When it comes to buying new cookware, most people opt for the non-stick (Teflon) cookware, copper, stainless steel or the hard anodized aluminum as their first choice. Ceramic skillets and other ceramic cookware, however, are becoming wildly popular – for all the right reasons.
While Teflon and other metal cookware have been around for nearly 100 years, and are highly adulated for their benefits, manufacturers rarely mention the potential risks of cooking with these products. Ceramic cookware is the more modern approach that is rapidly replacing older non-stick skillets.
Did you know that you could be exposing yourself, your family, and even your pets to dangerous chemicals emanating from fumes these types of cookware can release?
Non-stick or Teflon coated skillets contain PFAS, fluorinated chemical compounds that have been found to be “likely carcinogens” by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (APA)
How about ceramic skillets, are they any better?
A true ceramic skillet is made of water, inorganic materials, and minerals from the earth’s crust. Since it doesn’t contain any metals, a ceramic skillet is non-reactive and non-toxic.
Pots and skillets made from ceramic are perhaps the most versatile cookware you can find.
They can withstand levels of heat that would melt stainless steel and can also be used to store food in a freezer. Unlike aluminum, stainless steel, and other metal cookware, ceramic cookware can be used in a microwave.
Ceramic vs Teflon: Choose the best for you
Ceramic and Teflon cookware are very common and offer a wide range of options to choose from. Both products offer affordable options, starting around $20.
The key selling points for a ceramic skillet are the toxin-free and environmentally-friendly properties. If longevity is one your primary concerns, you might want to consider Teflon which can be more durable in some cases.
However, it’s important to know that the way you clean and handle your skillet can have more impact on your skillet’s longevity than the coating itself.
If you own birds, you may want to keep off Teflon cookware at all cost. Teflon contains PTFE nonstick material which when heated emit fumes which are toxic and very sensitive to birds than they are to humans.
7 Reasons you should use a ceramic skillet
When shopping for a non-stick cookware, you want to buy something you can trust. You’ll want to have all the information at hand so as to make an informed buying decision. Here are the 7 reasons why a ceramic skillet can make you cook like a chef.
1. Ceramic skillets are Versatile
Ceramic skillets are versatile. They are usually oven-safe and can as well be used on a traditional burner.
These skillets are designed to go directly from your oven to your refrigerator, then to your freezer without cracking. That is something you can’t do with a bakeware or glass cookware.
What’s more, they are more heat resistant compared to other cookware so they can be used even in very hot ovens.
Plus ceramic cookware can be used in a microwave which makes them very versatile.
2. A ceramic skillet distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking surface
A ceramic skillet delivers a quintessential performance in relation to heat distribution.
Just like in cast-iron pots and pans, heat is evenly distributed throughout the cooking surface. As a result, you will not have to worry about food burning in some areas while other spots remain uncooked.
Though cast iron may offer same even heat distribution, ceramic is more preferred since it doesn’t require periodical seasoning.
3. Ceramic skillets are non-reactive
Ceramic is very unreactive, making it ideal for use in cookware. Since it doesn’t react with anything, it doesn’t affect the taste of your food so you can fully enjoy your scrambled eggs with no additional flavors.
ceramic skillets are also environmental-friendly. They are made from materials naturally found in soil and rocks and are not sourced back to fossil fuels.
4. A ceramic skillet has an attractive appearance
Most people are attracted by the appearance of ceramic cookware.
Just like KitchenAid mixers that come in all sorts of colors, ceramic skillets come in different patterns and colors so you will always find one that matches your kitchen.
One of the things that you’ll like about a ceramic skillet is it’s eye-grabbing appearance.
Most of these skillets feature a glazed or enameled surface and are available in a variety of bright colors. As a result, you get a piece of art that adds aesthetic appeal to your kitchen.
5. A ceramic skillet is durable
Contrary to what most people have been made to believe, ceramic skillets are very durable.
When most people hear the word ceramic, they think of pottery that tends to be weaker and more brittle.
However, ceramic skillets are usually fired up in a kiln, which makes the ceramic stronger, durable, and less prone to damage. Their surfaces are not prone to corroding and does not require any seasoning or polishing.
6. A ceramic skillet is heat resistant
Since ceramics are inorganic compounds, they can withstand high temperatures of over 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
In fact, some of the high-end ceramic cookware such as the Mercola Healthy Chef ceramic cookware can withstand temperatures as high as 2700 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, PTFE (Teflon) cookware can easily get damaged if used consistently in temperatures of over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. A ceramic skillet is easy to clean
Ceramic is highly unreactive, which makes it ideal for use in cookware. And since ceramic does not react with any chemicals, it makes it very easy to clean as food does not stick to the sides of the skillet.
The enameled finish also prevents food from sticking to the sides so you can easily wipe away any residue.
And even if some traces of food are baked onto the surface, you can use a scouring powder to scrub it off without scratching the skillet’s coating.
Also, the non-stick glaze requires only less oil to cook with. In fact, most chefs claim they cook some food like fish without oil.
Final Thoughts
One of the most important things about ceramic cookware is the non-stick feature. You will be able to cook your favorite meals with little or no oil.
Some food such as pork already contains oils that get extracted when you begin to cook thus helps to lubricate the skillet. Consistently cooking without some of these ingredients can help to improve your appearance as well as loose weight.
Though ceramic coating is the juggernauts in kitchenware products, it is not without some downsides.
For instance, failure to wash oils and butter completely can shorten the lifespan of your skillet.
Also, you must use a non-abrasive material to clean and to cook with.
That being said, ceramic skillets are 100% safe and once you try cooking with them, you’ll realize they have many other benefits over other types of cookware.
Do you own a ceramic skillet? Share your experience with us!
