their enamel coating ensures that no seasoning is required, and they remain rust-proof, making them easy to maintain.

In terms of versatility, enameled cast iron can go from stovetop to oven with ease, making it an all-in-one solution for a variety of cooking methods. Whether you're frying, baking, or sautéing, these skillets are reliable, easy to clean, and a great choice for anyone looking for long-lasting cookware.