Enameled cast iron cookware on induction stove?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

My mother gave me her collection of ASTA enameled cast iron cookware because I love cast iron and it's getting too heavy for her. I just got an induction cooktop and read on chowhound that people love their enameled Le Creuset and I thought this would work the same. But then I read on a canning forum that people have had their enameled cookware melt onto the induction top.

Now I'm afraid to use this cookware without more information. Help?

Featured Answer

jwvideo

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

The folks on canning forums (and some stove and cooktop owner manuals) are talking about thin enameled steel not enameled cast iron. More specifically, they are talking about cookware like Graniteware --- very, very thin and inexpensive enameled steel with ripply bases. Nothing like the much heavier duty, much much thicker enameled cast iron cookware like Asta or LeCrueset. Also, consider that the enamel coating on cast iron and steel cookware is fired at something around or over 815°C (1500°F). The melting points of iron and steel are something like 1200°C and 1500°C (2100°F and 2500°F). Induction cooktops for home use have over-heat sensors which will shut down or throttle back the burner a long, long time before a heavy steel or cast iron pan gets anywhere close to a fraction of such heat levels.

As an aside, am I remembering correctly that Asta was the model-line or brand name of the hefty enameled cast iron cookware made by Fissler in Germany a couple decades ago? IIRC, it was heavy duty stuff.

So, no worries about using your Asta pots on your induction cooktop.

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Comments (10)

User
8 years ago
Hi scardy...I'm just bumping and letting you know that (obviously) your post is visible, now...

Here's this...https://forum.downsizer.net/archive/induction-hobs-and-enamel-pans__o_t__t_79962.html
Just Jane thanked User
Just Jane
Original Author
8 years ago
I saw on the Houzz help forum that they had moved it to cookware. but posts only to cookware weren't being answered, so I started a new one that included kitchens (where there is a lot of activity), cookware and appliances. I think my first post is dead but no way to delete it.

Thanks for the link. I'll look at that too.
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Sue 430
8 years ago
Enameled cast iron should work fine on your induction. I have never heard of it melting, makes no sense to me. I have ke creuset and they work like a charm.
Just Jane
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
That's good to know. I'm looking forward to using the cooktop.

Yes, that is the cookware. It has held up really well too.
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
8 years ago
I just wanted to say I love Asta! I grew up with the ivory and gold ones. I have LeCreuset and have no problem on the induction cooktop at all, so Asta should be totally fine. If you ever decide to get some stainless cookware, Fissler is made by the same people who made Asta.
jwvideo
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Oh, and FWIW, the strictures and concerns with thin enameled steel pans on induction and radiant electric smoothtops are cautions to avoid high heat with empty pans or ones that have been allowed to boil dry.

Graniteware actually recommends most of its cookware for induction and radiant smoothtops, only cautioning against using those few models of its pans which (like water bath canning kettles) have the rippled--ridged bases.
alex9179
8 years ago
The one issue I had with Graniteware was pasta sticking to the bottom while cooking on high and kind of burning, as a result. I've realized that you don't have to cook pasta at a rolling boil - lol!

Ooooh, I'll have to check out Asta.
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
8 years ago
Alex, it's a pretty old fashioned look, but I have a soft spot for it. My mother was very happy to switch to stainless steel because it was hard keeping the white interior as white as she liked- Clorox wears out enamel after a while ;-)
alex9179
8 years ago
Pretty! I don't mind interior discoloration and that's lovely for service.