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Enamelware

Enamelware
Use & Maintenance
Enamelware is a highly useful material, popular for is aesthetic and versatility. It is free from harmful chemicals such as nickel and lead, making it safe to eat and drink from. Enamelware can be used for many different applications while cooking and is safe to use on all hobs (including induction) up to 270 degrees celsius. It can also be used in the oven, but we recommend brushing a thin layer of cooking oil on beforehand. Always begin cooking on a low setting and then gradually increase the heat, to avoid thermal shock. After cooking, allow the enamel cookware to cool before cleaning — a sudden change in temperature can cause cracking.
Enamelware can be easily cleaned. Once cookware has cooled, fill with warm soapy water and wash by hand with a soft sponge or brush. If you find burn marks or tough residue, simply soak in warm soapy water for a short period of time up to an hour before washing. Tougher stains can be removed by coating areas with bicarbonate of soda or lemon juice for a half an hour, and then washing as normal. Although most enamel is dishwasher safe, the surface may dull slightly and chip, and any exposed metal may rust. Small chips and defects in enamel are likely to occur over time, but this doesn’t prevent it from being useable as long as the interior of cookware is not damaged or rusting.

Further Information

A Glass Coating

Enamelware is made from powdered glass that is then bonded onto a heavy-gauge steel. The steel is pressed into the desired shape and let to cool, and then dipped into liquid enamel before being fired in a kiln. During the firing process, the enamel hardens into a smooth, and durable coating. Depending on the manufacturing process, enamel may display slight variations in hue, as well as marks from tongs and hooks used to hang and dip enamel, which add to its character.

Things to Avoid

It is important to note that enamel should not be heated up when empty, as this can cause damage. Induction stoves in particular heat enamel quickly which may cause thermal stress and potential warping due to the glass and iron expanding differently when exposed to heat. In this case, always heat enamelware gradually when it contains food or liquid. Enamel is not suitable to be used in the microwave as it has a steel interior and avoid using metal utensils on it, as this can scratch the surface.
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