Are you considering buying ceramic cookware? Maybe you have already decided to do so, but now you need to know what the best ceramic cookware set is. This article will provide information, bust myths, and help you to make an informed decision.
So, you have decided that you are – or might be – interested in buying a ceramic cookware set. But what kind and which one? Is ceramic cookware healthy? Is it really non-stick?
The job of this article is not to sell you anything. Also, we all know that there is a lot of conflicting information out there. It can be tough and time consuming to work through it all. In the end, you might still be confused or unsure. We can help!
Let’s talk about what ceramic cookware is, the available kinds, the pros, and the cons, what to look for when you are shopping.
Also, let’s review our top 9 ceramic cookware sets, a comparison with other popular cookware materials, and how to care for ceramic pots and pans. The FAQ section will, hopefully, deal with any remaining questions you might have.
Contents
What is Ceramic Cookware, and how is it made?
Many of us know about ceramic, but what is it? How is it produced? Ceramic dishes and tiles can be a little fragile. Is this also true of the cookware?
Ceramic cookware refers to pots and pans that are made of clay that is kiln-baked – usually more than once – at very high heats. This process makes them far stronger and more durable than other ceramic products.
After it has been baked, the cookware is either glazed or ceramic-enameled, which makes it both non-stick and stain-resistant. That again raises a question: which type is better for you in your kitchen? The primary difference is in production methods.
100% Ceramic (Kiln-Baked) Cookware
This type of ceramic cookware is made from molded clay. The manufacturing and hardening process is lengthy (it takes between 14 and 25 days).
It involves high-pressure molding of the clay followed by triple kiln firing at an amazing 2,500F. Items are then dipped and coated in a ceramic glaze. The result is a strong and durable item that is 100% natural.
Because this type of cookware is made entirely from ceramic, it does not contain aluminum. This is only a problem if you want to use the cookware on an induction stovetop because it only works if pots and pots contain magnetized metal of some kind.
This type of ceramic cookware is more prone to chipping, though, so care should be taken when cooking, and so you do not bang or drop these items.
Ceramic-Coated Cookware
The production process for ceramic-coated cookware is entirely different. The starting point is an anodized hard aluminum (and sometimes a stainless steel) base.
This is dipped into synthetic ceramic which coats the aluminum or underlying metal. One or more of these coats may be applied. Each layer of ceramic is oven-dried and hardened.
The non-stick ceramic coating on these pieces is ‘soft,’ so you can only use gentle utensils. Metal will scratch the ceramic and may even expose the aluminum underneath.
However, the aluminum is anodized so that it won’t leach chemicals or metal into food. It, therefore, does not present a health hazard.
Why Cook with Ceramic Cookware?
There are a variety of convincing reasons why ceramic cookware is an excellent choice for most domestic or home kitchens. You may find one or more in this list that fits what you are looking for and what is important to you:
- Non-Stick: Ceramic cookware has a bonded outer coating that is non-stick. This means that you need to use no or minimal cooking fats or oils. The non-stick nature of ceramic cookware is probably the stand-out benefit. It does cooking and cleaning so much easier, and it is much healthier!
- Non-reactive: The fact that ceramic does not interact with food on a chemical level is also fundamental. You can cook any kinds of food—both alkaline and acidic—without the cooking surface affecting either the taste or color of the food.
- Non-Toxic: Health is a crucial consideration for all of us, right? You want to be sure that a cooking surface is not leaching chemicals, heavy metals, or other toxins into your food. The safety of ceramic cookware is another big selling point. Even when it is very hot or slightly damaged, a ceramic surface is non-toxic as it does not emit any fumes.
- Even heat distribution: A ceramic pot or pan has a slightly uneven surface. It’s what makes it non-stick. Although this can’t be seen with the naked eye, the microscopically lower areas of the surface do not come into direct contact with the food. In real terms, though, we will only perhaps notice that cooking is a little slower on a ceramic surface.
- Lightweight: Solid ceramic cookware is more massive than ceramic coated pots and pans. Although coated pieces contain aluminum, this is a very lightweight metal, so it doesn’t add much to the overall weight.
- Easy to Clean: The non-stick nature of ceramic cookware of both types makes it extremely easy to clean. Depending on what you have cooked, you will be able to wipe the surface or use mild dishwashing and warm water. Although many ceramic cookware pieces are advertised as dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is recommended to avoid overheating, chipping or scratching.
- Attractive Appearance: Unlike cookware made from material such as stainless steel, ceramic is available in a wide range of bright and beautiful colors. You can choose which one you like best. Given this, cookware often makes excellent serving dishes. The colorful look is a bonus when it is placed on your dining table.
That is seven excellent reasons to select a ceramic cookware set, but maybe you are still unconvinced or uncertain. Let’s consider some top sets and pans in more detail to help with your decision-making.
Best Ceramic Cookware Sets on the Market
There is a huge variety of ceramic cookware sets available online and in-store. While choice and options are great to have, it can make it harder to select what is right for you.
Here is information on nine of what I believe are the best ceramic sets currently out there.
1. Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Cookware Set
The Cuisinart GreenGourmet set consists of 12 pieces. There is a skillet, a frying pan, an ‘everyday’ pan, two saucepans (one large and one small), a steamer insert, and a Dutch oven. There are covers or lids for all the pieces except the skillet and steamer.
The pots and pans are made from anodized aluminum coated in a ceramic non-stick coating. The handles are made of steel for strength.
The manufacturer claims that the set can withstand temperatures in the oven up to 500F. That is unusual for ceramic ware of this type.
The aluminum hard nature results in a cooking surface that heats evenly. This cookware is Teflon, lead, cadmium, and petroleum-free.
The steel used in the handles and all the packaging – including the ink – is recycled and/or eco-friendly.
2. WearEver 2100087606 Ceramic Cookware Set
This 15-piece ceramic cookware set from WearEver is also ceramic-coated rather than 100% ceramic. The aluminum used is a heavy gauge.
The non-stick surface heats evenly, and the manufacturers state that their WearEver Pure Living cooking surface can withstand temperatures up to 750F, allowing you to sear foods.
The handles are riveted on and covered with silicone, so they are both strong and cool to the touch. According to the promotional material, these handles can cope with temperatures up to 350F.
On the health and safety front, you can prepare meals with less cooking fats and oils, and the cookware is PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium free.
3. GreenLife CW0005103 Soft Grip
The GreenLife set consists of 14 pieces. There are two skillets, a sauté pan with lid, two saucepans with lids, a stockpot with lid, and four nylon cooking utensils. All the pieces have non-stick cooking surfaces which do cooking and cleaning easy.
Like the previous cookware sets, this one is ceramic-coated aluminum that heats evenly and quickly. The handles are cool grip, so you are unlikely to get burned by one. The cookware is oven safe to 350F but is not suitable for induction cooktops.
This coating is also free of lead, PFOA, PTFE, and cadmium. The lids are glass and fit tightly to seal in moisture and nutrients. The shape of the rims reduces the chances of drips. While the set is advertised as dishwasher safe, hand-washing is preferable.
4. Cook N Home NC-00359 Ceramic Coating Cookware Set
The Cook N Home set is made of ceramic-coated heavy gauge aluminum. The set consists of six items: two saucepans, a casserole dish, a Dutch oven, and two sauté or fry pans. Each piece comes with a tempered lid.
The thick aluminum helps the heat spread evenly throughout the cooking surface. The non-stick ceramic coating allows you to cook with minimal fats and clean your cookware with ease.
The lids are all glass which means you can keep an eye on things without removing the lids, and the handles stay cool to the touch.
It is important to note that this set works on most surfaces but not on induction cooktops. These pieces are also not oven or dishwasher safe.
5. GreenPan Lima Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
GreenPan brand positions itself as a pioneer with regards to healthy cookware that is 100% toxin and pollutant-free.
The Lima is a 12-piece set: two fry pans, two skillets with lids, a pot with lid, a steamer, and three wooden cooking utensils.
The cookware is made of hard-anodized aluminum covered in a non-stick ceramic coating that is Teflon, lead, PFOA, PTFE, and cadmium free. The handles are riveted and contoured. They are made from stainless steel which means they are strong but won’t get hot.
The lids are made of tempered glass and can cope with temperatures up to 420F. These pots and pans heat evenly and are oven safe. However, they are not designed for use on induction cooktops.
6. T-fal G917SE64 Ceramic Cookware Set
The T-fal G917SE64 set comprises 14 items. There are three fry pans with a lid for the largest, two saucepans with lids, a Dutch oven with lid, and four nylon cooking tools.
This set is also made of sturdy, anodized aluminum. But it is coated both inside and outside with non-stick ceramic. It is the external non-stick coating that is unique about this set. The coating makes it easy to clean these pots and pans, and the manufacturer claims the pieces are dishwasher safe.
The pieces in this set heat evenly, and the ceramic coating is free of all toxins and heavy metals.
Because it can take high temperature (350F), you can sear food in this cookware. It should be noted, though, that the T-fal G917SE64 set can’t be used on induction cooktops.
The handles are plastic, unfortunately. They, therefore, cannot go into an oven, or they will distort.
The manufacturers also advise that you only use your cooktop at low or medium heat to protect the ceramic coating. That is excellent advice when it comes to ceramic cookware generally.
7. Vremi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
This eight-piece cookware set includes a casserole pot, 2 Dutch ovens, and two fry pans with a curved construction to make flipping food easier. Three lids fit the pots and ovens. There are three fun colors (yellow, green, or blue) to choose from.
In terms of construction, these pieces have a die-cast aluminum body, an induction-compatible spiral base, and a non-stick ceramic coating. It’s not easy to find ceramic cookware that can be used on an induction cooktop.
It should be noted, though, that an induction burner diameter must not exceed that of the base of the pot or pan. If it does, you could wind up with burn or scorch marks on the outside of your cookware.
These pieces, because of their construction and Bakelite handles, are not oven safe. However, the manufacturer does say that the set is dishwasher safe.
Another plus is that the lid’s design allows steam to escape to prevent the contents of the pot boiling over and making a mess.
8. Farberware PURECOOK Ceramic Cookware Set
The Faberware PURECOOK ceramic cookware set includes eight pieces. There are two saucepans and a stockpot, all of which have lids. Also, there are two skillets, and a sauté pan with lid, and a set of nylon cooking utensils.
This set, like most of the preceding ones, uses anodized aluminum and a ceramic coating in its construction.
This means that the pieces heat evenly and are non-stick, which makes cleaning easy. The handles are sturdy and include stainless steel elements.
The lids are made of shatter-resistant glass and fit snugly to retain moisture and the nutrients in the food.
This ceramic cookware is oven safe to 350F but can’t be used on induction cooktops. The set comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty, which is always good to have.
9. Gotham Steel Ti-Cerama Coating
This ceramic cookware set from Gotham consists of two saucepans, a pot, a steamer, two pans, and four tempered glass lids. They are made of aluminum that is coated in Ti-Cerama ®.
Ti-Cerama is an award-winning non-stick formula that uses ceramic and titanium. This makes the surface ultra-durable and highly scratch resistant.
You can, according to Gotham, even use metal cooking implements without worrying about damaging the cooking surface.
These pots and pans are free of toxins and metals, dishwasher safe, oven safe to 500F, and – unusually – microwave safe. The handles are cool grip. Gotham claims that you do not need to use any fats or oils; all food will slide off the cooking surface.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it should give you a good sense of some of the options available at various levels of affordability and with different set sizes.
Top Ceramic-Coated Pans
But maybe you only want a pan or two and not a large set? Here are a couple of possibilities for you to consider.
1. GreenPan CC000672-001 Ceramic Frypan Set, 2-Piece
As the title indicates, this is a mini-set consisting of an 8-inch and a 10-inch fry pan. These pans heat quickly and evenly and are designed to be used for searing, frying, sautéing, or even baking.
The construction uses GreenPan’s Magneto Technology: anodized aluminum with magnetic induction technology. This is coated with durable, non-stick Thermolon Minerals Pro that makes cleaning easy. The manufacturer states that this cookware is 100% toxin-free, non-stick, and won’t warp or scratch.
The handles are riveted on for strength and, because they are made of stainless steel, they stay cool. The pans also feature a drip-free pouring rim. These pans can be used on any cooktop, and they are oven safe to 600F and dishwasher safe. There are a limited number of sets that offer all three.
2. GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Frypan Set
GreenLife pans set consists of a 7-inch and a 10-inch pan .feature a reinforced aluminum body which distributes heat evenly and quickly. Its Thermolon non-stick coating is 100% toxin-free.
The pans, which are available in six different colors, have soft-touch Bakelite handles that stay cool. The handle color matches the color of the exterior coating of the pans.
This set comes with a range of instructions. They include how to care for and prolong the life of the pans. This includes cooking at low to medium heat, hand-washing only, cooling the pan before cleaning, using wooden or nylon utensils, and cleaning with soft sponges. That is good advice all around…
3. ScanPan Classic Fry Pan
The Scanpan skillet is certified PFOA free and claims to be the first manufacturer to receive this certification. These pans are covered in a patented ceramic titanium non-stick coating which is strong and durable.
You can’t use these pans on induction cooktops. They are versatile as they can be used for searing, browning, deglazing, etc. The nature of the coating means that, with the use of minimal amounts of fats or oils, food will not stick to the cooking surface.
The manufacturer claims that the coating is tough enough to deal with metal utensils. These pans are also dishwasher safe which makes cleaning easy.
Now you have an idea of what’s out there. But what precisely should you be looking for when you go shopping for your ceramic cookware set?
What to Look for in a Ceramic Cookware Set?
You want to make sure you buy a ceramic cookware set that is the right fit for you. So, what should you keep in mind while you shop? Here are a few factors you could consider before going to the checkout with your new cookware:
Coated or Pure Ceramic
Keep in mind that pure ceramic cookware is more substantial and more likely to chip. However, it contains nothing other than natural ceramic, so it is 100% free of toxins, heavy metals, etc. It also can’t be used on induction cooktops.
Coated ceramic cookware is lighter and maybe induction cooktop compatible. On the downside, the ceramic glaze in this type of cookware is less durable and can become damaged if not correctly cared for.
Intended Use
Are you mainly a cooktop cook, or do you like or want to use the oven to prepare dishes and meals?
If oven cooking is part of your activities, you must look for confirmation that the cookware you are interested in can safely go into the oven. A lot of ceramic coating can’t take very high heats, so check carefully, or your cookware will deteriorate fast. Also, the handles and the lids must not be plastic or Bakelite.
If you have an induction cooktop, read the specifications for the cookware you are considering. Quite a lot of ceramic cookware is not induction compatible.
Number of Pieces
How many pots and pans do you need? How much cooking do you do daily and weekly? Is it just you, you and a partner, or do you have a big, hungry family? Do you do a lot of entertaining?
Also, pots and pans take up a lot of storage space. How much available space do you have for cookware in your kitchen?
Design
One of the selling points of ceramic cookware is that it comes in a range of great colors. Which one will look good on your cooktop or your dining table? You can also consider the shape as part of the look of the pot or pan.
Of course, the design must also be about functionality. Are the handles sturdy and comfortable to hold? Do the lids fit well? Does liquid pour out of the cookware easily without making a mess?
Warranty
A warranty and/or guarantee of some kind are an indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. It will give you peace of mind, too, as you know that you will be covered against specified losses and damage. Of course, not following care instructions could void the warranty…
Budget
Ceramic cookware is available at prices ranging from affordable to really expensive. The very best or high-end cookware will come with a big price tag, but quality ceramic cookware is an investment. Only you know how much you can or want to spend.
There may well be factors in addition to these six that are important to you. Decide what they are, and you have a list of criteria to assess a potential purchase against.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
Most consumers are increasingly concerned about how healthy and safe products are. I want to be confident that my cookware is not going to emit toxins or leach chemicals or heavy metals into the food I’m preparing. I am sure that you feel the same way!
So, how safe is ceramic cookware? The answer appears to be “Very.”
- Even if the ceramic cooking surface becomes heated to over 800F, it will not emit toxic fumes. This makes it healthier both for people and the environment.
- Ceramic coating from some countries has been reported to contain cadmium or lead. This can leach into food. However, manufacturing in America is governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and these regulations bind all reputable companies. The FDA also publishes a list of products that are not compliant, so you could check if you are unsure.
- This cookware is PFOA and PTFE free, unlike some other non-stick cooking surfaces.
- Ceramic is made of inorganic, natural materials.
Some think that 100% ceramic cookware is even healthier than ceramic coated cookware. But both are the safest non-stick types of cookware on the market. Furthermore, the manufacturing process itself is said to be much kinder to the environment in terms of the materials it uses and the by-products it produces.
If you have inherited ceramic cookware that has been around for a while, chipped or damaged, consider getting rid of it. The reason is that older glazes did contain lead. Also, if the base metal is exposed, it may leach into the food.
Ceramic Cookware vs. Teflon vs. Stainless Steel
There is a little confusion over the differences between ceramic, Teflon, and stainless-steel cookware. How do they compare, and what are the pros and cons?
Ceramic Vs. Teflon Cookware
We know what ceramic is and what goes into the manufacture of this cookware. We also know that ceramic and Teflon coatings are non-stick. But what is Teflon, and why has it got a bad reputation?
With Teflon cookware, a synthetic polymer or resin called PTFE (polymerized tetrafluoroethylene) is sprayed over the metal base.
There is evidence that Teflon emits toxic fumes when it exceeds certain temperatures. It is this that has caused this non-stick coating to fall out of favor with health-conscious consumers.
Ceramic coating, on the other hand, is made of natural compounds and is entirely free of PTFE. This means there will be no fumes released during heating. There is also no cadmium, lead, or PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in ceramic coating.
However, both Teflon and ceramic cooking surfaces need to be treated correctly and carefully, or they will lose their non-stick properties. Neither has a reputation for durability that other cookware materials do.
Both types of non-stick cookware are available for a range of prices from affordable to ridiculous, with a set of high-end ceramic cookware costing the most.
Ceramic Vs. Stainless Steel Cookware
The primary difference between cookware made with ceramic—either 100% or coated—and stainless steel is the property of being non-stick. In a nutshell, ceramic is non-stick, and stainless steel is not.
However, stainless steel can take much higher cooking heats and is generally stronger and much more durable. It can cope with metal utensils the way ceramic can’t. On the downside, stainless steel can be much harder to clean because of food sticks easily.
To reduce the chances of food sticking, you can use cooking fat or oil. With some cookware, you’ll need to use quite a bit. Of course, that makes your food less healthy.
Stainless steel cookware will last many years if you care for it. Even with care, ceramic cookware only has a shelf-life of two or three years.
You need to look at these factors (health considerations, durability, and non-stick properties) and decide which is most important to you.
How to care for / maintain ceramic cookware?
There is no denying that ceramic cookware does require special care. Failure to do—and not do—certain things will quickly reduce your cookware to chipped, flaking, and sticky pots and pans that belong in the trash. There are things you need to do:
When you first buy your ceramic cookware set:
- Carefully read the care instructions that come with your cookware
- Remove all the packaging and labels
- Wash the pots and pans in warm, soapy water and then rinse and dry them with a paper towel or a soft cloth.
- Season the cookware if the manufacturer recommends this. All you need to do is oil the cookware, heat it, and wipe or wash off the excess. Seasoning is discussed in more detail a little further on.
- Storage. If you must stack your cookware, place a sheet of paper towel or some other soft material between each pot and pan. So the base of one doesn’t damage the cooking surface of the cookware below it.
- Utensils: Only use wooden, bamboo, silicone, rubber, nylon, or PBA-free plastic utensils. Metal ones are likely to damage the ceramic, non-stick surface. Also, do not cut things up when they are still in a pan, skillet, or pot as the knife blade will score the ceramic.
- Ongoing care: There are several things you can do to protect the coating and prolong the life of your cookware:
- Cook only or low or medium heat. Ceramic does not cope well with high temperatures.
- Wash your cookware by hand even if the manufacturer says it is dishwasher safe. Some dishwashing cycles get too hot for the health of ceramic.
- Do not use cooking sprays as they can build up on the surface, causing it to lose its non-stick quality and to look stained.
- Use the burner on your cooktop that best fits the diameter of the pot or pan. If the burner is larger than the cookware base, it can cause scorching or burning on the sides.
- If your set has tempered glass lids, do not expose them to temperatures higher than 350F.
None of these are tough to do. Given it will keep your ceramic cookware non-stick and increase its longevity, it is worth it!
What the Ceramic Cookware Cleaning Process?
As stated, keeping your ceramic cookware clean and looking good is not hard. Here are a few steps and guidelines to keep in mind:
- Although there are some ceramic cookware sets and pieces that are advertised as dishwasher safe, handwashing is highly recommended. Washing these non-stick surfaces is easy as the debris should slide off.
- Let the pan or pot cool down before you clean it. Running water that is a different temperature to the cooking surface can cause thermal shock. This may result in damage to the coating or could even warp the cookware.
- Use warm water and mild dishwashing soap to clean your cookware. Rinse the pot or pan thoroughly and then dry it well.
- For burnt-on food, add a cup of vinegar and 4 cups of water to the pan or pot. Bring it to the boil, boil for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. The dirt should then wipe away.
- Do not soak ceramic cookware. If you must do so, do not leave it soaking for more than 30 minutes.
- Do not use harsh detergents or abrasive items such as steel wool or scrubbing pads as they could damage the ceramic surface and reduce the non-stick quality.
I strongly recommend that you wash your ceramic cookware by hand—regardless of which set or brand you choose. Keeping it clean is not tough work. Treating your post and pans well will significantly increase their lifespan.
Ceramic Cookware FAQs
Several questions crop up regularly about ceramic cookware. Let’s look at some of the most common ones:
Q. Is non-stick ceramic coated cookware a healthier and more environmentally safer choice?
In a word, “Yes.” Ceramic and ceramic coating is made of natural materials that are 100% free of lead, cadmium, PTFE, and PFOA.
Even at very high temperatures, a ceramic coating will not release toxic fumes that harm the environment and us. Ceramic will also not leach chemicals or heavy metals into food.
However, it should be noted that some non-US made ceramic glazes may contain lead. Our recommendation is, therefore, that you buy products from larger American companies as they operate under FDA guidelines.
If you have ceramic cookware and you aren’t sure about the glaze, avoid cooking acidic foods as this can cause leaching of lead into food. Older ceramic cookware may also contain trace amounts of lead. If in doubt, do not use it.
Q. Is ceramic coating the best type of non-stick that is designed to last?
No, it isn’t as durable as other non-stick surfaces. If you take good care of ceramic cookware, you will get several years good use out of it.
However, even then it won’t last nearly as long as a Teflon coated cookware or a stainless-steel pot or pan.
You need to ask yourself what is most important to you. Is it how long the cookware will last, how non-stick it is, or how healthy it is for people and the environment? Ceramic cookware scores well on two out of three.
Q. Can they be used in the oven or with an induction cooktop?
There is no simple “yes” or “no” answer here. Many ceramic pots and pans are oven safe but only up to a specific temperature. If you exceed this figure, you will damage the coating. Make sure you check the instructions that come with your particular set.
The other factor to consider is what the handles and lids are made of. There is no point in having a pot that copes with the oven but handles that melt or warp or lids that crack.
In terms of induction stovetop compatibility, most ceramic pots and pans will not work. Induction technology relies on magnetic waves. 100% ceramic can’t be magnetic, and aluminum is a poor conductor.
Q. Does ceramic cookware need to be seasoned?
I suggest you look at the care instructions your ceramic cookware set comes with because not all of them require seasoning. Seasoning is simply the term used for treating the surface of a pot or pan with non-stick oil or fat.
To season cookware:
- Wipe about a tablespoon of non-stick cooking oil over the cooking surface. Do not use olive oil or butter.
- Heat the pot or pan slowly over medium heat for two to three minutes.
- Once the cookware item has cooled down, hand wash it with warm, soapy water and then rinse and dry it. Alternatively, you can wipe it with a paper towel instead of washing it.
Don’t worry if it feels a little oily to the touch; it is supposed to.
If at some later point you think that your cookware has lost some of its non-stick quality, you can season it again. Some folks like to season their cookware a couple of times a year to keep it in good shape and extend its life.
Q. Can you use metal utensils?
Some manufacturers say that you can use metal cooking utensils. My advice? Even if they say you can, don’t!
There are so many great options available that will be much gentler on a ceramic surface. You can select from wood, bamboo, nylon, rubber, silicone, or BPA-free plastic.
Q. Is ceramic cookware dishwasher safe?
The manufacturers describe some ceramic cookware as being dishwasher safe. The danger with dishwashers is that the ceramic coating on your pots and pans can be scratched during the washing process or damaged if the wash cycle used is too hot.
Even if it is safe to use a dishwasher, handwashing is a much better option. And it is not hard work, thanks to the non-stick surface.
Q. Is porcelain a type of ceramic?
The term ceramic is a broad, general one. It applies to anything made of natural clay that has been mixed with water, shaped, decorated and/or glazed, and heat hardened. We have used forms of it for centuries.
The mixture or composition used, and its temperature and for how long the clay is heated determines the final product. “Ceramics” includes stoneware, earthenware, terracotta, pottery, fine china, bone china, paper clay, and porcelain.
Porcelain is made from clay that is mixed with a range of minerals that give it its unique translucent look and consistency.
Porcelain is white ceramic with a very smooth, non-absorbent surface. Despite looking fragile, porcelain is highly durable.
Q. How long does ceramic cookware last?
If there is a single complaint about ceramic cookware, it is that the coating is not durable. Over time, the coating wears thin or flakes off and may becoming sticky rather than non-stick.
This is the fate of all non-stick surfaces. The problem is ceramic coating gets messed up faster than some others.
Of course, you can prolong the life of your cookware by caring for it correctly!
If you have questions that this article doesn’t touch on, let us know, and we’ll try to do our best to help.
Conclusion: Which Cookware Material Should You Choose?
There is no denying that there are three primary issues with ceramic cookware.
The first is that this type of cookware is the healthiest option currently available. This is true whether you opt for 100% pure ceramic or pots and pans made of anodized (and therefore safe) aluminum coated with ceramic.
In either case, your cookware will be free of PTFE, PFOA, cadmium, and lead. You won’t need to worry about toxic fumes or leaching. The final health feature is that you won’t need to use much—of any cooking fats or oils.
Secondly, ceramic cookware is non-stick. This gives it a significant advantage over several metals, including stainless steel. Using non-stick pots and pans do cooking and cleaning so much easier.
Finally, ceramic is not the most durable, robust cookware. You are going to have to look after it to maintain its non-stick quality and to extend its life. Let’s have a quick recap of what you need to do or not do:
- Do not use non-stick or any other cooking sprays as it builds upon the cooking surface and may become sticky or stained
- Do not use olive oil as it will leave a carbonized layer on the surface of the pot or pan
- Do not wash your cookware or place it on a cold or cooler surface while it is still hot as it may warp
- Hand wash your cookware even if it says it is dishwasher safe
- Do not place ceramic pots and pans on high heat
- Do not use harsh abrasives or cleaning pads
- Do not use metal cooking utensils
- Clean the sides of the container too, not just the cooking surface. There may be unseen cooking fats or oils on the teams that will darken and stain with subsequent heating.
If that seems too much like hard work, then ceramic cookware may not be for you. However, if you want cookware that is non-stick and healthy for you and better for the environment, then ceramic is the way to go.
My overall recommendations are that you opt for a ceramic cookware set or pieces made from hard, anodized aluminum coated in ceramic. Both types of ceramic cookware are equally safe, but coated versions are lighter and less likely to chip.
If I had to opt for one of the sets reviewed in this article, I would go for the GreenPan Lima Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set.
It offers a good range of pots and pans, is oven safe, and has glass lids which I like having on cookware. However, these pieces are not induction compatible.
In terms of single items, the GreenPan CC000672-001 two Frypan Set gets my vote. The sizes are ideal, the handles are very sturdy, and they can be used on any cooktop and in the oven.
Go on; have a look around! Remember the practical stuff we talked about. Read the sales information carefully.
Keep in mind that getting a ‘cheap’ set can come back to haunt you. So, buy the best quality set or separate items that you can afford. And, finally, enjoy your new cookware set!