When my grandma cooks for us, I will always see her using her cast iron rather than stainless and enamel cookware. So, I was curious if there are differences in cooking with enamel, stainless, and cast iron.

According to my Nana, comparing these kitchenware is not about their materials but rather their form and function. It doesn’t matter if a pan or skillet is made of cast iron, stainless steel, or coated with enamel; what matters is how well it conducts heat and how comfortable it is to use.

Before we go through their differences, it’s important that we know a bit about these cookware to compare them.

What is cast iron cookware?

Molten metal is poured into a mold to form cast iron. Cast iron is then allowed to cool and solidify, which creates a strong and durable material. It is a kitchen utensil made of heavy-duty iron, which has excellent heat retention properties. It is often used for cooking at high temperatures and can also be used for slow cooking. Although cast iron cookware is very durable, my Nana recommends that it must be seasoned in order to become non-stick.

Pros of Cooking with Cast Iron

When properly seasoned and maintained, cast iron pans are basically non-stick. This is because the pan has a smooth surface that repels water and prevents sticking. Seasoning your pan properly involves coating it with a thin layer of fat, which helps to create a barrier between the pan and your food. Maintaining this seasoning is key to keeping your pan in good condition, as it will prevent rusting and ensure that your food doesn’t stick.

Cast iron is a material that retains heat well, making it an ideal choice for prolonged, low-temperature cooking. When cast iron is heated, it slowly releases that heat back into the food, which helps to cook it evenly and slowly over time. This makes it a perfect choice for dishes that need to be cooked slowly, such as stews or roasts.

In addition to being able to withstand high temperatures, cast iron is also highly resistant to corrosion. This makes it an ideal material for cooking acidic foods, as it will not react with the food or alter its flavor.

Cons of Cooking with Cast Iron

Cast iron is a durable material that can last for many years, but it requires proper care to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface. After each use, cast iron should be washed with hot water and mild soap, then dried thoroughly before storing. If not properly cared for, cast iron can develop a rusty patina or sticky residue.

Cast iron is also susceptible to temperature shock. When exposed to sudden changes in temperature, the metal can expand or contract rapidly, causing it to crack or break. So, my Nana would always remind me not to expose my cast irons to cold water after cooking with them.

What is stainless steel cookware?

Cookware made from stainless steel is a popular choice for many people because it is durable and easy to care for. Before I got my first cast iron cookware, I had been using stainless steel pans and pots for cooking dishes. Stainless steel cookware is made from an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel. It is also non-porous, so it does not absorb flavors or odors from food.

Pros of Cooking with Stainless Steel

Compared to cast iron, stainless steel is a lighter and thinner metal, making it a better choice for cookware such as pots and pans used for making soup and boiling water for pasta. Stainless steel will not rust or stain like cast iron can, so it requires less maintenance.

Despite having a lower heat capacity, stainless steel cookware heats up more quickly than thick cast iron pans. The reason for this is that stainless steel is a relatively thin material in comparison to cast iron. Therefore, less heat is required to raise the temperature of the stainless steel cookware.

Cons of Cooking with Stainless Steel

Despite not needing to be seasoned, like other cooking surfaces, stainless steel is NOT a non-stick surface. This means that you will need to use oil or butter when cooking with stainless steel in order to prevent sticking and ensure proper browning. This is something that I don’t like about when cooking with stainless steel, unlike using seasoned cast iron.

Moreover, stainless steel can have hot spots when cooking with it and sometimes the food is not heated evenly compared to cast irons. This uneven heating can lead to inconsistency in the taste and quality of the food.

What is Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron is a type of cookware that has a porcelain-like finish on the surface. It is made of cast iron that has been coated with enamel. Enameled cast iron cookware is very durable and can last for many years if it is properly cared for. It is also very versatile and can be used on any type of cooking surface, including gas, electric, and induction cooktops.

The best of these pans function amazingly, but they are a little more delicate than uncoated cast iron since they are prone to chipping and cracking. Because of this, it is important to be extra careful when using them and to avoid scrubbing them too harshly.

The main benefit that enameled products have over non-enameled products is that they do not require seasoning. Enamel-coated cookware does not rust, but cast iron does, so it requires seasoning to prevent rusting.

There are three main types of cookware materials on the market today: enamel, cast iron, and stainless steel. So, which is the best option? It really depends on your needs and preferences. Enamel cookware is typically less expensive than the other two options and is very easy to clean. However, it is not ideal for high-heat cooking or acidic foods. Cast iron is a great option for high-heat cooking, but it can be difficult to clean and maintain. Stainless steel cookware is more expensive than the other two options, but it is very durable and easy to clean.

Depending on your preference, you can cook with cast iron, stainless steel, or enamel-coated cookware. Each type of cookware has its own unique set of benefits that make it ideal for different types of cooking.