ALL ABOUT ENAMEL
Enamel is one of the few materials that effortlessly combines functionality, naturalness and aesthetics. It is heat-resistant, tasteless, durable and, at the same time, a piece of craftsmanship that is visible in every form. A classic material that has been forgotten by many. We believe that enamel more than deserves its place on the table.
In many households, supposedly ‘natural’ alternatives such as bioplastics, bamboo composites or recycled composites find their way into the kitchen cupboard, at least when children are involved. They appear to be responsible choices – until you use them: they break, discolour, absorb odours and sometimes dissolve when exposed to heat. And often they contain substances that, on closer inspection, are not suitable for contact with food.
Enamel works differently. The surface is so smooth that no odours, dyes or bacteria can adhere to it. Food retains its flavour. And whether hot, cold, acidic or greasy – enamel remains neutral. Added to this is its incredible temperature range of -20°C to 450°C. This makes enamel suitable for refrigerators, hobs, ovens and campfires alike.
Enamel is created from a simple, honest combination: a steel core coated with molten glass. In the first step, the steel mould is coated with a black base enamel. In the second step, the coloured top coat of enamel is applied and then the objects are fired at around 800°C. During drying and firing, the objects are hung by the rolled rim.
This is why you will find small dots on the underside inside the rolled rim, which are characteristic of the process.
The rolled rim is a classic feature of enamel tableware: it makes the edge more stable, prevents sharp metal edges and ensures that the enamel chips less during daily use. Models with hollow handles have small openings through which air and gas can escape during firing. The tiny bubbles or dots that become visible during this process are a natural part of the enamelling process. Fine lines may appear on the inside of the handles. During the firing process, the base enamel protrudes slightly, creating a thin line. This is also typical of handmade tableware and is part of the authenticity of the material.
All materials are natural, robust and completely free of plasticisers or toxins. In the kiln, they combine to form a non-porous surface that remains smooth, hygienic and tasteless – no matter how often it is used. For us, this is precisely the key: a material should not disguise itself, but show what it is made of. Enamel is therefore also ideal for people with fragrance, metal or nickel allergies.
Enamel used to be very common, but it was also known for its weakness in chipping easily. Modern enamel today has become much more resistant and robust. Anything can fall down, of course, but if it doesn't hit a hard tiled floor, nothing usually happens. If it does chip, this does not restrict its use any further. Further chipping can be prevented by not heating it too quickly. With induction hobs in particular, care should be taken to heat enamel objects slowly.
We produce our enamel in a factory in Turkey. Each piece is hand-formed, assembled, sanded, enamelled, painted and fired. Nuances in colour gradients, differences in patterns, traces of firing – all this makes an ÉMAÉ STUDIO object a truly unique piece. A living material that shows what craftsmanship is in every piece. The result is robust enough for any outdoor adventure and pretty enough to make any table more colourful. Design that simply impresses in everyday life and in every phase of life.
What we love about enamel is its honesty. It is simply a material that lasts. An enamel object can survive for generations without losing its function. The surface is cut and scratch-resistant, the steel core ensures stability, and even if there is a small chip on the outside, the product can still be used safely.
For us, sustainability means replacing less, throwing away less, wasting fewer resources – and instead investing better and keeping things longer. And if a piece does eventually reach the end of its useful life, it can be completely recycled. Steel and glass return to the cycle without complex separation processes.
Enamel is not a trend. It is a material that stands the test of time. It is healthy, stable, versatile, repairable, recyclable and steeped in craftsmanship history. We are rethinking enamel: colourful, minimalist, bold and made for everyday use. For families, friends and anyone else who appreciates practical and beautiful things. In short, it has everything modern tableware needs today – no plastic, no compromises, no artificial promises.
