Enamel: Why glass and steel tableware is back in fashion

Many of you will still remember enamel from your grandmother: the kettle on the stove, the mug for camping. For a long time, the material was replaced by plastic – today it is back, and for good reason. As a graduate engineer in glass technology and ceramics, I will explain what enamel actually is, why it is so robust and food-safe, and what you should pay attention to in everyday use.

The most important things at a glance

• Material: a glass-like, inorganic coating on a steel core – carbon steel with Muurla.
• Food-safe: enamel is neutral, even towards acids such as lemon juice or vinegar.
• Heat-resistant: suitable up to 400 °C – but it cannot withstand rapid temperature changes from 100 to 200 °C.
• Stove: suitable for all common types of stoves, including induction – not for the microwave.
• Care: dishwasher-safe, this applies to all Muurla products – but please do not use steel wool.
• Robust and lightweight: ideal for household use, camping, van life, and hiking.

What is enamel?

Enamel is an inorganic coating with glass-like properties that is firmly bonded to a metal core. You can think of it as a thin layer of glass that is permanently attached to the steel. The steel gives the cookware its stability, while the glass layer provides its smooth, dense, and hygienic surface.

Enamel is made by applying a so-called slip – a liquid glass mass – to the steel in several layers and firing it at 800 to 850 °C. During this process, the glass fuses with the metal surface.

Why carbon steel?

Muurla uses carbon steel as a base. Due to its high carbon content, the material conducts heat relatively well – and this is important when cooking: The heat is distributed evenly in the pot or sauté pan.

Food-safe: enamel compared to plastic

Because enamel is glass-like, it is very neutral towards food – even with acids such as lemon juice, vinegar, or tomatoes. Plastic is different: substances can migrate from it into food. Although this only happens in trace amounts in the ppm range, glass and therefore enamel do not release such substances at all.

Heat, stoves, and temperature changes

Enamel cookware is suitable for all common types of stoves – including induction, because the steel core is magnetic. It can be used up to 400 °C, and it can also be heated empty. What enamel cannot withstand, however, are rapid temperature changes from 100 to 200 °C. So do not hold the hot pot under cold water or place it on a cold, wet surface – otherwise the glass layer may be damaged.

Enamel does not belong in the microwave because the metal core is not compatible with microwave radiation. And very importantly for everyday use: enamel gets hot on the stove – also on the handles and grips. So keep oven mitts handy.

Robust, lightweight, and back in fashion

For a long time, plastic replaced enamel in kitchens and backpacks. Today it is making a comeback – especially because of its robustness. Enamel mugs and bowls are lightweight, break-resistant, and uncomplicated. That is why they are ideal for anyone who is often on the go: hiking, camping, or in a van.

Anyone who likes hiking or spending time at the beach like I do knows how quickly glass or porcelain can break in a backpack. That is why an enamel mug is ideal for on the go: lightweight, break-resistant, and quick to clean. Muurla's storage containers are a perfect match – for example, the Campers container with lid for a picnic during a hiking break.

What to do if enamel chips?

If enamel receives a hard blow, a piece of the glass layer may chip off. If this happens on the outside, it is not a major problem. The same applies to the inside: as long as the area does not rust, you can continue to use the cookware.

Care: dishwasher-safe, no steel wool

Enamel is easy to care for and dishwasher-safe – this applies to all Muurla products. The smooth, glass-like surface does not absorb odors and is easy to clean.

You should avoid steel wool in all cases – it leaves scratches. Enamel has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and is therefore hard, but not indestructible. I would also be careful with scouring milk: the abrasive particles can dull the surface over time. A soft sponge is usually more than enough.

Enamel at Nordlichttraum

At my store, you will find enamel from Muurla from Finland – with Moomin and Pippi motifs. For cooking, for example, the Bon-Appetit pot with 2.5 liters or the Heart sauté pan, for on the go the Campers mug and the matching Campers container. You can find all containers and pots under Containers & Cookware, and enamel with Pippi motifs under Pippi Longstocking.

Frequently asked questions

Is enamel dishwasher-safe? Yes – this applies to all Muurla products.

Does enamel work on induction? Yes, and on all other common types of stoves as well.

Can enamel go in the microwave? No, because of the metal core.

How hot can enamel get? Up to 400 °C. However, you should avoid rapid temperature changes from 100 to 200 °C.

Is enamel suitable for acidic foods? Yes. The glass-like surface does not react with acids such as lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I continue to use cookware with chips? Yes, as long as the area does not rust.

What should I use to clean enamel? In the dishwasher or with a soft sponge. Steel wool leaves scratches.

Conclusion

Enamel combines the best of two materials: the stability and heat conductivity of steel with the dense, neutral surface of glass. Lightweight, robust, dishwasher-safe, and food-neutral – no wonder the material is making a comeback.

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About the author: Andreas Walther is a graduate engineer in glass technology and ceramics and has been associated with Scandinavian manufacturers for over 25 years. At Nordlichttraum, he personally selects every product.