‘Is Ceramic Non-Stick?’ And Other Cookware Questions, Answered

There is an abundance of cookware on the market that offers us many different options when it comes to how we prepare our food. Some types of cookware may seem more beneficial than others, but they all have advantages and disadvantages that consumers should know about.

Non-stick cookware is by far the most popular choice, and with a good reason. These skillets, pots, and pans allow you to prepare all types of food with less oil, and the food doesn’t stick to the pan as a result. These pans have revolutionized the way that many of us cook because we no longer have to saturate our meats or vegetables with oil or shortening to prevent them from sticking. A simple layer of cooking spray usually does the trick.

The Top Questions About Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware

Ceramic non-stick cookware may be popular, but there are plenty of consumers out there who have questions about this innovative type of cookware.

Is Ceramic Non-Stick? How Do Ceramic Non-Stick Pans Work?

Non-stick ceramic pans are the latest addition to modern cookware and many people have questions about them. The pans are meant to be eco-friendly, with non-stick coating made from ceramic.

Many people feel that they are a great improvement over traditional non-stick cookware. That is because these pans are made without the addition of perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. PFOA has recently been discovered as a potentially toxic chemical and it is has been widely used in all types of non-stick cookware, including those made with Teflon.

The new ceramic non-stick pans use nanotechnology that is meant to be stable even when exposed to high heat. It is also resistant to flaking, which is another common issue with many non-stick pans.

Can Teflon Actually Harm Birds?

It may seem like a strange question, but if you have paid attention to any of the news surrounding Teflon and PFOA, then you may have heard that the fumes emitted from Teflon products after they are exposed to high heat could be poisonous to birds.

Birds are more sensitive to fumes than other mammals. The fumes from PFOA, which may not bother humans at all, could adversely affect them. While we have no way of knowing about the birds that are outdoors, pet birds that are kept in cages nearby the kitchen have been known to become ill when Teflon pans overheat. So, based on that information, Teflon fumes can be harmful to birds.

Is Ceramic Cookware Safe to Use?

Ceramic cookware has made a name for itself because it is safer to use than non-stick cookware made from Teflon. But many people wonder just how safe ceramic is as well. Ceramic cookware has a glazed finish that is shiny and smooth. The glaze helps prevent moisture from entering into the very porous cookware. There are some glazes that could include lead and cadmium, two chemicals that are extremely toxic if taken into the body through cooking food. Over time, the lead deposits may build up and can cause lead poisoning. Be sure to look for a ceramic cookware set that says it is free of lead and cadmium just to be safe.

Which Ceramic Frying Pan is the Best?

There are so many ceramic frying pans on the market that it can be difficult to choose just one that is better than all the rest. However, the new two-toned ceramic pans that are new for 2018 have proven to be strong, durable and efficient. One of the best ceramic pans in this category is the Ozeri Stone Frying Pan.

Do You Need to Pre-Treat Ceramic Non-stick Cookware?

It is not necessary to pre-treat your ceramic non-stick cookware. The only time you need to do any type of maintenance is when you have to season the cookware every few months. Aside from that, you can use your ceramic cookware as often as you use your other pots and pans.

Which is Better for Cooking, Teflon or Ceramic?

Ceramic coated pans are considered better for your overall health. The pans are baked in a kiln and glazed with a strong stain-resistant coating. Cookware that is made from Teflon contains harmful chemicals such as PTFE, which was used to keep food from sticking. PTFE was discovered to cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea and headaches. Teflon may be good at cooking foods that are likely to stick to the pan, but the health risk makes ceramic the obvious choice.

Do Ceramic Pans Need to be Seasoned Like Cast Iron?

Yes, you will need to season ceramic pans occasionally. To season a ceramic non-stick pan, you will need to use a tablespoon of cooking oil. Rub the oil into the surface of the pan using a soft paper towel. Then place the pan on the stove and allow it to simmer over medium heat for about two or three minutes. Take the pan off the stove and allow it to cool. Hand-wash the pan with warm soapy water and rinse. The cookware is now ready to use once again. It is recommended that you season your ceramic pans every few months prior to using them.

What Temperature Causes Teflon to Emit Harmful Fumes?

DuPont, the manufacturer of Teflon products has acknowledged that heating Teflon to temperatures beyond 464 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful to birds. However, they have stated that the fumes are not harmful to humans or other mammals, plus most users do not heat their pans up to that temperature when cooking.

What Other Benefits Are There to Using Ceramic Non-Stick Pans?

Ceramic Non-stick pans can be very convenient to use. They are great for sautéing or when you are cooking with low to medium heat, but you shouldn’t let them get too hot. Since they are non-stick, the ceramic pans are also very easy to clean. You can also cook practically any type of food in them.

Is There A Way to Re-Surface Ceramic Pans?

There isn’t any way to resurface ceramic pans once they are damaged. Most sprays that are on the market which claim to resurface these pans are not food-safe and shouldn’t be used with your cookware. If you happen to digest the chemicals found in the sprays, it could cause serious damage to your health. If you have a pan that needs to be resurfaced, it is safer to replace it with a new pan. The good news is that ceramic non-stick pans are often very affordable.

What is the Best Type of Cookware to Use for Even Cooking?

If you want even heat distribution with no hot spots and excellent cooking results, the cooking professionals will tell you that stainless steel cookware is your best option.

Which is the Best Ceramic Non-stick Pan?

With the introduction of ceramic non-stick cookware, there have been several different types of ceramic frying pans released in recent years. If you are looking for a quality ceramic cookware set, here are a few great options to consider.

The Cuisinart Elements Ceramic Cookware Set is dishwasher-safe and free of PFTE/PFOA chemicals. All pieces are safe to use in the oven at up to 350 degrees. These pots and pans can be used on all stovetops including gas, electric, halogen, and ceramic. However, they shouldn’t be used with an induction cooktop.  

This set is made from solid ceramic material and weigh an average of two lbs. per piece.

This set includes:

• 1.5-quart saucepan with lid
• 2.5-quart saucepan with lid
• 3-quart saucepan with helper handle and lid
• 8-quart stockpot with lid
• 8-inch skillet
• 10-inch skillet

The Greenpan 12pc. Rio Ceramic Non-stick Cookware Set is dishwasher-safe and contains Thermalon coating that is PFOA-free, lead-free and cadmium-free. Since the handles are made from plastic material, this set is not safe to use in the oven. The average weight of each piece is 1.4lbs. and the cookware can be used on all stovetops except induction stovetops. This set is made in China and is ceramic coated with an aluminum body.

This set incudes

• 1-quart covered saucepan
• 2-quart covered saucepan
• 3-quart covered saucepan
• 5-quart covered casserole
• 9.5-inch covered sauté pan
• 8-inch frying pan
• 9.5-inch frying pan
• 12-inch covered frying pan and steamer insert

Would You Switch to a Ceramic Cookware Set?

While they are still fairly new to the industry, ceramic cookware sets do have one thing going for them and that is the fact that they are considered much safer than any non-stick cookware containing Teflon.

If you are curious about how well they work, you can always purchase a single frying pan to see how well they cook without the food sticking. These pans are relatively inexpensive, so you wouldn’t be losing too much if you end up not liking the way that they perform. Overall, ceramic non-stick cookware seems to be a good option for those who want a little versatility with their cookware.