Review of Rachael Ray's Enamel Cast Iron Skillet

I love cast iron cookware, and use it all the time when we go camping. But there is one thing I don't like to do, and that's keeping it seasoned and clear of any rust. I remember making a raspberry cobbler in my cast iron skillet once, and I didn't think to remove it and store it in a separate dish - the next day it tasted like rust and the entire dish had to be thrown out! Rachael Ray's Enamel Cast Iron Cookware solves this problem! I love my skillet, which she refers to as her Grill Pan. Let me tell you about it!

Features
* 11" in diameter
* 3" deep
* Grooves on bottom form grill lines
* Has porcelain enameled interior
* Hole in handle allows for hanging
* Oven safe to 500 degrees
* Weighs 10 pounds

My Experience
I love the fact that I can use this skillet and get the benefits of cooking with cast iron, without having to season it! This is an attractive piece of cookwear. It was available in orange or cobalt blue color, and I chose the blue. When I cook burgers or sausage in this grill, I get those grill lines that make the meat look so attractive! Just like the restaurants!

Cast iron is a great material for even heat distribution, and this skillet is no exception. Foods also stay warm longer since the cast iron retains heat exceptionally well. There is one difference, however, you have to be a little more careful not to have the flame on your stove top too high. The coating can crack if you shock it thermally by placing a very hot skillet into cold water. So it requires a little more care in that regard, but the payoff is worth it. The handle is 7" long, and will get very hot, so be sure to use pot holders before removing it from it's heat source. I have found those silicone mitts work wonderfully.

Cleaning is easy, but you have to let the skillet cool off first, then wash it by hand. I was washing all of my cast iron skillets by hand anyway, so this is not a change or hassle for me. I find the best results when cleaning it with a simple dishcloth. Abrasive cleaning products can damage the enamel coat.