If you are wondering whether to go in for ceramic cookware as opposed to nonstick cookware, then you’re in good hands. We had the same exact problem, and our experienced editors have provided some good research here. For starters, you may want to check out the ceramic cookware reviews as well as the non-stick cookware reviews, and then decide which one you want to go for. If you’re looking for a direct comparison, we have you covered!
While there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each of them, you may want to review the rest of the article to find out more about our recommendation.
About Ceramic cookware
- Uses: Ceramic cookware is more of a new entrant, but surprisingly, it has also turned out to be the most popular one given its aesthetics, and the fact that it is supposed to be environmentally friendly as well. It has remarkable non-stick properties so you can use the same pan for making your egg pancakes as well as your crepes, without the batter sticking to the pan. But it is important that you wash the pan cleanly after each use as the ceramic surface might crack if the debris are left on overnight.
- What to watch out for: When using ceramic cookware, it is essential that you wash your pan and remove all traces of any oil or residue. Ceramic has the affinity to bond with any element and that means that the longer you leave the cooking oil and grease on the pan, it would most likely form into a layer which will prevent you from using its non-stick properties effectively. To prolong the lifespan of your ceramic cookware, it is highly recommended that you dry your pots and pans naturally without using a dish dryer.
- Tips: Cleaning the oil and grease gunk is easier said than done, and that’s why you may want to use some white vinegar with soapy water to pre soak your pan in it for a few minutes before washing off. It should help to dissolve the the oil and grease right off the pan, and keep the ceramic coating nice and intact.
About Non-stick cookware
- About: The first thing that you need to know about non-stick cookware is that they come coated with Teflon, a specialized coating invented to keep spacecraft exteriors clean. It is now used in a wide range of industrial and domestic applications, and PFOA-free Teflon is certified for food and beverage usage.
- Use: Teflon coatings are usually rated up to a certain temperature. This essentially means that you can cook with it at optimal temperatures, not exceeding 500C. In simple terms, you do not use your non-stick cookware for baking a cake in your oven or high heat grilling. Always use the non-stick cookware on low or at most, medium heat and not more than that, as it can impact the integrity of your pan over time. Do not preheat your cookware and make sure that you use minimal oil with it.
- What to watch out for: The good news is that non-stick cookware is much more durable than ceramic cookware. However, that being said, all non-stick cookware degrade over time and it is important as to how you use yours. So make a point to check out the various cooking tips with non-stick cookware and always, always clean it after preparing a meal. Do not let the dish sit on the cookware for long as the oil or grease in question can bond with the Teflon surface and this can impact the non-stick properties. Do remember that it is essential that you recycle your cookware at least once a year, as the Teflon, which happens to be toxic can come off in small particulates, after a while.
- Tips: When it comes to cleaning non-stick cookware, remember that you need to be gentle but firm otherwise you are going to scratch the Teflon right out. You can use lemons but a better option would be presoaking the non-stick cookware in soapy water with white vinegar.
Conclusion
You can opt for either one, as both types of cookware match up evenly with some distinct advantages to one or the other. For example, ceramic cookware is slightly less expensive when compared to other forms of non-stick cookware. But Teflon coated cookware happens to be durable, so you need to make an informed decision about what you want and then select the right cookware.
Do remember, that whichever form of cookware you use, it is essential that you do not allow the cooked food to ‘sit’ on it for long as the oil and grease can bond with the pan which can impact its non-stick properties.
We have also written a conclusive guide regarding the differences in cookware material that might help you more. Enjoy!