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Falcon and Romanian Enamelware care and provenance

We have been proud stockists of Falcon and Romanian enamelware since 2002, a decision that stems from the history of our 120-year-old general merchant store.

Given the century-long retail backstory and rustic iron and timber construction of our building, we choose stock that is utilitarian, simple in design, and always useful.

It is endearing when customers come into the store and standing in front of our Falcon enamelware display evokes memories of loved ones, be it a grandmother, favourite aunt or parent. Just holding a Falcon enamelware dish brings food memories rushing back of meals shared, conversations in the kitchen and love exchanged.

While many of our customers grew up with enamelware and are familiar with its care and use, other customers are new to using enamel cookware and we have prepared the following information.

Falcon enamelware is one of several enamel cookware manufacturers that came out of the Birmingham district in northern England in the early 20th century. Falcon enamelware was established by Joe Kleiner in the 1920’s and ownership changed hands only 18 years ago.

Where is Falcon enamelware made? In the 1920’s J.Kleiner & Sons established the name and manufactured Falcon Enamelware in England. As the production cost increased, J.Kleiner & Sons moved their production to Hong Kong in 1972. In 1991 J.Kleiner & Sons sold all their shares to their Hong Kong partner including the Falcon brand. In 2012 Falcon Enamelware, a sister company of the existing manufacturer was formed. Co-founder Hugh Morse of Morse Studio worked with designers Kiwi&Pom to create premium packaging and exclusive products and colours. Both Falcon product ranges come out of the same factory in China. 

The Falcon enamelware that we sell is a direct evolution of the original manufacturer’s product. The stamped Falcon enamelware marketed from the UK is a redesign and rebrand aimed at repackaging the existing product for a new generation of design-conscious customers. When contacted in July 2017 the UK-based stamped Falcon enamelware distributors emailed that they no longer have stockists in Australia, directing customers to their website.

To help you enjoy and care for your new enamelware, we would like to point out some of the distinctive characteristics of enamelware:

- The enamel surface is applied by hand;

- Minor surface irregularities and unfinished edges are a normal result of the metalworking and enameling process; and

- As with any kind of dinnerware, some scratching and dulling of the surface is likely to occur over time.

Care instructions:

- Do not scrub with abrasive materials on the enamel surface. Remove stains and burned-on grease with a soap filled scouring pad or sponge (we use and recommend softer copper scouring cloths and sponges);

- Use sharp utensils with care to prevent scratching;

- Do not use enamelware in the microwave;

- Allowing enamelware to boil dry can damage the enamel;

- If enamelware is left empty on a hot burner or in a heated oven, switch off and allow to cool, slowly adding liquid;

- Enamel on steel is hard and strong, however like all good ceramic materials it will chip if handled too roughly.

What is enamelware? Enamelware is glass fused onto steel, making it smooth and strong. It is a good conductor of heat and easy to clean.

Will it chip? If enamelware is dropped or handled roughly it can chip. It can still be used if it is chipped, taking care to ensure there are no loose pieces of enamel.

Can it be used in the oven? Enamelware can be used in the oven and on a gas or electric cooktop.

Can it be cleaned in a dishwasher? Yes, but to preserve the appearance and life of our enamelware at home we hand wash it. If using a dishwasher, please take care to dry enamelware when the cycle is finished. Water left to lie in the underside rim of enamelware can cause rust.