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Drei Riess-Emailletöpfe in Blau, Salbei und Rot mit Emailledeckeln auf einem Leinentisch am See

Enamel or Stainless Steel Cookware: Which Is Better?

Image source: Riess

In brief:Enamel is glass fused to steel: a non-porous cooking surface that withstands acids and can be cleaned completely. How pure it is depends on the manufacturer. In Germany's 2022 official monitoring programme, almost every second enamelled item failed to meet at least one limit in the enamel standard, usually because the aluminium limit had recently been reduced to one fifth; 8 of the 194 metal items tested raised health concerns. Tested enamel outperforms stainless steel for acids, hygiene and cleaning. Stainless steel outperforms enamel for impact resistance and sustained heavy use. Cast iron retains heat best, copper conducts it fastest, while a PTFE coating releases eggs and fish most easily. The table below compares all six cooking surfaces across the same five criteria: use, care, durability, material and health.

Author: Axel Böhm, founder of Taiga. Sources checked on 14 October 2026. Reading time: about 10 minutes.

What enamel is

Enamel is glass fused with metal. Riess describes it as easily melted glass made from silicates and oxides, applied to steel, cast iron or stainless steel and fused with the substrate in a kiln at around 850 degrees (Riess FAQ). The German Enamel Association gives firing temperatures of up to 900 degrees and describes the boundary layer as follows: metal and enamel are permanently fused together (German Enamel Association).

The structure consists of two layers:

  • Ground coat sits directly on the steel. It contains small amounts of cobalt or nickel oxide, which ensure adhesion, and is fired at 850 to 900 degrees (Wikipedia: Enamel).
  • Cover coat provides colour and gloss. Each layer is fired individually at 800 to 850 degrees. Depending on the model, Riess cookware has two to four layers (Riess FAQ).

The result is not a coating in the sense of a non-stick layer sitting on top of the metal. It is a composite material: the steel core provides shape and stability, as well as the magnetic response on an induction hob, while the glass forms the surface that comes into contact with your food.

Why the surface is so smooth: hardness, hygiene and purity

Hardness. Glass ranks 6 on the Mohs scale (Baunetzwissen). Enamel is glass, and the Enamel Association describes its surface as glass-hard, with the abrasion resistance typical of glass. Enamel scratch hardness is measured according to ISO 6769:2022, in which minerals of known Mohs hardness are drawn across the surface (BSI: ISO 6769). In everyday use, this means Riess expressly permits knives, forks and metal kitchen utensils on the cooking surface (Riess: Use and care). Being glass-hard also means being glass-brittle. Scratches are rare, but a hard impact on the rim can cause chipping.

Hygiene. A glass surface has no pores in which food residue, grease or germs can become trapped. Riess states that dirt cannot adhere to the smooth, non-porous surface and describes it as inhibiting bacterial growth; the Enamel Association says that enamel surfaces do not provide bacteria with a breeding ground. The most detailed figure comes from a study by Prof. F. Marzullo (Modena), commissioned by the Italian enamel association CISP: after cleaning with soapy water, significantly fewer germs remained on enamelled steel than on stainless steel or PTFE. Small scratches impaired cleaning on PTFE and painted surfaces, but not on enamel (IEI: Comparative bacteriological studies). The study is undated and was funded by the industry. We interpret it as an indication, not proof. The underlying mechanism is undisputed: a sealed glass surface can be cleaned completely.

Purity. Glass reacts very little with acids, salt or fat when intact and does not impart any off-flavour. This is why the DIN EN ISO 4531 standard tests enamel with 3% acetic acid for two hours at 70 or 95 degrees: a more demanding test than any tomato sauce (BfR 038/2025, page 21). The same measurements also reveal the downside. What the glass layer contains is determined by the manufacturer. In the nationwide 2022 monitoring programme, 53.2% of the 79 enamelled samples complied with all the limits in this standard. Most exceedances concerned aluminium (33 samples), whose limit was reduced from 5 to 1 mg per kg by the 2022 revision; individual items released lead (7 samples), cobalt (5) or cadmium (3). For 186 of the 194 metal items, the release did not exceed any health-based guideline value. From the BfR's perspective, the remaining 8 should not come into contact with food (BfR 038/2025, pages 4 to 5). With enamel, the manufacturer's test documentation therefore matters more than the word enamel on the label.

The comparison: six cooking surfaces in one table

Criterion Enamel on steel 18/10 stainless steel Bare cast iron Enamelled cast iron Copper, stainless steel or tin lining PTFE coating
Cooking surface Glass Chromium oxide passivation layer Iron with baked-on seasoning Glass Stainless steel or tin Plastic (PTFE)
Acids, e.g. tomato Very good with tested products Good Poor, removes the seasoning Very good Good, as long as the lining is intact Good
Heat Fast, moderate heat retention Slow without a multi-layer base Retains heat very well Retains heat very well Conducts heat fastest Depends on the core, usually aluminium
Induction Yes With a magnetic base Yes Yes Only with a steel plate Only with an induction base
Weight Light Medium Heavy Very heavy Medium to heavy Light
Care Easy, dishwasher-safe Very easy Season, dry and oil Easy, hand washing recommended Polish, replenish the tin lining Gentle, never heat when empty
Durability Decades with an intact interior Decades Decades, with seasoning that builds over time Decades Decades Years, ending with the coating
Typical damage Chips after impact Dents, discolouration Rust Chips after dropping Verdigris, exposed copper Scratches, abrasion
Health, test results Determined by the manufacturer (2022 monitoring) Consistently unremarkable (AGES 2026) Individual items releasing arsenic (AGES 2026) Same as enamel Uncoated, critical with acids Safe as long as it is never overheated empty
Price range Medium Wide Budget to medium High High affordable

The individual materials:

Enamel.Advantages: a pore-free glass surface, acid-resistant, does not affect taste, metal utensils permitted, lighter than cast iron. Riess states heat resistance up to 450 degrees, with a recommended operating temperature of up to 220 degrees (Riess FAQ). Disadvantages: no non-stick effect, sensitive to knocks and thermal shock. Quality depends heavily on the manufacturer.

Stainless steel.The trade designation 18/10 usually refers to 1.4301 steel, with around 18% chromium and 8 to 10.5% nickel (Klöckner: Data sheet 1.4301). Advantages: virtually indestructible, dishwasher-safe, withstands metal turners and knocks. In Austria's 2026 focused monitoring campaign, all stainless steel samples showed unremarkable results (AGES A-012-26). Disadvantages: with 15 W/(m·K), steel conducts heat poorly, so good pans need a sandwich base. It is not ferromagnetic and only works on induction with a magnetic base. Around 15% of the population in Germany is sensitised to nickel (BfR 038/2025, section 4.1.2.15); for them, acidic foods simmering for hours in glass or tested enamel are the more reassuring choice. Enamel can also release nickel: the adherent oxide sits in the base layer beneath the glass coating; in monitoring, 2 of 66 enamelled samples exceeded the limit.

Raw cast iron.Advantages: stores heat like no other material, ideal for high-heat searing, and its frying performance improves as the patina develops. Disadvantages: heavy, rusts without drying and oiling, and acid removes the patina. In ÖKO-TEST 6/2024, three of six uncoated pans released metals, one of them above the Council of Europe's reference values (ÖKO-TEST). In 2026, AGES objected to three cast-iron products because of increased arsenic release.

Enamelled cast iron.Advantages: the heat retention of cast iron combined with the acid resistance of glass, ideal for slow-cooked dishes. Disadvantages: very heavy, and a fall can shatter the glass coating. In the same ÖKO-TEST, two of four enamelled pans browned food unevenly, and two released cadmium above the EU reference value. Here too, everything depends on the manufacturer's glass coating.

Copper.At around 390 W/(m·K), copper conducts heat around 26 times better than 18/10 stainless steel (Aurubis: Data sheet Cu-ETP); sauces and sugar can be controlled with great precision. The drawbacks are its high price, demanding care and the need for a steel plate for induction; according to AGES, uncoated copper products can also release increased amounts of metal when in contact with acidic foods. Cooking is therefore done on the stainless steel or tin lining.

PTFE coating.Eggs, fish and pancakes slide off without fat, and the pan is light and affordable, but its lifespan is limited to that of its coating. According to the BfR, risks arise when empty cookware is heated intensely: harmful fumes can develop from 360 degrees; when used as intended, no adverse health effects are expected (BfR: Questions and answers on PTFE). PFOA, formerly used as a processing aid, has been banned in the EU since 4 July 2020 (Regulation (EU) 2020/784). An EU restriction covering the entire PFAS group, which also includes PTFE, is under discussion and has not been decided (CMS, 2026).

Which material for what

Enamel is not the best choice for everything. Here it falls short, and here it comes out on top.

  • Steak and high-heat searing:Raw cast iron or wrought iron. Both retain heat and develop roasted flavours.
  • Eggs, fish and pancakes without fat:A PTFE pan, handled with care. Enamel and stainless steel need fat and practice here.
  • Sauces, stews, tomatoes, sauerkraut, jam, stock:Enamel. Acid and long cooking times are where it excels.
  • Slow cooking in the oven:Enamelled cast iron or enamel on steel if you want to save weight.
  • Professional kitchen, continuous use, metal utensils used all day:Stainless steel. A dent is not a defect in stainless steel.
  • Delicate sauces, sugar, chocolate:Lined copper.
  • Nickel-sensitive:Enamel with test documentation or glass.

Care and damage

The guidelines come from Riess: Use and care.

  1. Never heat while empty.Start on a low setting, then increase the heat gradually.
  2. Do not use the boost function on an induction hob.Riess states that it is not necessary for enamel cookware.
  3. Do not pour cold water into hot cookware.Thermal shock can cause cracks.
  4. Metal utensils on the surface are fine, but do not knock them against the rim.Forceful tapping on the rim of the pot can cause chips.
  5. No wire brushes, steel wool or abrasive cleaners containing grit.Soak burnt-on food.
  6. Dishwasher-safe,hand-washing keeps the shine for longer.
  7. Remove limescale marks with vinegar water.
  8. Store thoroughly dried,like glass.

The damage.A chip on the outside is a cosmetic flaw. If the steel is exposed on the inside, where it comes into contact with food, the item should be replaced: the glass coating is no longer intact. Fine losses of shine after years in the dishwasher are not a defect.

Riess in practice

Our cookware comes from Riess in Ybbsitz, Lower Austria. Iron has been processed there since 1550; the Riess family has run the business since 1690, now in its tenth generation, and enamelling has been carried out since 1922. According to its own information, Riess is Austria's only enamel cookware manufacturer (Riess: Since 1550). We do not stock stainless steel pots. We offer enamel on steel and wrought iron.

According to its own information, Riess has all its products tested for lead, cadmium, antimony, barium and zinc by the Lebensmitteluntersuchungsanstalt and OFI Wien, both accredited testing institutes, including in accordance with EN ISO 4531:2022 (Riess FAQ). Lead and cadmium are on this list. Aluminium, the most common finding in monitoring, is not explicitly mentioned; the EN ISO 4531:2022 standard used by Riess sets a limit of 1 mg per kg for it.

  • The NOUVELLE stock pot with glass lid: emerald or Corall on the outside, light-coloured enamel on the inside, with a chrome rim protecting the edge from chips. Through the glass lid, you can see the stock reducing.
  • The NOUVELLE saucepan with glass lid: the shallower sister model with the same stainless steel handles, for vegetables, rice and sauces.
  • TheCLASSIC Holzknecht Pan Black: deep black enamel with a wooden handle, suitable for all hob types including induction; the handle stays outside the oven.
  • The Classic Iron Pan: cold-forged iron without a coating and with a long handle; the patina darkens with every roast.
  • The Aromapots Pot with Lid: white inside, Pure White, Light Grey or Slow Green outside, made entirely of steel and enamel. Turned upside down, the lid becomes a bowl.

You'll find all the pieces in the Riess collection and in thecookware.

Frequently asked questions

Is enamel healthier than stainless steel? Both are safe when the products have been tested. In Germany's 2022 monitoring programme, none of the 112 uncoated metal samples exceeded the limit for nickel of 0.14 mg per kg (BfR 038/2025, page 21), while all stainless steel samples tested in Austria in 2026 were unremarkable. The results varied more widely for enamel because the formulation of the glass coating is determined by the manufacturer. So look for proof of testing.

Is enamel really more hygienic? The glass surface has no pores and can be cleaned completely. Riess describes it as inhibiting bacteria, while the Enamel Association says bacteria find no breeding ground there. Independent comparative studies are rare; the available one was commissioned by the industry.

Can I cook tomato sauce in enamel? Yes. The enamel standard tests with hot acetic acid, which is more aggressive than any sauce. The requirements are a tested manufacturer and an intact inner surface. Raw cast iron and uncoated copper are the poorer choice for long cooking times with acidic foods.

What should I do if the enamel chips? On the outside: continue using it. On the inside, where it comes into contact with food: replace it, because the glass coating is no longer intact there.

Can enamel be used on induction hobs and in the oven? Yes. The steel core is magnetic. Riess advises against using the boost setting and recommends up to 220 degrees in the oven; wooden handles must stay outside.

Sources

All accessed on 14 October 2026.

About the author: Axel Böhm is the founder of Taiga. More about us. More articles in the Conscious Living Magazine.

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Particularly noteworthy are theMono Filzkugelteppich Rechteckigand theSteinoptik Filzkugelteppich Rund, which give your home a stylish and cosy atmosphere.   KoMo offers an exclusive selection of high-quality grain mills and kitchen utensils. The Getreidemühle Fidibus 21 and the Einkammer-Getreidespeicher are ideal for anyone who values freshness and quality. These products make it easy to prepare and store fresh food in your own kitchen. The brandGood & Mojofocuses on sustainable lighting solutions. Highlights include theHängelampe Bhutan and theStehlampe Bali Bambus L, which are not only environmentally friendly but also real eye-catchers.     Prolana offers a wide range of accessories to help you furnish your bedroom sustainably. This brand sells, among other things, organic pillows and eco mattresses. Particularly noteworthy are the SCHLAF-LINE Natur- und Kokoslatexmatratze and the Kamelflaumhaar-Schurwoll Duo-Winterdecke Carini, both of which are known for their high level of sustainability and comfort. The brand benuta is known for its diverse range of sustainable home accessories, including stylish eco rugs, poufs and blankets. The Wollteppich Bent Rund and the Wollteppich Rocco Rechteckig combine environmental friendliness with timeless design and blend seamlessly into any home. These brands reflect our commitment to sustainability. By selecting environmentally friendly products, we want to support you in making a positive contribution to the environment. With these brands from our Eco Shop you are actively contributing to an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Discover the benefits of their products now and choose sustainability in your everyday life!

So senkst du deinen ökologischen Fußabdruck!

Reduce your environmental footprint!

In today’s post on the Eco Blog everything revolves around a key topic for sustainable living – the ecological footprint. You’ve probably come across this term before, but do you know exactly what it means and how you can effectively reduce your footprint? In this article, you’ll learn what the ecological footprint really means, why it matters so much for the environment and what steps you can take in everyday life to live more climate-neutrally. We’ll also introduce you to sustainable products from our Eco Store that can help you reduce your ecological footprint.     What is the ecological footprint? The ecological footprint measures how many natural resources a person, city or even an entire country needs to support their lifestyle and consumption. It shows how much land is needed to provide the energy, food, water and other resources consumed, and to absorb the waste generated in the process. The concept was developed to make us aware of how strongly our  consumption habits affect the environment. The ecological footprint is calculated using various factors, such as the amount of fossil fuels consumed, the use of agricultural land and forests, and greenhouse gas emissions. An interesting statistic shows that the average  carbon footprint per person in Germany  is around 10.3 tonnes. A large ecological footprint means that more resources are being consumed than the Earth is able to regenerate. This leads to environmental problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the overuse of natural resources.   It is important to be aware of these impacts, as the ecological footprint shows how sustainable or resource-intensive our lifestyle really is. To achieve a climate-neutral future in the long term, it is essential that we take action to reduce our  ecological footprint  and live in a more resource-efficient way.   Why is it important to reduce the ecological footprint? Reducing our ecological footprint is crucial to protecting the Earth’s natural resources and slowing down the progression of climate change. Excessive resource consumption means that we are putting greater demands on the Earth than it can regenerate. This can lead to  irreversible damage, such as biodiversity loss, environmental pollution and extreme weather events. We currently live in a time when humanity is already consuming more resources than the Earth can provide. One example is the “Earth Overshoot Day”, which marks the date each year when humanity has used up all the resources that the Earth can regenerate in one year. Over recent decades, this day has moved further and further forward, due to rising consumption and a growing global population. CO₂ emissions play a central role here. The high  carbon footprint per person  therefore makes a significant contribution to global warming. To achieve a climate-neutral world in the long term, we must drastically reduce our CO₂ emissions and switch to renewable energy, sustainable production and environmentally conscious consumption. Reducing our ecological footprint is not only important for the environment, but also for future generations. It helps safeguard vital resources such as clean water, fertile soil and clean air. It also helps us achieve the climate targets pursued by countries such as Germany, with the aim of being  climate-neutral by 2045 . How can you calculate your ecological footprint?  There are various online tools and calculators that can help you calculate your ecological footprint and give you an overview of your individual resource consumption. These calculators take factors such as your energy consumption, mobility habits, consumption patterns and diet into account. One well-known and frequently used calculator is available on  fussabdruck.de , where you can easily calculate your ecological footprint by providing just a few details. The calculation itself is based on the amount of land and water needed to produce your resources, as well as the area required to absorb the waste generated in the process. CO₂ emissions are particularly important, as they make up a significant part of the ecological footprint. For example, consuming meat and other animal products causes higher CO₂ emissions than plant-based alternatives.  Statistics  show that the carbon footprint of meat in Germany is significantly higher than that of fish or plant-based alternatives. Ecological footprint of meat in Germany in 2019 (CO2 equivalents in kilograms per kilogram of food) There are also specific  CO₂ calculators that focus on individual aspects of your lifestyle, such as your energy consumption, choice of transport or diet. These calculations help you identify the areas where you can reduce your ecological footprint most effectively. By calculating your ecological footprint, you can find out how many resources you actually use in everyday life and what steps you can take to live more climate-neutrally. Living climate-neutrally – is it possible? A  climate-neutral lifestyle means reducing your own CO₂ emissions as far as possible and offsetting unavoidable emissions through measures such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy. In theory, this sounds simple, but in practice there are many challenges. Many areas of our lives – from transport and energy consumption to consumer goods – contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Even electric cars are not climate-neutral from the outset, as production and the electricity mix play a major role. Nevertheless, it is possible to minimise CO₂ emissions through conscious choices and the use of sustainable products. Switching to renewable electricity, taking fewer flights, adopting a plant-based diet and reducing plastic consumption are steps in the right direction. Tips for reducing your ecological footprint in everyday life  Reducing your ecological footprint requires conscious choices in many areas of everyday life. Here are some effective tips you can put into practice straight away: Transport: Switching to public transport, cycling or walking can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. If you use a car, try to combine journeys and choose an electric or hybrid model next time you buy one. Here too, it is important to use electricity from renewable sources to make its operation genuinely climate-neutral. Diet: A plant-based diet has a significantly smaller ecological footprint than a diet high in meat and dairy products. Meat alternatives or switching to regional and seasonal produce can also help reduce the environmental impact of your diet. Energy consumption: Switching to a renewable electricity provider and using energy mindfully not only saves money but also reduces your ecological footprint. Small measures such as switching off devices on standby or using energy-efficient household appliances already make a difference. Consumption: Buy fewer, higher-quality products that are durable and sustainable. Look for products made from recycled or biodegradable materials. Avoiding excessive plastic packaging can also reduce your ecological footprint. Reducing waste: Try to produce as little waste as possible and separate your waste correctly. Recycling and using reusable materials mindfully make a significant contribution to reducing landfill waste and conserving resources.   Every small step helps reduce your ecological footprint. In our Eco Blog you will regularly find new tips and products to help you live more sustainably. Reduce your ecological footprint with these products from the Taiga Store Now we want to show you how you can also reduce your ecological footprint in everyday life with the right products. In our Eco Shop you will find a wide range of sustainable products that are kind to the environment and help you reduce your consumption of resources. Here are some examples: Sustainable lamps made from natural materials: These stylish lamps from Good & Mojo are made from environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo and cork. They are not only energy-efficient but also help conserve resources, as they are made from sustainable raw materials.   Eco-friendly bins:These sustainable bins fromBrabantiaare made from recycled materials and designed for efficient waste separation. They help you reduce waste and recycle more – a simple step towards reducing your ecological footprint     Sustainable cookware: The cookware fromRiessis made in Austria from natural materials such as enamel and is extremely durable. It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional cookware and saves resources in the long term thanks to its robustness.     Kitchen knives: These high-quality knives from Güde are made in Germany and are known for their durability. By using durable products like these, you reduce the need for frequent replacements, which in turn minimises resource consumption. With these products, you are not only making your home more environmentally friendly but also actively helping to reduce your ecological footprint.

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