We love enamel
Enamel – From grandma’s kitchen cupboard to a popular camping and travel accessory
For retro charm in the van: Enamel is a robust and stylish companion for all outdoor lovers. When you think of enamel, do you perhaps think of grandma's kitchen table or nostalgic travel utensils? But enamel has much more to offer than just a dose of nostalgia. It is a versatile material that combines tradition and craftsmanship and is also very modern, because nowadays durability and sustainability are among the most important product properties.
What is enamel?
Enamel is a material that is created by melting glass particles onto metal. This process results in a shiny, hard surface that is not only extremely durable, but also resistant to rust and corrosion. These properties make enamel a perfect companion for outdoor activities: hiking, bikepacking and traveling in general. In addition, mugs and bowls made of enamel are lightweight - another plus for use on the go.
The production of enamel
The production of enamel is an art that goes back centuries. It begins with the selection of high-quality metals such as steel or cast iron, which are then formed into the desired shape. The so-called enamellers - the craftsmen who specialize in the art of making enamel - apply a mixture of glass particles and pigments to the metal surface.
The next step is to fire the enamel at very high temperatures, usually between 750°C and 850°C. During the firing process, the glass particles fuse with each other and with the metal, creating the characteristic shiny surface. This process requires experience and craftsmanship to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality.
History and tradition of enamel
The history of enamel goes back a long way. Enamel was already used for jewelry and vases in ancient Egypt and Roman antiquity. Over the centuries, the art of enameling developed further and became an important craft in Europe, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enamel found its way into everyday life: bathtubs with enamel coating, enamel field dishes, baking trays and pots were robust and it was impossible to imagine life without them.
That’s why enamel is so sustainable
Enamel is an extremely durable material. Unlike many modern plastics or coated materials, enamel retains its shine and functionality for years and decades. The material is resistant to scratches and wear and tear and retains its color even after years of use - perfect for use when camping and traveling.
Why is enamel so sustainable? Enamel tableware is durable and can therefore reduce the need for disposable products. Enamel tableware lasts a long time and does not need to be replaced so quickly - less waste is produced and the environment is protected.
Enamelware can even be upcycled: a purchased enamel mug hardly ever ends up in the trash, because even if the material is so damaged that it is no longer suitable for drinking, it can still be used as a pencil holder or flower pot.
Enamelware for camping and hiking
We are all the more pleased that enamel is becoming more and more popular again and is now an indispensable part of many camping kitchens and everyday van life. All of the properties mentioned above make enamel the perfect companion in a motorhome or at a picnic, as the material is much more robust than glass or porcelain, for example. Comparable materials used to make camping dishes, such as melamine, plastic or bamboo, are less sustainable in production and unfortunately often not durable.
Enamelware also offers great added value: it can be heated on a gas cooker, on a stove or over a campfire. This makes the drinking cup multifunctional, for example it is suitable for a multi-day tour with a backpack or for bikepacking, because water can also be heated or boiled in the cup.
Enamel: retro yet modern
Enamel is much more than just a nostalgic relic of times gone by. It is a timeless material that embodies tradition and craftsmanship while meeting the requirements of sustainability and durability. Enamel production in Europe stands for quality and responsibility and helps ensure that this shiny material will continue to accompany our travels and adventures in the future. Sustainability is very important to us at Roadtyping, which is why we are big fans of enamel. If you would like to know more about how we act sustainably as a company, please read our blog article on sustainable shipping.
Our enamel mugs and bowls have become an indispensable part of our everyday travels. They always put a smile on our faces and we keep finding new ideas for using them in multiple ways. The bowl can quickly be turned into a cereal bowl, a soup plate or even a salad bowl. And we don't just drink from the mugs, we also prepare desserts in them or fill them with snacks like pretzel sticks or raw vegetables for the kids.
In addition, you will not only find enamel tableware such as mugs, bowls and plates – now even especially for children – but also enamel pins.
>>> Click here to see our enamel products
What do you love about enamel and why is it special to you?
