How to evaluate the enamel pot as a kitchenware

Speaking of enamel kitchenware, I may have to tell the story of my grandmother and me.

My grandmother went to France when she was in her 20s, claiming to pursue art, but she came back a year later (she was considered academically successful and was finally admitted to the oil painting department of an art academy). There were no macarons, no chocolate, and no perfume. My grandma actually took a heavy load and took a boat for more than 20 days to return to Shandong. This is an enamel cast iron pot that has been in use until now, and the white enamel inside is slightly peeled off.

▲ The enamel pot brought back by my grandma

When I was a child, the most common thing my grandma made for me was "stewed rice". I used this pot and put whatever I had at home. Although it is not particular, it is really rich in nutrition. I also inherited my grandma’s craftsmanship. I was amazed when I made enamel pot braised rice for the first time in my life.

▲ The first stewed rice in an enamel pot in my life

Later, for several years, I took advantage of the promotion of × Bao and × Dong enamel pots and bought several enamel pots one after another. Now I not only have enamel soup pots, but also enamel woks, frying pans, etc. Facts have proved that enamel pots are a great tool for improving happiness when living alone. Since you want to be good-looking and affordable, then I will recommend enamel pots. Pot this pot.

Any pot with an enamel coating on the surface can be called an enamel pot. Under the enamel coating, it is usually made of cast iron, and some use steel plates. And this layer of enamel is not purely for appearance. Let’s put aside the perspective of a good-looking dog and talk about the advantages of enamel pot from the aspect of use: It is heated evenly and food is not easy to burn

Enamel pot, its pot The wall and bottom of the pot are relatively smooth, the texture is very uniform, and the heat is even, so it is less likely to be burnt or the bottom of the pot is burnt but the surrounding sides are not yet cooked. With coating protection, the pot is not easy to rust

Compared to pure metal pots, with this layer of enamel on the outside, the pot is not so easy to rust. Outstanding heat preservation ability

The heat preservation ability of the enamel pot is very good. The pot body can maintain a certain temperature long after the heat is turned off. Therefore, when cooking some dishes, you can even turn off the heat in advance and serve the pot directly to the table, allowing the remaining heat in the pot to complete the final stew. It can be used on open flames, ovens, and induction cookers

Except for microwave ovens, I feel that the enamel pot is suitable for all heating sources, especially the fact that it can be put into the oven, which is really convenient. The enamel soup pot has a thick lid and good water-locking ability

The most classic enamel pot is probably the enamel cast iron soup pot. In addition to the above points, the enamel soup pot has an additional advantage, that is, the lid is very thick. During cooking, it is extremely difficult for water vapor to escape, and a relatively sealed space is formed inside the pot, which is very suitable for cooking Chinese dishes that require flavor and juice.

One time I was particularly craving for meat. I cut the pork belly into mahjong-sized pieces, added dark soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, honey and cooking wine. I simmered it for an hour without adding a drop of water or oil. I could only taste the pork belly. To describe it as licking the pot.

▲ Honey tastes better than rock sugar

Recommendations for enamel kitchen utensils with different uses: Stir-frying, frying, and deep-frying: Staub double-ear Chinese wok

▲ Staub double-ear Chinese wok｜Reference price: 1888 yuan

Sauteing and frying are inevitable in Chinese kitchens. If there are more than 3 people in the family and you are pursuing cost-effectiveness, this wok is simply perfect!

The interior is made of black enamel, which feels rough to the touch. This is related to the material of the black enamel and is not a quality issue. Suitable for high-temperature cooking such as stir-frying, frying, and deep-frying.

It is best to use it to cook meat for the first few times, such as braised pork, braised chicken, steamed fish, etc. Use the oil in it to nourish the pot first. The longer the time, the black enamel will become smoother. If used on an open flame, after the oil is hot, turn to low heat to maintain a high oil temperature, which is very energy-saving.

The size of 30cm is just right, a whole fish can be put down completely without breaking in the middle. The only drawback is that the pot is too heavy, so don't even think about using this "bumping spoon".

Baking and grilling: Le Creuset enamel cast iron frying pan

▲ Le Creuset enamel cast iron frying pan | Reference price: 938 yuan

Le Creuset's products have beautiful colors and beautiful shapes, and of course the price It’s not cheap either. For fans of enamel pots, owning a Le Creuset enamel pot will make the whole kitchen shine (you know, it is the Hermès in the kitchenware industry).

When most people talk about Le Creuset, they first think of its soup pots and woks, but for a steak lover like me, owning this frying pan is like "having a pot in your hand, even at home" Western restaurant" rhythm. I like eating steak very much, but every time I go out to eat, it costs 100 yuan per person. It’s better to DIY it at home and have a full meal for 40 yuan.

▲ If you have a pot in your hand, you can also use it in a Western restaurant at home

Use it to fry steaks. Because the bottom of the pot has bulges, the heating area is larger, and an even layer will be formed on the surface of the meat. The pattern is very beautiful. The gap between the meat and the iron plate can also allow fat to drip down, so that the steak will not be soggy. After use, oil can be poured into the slots on both sides, and the angle is perfectly designed so that there will be no oil stains on the outer wall.

It can not only fry steaks, but also fry and grill various meats and vegetables. It can also fry eggs or spread egg pancakes very easily. It is also completely non-stick to the bottom of the pot, making it very easy to clean.

It can be used on an open flame or put in the oven, which is very convenient. Warm milk and cook instant noodles: Dansk single-handled milk pot

▲ Dansk single-handled milk pot｜Reference price: 210 yuan

This pot will really make you cry when you hold it in your hands , because it is too mini, slightly larger than the palm of your hand. Although it is small in size, its practicality is not compromised at all, making it especially suitable for girls who live alone.

The whole pot weighs less than 2 pounds and is very light in the hand. It’s no problem to warm milk, make milk tea, hot butter, and even cook some regular meals occasionally. Boil milk oatmeal, vegetarian dumplings (about 16 can be cooked), instant noodles, and eat them directly in a small pot without washing the bowl.

▲ Red soup dumplings, a hearty breakfast

There are cross-shaped protrusions on the pot lid, making it easy to open the lid, prevent burns, and can be taken directly Come down and make a potholder. The warm wooden handle blocks heat conduction and prevents hand scalding.

I don’t know if you have watched the Japanese drama "Bread and Soup and Cats and Good Weather". It is very suitable for watching in the hot summer. It has a forest-like freshness. Dansk that appears repeatedly in it will make you laugh. You can't help but want to buy it after reading it. Stewing soup, porridge, and braised meat: NetEase's carefully selected enamel pots from ancient times

▲ NetEase's carefully selected enamel pots from ancient times｜Reference price: 268 yuan

The deep-mouth enamel soup pot should be an enamel pot It is the most popular among them. It can be used to stew soup, porridge, and stew meat. Once cooked, it can be served directly from the pot. The steaming heat will greatly increase your appetite. Century-old brands like Staub and Le Creuset are undoubtedly my first choice, but after a quick search, I found the price really put me off... but... I didn't think so:

I'll buy it on NetEase Selections someday. Towels, I accidentally saw the promotion of enamel pots on the homepage. This product is actually supplied directly from the Zwilling factory. The first impression is quite good, and the price is very conscience, only one-tenth of the price of Staub (268 yuan). I placed the order without hesitation.

▲ Stew beef brisket with potatoes and open the pot

The pot is very heavy-handed. From the appearance, it is almost the same as that of big-name brands. The body of the pot is said to be made of three layers of colored enamel, which has a rich color saturation. It is very tall and feels very delicate. The matte enamel inside the pot can prevent it from sticking to the pot.

After using it for half a year, the overall feeling is really good. Stewing meat and making soup takes half the time compared to ordinary pots, and it is very delicious. The bottom of the pot will not stick. You can clean it by wiping it with a rag dipped in hot water after use.

However, you must pay attention to prevent scalding when using it. The pot ears and pot body are not protected by insulation layers. You must wear gloves when you need to touch the pot.

Boil water and make tea: Noda enamel kettle

▲ Noda enamel kettle｜Reference price: 329 yuan

The last one is not a pot, it is a kettle.

Sometimes wasting money on beautiful things can bring a lot of happiness to life. When I saw this kettle on INS, I imagined the beautiful scene of owning it: a pleasant weekend, making a pot of fruit tea, nesting on my own small balcony, watching TV series, eating cakes and drinking tea. It is rare to slow down. Time, this is not called wasted!

It is very convenient to buy from Nichia. It costs about 330 yuan via transfer. The yellow and green colors of the same model are also very pure. I chose the white model, which is very beautiful and the enamel on the surface is very transparent. The interior is made of black enamel and can be used to brew slightly acidic fruit tea.

The 1.5-liter capacity is also very practical. The lid is also designed to prevent it from falling off. Even if it is tilted to 90 degrees, the lid will not fall off.

Having said so much, I wonder if any of you are as poisoned by enamel pots as I am? But after all, most enamel pots are not affordable. Everyone should consider their own financial strength and frequency of use before making a purchase decision.

If you are like me and cook three meals a day by yourself, then you might as well buy a steamer or milk pot first and experience the small beauty that an enamel pot brings to your life!