Enamelware Is Having a Moment: Here Are 10 Pieces You Should Add to Your Kitchen
Campfire, picnic, or dinner party? Enamelware does it all with class.
Enamelware has Swiss army knife appeal. It’s pretty in the kitchen, yet tough enough to bring camping. It's quick to clean, lightweight, and as fit for morning coffee as it is for an evening roast. Knock it around, and the chipped edges give it loved, lived-in personality; care for it and it’ll become a coveted heirloom. It’s stylish and practical, and it has a centuries-old pedigree.
Vitreous enamel, created by fusing powdered glass to a metal substrate in a firing process, started out artsy. The ancient Greeks covered metal with melted glass powders to create vibrant, multi-hued jewelry—golden rings have been found dating back to the 13th century BC. Later, the Byzantines developed plique-à-jour, a more refined, delicate process for creating art and jewelry with a stained glass aesthetic. (Cue Indiana Jones theme.)
The nascent beginnings of modern enamel cookware date back to mid-18th century Germany, when craftspeople began fusing glass to metal kitchen pots. The technique yielded the combined benefit of better tasting food and an easy-to-clean coating. At the end of the 1800s, a surge in demand in American households brought about new manufacturing processes and an updated aesthetic—the signature marbled, mottled, and speckled finishes common today.
Enamelware is now as popular as ever, but don't call it a comeback. America's first mass-produced kitchenware has throwback summer camp vibes and modern good looks with time-tested staying power. Below, we've gathered a range of pieces from staid makers and adventurous newcomers alike that will serve as timeless additions to your home.
Crow Canyon Home Vintage 12oz Mug
These classic enamel mugs have a smooth white surface and are great for daily use, indoors or outside for picnics, barbecues and camping. A traditional vessel with a modern design, our mug is perfect for coffee, a hot toddy, or your potion of choice. The durable enamel coating ensures your beverage tastes pure and free of unwanted flavors.
ShopBornn Multi-Color Enamel Dinnerware
Love at first sight. If these dazzlers don’t brighten up your tabletop, we don’t know what will. Everything you see here is made from heavy-gauge steel that’s hand-dipped in enamel, creating a piece that’s both dishwasher safe and oven friendly (up to 270°C or 518°F). The solid-colored pieces feature cream on the outside and a bold hue on the inside for a surprising pop of color. And the beautifully swirled ones? Those are made using a traditional marbling method that dates back to the 15th century. Now, please excuse us while we gaze at these all day long.
ShopKaico Kettle
This stylish and durable white enamel and natural wood kettle from Kaico is perfect for keeping hot water steaming hot. Made by coating iron with glass, enamel has exceptional heat-conducting properties, making it an ideal choice as a material for pots and pans. Enameled metalware is also characterized by its durability— it is less susceptible to tarnishing and discoloration than other materials. The smooth surface of enamel helps prevent scratches and keeps stains from sticking, resulting in effortless cleaning and care.
ShopCrow Canyon Home Splatter Berry Colander
Our berry colander is the cutest thing on the planet, no exaggeration. The tiny kitchen helper is perfect for quick rinses where a full size colander would be too cumbersome.
ShopBarebones Living Enamel Saucepan
Evenly cook and heat sauces, soups, and more. Long walnut handle and steep pan sides keep you safe from bubbling liquids. Sophisticated enough for both your camp kit and kitchen cooking, the Saucepan features a hand-finished, baked stainless steel trim that creates a bronze-like patina finish and matches our full enamelware line.
ShopGolden Rabbit Enamel Simple Camping Dinnerware (Set of 4)
We’re enamored of enamel. Thanks to their durable, porcelain enamel-coated carbon steel, these plates and bowls are exactly the kind of dinnerware you can use at home and at your campsite (or should we say “glampsite?” Because they’re definitely going to class up any camping situation). They’re oven and stovetop safe, so feel free to keep a plate warm in the oven (and this probably goes without saying, but please don’t pop them in the microwave).
ShopKaico Coffee Pot
Serve steaming hot coffee with this stylish, durable, and heat-retaining white enamel and natural wood coffee pot from Kaico. Made by coating iron with glass, enamel has exceptional heat-conducting properties, making it an ideal choice as a material for pots and pans. Enameled metalware is also characterized by its durability— it is less susceptible to tarnishing and discoloration than other materials. The smooth surface of enamel helps prevent scratches and keeps stains from sticking, resulting in effortless cleaning and care.
ShopGolden Rabbit Enamel Dinnerware (Set of 4)
Lightweight champions. With all these pretty patterns to choose from, it’s not going to be easy to settle (though why not mix and match, hm?). With a carbon steel body coated in porcelain enamel, and a rim that’s chip-resistant, they’re lightweight and durable enough for the outdoors (hello, glamping) but also fun for a casual, retro flair anywhere.
ShopBarebones Living Enamel Stock Pot
Cook pasta, boil vegetables, and make chilis, stews, and soups. Sophisticated enough for both your camp kit and kitchen cooking, the Stock Pot features a hand-finished, baked stainless steel trim that creates a bronze-like patina finish and matches our full enamelware line.
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