Ceramic Cookware Pros and Cons

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Buying new cookware for your kitchen can be challenging at times, especially considering the numerous options and cookware types available on the market. It becomes a matter of debate when you are trying to figure out the best cookware for your home. Some say copper cookware is the best. Some will argue for ceramic cookware. The discussion is never-ending!

So in this article, we will share the various ceramic cookware pros and cons with you in hopes that you can find the best option for yourself.

Contents

Pros of Ceramic Cookware

There are many significant perks to using ceramic cookware that makes them a popular choice among new and experienced cooks. Check out the given pointers that make them a good choice for your kitchen.

Nonstick Coating Surface

One of the best features of ceramic cookware is its nonstick surface. It requires little to no oil while cooking your favorite recipes (though a small amount of oil may preserve the nonstick surface for longer).

You can fry eggs or make other dishes without using oil. This makes your food less greasy and may produce a healthier dish. Plus, the nonstick surface is just as useful for cleaning.

Safe to Use in Dishwasher

Unlike Teflon made cookwares that are easily damaged by washing in a dishwasher, ceramic cookware is generally considered dishwasher safe.

However, handwashing is still ideal because the nonstick coating may wear down after too many cycles in the dishwasher. So, it’s best to only put ceramic cookware in the dishwasher occasionally to preserve the cookware’s lifespan. That being said, some expensive ceramic options possess a naturally nonstick surface without a coating, and these may be completely dishwasher safe (reference manufacturer’s instructions).

Non-Toxic

Ceramic cookware is built using baked clay and is therefore free from all sorts of chemical processes. Manufacturers usually ensure that there is no use of cadmium, lead, or other harmful chemicals. Although, ceramic cookware that uses a separate nonstick coating or other metals in their construction may sometimes leach harmful chemicals into you food if they are not maintained well.

Affordable Price

A big reason for ceramic cookware popularity is the affordable price. Though expensive options exist, the average price for a ceramic cookware set is between $100 and $150, or $20-$50 for a single pot or pan. However, some sets (usually made with exceptional production processes and materials) cost in the hundreds of dollars.

Safe for Containing Food

A big advantage you get with ceramic cookware is its ability to store leftovers due to its (usually) non-reactive surface. Ceramic cookware is often lightweight, making it easy to move around. This is a unique perk of ceramic cookware, as stainless steel, cast iron, and traditional nonstick pans or pots are only meant for cooking.

Many pans come with lids that can cover the food and ceramic’s natural temperature resistance usually makes it safe to move from extreme heat to extreme cold.

Ceramic cookware that uses an additional nonstick coating may not be ideal for storing leftovers, however.

Cons of Ceramic Cookware

Nothing in this world is absolutely perfect, so there are notable cons for ceramic cookware. Many of these cons are still manageable though.

Not Always Suitable for High Heat

One big problem with ceramic cookware is its heat tolerance capabilities. Its construction is such that it cannot retain heat for long periods so you will have to keep a burner on low if you’re not finished with other dishes.

Average ceramic pots and pans are not suitable for high heat either, and may even break if subjected to high temperatures for too long. However, more expensive or well made pots and pans are sometimes rated for temperatures upwards of 800°F.

Short Lifespan if Not Maintained

Ceramic cookware can break down quickly if it’s not maintained well. Heavy dishwasher use, metal utensils, and excessive heat can all break down the nonstick coating if its present. Certain improvements made by a few brands have a prolonged lifespan compared to others.

That being said, high quality pots and pans may last for years with proper care and maintenance.

Not Metal Safe

Another concern that’s worth noting is that ceramic cookware should generally not be used with the metal utensils. Metal utensils may easily damage nonstick coatings, causing scratches or chips that eventually break the pan.

Again, some higher quality pans may be scratch resistant or scratch proof.

Safety Issues

This mostly pertains to ceramic cookware that uses an extra nonstick coating. Although ceramic cookware is usually PFOA and PFAS free, other chemicals may be present if the pot or pan isn’t maintained well.

Make sure to check product descriptions and ask the manufacturer if it has been tested for lead or other chemicals before you buy if you are unsure.

Less Resistant to Breaks if Dropped

Unlike stainless steel or aluminum pans that have a degree of flexibility, ceramic pots and pans are extremely rigid. This means ceramic cookware is slightly more likely to break if it’s mishandled or dropped from excessive heights. However, this rigid construction can also be seen as a perk as ceramic is almost impossible to dent or warp.

Some of the Ceramic Cookwares to Buy

Conclusion

We hope these ceramic cookware pros and cons are enough to help you make your decision. Although there are certain cons for using ceramic cookware, the pros are likely to be more significant. Good luck!

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