Pros and Cons of Ceramic Cookware

There are two types of ceramic cookware available in the market. Firstly there is pure ceramic cookware and the other is ceramic-coated cookware. The former one is made using clay and quartz sand and the latter one is made from natural sand-derived silicon through a process known as sol-gel. The slick, glossy texture and appearance coating make it a ceramic coated cookware. The best advantage of ceramic-coated cookware is that they are free from PFOA, PFAS, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. The other most significant advantage is that they don't release any harmful fumes if ceramic cookware is overheated.

The market is flooded with good quality ceramic coated cookware. In this post, we will highlight the pros and cons of ceramic cookware. Read the article thoroughly so that you can decide if ceramic cookware is right for your kitchen.

The Pros of Ceramic Cookware

First, let’s get to what’s best in them. So, here are the benefits that ceramic cookware offers.

1. Non-toxic: Ceramic cookware is often labelled and marketed as a safer and environmental-friendly alternative to Teflon-coated non-stick pans and pots (though Teflon coated ones aren’t any harmful either). They are made using natural sand and don’t contain lead, cadmium, or other potentially dangerous substances. 

2. Eco-friendly: The process used in the construction of ceramic coated cookware is purely environment friendly. They release 70 percent less carbon dioxide as compared to traditional non-stick coated cookware. Hence, in the list of pros and cons of ceramic cookware, this is a significant advantage they offer. 

3. Easy for Delicate Cooking: Ceramic coated cookware comes with a non sticky surface. Hence, the chances of food burning and stickiness in ceramic coated cookware are very less. This cookware is ideal for cooking or flipping pancakes or sautéing vegetables or any delicate food that easily clings to the surface of the cookware. Plus, cleaning this type of cookware is a breeze. For clean-up, you just need a soft cloth and soapy water. Whoa!

3. No Learning Curve: Each cookware comes with a learning curve. But the ceramic coated cookware is suitable for beginners or for those who rarely visit the kitchen for cooking purposes. A consumer without having knowledge of advanced skills or cooking techniques can use ceramic coated cookware. 

4. Healthy Cooking: Due to the non stick surface, ceramic cookware uses less fat for cooking. So, they give a better option for healthy cooking. 

5. Inexpensive: This is another most significant advantage of ceramic cookware. In contrast, other cookware like stainless steel is pricey. However, the price could vary according to the brand. 

6. Color: The color choices are very vast in ceramic cookware giving you the freedom to choose according to your kitchen design. The lovely lavender, blue, burgundy, soft pink, yellow are the famous and most popular color choices.

7. Heat Retention Skills: Ceramic cookware possesses good heat conductivity and can tolerate high heat without releasing toxic fumes. Every type of ceramic cookware can handle heat up to 842°F. 

On a side note: Ensure you check the manufacturer’s guidelines because each pan has a different heat tolerance capability. It is recommended to use ceramic coated pans and pots at medium to high heat.

8. Non-Reactive to Acidic Foods: This is another best feature of ceramic pans. This type of cookware is non-reactive with acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar.

Hence, you can cook any ingredient in ceramic pans without fear of losing taste or chemical leaches.

The Cons of Ceramic Cookware

1. Short Life of Non Stick Layer: Unlike Teflon cookware, ceramic cookware can easily lose its non stick surface. Through proper use, care, and cleaning, you can slow down the deterioration of your pan’s non-stick abilities. To limit the diminished rate of coating, you can apply various ways in your cooking style such as avoiding overheating ceramic pans, always using wooden or silicone spatula, and always washing them by hand. The dishwasher can also fasten the deterioration of non stick surfaces.

2. Durability: This is another main disadvantage of ceramic cookware. Unlike, some other cookware, such as stainless steel, ceramic cookware is not forever cookware. They are not long lasting. As its surface is not made using organic elements, hence it will break down over time. And if its exterior layer starts to chip, you have no other option than to replace it.

3. Expensive: They are not as affordable as our traditional non stick cookware. You need to pay more for buying ceramic coated pans and pots. However, they are cheaper than stainless steel cookware. 

4. Inconsistent Cooking Performance: Ceramic coating is made using Nanoparticles, which are not good to distribute precise and consistent heat.

Final Verdict

All the advantages offered by ceramic coated cookware are also present in non stick pans and pots. However, the top most benefit of ceramic cookware is that it’s safer and better for the environment than our traditional Teflon non-stick cookware. But it has several downsides too. If you want to have ceramic coated cookware in your kitchen, buy it from top brand and follow all the manufacturer's guidelines.