Ceramic Cookware – Pros and Cons

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Pros and Cons of Ceramic Cookware

Have you ever walked into a store with the purpose of buying new cookware, only to look at the selection and have absolutely no idea where to begin?

Or, have you walked in, spotted cookware and grabbed it immediately, not even paying attention to what type it was or what it should be used for?

Either way, you may need a bit of guidance when it comes to cookware selection, and knowing the pros and cons of ceramic cookware is a good place to start.

We’ll explain to you the basic of ceramic cookware, then go over three highly-rated sets on Amazon.

 

What is Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic cookware includes pots and pans that are made using ceramic.

Often, the ceramic is part of the coating, and the pieces themselves have some aluminum in the makeup, which is what makes them durable and sturdy.

This type of cookware is available in stores as well on online.

 According to SheKnows, ceramic cookware is possibly the most versatile type of cookware that you can buy.(1)

You’ll likely need other types of cookware in your kitchen, too, especially if you do a lot of high-heat cooking, like searing.

 

Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?

Ceramic cookware is safe in many ways.

It’s oven-safe: it’s able to withstand the heat that would otherwise melt stainless steel.

However, you shouldn’t put ceramic cookware in ovens over 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should always check with the manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Additionally, ceramic cookware is microwave-safe, unlike metal cookware.

Plus, it can be used for safe food storage, whether you want to put your food in the refrigerator or freezer.

Some sets even come with plastic topics that can be used both during cooking and for storage.

The toxicity of non-stick coating has been an issue for a long time, but ceramic cookware has fixed this problem.

In the past, Teflon was used for the non-stick coating, but with advancements in technology, there have been safe alternatives to Teflon.

Ceramic cookware has edged Teflon out of the market, making it a much safer, non-toxic option. Both types of cookware have issues with long-term durability, but ceramic cookware is inarguably much more safe than Teflon.

Ultimately, even though ceramic cookware is still safe even if you overheat the pots or pans, it’s intended for low- to medium-heat.

Repeatedly overheating the cookware can damage the coating, and if you damage the coating too much, you won’t be able to kick up the heat when you truly need to cook in a hurry.

If you need to cook with high heat often, swap out your ceramic cookware for a stainless steel pan instead, with can withstand higher heat.

While ceramic cookware isn’t dangerous at high heat, it won’t last long if you continue to misuse it.

3 Ceramic Cooking Sets to Consider

GreenLife Soft Grip 16-Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set in Black

This set includes a four-inch miniature frypan, a seven-inch open frypan, a nine-and-a-half-inch open frypan, a one-quart covered sauce pan, a two-quart covered saucepan, a five-quart covered stockpot, a two-and-a-half quart covered saute pan, a seven-inch stainless steel steamer, and four utensils.

Pros

  • This ceramic cookware set from GreenLife is made on non-stick ceramic that’s PFOA-, PFAS-, lead- and cadmium-free. Note that when natural minerals are used in the non-stick coating of ceramic cookware, it’s often lead-free and cadmium-free.
  • Should you overheat the pan by accident, you can rest assured that toxic fumes won’t be released. It’s very common to overheat a pan, especially when you’re trying to quickly prepare a meal. With Teflon, the chemicals that are released during overheating are toxic to both you and the environment; ceramic cookware has fixed this problem.
  • The stay-cool soft grip on these pieces is ergonomic, making it comfortable to use during even meals that require long preparation.
  • This set is oven-safe and can withstand heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The aluminum reinforcement on this cookware is a fantastic heat conductor, meaning you can use less energy as you cook. Even though ceramic cookware shouldn't be over-heated, you can cook food that needs a lot of heat thanks to the conduction abilities.
  • This cookware is lightweight cookware, making it easier and more comfortable to use.

Cons

  • Some users have said that the kitchen utensils that are included with this set aren’t of very high quality, it's like they might break after a bit of use. It’s important to note that metal utensils shouldn’t be used with ceramic cookware, so the utensils that are included in this set are made from materials that are safe to use.
  • A few customers have also said that it was easy to scratch the surface of the ceramic or to cause blemishes in it. This is a common problem with non-stick ceramic cookware, as it tends to have a short life span. The ceramic coating can wear off after a lot of use, and even with non-stick grease, the pans can become quite sticky. Note that Teflon cookware had the same issue, and the coating would become flaky after repeated use.
  • Ceramic cookware is often lightweight and thin, which some people feel feels flimsy, even though it's easier to handle, especially when you're cooking heavy foods.
  • You may have to replace your ceramic cookware often, especially if you cook a lot. The best way to prolong the life of ceramic cookware is to gently hand wash it, avoiding any scrubbing sponges that could damage the coating.

Our Rating

Quality & Design

Price

Durability

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Farberware Purecook Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set in Aqua

This twelve-piece, dishwasher-safe cookware set includes non-stick skillets, pots and pans with sturdy handles and shatter-resistant glass lids.

 

There’s a five-inch miniature skillet, an eight-and-a-half-inch skillet, a ten-inch skillet, an eleven-and-a-half-inch skillet, a five-quart Dutch oven, and a two-quart saucepan. Also, three nylon cooking utensils are included.

Pros

  • This cookware set is oven-safe for up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • This set comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty should something go wrong with the items.
  • The cookware is durable and sturdy, and will last a long time, especially if cared for properly - refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for care.
  • These pieces are easy to clean without even having to scrub. The reason non-stick ceramic cookware can be easy to clean is because the food doesn’t stick to the pan during cooking – it slides right off, even without using any coating on the pan like butter, oil or non-stick spray.
  • You can cook healthier meals without using any type of cooking grease, even if the food you're using tends to stick to other types of pans.

Cons

  • Some users claim that the non-stick becomes less effective after several weeks of use. However, the Limited Warranty should cover this.
  • While some customers love the range of sizes, others feel that there are too many smaller-sized pieces included in this set. If you often cook large meals, you may want to purchase a set with bigger options.
  • Customers have had difficulty contacting the company or customer service in order to ask about the Lifetime Limited Warranty or other issues with the product.

Our Rating

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Durability

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Neoflam Midas Nine-Piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, Multi-Colored

This nine-piece cookware set includes a 1.7-quart saucepan, a two-and-a-half-quart stockpot, a three-quart low stockpot, and an eleven-inch frying pan.

Pros

  • This ceramic cookware set is best for small spaces and kitchens where you don't have a lot of storage, because it has space-saving features like detachable handles and being able to nest. Make sure to use protectors between the pots and pans to preserve them.
  • The non-stick coating is scratch-resistant and also free of PTFE and PFOA, making it a healthy, non-toxic option.
  • The plastic lids make the cookware usable for food storage purposes as well as cooking. If you need more food storage containers, this set will provide both cookware and storage options, meaning you can save even more space in your kitchen.

Cons

  • Some customers feel that additional handles should be included, especially since they’re expensive to purchase a la carte. The detachable handles are great for storage purposes, but they have to be moved between the pots and pans, which can make it difficult while cooking with more than one piece.
  • While the lids are venting and can be used for the stovetop, they are not oven-safe.
  • There isn’t a lid for each pot and pan. Instead, the lids will only fit some of the medium-sized pieces.

Our Rating

Quality & Design

Price

Durability

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One Last Thought

Being casual with the type of cookware you choose is a bad approach, especially if you love cooking or plan on spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Buying the wrong kind of cookware can end in kitchen disasters, not to mention headaches and extra spending.

By investing in the right type of cookware for your preferences and purposes, you’ll save money in the long run and produce some tasty meals while you’re at it.

Read more: Can a Microwave Explode

References

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/986299/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-buy-cookware