How to Maintain the Ceramic Coating under Cast Iron Pan

Enameled cast iron cookware such as a Dutch oven or a skillet is excellent kitchen equipment, especially if you love cooking.

Chefs, gastronomic scientists, and several test kitchens endorse using enamel cast iron pans for cooking.

It is essential for you to learn how to prevent enameled cookware from scratching or chipping, as well as how to remove stains from its surface.

Maintaining your ceramic coated cast iron pan is essential if you want it to perform and extend its life.

Here is a guide to help you maintain the ceramic coating of your cast iron pan or skillet:

We’ll divide this guide into three sections that will individually talk about crack prevention, stain removal, and general cleaning and maintaining methods.

Tips on preventing your ceramic coated cast iron pan from chipping or scratching

The ceramic coating under your cast iron pan is similar to glass. If your ceramic coated pan is struck with something sharp or hard, it is very likely to chip or crack.

However, this does not mean that you cannot use metal utensils while cooking with your ceramic coated cast iron pan.

You can always use metal utensils in a usual fashion but be careful not to bang them against the cast iron pan with full force.

Even if you stir a metal utensil with force inside the pan, it might lead to some chipping or cracking on the walls and edges.

Invest in different types of cooking utensils

While metal utensils are an okay choice for cooking with a ceramic coated cast iron pan, you can use other utensils as well.

This is especially true when you are preparing food that requires scraping or whisking. It is wise to have a silicone spatula and whisk rather than a metal utensil.

Other than silicone, wooden spoons are also a good choice as it does not have any sharp edges that can scrape off the ceramic coating on the pan.

Does a cast iron pan become dangerous if the enamel coating has cracks?

Even if your ceramic coated cast iron pan cracks or chips, you can rest assured that it is not the end of the world.

The ceramic is just a coating; the plain cast-iron surface is still underneath, which is perfectly safe for cooking.

Additionally, dramatic temperature changes can be bad for the ceramic coating on a cast iron pan. If moisture is involved, try not to subject your pan to extreme heat or cold.

Similarly, many recipes call for a preheated pan which is a good call for any other kind of pan but not one with enamel coating.

Try not to heat an empty ceramic coated pot as it can lead to cracks.

High heat is only acceptable for ceramic coated cast iron pans if there is a lot of liquid involved in the dish you are preparing or simply boiling water.

How can you remove stains from ceramic coated cast iron pans?

Ceramic coated cast iron pans are available with different color interiors.

Some pans are black from the inside that hide discoloration or stains, while some are light-colored or white.

The lighter the color, the more you will be able to monitor stains, burn marks, or browning.

You must have noticed how easily it gets burnt food marks and patchy stains with use if you have a light-colored or white ceramic coated cast iron pan.

Here are a few stain removal solutions to help you maintain your ceramic coated cast iron pan:

Bleach

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent. Even though it will get the work done, it can be harmful to your skin.

Always wear gloves while handling bleach and ensure that you don’t smell its fumes.

  1. Take one teaspoon of bleach and mix it with one pint of water
  2. Let the solution sit in the pan overnight
  3. Scrub and wash the following day thoroughly

If the stains on your ceramic coated cast iron pan are extremely tough, you can switch out this solution from one part bleach to three parts water and repeat the same process.

Note: If your ceramic coated pan darkens at the bottom, you won’t be able to monitor browning while you cook.

Hence, it is essential for you to keep your ceramic coated cast iron pan stain-free.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a go-to cleaning agent for challenging stain situations. It can remove tough stains in a short amount on numerous surfaces and even teeth.

The abrasive quality of the substance helps it penetrate into the stains and restore the ceramic coated cast iron pan to its former glory.

  1. Fill your ceramic coated cast iron pan with a little bit of water and two tablespoons of baking soda;
  2. Stir the solution with a wooden spoon and bring it to a boil;
  3. Let the mixture boil for five minutes and turn off the stove;
  4. After the pan cools down, throw out the water and rinse;
  5. Use a little bit of dishwasher liquid and gently scrub any remaining bits;
  6. Dry off with her kitchen towel before storing.

How can you generally clean and maintain a ceramic coated cast iron pan?

Like any other pan, a ceramic coated cast iron pan also needs tons of cleanup.

With your enameled cookware, you can use general cleaning methods such as boiling water and scraping off residue.

Boiling Water Technique

The boiling water hack works for almost all pots and pans.

It is one of the most accessible and inexpensive ways to remove gunk and stains from your cookware.

  1. Fill your ceramic coated cast iron pan halfway with normal water;
  2. Put it on the stovetop uncovered;
  3. Bring the water to a boil, and let it sit for at least 5 minutes before taking it off the burner;
  4. Rinse the pan with cold water and scrub gently to remove any loose stains.

If your ceramic coated pan has burnt grime or food residue, scrape it off with a wooden spatula. Rinse it out with water and let it sit briefly with a fresh change of water.

The remaining residue will soon start to flake off as the pan becomes dry. For washing, you can use dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge for scrubbing.

Do not use the dishwasher

Dishwashers can be highly aggressive for a ceramic coated cast iron pan. It can cause chipping, cracks, among other things.

The high drying temperature is also a factor that may go against a ceramic coated cast iron pan which is why it is always wise to clean it by hand.

Ceramic coated cast iron pans aren’t made for stacking

Storing your ceramic coated cast iron pan the right way is crucial.

Ceramic-coated pans are incredibly thick and weigh more than other pans.

Hence, stacking multiple heavy pots on top of each other is not safe.

Consider hanging your ceramic coated cast iron pan on a wall hook or displaying it on a shelf or pot rack.

You can store your ceramic coated cast iron pan inside a cabinet with other things. However, ensure there is something soft between the pan and other utensils if you’re stacking.

Bubble wrap, foam padding, or dish towels can help you prevent scratching if you store it long-term.

Why is there a ceramic coating on your cast iron pan?

It is good to educate yourself about why different types of cookware exist in the market.

The knowledge about why a specific coat or finish exists will automatically make you more careful about using it. Hence, lower the rate of any mishaps or product waste.

So, what does ceramic coating do?

It prevents food from sticking

The ceramic coating on your cast iron pan stops the food from sticking to the surface of the pan.

Much like a non-stick pan, the ceramic coating diminishes the need to use oil, butter, or cooking sprays to stop the food from sticking.

Evenly distributes heat

Other than this, ceramic pots are known to distribute heat evenly, which is why they are safe to use in the oven.

Using a ceramic coated cast iron pan can give you good results, especially if you are baking something.

Easy to clean

Last but not least, ceramic coated cast iron pans are easy to clean. Dishwasher liquid and a soft sponge are enough to clean off any residue on the pan once you finish cooking.

Of course, tough stains like any other pan do require some additional attention. We’ll jump into that later.

Takeaway

Ceramic coated cast iron pans are an excellent addition to your kitchen cookware collection.

They can be helpful in some of the most delectable dishes and even stay with you for generations to come.

With just a little bit of care and preventative measures, a ceramic coated cast iron pan can be a tremendous investment for anyone who loves to cook.

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