The Difference Between Enamel and Regular Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Are you wondering what makes an enamel cast iron pan different from a cast iron dutch oven set? CampMaid experts have curated this guide to help you understand everything you need to know, including the common uses for each and occasions when cast Dutch ovens perform better.

Dutch ovens are typically made from enameled cast iron, whereas regular cast iron is generally used for frying pans and skillets. Keep reading to learn more about Dutch ovens and make an informed decision when buying the right outdoor cooking essentials.  

What's a Dutch Oven?

Dutch ovens typically look like large kettles or pots. They're fairly deep, making them suitable for cooking sauces, stews, and braised meat. They usually come with tight-fitting lids to help trap the heat or steam inside the pot and keep it safe from bugs.

Dutch ovens are an excellent choice for slow and moist cooking. You can get Dutch ovens made with either cast iron or enameled cast iron. Let's learn a few things about cast iron before learning the key differences and pros and cons of both.

Things to Know About Cast Iron

Outdoor Cooking Essentials comes in many shapes and sizes. When people refer to cast iron pans, it usually makes us think of cast iron skillets or frying pans. They're quite popular for allowing even heating and non-stick properties when seasoned properly. Cast iron utensils are usually deeper than ceramic or Teflon pans, and some of them can also be used as bakeware in ovens. However, most of the ceramic and Teflon pans aren't oven-friendly.

Make sure you don't mistake Dutch ovens with cast iron casserole pans, cast iron pots, and regular cast iron cookware, as they often closely resemble Dutch ovens. Whether you choose regular cast iron or enameled cookware for your outdoor cooking shenanigans, both offer you several benefits. However, let's look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one would be more suitable for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Enameled Cast Iron Vs. Cast Iron

CampMaid's Kickstand with a Dutch oven

Enamelware

Enamelware is non-stick, making it excellent for cooking as it doesn't interact with the food. Experts reveal enameled cast iron performs better in slow cooking methods or recipes involving citric juices and acidic ingredients. It's less likely to break down, making enameled Dutch ovens a popular choice for moist and slow cooking.

However, enameled cast iron isn't as thermally conductive as its regular counterpart. This can sometimes slow down the cooking, resulting in uneven heating. Enamel cracks down easily if you drop the pot, plus it's relatively more expensive, too.

Cast Iron

When properly seasoned, cast iron Dutch ovens come with a layer of oils and fats that provide non-stick properties. They're much more durable, making them last forever if maintained properly. However, if they're not seasoned properly, they cause the food to taste metallic or discolored. That said, re-seasoning the Dutch oven is pretty easy.

Both utensils require proper care but can be used over an open flame while camping. You can get a Dutch oven kickstand to make things easier. If you're looking for sturdy outdoor cooking equipment, browse our collection of outdoor cooking equipment for camping.

You can find many exciting varieties at CampMaid., including portable charcoal grills, collapsible charcoal chimney, skillets, Dutch oven sets, lodge lid lifter, kickstands, charcoal holder, cast-iron grill accessories, and more.

Connect with us to learn more about our top sellers! Don't forget to watch our detailed guides about using CampMaid equipment and recipes for your outdoor parties and camping trips to make them memorable for all. Read our top-notch reviews or follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube channel to stay updated about our innovative outdoor cooking solutions.

Are you wondering what makes an enamel cast iron pan different from a cast iron dutch oven set? CampMaid experts have curated this guide to help you understand everything you need to know, including the common uses for each and occasions when cast Dutch ovens perform better.

Dutch ovens are typically made from enameled cast iron, whereas regular cast iron is generally used for frying pans and skillets. Keep reading to learn more about Dutch ovens and make an informed decision when buying the right outdoor cooking essentials.  

What's a Dutch Oven?

Dutch ovens typically look like large kettles or pots. They're fairly deep, making them suitable for cooking sauces, stews, and braised meat. They usually come with tight-fitting lids to help trap the heat or steam inside the pot and keep it safe from bugs.

Dutch ovens are an excellent choice for slow and moist cooking. You can get Dutch ovens made with either cast iron or enameled cast iron. Let's learn a few things about cast iron before learning the key differences and pros and cons of both.

Things to Know About Cast Iron

Outdoor Cooking Essentials comes in many shapes and sizes. When people refer to cast iron pans, it usually makes us think of cast iron skillets or frying pans. They're quite popular for allowing even heating and non-stick properties when seasoned properly. Cast iron utensils are usually deeper than ceramic or Teflon pans, and some of them can also be used as bakeware in ovens. However, most of the ceramic and Teflon pans aren't oven-friendly.

Make sure you don't mistake Dutch ovens with cast iron casserole pans, cast iron pots, and regular cast iron cookware, as they often closely resemble Dutch ovens. Whether you choose regular cast iron or enameled cookware for your outdoor cooking shenanigans, both offer you several benefits. However, let's look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one would be more suitable for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Enameled Cast Iron Vs. Cast Iron

CampMaid's Kickstand with a Dutch oven

Enamelware

Enamelware is non-stick, making it excellent for cooking as it doesn't interact with the food. Experts reveal enameled cast iron performs better in slow cooking methods or recipes involving citric juices and acidic ingredients. It's less likely to break down, making enameled Dutch ovens a popular choice for moist and slow cooking.

However, enameled cast iron isn't as thermally conductive as its regular counterpart. This can sometimes slow down the cooking, resulting in uneven heating. Enamel cracks down easily if you drop the pot, plus it's relatively more expensive, too.

Cast Iron

When properly seasoned, cast iron Dutch ovens come with a layer of oils and fats that provide non-stick properties. They're much more durable, making them last forever if maintained properly. However, if they're not seasoned properly, they cause the food to taste metallic or discolored. That said, re-seasoning the Dutch oven is pretty easy.

Both utensils require proper care but can be used over an open flame while camping. You can get a Dutch oven kickstand to make things easier. If you're looking for sturdy outdoor cooking equipment, browse our collection of outdoor cooking equipment for camping.

You can find many exciting varieties at CampMaid., including portable charcoal grills, collapsible charcoal chimney, skillets, Dutch oven sets, lodge lid lifter, kickstands, charcoal holder, cast-iron grill accessories, and more.

Connect with us to learn more about our top sellers! Don't forget to watch our detailed guides about using CampMaid equipment and recipes for your outdoor parties and camping trips to make them memorable for all. Read our top-notch reviews or follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube channel to stay updated about our innovative outdoor cooking solutions.

The Difference Between Enamel and Regular Cast Iron Dutch Oven

by Celeste Uy April 13, 2022

Thinking of investing in some high-quality outdoor kitchen equipment? Here's all you need to know about cast Dutch ovens.

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