The Best Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Enameled cast iron gives you the heat retention and even cooking of bare cast iron without the seasoning requirement or the reactivity with acidic foods. The enamel coating is fused glass -- it does not chip under normal use, does not react with wine or tomatoes, and cleans with soap and water. These are the pieces worth owning.
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How to Choose
The interior enamel color matters practically: light-colored interiors (cream or white, as in Le Creuset and Lodge) allow you to monitor browning. Dark interiors (black matte, as in Staub) develop a natural patina. Neither is objectively better. The exterior color is cosmetic. For a first enameled cast iron piece: start with a 5 to 6 quart Dutch oven and one medium skillet.
Lodge Color Enameled Dutch Oven 6-Quart
Lodge's enameled line is made in China (not Tennessee) to Lodge's specifications. The quality is meaningfully higher than other import brands: the enamel is thicker, the iron is heavier, and the lid fit is tighter. At a third the price of Le Creuset, it performs at 90% of the Le Creuset standard. For anyone who wants enameled cast iron without the premium price, this is the correct choice.
The best enameled cast iron at a fair price. Does everything the premium brands do at a fraction of the cost.
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Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven 5.5-Quart
Made in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France since 1925. The Le Creuset Dutch oven is the benchmark for enameled cast iron -- heavier, more precisely made, and more finely finished than any other production piece. The enamel is applied in multiple layers and fired at high temperature. The lid fit is exact. Le Creuset offers a lifetime warranty because they know this cookware lasts lifetimes.
The best enameled cast iron made. The warranty backs up what the construction makes obvious.
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