You’ve probably heard of the term “ceramic cookware” by now (and if you haven’t, you’ll know all about it by the end of this post). Is it a type of stoneware? Is it part metal? What exactly is it?
The term “ceramic cookware” can be used to describe two entirely different things: pure ceramic cookware and ceramic-coated cookware.
Ceramic-coated cookware, not to be confused with pure ceramic cookware (read more about the difference between the two here) is essentially metal cookware (usually aluminum) with a mineral-based coating applied on top that is made from a mixture of silica (a component of sand), oxygen and other reinforcing agents. This coating resembles a ceramic-like texture, thus its name. Because it is mineral-based, it is known to be a cleaner, natural substitute to the more common PTFE non-stick cookware that is chemical-based.
Essentially, ceramic-coated cookware boasts all the non-stick benefits of a traditional PTFE-coated non-stick pan, minus the nasties. The manufacturing process of this sol-gel ceramic coating is also more environmentally-friendly, which makes ceramic-coated cookware our favourite kind of non-stick cookware here at Good Maison.
Ceramic coatings do not release toxic fumes but can start to deteriorate when heated beyond 450°C (which proves it to be much safer than PTFE). Here at Good Maison, we recommend avoiding cooking with high flames and pre-heating an empty pan to get the longest use out of your ceramic-coated cookware.
Benefits:
It is non-stick
One of the most common complaints about stainless steel is that it can’t be used on medium and high heat—but ceramic coating prevents damage from direct contact with heat. Your ceramic-coated cookware will be able to go from stovetop to oven with ease, and you’ll never have to worry about your meal sticking.
Even heating
While traditional cookware is made up of materials that conduct heat in random ways, ceramic-coated cookware distributes heat evenly across its surface. That means food heats quickly and evenly every time you use it. This is especially important when cooking meat or eggs since these foods can easily dry out or become overcooked when exposed to too much heat for too long. With ceramic coating on your pots and pans, you never have to worry about uneven heating again.
Ease of cleaning
No matter how durable a pan or pot is, if it’s difficult to clean, you’re going to hate cooking in it. Ceramic coatings can be nonstick and easy to clean—so much so that they’re a big part of a trend in green cookware that claims you can cook with little or no fat.
Safe from toxic elements that are present in other common non-stick cookware
Ceramic cookware is manufactured using inorganic materials that are free from toxic elements. Hence, food cooked in ceramic nonstick cookware is free from pollutants that are typically found in pots and pans used to cook food at home. Such toxic elements include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFOA/Teflon (perfluorooctanoic acid), both of which are known to cause cancer.
No Metallic Taste
There are many benefits to ceramic-coated cookware, but one favourite reason is that it doesn’t leach metallic tastes into your food. In fact, these pots and pans can produce better tasting dishes than normal aluminum or stainless steel cookware. The reason for this is simple: most foods absorb flavor from their containers over time—which means if you use an uncoated aluminum pot or pan, your dish will taste like metal.
Can come in all sorts of colours
Many people think that only pans with Teflon coating come in a range of colours. They’re wrong. Many ceramic-coated cookware products also come in all sorts of eye-catching hues that can be coordinated with your kitchen décor easily. You can even mix and match different colours to achieve an aesthetic that speaks volumes about your sense of style!
Like all non-stick cookware, ceramic-coated cookware has a limited useful life (usually 2-3 years) and will never be as durable as stainless steel or regular, uncoated cast iron due to the natural wear and tear on the coating which will eventually fade with use. However, you can extend its lifespan by properly caring for your ceramic-coated cookware.
Make sure to gently hand wash your ceramic-coated cookware with non-abrasive sponges and use only wooden/silicone utensils (i.e. no metal utensils) when cooking.
Benefits:
When you think about all that stainless steel cookware has to offer, it’s no wonder so many cooks reach for it first. But there are plenty of advantages to consider when buying ceramic-coated cookware as well. Once you’ve experienced its versatility and durability, we think you’ll agree that ceramic-coated cookware is not only good for your food but good for your loved ones as well.
Learn more about how to properly maintain your ceramic-coated cookware here.