Ceramic Cookware, Eco-Friendly Cookware for You and Your Family
If you’ve made the choice to change up your kitchen’s cookware, chances are you’ve come across ceramic cookware. Ceramic cookware offers the benefits of some cookware options without the dangers present in some others. In this article we are going to be covering the specifics of ceramic cookware as a healthy eco-friendly option to retrofit your kitchen.
We’ll first take a closer look at what ceramic cookware is and how it’s made. After that, we’ll take a closer look at the affordability, cooking efficiency, convenience, health benefits and impacts and durability of ceramic cookware. Afterward we’ll highlight a quality brand that offers high-quality ceramic cookware.
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What is Ceramic Cookware and How its Made
Most often, ceramic cookware is constructed of a base material – aluminum is used commonly – onto which a ceramic coating is cured. This process is completed in steps and takes some time to adhere the coating to the base material. Once the ceramic coating is applied to the base material the cookware pieces are cured in an oven at a very high heat. This curing process bonds the ceramic coating to the base material and the resulting product is the ceramic cookware.
The simplicity of the process often requires less emissions of both greenhouse gases and toxic fumes than other cookware types during manufacturing. In this way, ceramic cookware is safer both for people – near factories where it is produced as well as in the kitchen – and the environment.
Advances in the curing process as well as more sophisticated coatings are constantly being researched and developed. In light of these advances, ceramic cookware is likely to continue improving upon its already excellent foundation as time goes by.
Affordability
Ceramic cookware is one of the most affordable cookware options available. Despite the lower average cost of ceramic, the quality and benefits are not diminished. The lower average starting cost of ceramic make it a great choice for retrofitting your entire kitchen at once.
Depending on the brand you choose, there are often various ‘sets’ offered that have different characteristics and craftsmanship. Depending on the ceramic set that interested you the cost can become higher. Despite this, most ceramic cookware sets average less than those made of cast iron or stainless steel.
Cooking Efficiency
Most ceramic cookware consists of an aluminum core that is coated with a silica based compound and then ‘cured’ with high heat until a slick and appealing finish is created. Due to the construction process, some ceramic cookware can have ‘hotspots’ which can lead to unevenly cooked food. In light of this, it is best to choose a brand that makes high quality ceramic cookware to avoid cooking with uneven heat distribution.
Ceramic cookware is easy to clean due to the slickness of the coating. The cooking efficiency can be reduced if the coating is chipped or scuffed so care is needed when using and washing. Additionally, after long term use a thin layer of food may develop on the bottom of the cookware which can lead to food sticking.
Convenience
Ceramic cookware has several benefits over other types of cookware such as cast iron, stainless steel, and non-stick. Additionally, using ceramic cookware is just as simple as any other type of cookware. Ceramic is lightweight like stainless steel while boasting slickness similar to that of cast iron and traditional non-stick cookware. Food is unlikely to stick to the ceramic coating especially when using butter or oil and practicing proper maintenance.
Regardless of the set of ceramic cookware you choose there are various sizes of ceramic to fit all cooking needs. Sauce pans, skillets, and dutch ovens are often available in various sizes so you can customize your kitchen to your cooking needs.
For added convenience, most ceramic cookware pieces come with hanging holes in the handles of the cookware for easy storage.
Your Health and the Health of the Environment
The ceramic coating doesn’t require dangerous chemicals to create or cure to the cookware. Unlike stainless steel and traditional non-stick, quality ceramic cookware does not leach toxic chemicals into foods while cooking with ceramic. Depending on the grade of the metal, stainless steel can leach the element nickel – a known human carcinogen – into your foods; similarly, some traditional nonstick cookware has been shown to release toxic fluorine compounds.
Due to the lack of toxic chemicals required to create ceramic cookware, the pieces do not leach toxic compounds once discarded. Depending on how the disposal of cookware occurs, the pieces can end up in landfills or in other ecological sites such as lakes or rivers. If the cookware was created with toxic chemical compounds, these chemicals can end up leaching into the environment in which it is discarded.
Durability
Ceramic cookware is one of the more fragile cookware options. Due to the brittle nature of ceramic, care should be exercised while using ceramic. Metal utensils should be avoided in favor of bamboo or silicone coated ones. If metal is to be used, do so with as gently as possible to avoid damaging the coating. Another consideration is to avoid setting metal pans, eating, or cooking utensils in your ceramic cookware while in storage or in the sink.
Occasionally, a layer of carbonized food material will form on the cooking surface of ceramic cookware, this is normal from repeated use. This layer causes a few issues, most importantly, the layer will reduce the stickiness of the cookware and foods can become stuck to the surface. Second, the carbon layer adds a slightly unattractive haze to the pan which soils the sheen of the ceramic coating.
To remove the carbon layer simply pour a bit of salt into the cookware and buff the surfaces of the cookware that have carbon on them with a paper towel or a kitchen cloth. Once the layer is removed, rinse or wash the cookware and it is ready to use.
Ceramic Cookware, Overview and Brands
All things considered, ceramic cookware is an excellent option to retrofit your kitchen with. The affordability, slickness without toxic chemicals, and lack of chemical leaching during use and discard make ceramic a unique cookware option that many will come to adore. Lastly, ceramic cookware offers the lightweight usability of stainless steel and non-stick while offering convenience features like handle hanging holes and vented lids.
For those considering ceramic cookware options there are several brands that make quality products at affordable prices. Due to the wealth of options available to consumers, choosing the right set of ceramic cookware will likely come down to personal taste. Luckily, as long as the brand you choose is committed to making quality products, the set selected will still maintain the quality feel and performance.
Despite all of ceramic’s stellar qualities, one must always be aware of the fragile nature of the ceramic coating. If you are prone to using metal utensils or being a bit on the rougher side with your cookware, ceramic is likely not the best fit for you. While minor chips and scratches shouldn’t impact the efficiency of ceramic cookware, it’s best to avoid damage as much as possible.
If ceramic doesn’t sound like the best fit for your family kitchen, feel free to check out our reviews for ceramic alternatives like stainless steel or the age old cast iron cookware.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits and drawbacks of ceramic, let’s delve into a few ceramic cookware brands we trust and recommend to make quality cookware.
GreenPan Ceramic Cookware, Quality Without Compromise
GreenPan ceramic cookware is made using mostly natural products, a form of sand in this case, that don’t include toxic chemicals such as you find in some non-stick cookware. Each GreenPan product features an aluminum core on which a ceramic coating is applied or cured. Additionally, GreenPan’s ceramic coating has small diamonds incorporated in it for increased durability and cooking efficiency.
According to GreenPan, their curing process emits roughly 60% less carbon dioxide than do traditional non-stick curing processes. This means GreenPan has actively taken steps to create eco-friendly ceramic cookware created using sustainable practices. As we’ve discussed in previous articles, products designed to be safer for the environment are also safer for you and your family.
GreenPan Ceramic Top Picks
12 Inch Lima Skillet, Lid Included
Pros
- Generous size can accommodate large meals
- Stylish and sleek for an affordable price
- Included lid is convenient for various cooking tasks
Cons
- Can be difficult to fit in cabinets due to size
Pros
- Set includes essential cookware for most meals
- Includes ceramic-safe cooking utensils
Cons
- Some cookware pieces don’t come with lids
- A larger saucepan might be needed to accommodate some meals
10 Piece SmartSear Hard Anodized Cookware Set
Pros
- Claimed metal utensil safe
- Very generous sizing to the included cookware pieces
- Cookware pots are stackable
Cons
- Neither skillet has an included lid
- No utensils are included in the set
- One of the more expensive sets offered by GreenPan
Cooking Healthier and Happier with Ceramic
Ceramic cookware is an excellent option to choose for retrofitting your kitchen cookware setup. The added health benefits to you as well as the environment make ceramic cookware a welcome addition to any kitchen. As time moves on, expect to see even more ingenious coatings and features that will make ceramic all the more enjoyable to cook your meals with.