Finding the perfect cookware isn’t necessarily a piece of cake, as you’ve got to consider a lot of things. It’s important to be sure whether ceramic vs stainless steel cookware will be better for you.
No need to wonder! We’re here to help.
Today, we’ll be guiding you through some of the benefits and drawbacks of both ceramic and stainless steel cookware.
Contents
Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware has gotten popular in the marketplace as a great addition to non-stick cookware. It is environmentally-friendly and offers an assortment of appealing colors. This type of cookware is safer, as it distributes heat evenly.
Keep in mind, it is not as tough as stainless steel, but it still is durable enough.
Kinds of Ceramic Cookware
Basically, ceramic cookware comes in two kinds: pure ceramic cookware and cookware with a ceramic outer layer. The first one is made with baked clay and is more prone to breakage, but it is safe to use and doesn’t involve reactions while cooking.
However, the other form of ceramic cookware is manufactured by ceramic coating the metals. This is rather expensive and not entirely safe, as it is produced by enamel layering a metal.
Benefits of Using Ceramic Cookware
Let’s peek at some of the advantages of using ceramic cookware in making tasty dishes.
Non-stick
Isn’t it frustrating when your regular cookware betrays you and your food ends up sticking to it? Well, we’ve got a solution for this problem: non-stick ceramic cookware. The ceramic material provides non-stick properties that save you from harmful coatings like Teflon.
In short, if you are looking for non-stick cookware, then ceramic cookware is one of the best options for you.
Easy to clean
Ceramic cookware has non-stick properties, which means food doesn’t stick to it and it is easier to clean. It does not require any hard scrubbing in order to remove grease or residue. Also, some of these are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning even easier.
Even heat distribution
Ceramic cookware offers even heat distribution, which cooks the food uniformly. Besides this, the material will hardly get any hot or cold spots, allowing you to make amazing new dishes.
Toxic free
Ceramic cookware is completely toxic-free and made from organic material. That’s why it is considered quite safe. The ceramic material is all-natural and will not release any harmful particles into your food.
However, it has another advantage! The ceramic coating does not contain any dangerous chemicals like lead or cadmium that may be present in other cookware materials.
Versatile
The versatility of ceramic cookware allows you to use it on a gas stove, barbecue grill, electric stove top, under the boiler, or even in the oven. Ceramic can withstand temperatures as high as 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drawbacks of Using Ceramic Cookware
With advantages come disadvantages too, so here’s a list of some drawbacks of using ceramic cookware. Just know that these flaws can be overcome with extra care.
Shorter lifespan
Ceramic cookware has a shorter lifespan compared to other materials, especially stainless steel. Ceramic is more fragile as well – if it accidentally fell onto the floor, that would probably be the end of your ceramic cookware.
Not suitable for high heat
You should be aware that ceramic cookware is not made for higher heat settings. So, if you are planning to make something that requires high heat, then do not use ceramic utensils for that purpose.
It limits you to cooking some specific foods only which require low-to-medium heat.
Not safe when used with metal utensils
Most of you use metal spoons or metal utensils while cooking. But if you are using ceramic pots and pans, then using metal spoons won’t be a good idea, as these can damage the ceramic coating. We recommend using wooden or nylon utensils instead.
Is it safe to use ceramic cookware?
Ceramic cookware is safe for all types of cooking as long as the temperature is within 700 degrees Fahrenheit. You should take extra care while adjusting heat settings, as this cookware heats up quickly and cooks food efficiently too.
They are not ideal for induction cooking, as they are used mainly in glass top stoves. But you can use an induction interface to make them more prone to induction cooking. However, try not to get your ceramic cookware chipped, as it will not be able to conduct heat evenly once damaged.
Our Recommendation:
Gotham Steel Stackable Ceramic Coating Pots and Pans Set
- SPACE SAVING – This pots and pans set revolutionary new design allows you to easily organize your cabinets & kitchen by stacking and nest the entire cookware set together, saving you 30% more space & freeing up precious cabinet space.
- ULTRA NON-STICK – The nonstick cooking surface is coated 3x, reinforced with ceramic and titanium to deliver the ultimate food release. No oil or butter needed, makes for healthier eating, and provides for hassle free, 1-2-3 cleanup.
- COMPLETE COOKWARE SET – this set includes everything you need to get cooking, right out of the box, including, 8” Fry Pan, 10” Skillet, 2. 75qt Sauce Pan, 3. 5qt Sauce Pan, 5qt Stock Pot, 3 interchangeable lids, a slotted spatula and solid spoon.
- SUPER DURABLE – The coating of the pan is durable enough to withstand metal spatulas, spoons, whisks and more, while the aluminum exterior is dense, nonporous, and highly wear-resistant for long lasting performance
- DISHWASHER SAFE – spend less time with cleanup! After all the cooking and prepping is done, place cookware in the dishwasher for quick and easy cleanup.
Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel cookware has been in fashion for many decades. This incredible cookware is an alloy of nickel, carbon, silicon, chromium, iron,and manganese, all of which make it safer and more durable. The material doesn’t leach harmful substances into your food.
If you handle such cookware carefully and appropriately, then it can be passed down for generations. Besides, stainless steel cookware is made shiny, which will enhance the beauty of your kitchen.
Benefits of Using Stainless Steel Cookware
Let’s look into some of the benefits of using stainless steel cookware.
Highly durable
Stainless steel cookware is insanely durable. With this cookware, you do not have to worry about common issues like rusting or chipping, as it is resistant to these hazards.
However, we’d recommend you look for one with a stainless steel foundation using an aluminum core, as this will provide the best durability and heat conduction.
Easy to clean
It’s not rocket science when it comes to cleaning your stainless steel cookware. Like ceramic cookware, stainless steel utensils are also easy to clean, and most of this cookware is dishwasher safe too. Besides, its smooth non-porous surface makes it easier to clean.
Great cooking ability
Stainless steel cookware is most popular because of its cooking performance. It offers amazing heat absorption and is built so that heat is distributed evenly while cooking your delicious meals.
Low maintenance
This kind of cookware is made for aggressive use, so you do not have to take as much care or worry about its maintenance. Simple regular cleaning will work for it.
You’ll be glad to know that it will not corrode or rust, so use this tough cookware according to your needs.
Not reactive
The material used in the manufacturing of this cookware is non-reactive to food. This makes it safe to use – you will not get any weird taste in your food. You can also cook food items that have a higher acidic level without worrying about toxic chemicals releasing into the food.
Drawbacks of Using Ceramic Cookware
Sticky
Stainless steel cookware lacks the property of being non-stick. This is one of its major drawbacks, as there will be a chance of food sticking to the pot or pan. You’ll need more oil to cook the food so that it does not stick to the bottom.
Poor heat conduction
If you have stainless steel cookware without an aluminum or copper coating, then it will not be able to conduct heat evenly. This poor conduction will affect the quality of the food cooked in it.
Discoloration
If your stainless steel cookware is exposed to high heat for long, then this can easily discolor the exterior of the pot and it can be blackened. Similarly, continuous exposure to salt water can damage the utensil too. And this will give you a tough time in cleaning it.
Is it safe to use stainless steel cookware?
Stainless steel is a very stable metal and does not leach any harmful substances into the food or give any fumes off once you cook. This makes it safe for all applications and also cooks food quickly.
On the other hand, you need to use more oil while cooking to make a temporary non-stick surface. Be sure not to use olive oil, because it becomes carcinogenic at high temperatures.
Our Recommendation:
Cuisinart TPS-10 10 Piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- SET INCLUDES: 1.5 Quart saucepan with glass cover, 2.5 Quart saucepan with glass cover, 3 Quart sauté pan with glass cover and helper handle, 6 Quart stockpot with glass cover, 8" Skillet, 10" Skillet
- COOKING AND CLEANING: Experience professional performance with Tri-Ply stainless steel construction that is always induction ready. The Heat Surround technology ensures that heat is spread evenly throughout the bottom and sides of each cookware piece, eliminating hot spots. Dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless
- DURABLE & SLEEK DESIGN: Each piece designed with durability and a polished stainless steel exterior that will have you cooking your absolute best. The rims of the cookware are tapered for drip-free pouring every time
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: Riveted stainless steel handles, including side grips and helper handles, which are professionally riveted to ensure a lifetime of perfect balance. Handles are contoured for a secure grip and designed to stay cool on the stovetop. The tempered glass covers locks in heat and flavor you can taste
- WARRANTY: Lifetime warranty
Final Thoughts
You can be a successful chef with both ceramic and stainless steel cookware. But if you want either of them, then you need to consider a few things.
Safety comes first. These are both safe cookware to use, as they are made from natural materials.
However, a small scratch on your stainless steel cookware can cause small metal particles to leach into your food. Similarly, coloring and glazing on the ceramic cookware takes places with harmful substances like cadmium or lead, so look for one that is not glazed.
Secondly, as far as the question of durability, stainless steel cookware is more durable and tougher than the ceramic one. It also lasts longer and can take more abuse than ceramic cookware.
Stainless steel cookware will tend to cost you way more than ceramic. But at the end of the day, they both have incredible features at the best price.
Ceramic and stainless steel cookware are each unique in their own way. Fortunately, they are both safe, which is our top priority when shopping for cookware. You can also get a set of both in your home and feel free to cook or bake whatever you want to, whenever you want!
