8.25.2012

using old enamelware pots & pans

enamelware bowl with apples

If you like to collect vintage kitchenware, you'll just love old enamelware pots & pans.  They are a fun collectible that won't break your budget and are readily available at most antique markets.  I love them because they are lightweight, non-breakable and have an old farmhouse appeal.  Plus they look nostalgic  displayed on shelves and old kitchen cupboards. 



some samples of enamelware pots & pans 
in my Etsy shop the barn loft...


black trim
red trim
green trim

The standard color of enamelware is white which comes in a variety of trims such as black, red, blue and green.  The pots were also made in creme, as well some white pots have a speckled or splattered pattern, some call this pattern confetti.

Enamelware pots became popular in America during the late 19th century thru mid-20th century when manufactures coated cast iron and steel pots with enamel in order to make them easier to clean. Homemakers liked the clean sanitary look of the pots and their glossy surfaces, as opposed to the dull unappealing look of plain exposed metal pots.


stock pot

roasting pans

refrigerator pans 

Enamelware pots & pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including stock pots, roasting pans and refrigerator pans which were used for storing food and leftovers.

Cleaning vintage enamelware is easy with warm soap and water, and if needed they can be scoured with a gentle scrub like bon ami or bar keeper's friend.  However, they are prone to rust when the enamel cracks or is worn down in spots. Albeit...you will hardly find a vintage pot these days without at least a few rusty flaws.  But I think these flaws are charming and only add to their character!


nesting set of basins

extra large wash basin

More than just for cooking, enamelware was also popular as basin sets.  they were useful for food prep and washing produce.  The larger ones served as wash basins for dishes and laundry and ...you name it.


graniteware pots
graniteware strainer

Grey enamelware pots & pans are called graniteware.  So called because they actually do contain some granite in their enamel composition which gives them their grey color and speckles or mottling. Interestingly, graniteware was developed in the 1870s in a town that is now called granite city, illinois.

Agateware is similar to graniteware, but with a variation in its pattern. The agate patterns are often drippy, banded, tiger-like or with some other variation of markings.


agateware pan

to purchase some of these enamelware pots & pans 
visit the kitchen section of my Etsy store
I add and update new items daily



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