Ceramic is an increasingly popular material for cookware. Still, despite its popularity, it can be difficult to determine whether or not this type of cookware is right for you.
This blog post will help you by providing the pros and cons of ceramic cookware, as well as the benefits of ceramic pots and pans.
What is Ceramic Cookware?
Ceramic cookware is made of clay and other components such as sand, lime, and soda ash. The hard pottery material may be glazed or unglazed.
It's finished with a ceramic coating that's free of PTFE, Teflon, and heavy metals. Ceramic pans have a naturally nonstick surface that prevents food from sticking.
This coating also helps with heat distribution, meaning that your food won't form any hot spots or cold spots while cooking. Whether your food is in the middle or the side of the pan, it will cook evenly.
Are Porcelain Enamel Cookware and Ceramic Cookware the Same?
Not exactly. Porcelain enamel coated cookware is made of porcelain, which usually contains non-stick materials that are used to coat the pan's surface.
Ceramic cookware, on the other hand, is made of ceramic materials that are fired at a high temperature.
This makes ceramic cookware harder and more durable than porcelain enamel coated cookware.
Benefits of Ceramic Cookware
Nonstick Surface
Ceramic cookware has a nonstick surface, which means that you won’t have to use as much oil or butter when cooking. This is great for your health, because it reduces the amount of unhealthy fats that you consume.
Ceramic nonstick coating also makes it easier to clean your cookware.
Lightweight
Ceramic cookware is lightweight, which means that it’s easy to lift and move around compared to cast iron or stainless steel cookware.
This makes cooking easier for you, since you don't have to worry about struggling with your pots and pans while trying to get them on or off the stovetop.
Easy to Clean
As mentioned earlier, cleaning ceramic nonstick cookware is easy. All you need to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge and your cookware will be good as new.
This makes cleanup a breeze, so you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans in the sink.
Earth-Friendly
Ceramic cookware is made of natural materials, which means that it’s eco-friendly.
This is good for the environment and it also reduces your carbon footprint, so you can feel better knowing that you’re doing your part to help save the planet.
Ceramic Skillets are Heat-Resistant
Ceramic nonstick cookware has great heat tolerance, which means that you can use high heat without worrying about damaging the ceramic surface.
This is beneficial, because most foods are cooked at a high temperature, so your food will always turn out delicious and flavorful when cooking with this kind of cookware.
While it depends on the brand that makes the pan, most ceramic skillets are heat resistant up to 600 ˚F. This is really high, and means that most ceramic cookware is also oven-safe.
Some ceramic cookware can take even higher heat than that. Some professional sets that are fully ceramic (not just coated) can take 2500 ºF!
Compare that to Teflon cookware, which can release potentially harmful fumes and be damaged if you consistently use them at over 500 degrees.
Of course, make sure to check with your particular set's manual to verify how much heat your particular pots and pans can handle. We also recommend cooking only on low- to medium-heat.
Some Brands are Induction-Compatible
Some brands of ceramic cookware are induction-compatible and can be used on all modern stovetops, including those with an induction element.
This will depend on whether the base has an aluminum or stainless steel layer.
Non-Toxic
Ceramic cookware doesn't contain harmful chemicals such as BPAs or other toxins, which means that this kind of cookware is completely safe for you and your family.
This is beneficial because it makes ceramic cookware the healthiest option when cooking at home, so you can rest easy knowing that sticking to a healthy diet with a nonstick pan doesn’t have to mean sacrificing safety.
Non-Reactive
Ceramic cookware is non-reactive, which means that it won’t interact with the food that you’re cooking. This is great because it prevents your food from becoming contaminated or tasting off.
It also eliminates the need to season your cookware before using it, so you can start cooking right away without any hassle.
Good for Healthy Cooking
Ceramic pots and pans are good for healthy cooking because they allow you to cook with less fat. This means that your food will taste great, and it's also easier on your body.
This is beneficial if you’re trying to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle, so buying ceramic cookware can help make this possible.
Affordable
In general, ceramic cookware is more affordable than stainless steel or cast iron cookware. This makes it a great option if you’re on a budget, since you don’t have to break the bank in order to get high-quality pots and pans.
Many Color Options
Another benefit of ceramic cookware is that there are many different color options available. This means you can find something that matches your kitchen’s decor, or choose a set in your favorite color.
Low-Maintenance Cookware
Ceramic cookware, unlike cast iron, does not require complicated seasoning procedures. After just one wash, these pots and pans are ready to use.
What are the Disadvantages of Ceramic Cookware?
Unfortunately, no type of cookware is perfect. Ceramic cookware does come with some disadvantages.
Loses Its Non-Stick Ability Faster Than You Would Expect
One disadvantage of ceramic cookware is that the non-stick properties tend to wear off over time, like with most non stick cookware. However, it does so faster than a pan made of Teflon.
This means you’ll eventually need to start using cooking oils and fats when preparing meals, which can add unhealthy calories to your diet.
However, even though a ceramic coated frying pan doesn't last as long as a Teflon-coated pan, it may still be worth it to avoid using cookware with potentially harmful chemicals.
More Expensive Than Traditional Non-Stick Pans
Even though it's cheaper than stainless steel pans, ceramic cookware is more expensive than traditional non-stick pans.
So, if you're not looking for a specific benefit that ceramic offers over other materials, you may be better off sticking with the less expensive option.
But if you are interested in some of the benefits of ceramic cookware - like its many color options or low-maintenance properties - it may be worth the investment.
Hand-wash Only
While ceramic cookware is easy to clean by hand, there may still be times when you feel like just tossing them in the dishwasher instead.
Unfortunately, you can't do that with ceramic pots and pans. Like with most good cookware, ceramic cookware should only be washed by hand in order to preserve its lifespan.
If you put a ceramic coated frying pan in the dishwasher, it will strip the cooking surface bare and ruin its nonstick properties.
It's also worth mentioning that some brands will void the warranty if you put your ceramic cookware in a dishwasher. This is true even if they advertise the cookware as being dishwasher-safe!
If you want a truly dishwasher-safe set of cookware, perhaps a stainless steel set would be a better option for you.
However, if you're willing to put in a little extra work, ceramic cookware offers some great benefits that may be worth the inconvenience.
A Ceramic Frying Pan Isn't Great for Searing Meat
One of the biggest disadvantages to ceramic cookware (and most non stick cookware in general) is that it isn't great for searing meat.
This means you won’t get the delicious, caramelized crust on burgers or steaks when cooking them in a ceramic frying pan. A stainless steel or cast iron pan is a better choice for this job.
But if this disadvantage doesn't bother you - or even if it does, but you still want a ceramic frying pan anyway - there are plenty of other dishes you can cook in it.
A ceramic frying pan is a great option for boiling, simmering, and frying foods.
Not Metal-Utensil Safe
Another disadvantage of ceramic cookware is that metal forks and knives can scratch the surface.
This means you'll need to use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils when cooking in your ceramic pots and pans.
If you don't have any of those on hand, it's a good idea to buy a set of them specifically for cooking with ceramic and non stick cookware.
Not All Brands Are Oven-Safe
Ceramic cookware is generally safe to use. But, just like with metal utensils, using an oven with ceramic cookware can damage the surface.
This is especially true if the ceramic cookware doesn't have a strong glaze. So, before you buy a ceramic pots and pans set, make sure to check that they are oven-safe.
If they're not, you'll need to stick to stovetop cooking or use another type of cookware when baking in the oven.
FAQ
Which is Better, Ceramic or Non-Stick Cookware?
Both have their pros and cons, but overall, ceramic cookware is a better choice.
-Pans with a ceramic coating are non-toxic, while nonstick cookware may release harmful toxins when heated.
-Nonstick coatings scratch easily, while a ceramic cooking surface is more durable.
-Ceramic pots and pans heat slowly and evenly, while nonstick cookware doesn't distribute heat very well.
Is Ceramic Cookware Good?
Ceramic pots and pans have a lot of benefits, which is why they are becoming more popular. They heat evenly, so your food won’t be burnt or cooked unevenly on the bottom.
They are also non-stick, so you won’t have to use any oils or fats while cooking, which makes them healthier.
And finally, a good ceramic pots and pans set is durable enough to last a long time with the right care.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
One of the most frequently asked questions about ceramic cookware is if they're safe to use. When the toxicity of PFOA-rich Teflon (used for nonstick cookware in the past) became public, ceramic cookware rose to popularity.
Ceramic cookware is usually regarded as safe for high heat, and even when damaged. That's because the ceramic coating is non-toxic and does not contain hazardous chemicals.
However, Sol-gel (the ceramic coating) hasn't been studied very much. This is because ceramic cookware is relatively new in the world of cookware.
There is some debate over whether or not ceramic cookware is healthy to use.
Some people claim that the materials used in making ceramic coatings can leach into food, potentially causing harm. However, there has been no scientific evidence found to support this claim.
In fact, most experts believe that using ceramic cookware is actually healthier than using non-stick cookware, as it does not release harmful chemicals into food.
It's generally accepted that ceramic-coated pans and pots are safe, though.
What we do know for sure is that ceramic pots and pans are made without PFOA or PTFE, so they don’t release any harmful chemicals when heated.
Is Ceramic Nonstick Cooking Healthy?
Since ceramic cookware is nonstick, you'll be using less butter and oil in your meals, which is healthier.
Foods will also cook more evenly in ceramic pots and pans, so you'll be less likely to have burnt or undercooked food.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy Ceramic Coated Cookware?
Even though ceramic cookware has some disadvantages, it also has plenty of benefits that may outweigh them.
At the end of the day, whether or not you should buy ceramic cookware depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you're a novice cook, ceramic cookware is an excellent place to start. It's also worth considering for those who want to eat healthier meals. If you just want easy-to-clean, non stick cookware that doesn't require a lot of maintenance, ceramic cookware is a great option.
Ceramic pots and pans are also a great option for those who are looking for an eco-friendly cooking solution. They are made from natural materials, so they can be recycled or composted at the end of their life cycle.
However, if you're looking for something that can be used to sear meat or bake in the oven, ceramic may not be the best choice for you. Stainless steel or cast iron pans are better options in those cases.
Whatever type of cookware you decide to go with, make sure to read the reviews before making your purchase!