{"id":42768,"date":"2022-10-27T06:13:24","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T06:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ceramiccookwarehub.com\/?p=42768"},"modified":"2023-04-05T05:57:53","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T05:57:53","slug":"ceramic-or-cast-iron-cookware-this-will-help-you-decide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ceramiccookwarehub.com\/ceramic-or-cast-iron-cookware-this-will-help-you-decide\/","title":{"rendered":"Ceramic or Cast Iron Dutch Oven: This Will Help You Decide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Cast Iron has advantages that I can’t dismiss when it comes to cooking. Dutch ovens in particular are popular in enameled cast iron, but also in ceramic. How do these two cookware types compare? Here’s what to know to help you decide…<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you were to buy a Dutch Oven or similar pot<\/a>, what’s best to get, ceramic or cast iron? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read on for the details…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pure ceramic cookware is made from clay, molded and then fired in high heat furnaces. I explain more in my article on how ceramic cookware is made<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid confusion: This article is about pure (100%) ceramic cookware, compared to cast iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of 100% ceramic cookware brands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cast iron cookware is made of an iron and steel alloy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iron (Fe) has an atomic number of 26 with a relative atomic mass of 55.845. Like copper, it is one of the ‘transition metals’ in the periodic table (Gray, 2012<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n History: It is thought that iron in cookware started way back in China around 220 AD. It’s been around an awful long time, so it is truly tried and tested as a cookware material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the 16th century the casting of iron in cookware became widespread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cookware made of cast iron include these designs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can go on Amazon and get a straight out cast iron skillet that’s far less expensive than a 100% ceramic skillet<\/a>. Cast iron is cheap! But, expect to pay more for the enameled cast iron. Still, you should find enameled units that are cheaper in price than pure ceramic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ceramic is non-compatible with induction cooking<\/a>. Whereas cast iron is ferrous and magnetic, making it suitable for an induction cooktop<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Handling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ceramic is lighter that cast iron. For example, an Emile Henry 5.5 qt ceramic Dutch oven weighs 8.8 pounds. The weight of Crock-Pot’s 5 qt enameled Dutch oven is 12.25 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ceramic won’t rust. Unfinished cast iron cookware will rust on the surface unless it is seasoned. Enameled cast iron won’t rust, except where the enamel has chipped or worn away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ceramic can crack if dropped or mishandled, including thermal shock. Enameled cast iron can chip from knocks if not stored correctly or from other mishandling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s a good idea to hand wash both cast iron and ceramic and then hand dry. Putting cast iron through the dishwasher will remove the protective surface coating, and you’ll need to re-season it for best results<\/a>. Similar with the enameled type, you risk damage from knocks in the dishwasher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both materials can be disposed at facilities for recycling cookwares<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both heat slow compared to aluminum or copper, although cast iron is slightly higher in thermal conductivity (see table). Once pre-heated, they retain heat exceptionally well. Plus, you can use the highest heat setting for cooking without concern with both types.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbout ceramic cookware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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About cast iron cookware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How ceramic and cast Iron cookware differ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How they are similar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n