Material Care Guide"Enamel (Horo)"

Contents）

・What is enamel (horo)?

・About the material

・Caring for enamel

・When you run into trouble

・List of enamel cookware brands

What is enamel (horo)?

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Enamel (horo) is made by fusing glass onto an iron base at high temperatures. Iron retains heat well and is sturdy, but it rusts easily. Glass doesn't absorb odors, but it's fragile. Enamel takes the best qualities of both, resulting in a material that's durable, retains heat well, doesn't hold onto smells, and resists rust. Because of its excellent heat retention, enamel is commonly used in everyday items like pots and tea kettles for making coffee or tea. It's also widely used for cookware such as pots and frying pans. Since it's hygienic, enamel is also used for bowls, trays, and storage containers, and because it can go directly over an open flame, it's a popular choice for camping tableware as well.

About the material

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Every material has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the advantages and challenges of enamel.

❶Excellent heat conduction and cooling properties make it well suited for cooking.

❷The glass-like surface resists bacterial growth, making it hygienic and long-lasting.

❸It can be used not only in the refrigerator but also in the freezer, making it ideal for storing ingredients and prepared dishes.

❹It can be placed directly over a gas flame or in the oven, and containers can be placed as-is into a pot of water for steaming, which helps cut down on washing up.

❺It resists acid and salt, so it doesn't easily alter the flavor of what's inside. This makes it suitable for simmering fruit into jam or for pickling.

❻With years of use, it develops a rich character, aging beautifully like an antique.

❼Since it's made of iron and glass, it doesn't release metal ions or endocrine disruptors, making it an environmentally friendly material.

❶If the glass-like surface chips or cracks, it cannot be repaired.

❷It's vulnerable to sudden temperature changes, and a rapid rise in temperature can cause it to crack.

❸It's heavier compared to plastic materials.

As long as it's used properly, enamel is practical and versatile, but despite being sturdy, it can chip if knocked or dropped, so it's a tool worth handling with care.

Caring for enamel

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Various uses

・It's handy as a container for rehydrating dried foods, or for keeping flour and ingredients separated when frying in an organized sequence, or for setting aside ingredients before cooking.

・Since it can go directly over a flame, deeper enamel pieces can be used for boiling, steaming, or reheating.

・Being acid-resistant, it can be used for marinades, pickles, preserving fish, or storing jam.

・Since it can go in the freezer, refrigerator, and oven, it's also useful as a mold for jelly or kanten (agar), or as a gratin dish. (This applies only to pieces made entirely of enamel—products with wood, plastic, or rubber components cannot go in the oven.)

・Since it doesn't absorb odors, it's great for storing side dishes, seasonings, or leftovers. (It's also convenient because you can write dates or contents on the enamel surface with a whiteboard marker or masking tape.)

・It cannot be used in a microwave or on an IH stovetop. It can be used on a gas flame. Pieces made entirely of enamel can also be used in the oven.

How to wash

・Wash with dish soap, a sponge, or a natural-fiber scrub brush. Please avoid using metal scrubbers or abrasive cleansers, as they may scratch the surface. If you keep topping off water in a pot or kettle over time, calcium deposits can leave a white powdery residue, so be sure to wash the inside regularly.

・Do not use in a dishwasher or dish dryer.

・Do not use steel wool, as it can scratch the surface.

・Do not soak the whole pot for cleaning.

・Avoid impacts—dropping or knocking the piece can damage the surface, so please handle it with care.

Precautions when heating

When heating, always make sure there is water or oil in the piece before cooking. Heating it empty can cause cracks on the surface. If you accidentally do heat it empty, don't cool it down quickly—let it cool naturally instead.

How to prevent rust

Due to the manufacturing process, the cut edges and rims of the iron base are harder for the glaze to adhere to, and other spots that weren't fully glazed during firing can also be prone to rust if moisture, acid, or salt is left on them. After use, wash the piece, wipe off any moisture, and let it dry completely. Using it every day also helps prevent rust.

How to store

Since humidity can cause rust, store the piece in a place with low humidity.

When you run into trouble

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1. Pour lukewarm water into the burnt pot.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir. Use a wooden or bamboo utensil rather than a metal one, so as not to scratch the surface.
3. Add 1 to 2 drops of salad oil and let it sit for about 2 hours.
4. Put the pot on the stove and bring it to a simmer.　
5. Let it cool, discard the contents, and wash with dish soap.

◆If it chips

Unfortunately, this cannot be repaired. Please refrain from using the piece if there are chips or cracks on the inside, since they may spread. If the chip is on the outside and small, it should be fine to continue using.

◆If it rusts

Unfortunately, restoration isn't possible, but since the base material is iron, you may be able to continue using it depending on its condition. If rust has formed, please prevent it from getting worse. After use, wash it, wipe off any moisture, and let it dry. Using it daily also helps prevent rust.

◆When the shine starts to fade

One of the natural changes that occurs over time with enamel material is the appearance of gray marks that look like pencil marks, known as "metal marks." These are unavoidable when using metal cutlery, or when the bottom surface rubs against a countertop or storage shelf.

◆If dark discoloration has built up after repeated burning

A melamine sponge is a sponge that removes dirt with just water, no detergent needed. Try using a melamine sponge to remove light discoloration such as yellowing. However, please be aware that using a melamine sponge frequently can damage the shine of the surface.

List of Enamel Cookware Brands

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Noda Horo (のだほうろう)

Founded in 1934 (Showa 9), Noda Horo is a representative Japanese enamel company that has devoted itself to enamel making for approximately 90 years. They produce numerous high-quality, simple yet practical kitchen items made of enamel, featuring warm, retro designs. In supporting people's healthy lives in the modern era, they place great importance on reconsidering things around "food life," which is fundamental to being human, and the cookware they make—beloved by many chefs and households alike—has become long-selling favorites across the board.

BAREBONES

Born in America, BAREBONES focuses on what is truly necessary for daily living, based on the concept of outdoor style design that can be incorporated into everyday life. Since its founding, the brand has gradually expanded its lineup to include cookware, gardening items, lighting fixtures, and more. Rooted in everyday life, BAREBONES items excel in both design and functionality, embodying the founder's straightforward philosophy and deep passion.

FALCON

FALCON, an enamelware manufacturer founded in 1920 by British entrepreneur Joe Clayner, arrived at enamel as a material after seeking dishware that was heat-resistant and durable, and could be served directly at the table, for making traditional British pie dishes. Although the company faced a management crisis at one point, it steadily improved its designs and continues to create products that meet people's tastes as they change with the times.