Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillet (2024) for Browning and Braising

Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillet (2024) for Browning and Braising

If you could only have one pan in your kitchen, an enameled cast iron skillet would be the top choice. This incredible cookware is not only durable but also adaptable, functioning as a sauté pan, frying pan, braising pan, and even a baking dish. Its longevity, oven safety, and compatibility with all cooktops make it a standout. Additionally, the alkaline-resistant porcelain enamel allows for cooking acidic foods without any concerns, which is not the case for uncoated cast iron that can lose its seasoning with excess acidity.

The best enameled cast iron skillet

Enameled cast iron eliminates the bulk of the upkeep associated with raw cast iron, making it an ideal selection for busy home cooks who appreciate the exceptional heat retention and distribution inherent to cast-iron cookware yet may not have the time to maintain uncoated versions.

While it may not achieve the same level of nonstick properties as well-seasoned raw cast iron, a little oil or butter will provide easy food release. Even an economical enameled cast iron pan will outlast expensive nonstick ones.

After putting ten top-rated enameled cast-iron skillets to the test, I'm happy to share that most performed admirably. However, for overall versatility and performance, the Staub Traditional Deep Skillet came out on top as the best option.

Read on for more details about the Staub skillet, as well as suggestions for a lightweight alternative and a budget-friendly choice. You can also discover how I conducted my testing, what parameters I considered, and the insights I garnered on the enameled cast iron skillets that didn't make the cut.

The best enameled cast iron skillet: Staub Traditional Deep Skillet

If you desire the classic aesthetics of a cast iron skillet paired with the durability and flexibility of enameled cookware, the Staub Traditional Deep Skillet is your best bet.

Every item I prepared in this skillet turned out beautifully. With just a bit of butter, even fried eggs released effortlessly from the lightly-textured black enamel surface, producing perfectly crispy edges. This skillet continued to impress with dishes like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and larger cuts of meat. Its straight yet slightly flared sides maximize the cooking surface area, and they are sufficiently tall to enable shallow deep-frying and braising. Interestingly, this was the only skillet among my top choices that did not retain any of the cornbread I baked in it (and yes, I made sure to butter it adequately).

I fell in love with this skillet right out of the box; perhaps its matte black finish (priced at $20 less than other colors) gives it the appearance of meticulously maintained raw cast iron. It features two pour spouts, a handle that is both classic-looking and functional, and a small helper handle, which is just right for additional support when needed.

What I didn’t love about the Staub Traditional Deep Skillet

Apart from the price tag, there was little to dislike about this enameled cast iron skillet. However, it can be frustrating when a product is labeled as dishwasher safe (like this skillet) but the manual advises hand washing instead. It also suggests using non-metal utensils, likely to avoid scratches, but one of the primary advantages of using cast iron is the ability to use any utensil. Additionally, since the handle and pan are cast together, the handle can get extremely hot on the stove, so a silicone handle cover or oven mitt will be necessary—though you'll encounter this issue with most cast iron skillets.

Best budget enameled cast iron skillet: Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

High-quality enameled cast iron can often be expensive, and Cuisinart's offerings tend to vary in quality. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of this reasonably priced enameled cast iron frying pan.

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

If I were to choose just one type of cookware for my kitchen, it would undoubtedly be enameled cast iron. While it may not be the most practical choice (that title would belong to stainless steel) and is certainly not the trendiest (we all see the appeal of nonstick), it is the perfect solution for those who regularly engage in stovetop-to-oven cooking and prefer a low-maintenance cleanup process afterward.

Enameled cast iron works across various cooktops, including my advanced Italian induction range, and offers exceptional heat distribution and retention. The porcelain enamel serves not only as a protective layer that prevents rust but also makes the cookware nonreactive to acidic foods like tomatoes. Some of the most popular enameled cast iron pieces, such as Dutch ovens, are perfect for simmering soup and stews, braising large cuts of meat, frying chicken, and even baking bread. In my household, enameled cast iron pans are my go-to for perfect pancakes, seared steak, and crispy grilled cheese.

The takeaway is that enameled cast iron is outstanding due to its versatility, durability, and ease of cleaning, yet it is crucial to note that it is not nonstick.

Cooking with enameled cast iron

Typically, Dutch ovens have a smooth white porcelain interior, whereas enameled frying pans boast a darker, slightly textured cooking surface. In my tests with ten different skillets, I noticed that those with darker, more textured enamels excelled in food browning and release. The texture prevents sticking by allowing small amounts of fat to circulate between the food and the cooking surface.

To achieve optimal results with your enameled cast iron, several guidelines should be followed. Regardless of how the interior of your skillet looks or feels, food will stick if it isn't allowed to preheat adequately. A wait time of about five to six minutes typically does the trick. Skipping butter or oil will lead to sticking issues as well.

That being said, enameled cast iron does not require seasoning, simplifying cleanup and maintenance tasks. With minimal care, high-quality enameled cast iron cookware can last a lifetime, far outstripping any nonstick pan.

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