Is Ceramic Good To Cook With?

The world of ceramic dishes can be daunting to some chefs. There are many pros that come from cooking with ceramic, such as a more even temperature and a non-stick surface. Ceramic cookware is celebrated because it is non-toxic, heat-resistant, and visually appealing, but is it truly the most ideal cooking material?

So, What Is Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic cookware has a surface that sets it apart from other finishes, such as stainless steel or cast iron. Ceramic has become pretty popular in the last few years, mostly due to its benefits. There are many qualities that set ceramic cookware apart, ensuring a level of ease in kitchenware that is both aesthetically appealing and attractive.

The biggest positive of ceramic cookware is that it promises even cooking because of its high material conductivity. Ceramic heats evenly, meaning that there are no cold spots (which can occur in cast iron). Because of this natural feature, your food will come out of the oven as you expect it, allowing you to have a great dinner party or a cozy dinner at home.

Ceramic cookware is incredibly versatile, which is also appealing to those new to cooking or who have nervousness when it comes to crafting their own dishes. Because of the glossy finish on ceramic, these dishes are also very attractive and come in a wide variety of colors. With a slick cooking surface, ceramic is very different from traditional non-stick cookware that’s coated with toxic chemicals. Ceramic is the original non-stick surface, naturally free of toxicities you might find in cheap steel cookware.

Pros and Cons of Ceramic

There are both pros and cons of ceramic cookware, and as a savvy consumer, it’s a good idea to stay aware of both. While the pros of ceramic cookware might be pretty similar to regular non-stick, they offer a suite of benefits that can make them particularly appealing. 

The Pros:

1. Non-Stick—Ceramic dishes have a silicon oxide coating that provides a frictionless surface for fish, eggs, and other delicate foods that are prone to sticking. This makes ceramic a solid option for those trying to cook with less fat, such as oil or butter.
2. Easy To Clean—Ceramic dishes have surfaces that enable food to release much easier, meaning much less time is dedicated to scouring or soaking your pan. Most ceramic dishes require nothing more than a gentle scrub with a soapy sponge.
3. Induction-Compatible—Ceramic dishes are great for induction cooktops, and can be used with induction stoves. Ceramic cookware also conducts heat better than many other materials, making these dishes perfect for the grill.

The Cons:

1. Durability—There are plenty of ceramic products that are high-quality and extra durable, but that’s not the case with all ceramic. Some ceramic pans are made with bases that can scratch and warp easily. As with most cookware, do your due diligence to research the product and buy from a trusted, high-quality vendor.
2. Lifespan—Because of the silicon oxide coating, your ceramic cookware does have a limited lifespan. This coating can run out over time, especially after repeated use, and will eventually no longer be non-stick.
3. Delicate Coating—Ceramic coating can be more brittle than stainless steel or cast iron, so you must treat it with more care. Ceramic is susceptible to scratches, and sustained high temperatures can cause your ceramic to break down over time. It’s important to treat your ceramic investments well to ensure they last as long as possible.

The Problems With Non-Ceramic Cookware

Traditional non-stick cookware uses toxic chemicals to achieve the celebrated “non-stick” that it advertises. Cast iron and stainless steel aren’t naturally non-stick, and savvy shoppers shouldn’t have to sacrifice toxicity for convenience.

You might have heard of the non-stick material Teflon. This is a synthetic chemical known as PTFE, and it is often used to coat many products including cookware because of its frictionless qualities. Teflon uses a material called PFOA or perfluorooctanoic acid, which has been linked to many health conditions such as cancer. PFAS, another synthetic chemical, can cause similar health issues and are carcinogenic. 

Cooking with pots and pans infused with this “non-stick” material runs the risk of accidentally ingesting it. When the coating scratches or flakes, it can enter your food and be consumed by your family. Also, Teflon starts to break down when heated to temperatures of about 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which releases its toxic chemicals into the air. 

The Safety of Ceramic

Ceramic cookware is safe to use because it’s naturally non-stick and doesn’t require any toxic chemicals in its production. This cookware is 100% non-toxic and made from natural ingredients, free of PTFE, PFAS, and PFOA. Other cheap non-stick cookware can also be made with lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals, especially if they are produced out of the country. Ceramic ensures that your cooking is healthy in more ways than one!

Your family deserves healthy food, and it can be disheartening to learn that even when you buy the best ingredients, your actual cookware can be part of the problem. By using naturally non-stick ceramic, you can also avoid using excess oil or butter to prevent sticking. Ceramics allow you to enjoy the qualities of your food without adding additional unhealthy ingredients to your food or worrying about the transference of toxic chemicals.

Making The Ceramic Switch

As mentioned above, ceramic is safer than most other available cookware because of its non-toxic nature. If you have the option to avoid consuming toxic chemicals, it’s a good idea to take it—you don’t want to be feeding yourself or your family incidental toxins that can cause harmful side effects down the line. Even if these chemicals enter your body in infinitesimal amounts, they can build up over time and result in health issues.

Switching to ceramic is beneficial for a few reasons. Building up a ceramic collection looks appealing, and aside from its health benefits ceramic cookware can be an overall benefit to your kitchen atmosphere. Ceramic cookware is also of much higher quality than traditional non-stick cookware; the average ceramic dish is more durable, not to mention more artful when placed on a kitchen counter or dining room table.

Beyond the presence of toxic chemicals, traditional non-stick cookware has its own share of issues. While advertised as non-stick, food can still end up sticking, and the cookware itself can chip and flake into your food. This hampers the non-stick properties, plus many of these synthetic non-stick pans cannot be safely washed in a dishwasher. Because they require additional scrubbing and hand cleaning, they noticeably break down over time. This creates a brutal cycle where you are damaging your cookware just by cleaning it, destroying the longevity of the dish while also making it less safe to use in everyday cooking.

Ceramic Is The Way

If you’re ready to begin your ceramic journey and amass a beautiful collection of safe and appealing cookware, our products are the best way to start. Easylife Tech ceramic grills, dishes, and grill tiles aren’t just a better, more economical investment, but shopping for them is made easier with an innovative storefront that provides you with all the information you need as a savvy consumer.

All of these products are made from natural, beautiful ceramic and ensure easy cooking, clean-up, and presentation. Ceramic cookware provides the slick, frictionless surface you know and love, preventing damage to both the dishes and the food you cook. They can be cleaned with nothing more than soap and warm water, and even the toughest grease and grime come up with a little soak.

Ceramic cookware doesn’t easily chip, and lasts a long time. The only thing you need to worry about when it comes to damaging your ceramic is storage—don’t incorrectly store or stack your ceramic cookware, and you’ll be surprised how many years it lasts! Organization is key to ensuring the longevity of your cookware, and items such as the Pizza Grill and Flat Top Grill are made to last. 

Ceramic: A Product To Believe In

At Easylife Tech, we offer the highest quality cordierite ceramic products on the market, made for both grilling enthusiasts and casual cooks. Healthy cookware truly matters in the kitchen, and we want you to be proud of your personal cooking and grilling collection. Ceramic cookware isn’t just a kitchen essential—it’s part of a holistic lifestyle of clean eating, living, and being. Whether you’re giving a gift or purchasing cookware for yourself, there’s no better option than ceramic.