What is timeless enamel and where can you use it?

Timeless enamel is a great symbol of our country. Its big advantage is that it is good for baking and, let’s be honest, it is also easy to wash. It can really work wonders, which is why most of us have it in the kitchen or as room decor. Is your home styled like the legendary TV series Friends? Don’t be afraid to use it there too.

It is made from a molten silica mixture, which is why it is related to glass and porcelain. Besides pots, roasting tins and vases, it is also used to make street name signs and house number plates. Let’s take a closer look at it.  

The history of enamel

It is no surprise that it was already popular in the Middle Ages. Timeless enamel also attracted attention in the Byzantine period, when it was used to decorate various metal reliefs. However, it had to wait a long time to become a real trend, until the 19th century, when roasting tins and bathtubs first began to be made from it.

Enamelled vessels resisted rust and could therefore be decorated with ceramic paints. Enamel was applied by sprinkling dry enamel through a sieve or, later, by dipping in a wet enamel slurry, which was essentially enamel powder stirred into water. Timeless enamel then had to be dried carefully before firing. The firing temperature for enamel on metal is between 750–850°C and the firing time is very short.

Our grandmothers loved timeless enamel

Unlike our grandmothers and mothers, today you can choose from a wide range of colours, patterns and shapes, so you can find a piece that perfectly complements your kitchen. Let’s be honest, traditional patterns and colours can remind you of times gone by.

Modern designs, on the other hand, bring freshness and elegance. Enamel cookware is relatively light, whether it is pots, roasting tins, teapots, bowls or mugs. You can use it every day in the kitchen and also at the cottage, either for cooking or simply as decoration. Retro motifs are popular, most often white polka dots on a red or blue background, or floral patterns. For example, if you grow oranges indoors, they will really stand out in an enamel bowl.

As we have already mentioned, its big advantages include durability and good heat conduction. Enamel can be prone to cracking, but that certainly does not take away from its beauty. Don’t be afraid to put it in the dishwasher, it will certainly not be damaged. You can use it on all types of hobs, but you also need to find out what metal the enamel covers. Remember that when buying, it pays to focus on good-quality metal and its thickness.

Has the inside of your pots, frying pans or roasting tins cracked? The advice is simple: stop using them. The heat could cause them to release toxic substances.

Types of enamel coatings          

There are many colour versions you can buy.  However, the two most typical colours are the following:

White enamel

Traditional enamel cookware is white or light cream on the inside. And do you know the reason? White is hygienic, and you can tell at a glance whether the cookware is clean. It consists of three layers: a ground coat that evens out small irregularities in the casting, and then two layers of enamel on top of the ground coat. Together, all three layers give the surface a glassy shine and perfect smoothness, which you will appreciate when washing up. Enamel is naturally partly non-stick, but be careful, it still does not allow frying without fat!

Black enamel

Black timeless enamel is a modern development. It consists of two layers. Matt black enamel tends to be more durable, which will also come in handy in the kitchen. However, its colour means it lacks that added aesthetic value.

Timeless enamel is truly beautiful. If you grow highbush blueberries, picking them is always more enjoyable with a suitable “tin mug” that makes the harvest look good too.

Source: Theantiquedjourney