Enamelware is having a moment — again. From gastropub pie service to festival catering and farmhouse-style home kitchens, this vintage-inspired tableware has never really gone out of fashion. In this guide, we'll explain what enamelware actually is, why it outlasts almost everything else in your kitchen, and how to choose the right pieces from the Love Tiki enamelware collection.
What Is Enamelware?
Enamelware is steel cookware and tableware coated in a layer of vitreous (glass-based) enamel, fused to the metal at extremely high temperatures. The result is a surface that's smooth, naturally non-stick, and remarkably tough. It can take brilliant, long-lasting colour — which is why the classic white-with-blue-rim look has barely changed in a hundred years — and it won't burn, crack or shatter the way ceramic and glass can.
First popularised in the late 1800s, enamelware became the workhorse of British kitchens, army mess halls and campsites. Today it's just as likely to be found in a trendy street food van or on a styled tablescape as it is hanging by a campfire.
Why Choose Enamelware Over Ceramic or Plastic?
Durability That Outlasts Trends
Drop a ceramic plate and you're sweeping up shards. Drop an enamel plate and you pick it up and carry on. The steel core means enamelware is virtually unbreakable in everyday use, making it ideal for busy hospitality settings, outdoor dining and households with children.
Heat Performance
Because the core is steel, enamelware conducts heat evenly and can go straight into the oven, under the grill or onto the hob (depending on the piece). That's something melamine and plastic alternatives simply can't do. Pie dishes brown pastry beautifully, and roasters deliver crisp, even results.
Hygiene and Easy Cleaning
The glass-like enamel surface is non-porous, so it won't absorb stains, odours or bacteria. Most pieces are dishwasher safe, and even baked-on food lifts away with a soak.
Sustainability
Enamelware lasts decades, not seasons. There are no synthetic coatings to flake away, and at end of life the steel core is recyclable. For venues moving away from disposables, it's one of the most sustainable serving options available.
The Essential Enamelware Pieces (and What They Cost)
Here's a quick guide to the most popular pieces in our enamelware collection, with current pricing:
| Product | Size | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enamel Mug White with Blue Rim | 36cl/12.5oz | £0.99 | Coffee, hot drinks, rustic cocktail serves |
| Enamel Round Pie Dish White & Blue | 14cm | £1.99 | Individual pies and crumbles |
| Enamel Rectangle Pie Dish White & Blue | 18cm | £2.99 | Traditional pies and traybakes |
| Enamel Rice/Pasta Plate Blue and White | 22cm | £3.25 | Curries, pasta, street food |
| Enamel Wide Rim Plate White & Blue | 22cm | £2.99 | Mains and plated service |
| Enamel Round Pudding Basin | 18cm | £3.99 | Steamed puddings, prep and mixing |
| Falcon Enamel Milk Pan White | 14cm | £4.50 | Warming milk and sauces |
| Falcon Enamel Tea Pot White and Blue | 1 litre | £14.74 | Tea service with retro charm |
| Enamel Round Roaster Blue and White | 26cm | £17.99 | Sunday roasts and oven-to-table dishes |
Pie Dish Size Guide
Not sure which pie dish to choose? Use this as a rough rule:
| Size | Serves | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 14cm round | 1 | Individual gastropub-style pies |
| 16–18cm | 1–2 | Generous single servings, small crumbles |
| 20cm | 2–3 | Small family pies |
| 28cm oblong | 4–6 | Full family pies and traybakes |
Browse all sizes in our enamel pie dishes collection.
Enamelware for Hospitality: Cafés, Bars and Street Food
Enamelware has become a signature of the street food and casual dining scene, and it's easy to see why:
- It survives service. No chipping crates of broken plates at the end of a festival weekend.
- It looks brilliant on camera. The blue rim frames food perfectly for social content — free marketing on every table.
- It stacks tight. Enamel plates and mugs nest compactly, saving precious space in vans, pop-ups and small kitchens.
- It works hot or cold. From loaded fries to hot toddies in enamel mugs, one range covers your whole menu.
Bars are also getting creative — enamel mugs make characterful vessels for winter cocktail serves like mulled cider, spiked hot chocolate and rum punch. Pair them with syrups from our Monin & Funkin range for a seasonal menu that stands out.
How to Care for Enamelware
Enamelware is famously low-maintenance, but a few tips will keep it looking its best:
- Avoid thermal shock. Don't take a dish from the freezer straight into a hot oven — let it come up to temperature gradually.
- Soak baked-on food. Warm soapy water lifts most residue; avoid harsh metal scourers on the enamel surface.
- Embrace the patina. Small chips at the rim are part of enamelware's charm and don't affect food safety on serving pieces — the steel beneath simply darkens over time.
- Stack with care. Slip a napkin between stacked plates if you want to keep them pristine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is enamelware oven safe?
Yes — enamel bakeware like pie dishes, roasters and pudding basins is designed for oven use. The vitreous coating won't burn or degrade at normal cooking temperatures.
Can you use enamelware on induction hobs?
Many enamel pans and kettles work on induction thanks to their steel core, but always check the individual product listing to confirm compatibility.
Is enamelware microwave safe?
No. Because enamelware has a metal core, it must never go in the microwave.
Is enamelware safe to eat from?
Absolutely. The enamel coating is inert, non-toxic and free from the synthetic chemicals found in some non-stick coatings.
Shop the Enamelware Collection at Love Tiki
Whether you're styling a farmhouse kitchen, kitting out a street food van or refreshing a gastropub's pie service, our enamelware collection has over 120 products to choose from — mugs from just £0.99, pie dishes from £1.99, plus teapots, roasters, trays and complete tableware ranges. If you love the look, you might also like our Vintage Steel Range.
Buying for a business? Apply for a Love Tiki trade account for wholesale pricing, pack-size options and free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100.
Meta description suggestion: Discover why enamelware lasts decades. Shop retro enamel mugs, pie dishes & plates from £0.99 at Love Tiki — perfect for kitchens, cafés & bars.