To select a high-quality enamel cookware set, the core lies in judging from four dimensions: the quality of the enamel layer, the cast iron base material, the craftsmanship details, and the compatibility. Below is a structured step-by-step selection guide:
Check the enamel layer (determines durability and safety)
- undefined Check the surface smoothness and integrity
- High-quality enamel layers have a smooth and flat surface with an even color.
- Focus on checking the pot mouth and the edge of the pot bottom (areas prone to knocks), where the enamel layer should be free from damage and exposed iron.
- Poor-quality enamel layers will have a noticeable grainy texture or uneven color in some areas, and they tend to peel off during use.
- undefined. Test the adhesion of the enamel layer
- Gently scratch the enamel surface with a fingernail; a high-quality enamel layer will not leave scratches.
- Tap the pot body (with moderate force). A clear and crisp sound without noise indicates that the enamel is tightly bonded to the cast iron; if the sound is dull, there may be a risk of delamination.
- undefined Confirm the safety of enamel material
- Priority should be given to products labeled "food-grade enamel" and "lead-free and cadmium-free".
- For imported brands, check if they comply with the EU LFGB certification; for domestic brands, refer to the GB 4806 food safety standards.
Evaluate the cast iron base material (which determines thermal conductivity and thermal insulation)
- undefined. Look at the purity and thickness of cast iron
- The cast iron base material of high-quality enameled pots has high purity and no impurities.
- For pots of the same size, those that are heavier usually use more cast iron (but this needs to be considered in conjunction with the design; not the heavier, the better).
- undefined. Check the flatness of the pot bottom
- Place the pot upside down on a flat countertop. High-quality cookware will fit tightly against the countertop with no obvious wobbling.
- Deformation of the pot bottom can cause uneven heating and even scratch the stove (especially glass stoves).
Check the process details (which determine the user experience)
- undefined. Pot lid design
- Prioritize choosing the "self-circulating shower pot lid"
- The sealing between the pot lid and the pot mouth should be good. After covering, when the pot body is shaken slightly, the lid should not slip off easily.
- undefined. Handle and pot ear
- The handle material should be high-temperature resistant phenolic resin or stainless steel.
- Large-capacity stew pots need to have symmetrical pot ears for easy holding, and the pot ears should preferably be wrapped with heat insulation.
- Confirm whether the set is compatible with your own stove: Cast iron enamel pots are generally suitable for gas and induction cookers.
Avoid blindly pursuing "multi-piece sets" and prioritize combinations with practical sizes and complementary functions.
- undefined. Choose a set combination as needed
- Household basic set: 20cm frying pan + 24cm soup pot + 26cm stew pot
- Advanced version: Can include a steamer, milk pot, etc., suitable for multi-person families or cooking enthusiasts.
- Avoid blindly pursuing "multi-piece sets" and prioritize combinations with practical sizes and complementary functions.
- undefined. Choose reliable brands
Tips to avoid pitfalls JINHU
- undefined. Be cautious when choosing low-priced sets: If the price of a set of enameled cast iron pots is much lower than that of a single item of the same size, it is likely that the enamel layer is thin and the cast iron base material contains many impurities.
- undefined. Distinguishing between "cast iron enamel" and "enameled iron sheet": Enameled iron sheet pots are lightweight, conduct heat quickly but are prone to deformation, and their durability is far inferior to that of cast iron enamel ones.
- undefined. Check the after-sales policy: high-quality brands usually provide a warranty for enamel layer damage. Confirm the warranty terms when purchasing.