Ceramic cookware is very popular nowadays due to its sleek designs, and attractive colors. The kitchen people feel irresistible when they see the minimalist shapes and designer colors of the ceramic cookware on the internet, especially on Instagram. It has become an alternative to traditional non-stick cookware.
However, gossiping about the ups and downs of a thing that has gained popularity has also become a tradition. So, we also decided to dive into the debate “Is ceramic cookware safe?” by making you aware of the pros and cons and other relevant information.
So, let’s get into this informative guide which will help you make an informed decision about whether it’s a good choice for your kitchen.
What is Ceramic Cookware?
First, let’s get to know what ceramic cookware is and what its identity is. The cookware that comes with ceramic coating is said to be ceramic cookware, and it’s the basic thing that distinguishes it from other cookware with different finishes.
The ceramic pots and pans have gained immense popularity due to their unparalleled benefits and elegant looks. For example, no matter what is being cooked in the ceramic-coated utensil, the utensil will evenly distribute the heat which helps in even cooking.
In simpler words, the conductivity of ceramic utensils is very high. Due to the high conductivity, the surface is heated evenly and leaves no cold spot.
Should You Buy Ceramic Cookware?
For those who are in a hurry to get the answer, ceramic cookware is safe, so the answer is “YES”. The ceramic cookware is entirely safe to use as there is no Teflon involved in its products. Ceramic furnished the pots and pans with a natural non-stick surface that is free from toxic chemicals.
However, there is an exception. Buying ceramic products from local suppliers doesn’t fall in the “safe category”. So, it is advised to buy ceramic pots and pans from reputable suppliers.
Types of Ceramic Cookware to Avoid
When buying ceramic cookware, avoid having the following types.
- Handmade
Don’t use or buy ceramic cookware that is handmade and has an irregular shape or rough appearance.
- Antique
Antique things look good to the eyes due to their captivating nature. However, using antique ceramic as cookware is not recommended.
- Damaged
Don’t use damaged or excessively used ceramic pots or pans.
- Unreliable Vendors
Avoid buying from unreliable manufacturers and vendors, especially from the flea market or street vendors. Flea markets and street vendors usually sell products that look good but get damaged in one or two cycles.
- Harmful Coatings
Some ceramic products come with high concentrations of lead or cadmium, which are very harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Pros of Ceramic Cookware
- Non-Stick Coating: The coating in the pots and pans made of ceramic is very similar to non-stick cookware. It gives a frictionless surface for cooking and is a good choice for cooking with less fat.
- Non-Toxic Material: Ceramic cookware is made from natural materials like clay and water. Use of the natural materials makes it a top choice among homeowners. The absence of non-toxic materials such as PFOA and PTFE makes it a safer choice.
- Even Heat Distribution: Another benefit of ceramic cookware is the even heat distribution to all parts of the utensil. The evenly distributed heat distribution prevents the hot spots and allows the food to cook evenly. This feature helps in achieving better cooking results.
- Versatility: One more reason to choose ceramic cookware over the others is its versatility. This cookware is compatible with all cooking methods such as stovetop, oven, and microwave. Good quality ceramic cookware can withstand high temperatures.
- Easy to Clean: Easy cleaning is one of the many perks ceramic cookware offers. Most ceramic-made cookware is dishwasher safe. Moreover, cleaning with detergent and water is also easy.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The vast variety of colors available for ceramic cookware makes it the topmost choice among kitchen people. The variety of colors gives the cookware an aesthetically pleasing look.
Cons of Ceramic Cookware
- Prone to Cracks: The ceramic pots and pans are prone to chipping and cracking compared to other materials like cast iron or stainless steel utensils. Avoid exposing ceramic products to sudden temperature changes and impacts.
- Not Completely Non-Stick: While ceramic cookware is advertised as non-stick, it may not be as slick as traditional non-stick coatings.
- Limited Durability: You need to ensure proper care while using ceramic products. Proper care for ceramic products can make them last longer. However, you may witness a degradation in the non-stick properties of the ceramic products.
- Price: Ceramic cookware tends to be more expensive than conventional non-stick cookware.
- Limited Availability: Ceramic cookware is not as easy to find as other alternatives. Moreover, the options for such cookware are also very limited.
Conclusion
One can’t deny the benefits offered by the ceramic cookware. The non-toxicity, evenly heat distribution, and other perks are parallel to none. However, it is essential to take proper care of the ceramic products to increase their lifespan.
As far as the use of ceramic products is concerned, we have mentioned that it is entirely fine under specific conditions.
