Choosing between ceramic vs. stainless steel is a tough decision because both are excellent. If you want durable cookware that will last a lifetime, then 100% ceramic or stainless steel are your best choices. As a rule, both cookware types are non-toxic and will allow you to create delicious meals!
Be aware that when most people talk about ceramic cookware, they are referring to ceramic coated cookware. There are not many brands that make 100% ceramic cookware aside from – Xtrema. On the other hand, if you want 100% ceramic bakeware, there are many brands to choose from. Some of the best bakeware brands are 100% ceramic.
- Ceramic Coated Cookware
- 100% Ceramic Cookware (not ceramic coated cookware)
- Xtrema Ceramic Cookware
- Stainless Steel Cookware
- What are the Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware?
- What are Stainless Steel Pans Good For?
- How Can You Tell if a Pan is Stainless Steel?
- What are All Clad Stainless Steel Pans Made From?
- Is it Safe to Boil Water in a Stainless Steel Pan?
- Are Stainless Steel Pans Hard to Clean?
- How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan with Baking Soda (photo guide below)
- Can You Cook Eggs on a Stainless Steel Pan?
- What Should You Look for When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware?
- What is the least toxic cookware?
- In Conclusion
- Related Articles That May Interest You
Ceramic Coated Cookware
When we talk about ceramic vs. stainless steel cookware, we are often referring to ceramic coated cookware. Sol-gel is the process that makes ceramic coated cookware. To create ceramic coated cookware, a chemical process that starts with a solution and ends with a gel-like substance is the brunt of it. This process creates a glassy nonstick surface for cooking on.
More often than not, you will find that a ceramic coated pan is one of the best pans for an omelette.
What are the pros and cons of ceramic-coated cookware?
Pros of ceramic coated cookware
- It is a healthier alternative to Teflon, and it is listed as a great non toxic cookware.
- The ceramic coated cookware provides a non-stick surface.
- Ceramic coated cookware is less expensive than stainless steel. The lower price point is evident because it does not last as long as a stainless steel cookware set.
Cons of ceramic coated cookware
- Ceramic coating will crack over time.
- Frequently the surface will lose its non-stick capabilities between 1-2 years.
- Most ceramic vs. stainless steel cookware is hand wash only.
- ELEGANT YET PRACTICAL – the Gotham Steel hammered collection is beautiful and makes a statement in every kitchen, yet nonstick, lightweight, scratch resistant and dishwasher safe!
- ULTRA NONSTICK – our award winning ceramic and titanium coating ensures the ultimate easy release - everything just slides right off the pan, no need for oil or butter – ever
- COMPLETE COOKWARE SET – this set includes everything you need to outfit your kitchen straight out of the box and includes - 8. 5" fry pan, 10. 25" fry pan with lid, 1. 5QT sauce pan with lid, 2. 5QT sauce pan with lid, 5QT stock pot with lid and a stainless steel steamer
- HEALTHY & NON-TOXIC – the Granite Stone coating is derived from minerals and reinforced with diamonds, making this frying pan free of PFOA, PFOS, lead & cadmium for an, healthy experience
- EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION - solid aluminum core construction ensures even heat distribution all around
How do you clean a ceramic coated pan?
Most ceramic-coated pans will need to be hand-washed. It is advisable to let the ceramic coated pan cool down before immersing it in soapy water. Your pan will last longer if you do not put it in the dishwasher.
Is ceramic coating safer than Teflon?
Yes, most scientific studies have deemed ceramic coating safer than Teflon. One problem with Teflon is that it can flake off over time and end up in your food. The flaking Teflon poses a health risk. Another issue with Teflon is it emits toxic fumes into the air when heated at a high temperature.
Pet birds, including pet parrots like African Greys, should not live in a home that cooks with Teflon.
How long do ceramic coatings last?
Since ceramic coated pans do have the harmful PTFE that Teflon pans have, they do not last as long. A pan with a shorter life span is a small price to pay for your health. If you take good care of your ceramic coated pan, it will last up to 2 years.
100% Ceramic Cookware (not ceramic coated cookware)
Xtrema Ceramic Cookware
- 100% pure ceramic cookware.
- One of kind.
- Healthiest cookware.
- Large variety of cookware and bakeware
To find 100% ceramic cookware is rare. Xtrema is the go-to brand. Ceramic is usually associated with bakeware and not cookware. Unless, of course, you want ceramic coated cookware, which is also non-toxic and a great alternative to 100% ceramic cookware.
This section talks about ceramic cookware made from clay and then hardened in a kiln. As a result, this is a high heat process that produces eco-friendly, safe cookware. Think along the lines of any pottery class that you ever took. If you have ever seen a potter creating a bowl, then you have an idea as to how to make ceramic cookware.
They make 100% ceramic cookware from clay with added minerals. It is pressed into a casting mold and hardened in a kiln. The next step involves polishing the cookware before adding it back into the firing kiln for additional hardening. The process of making 100% ceramic cookware takes about 20-30 days.
Cooking with 100% ceramic cookware will take some adjusting. Your first pancake might not come outright. After some practice and determining the right way to use the cookware, you will be pleasantly surprised.
The Xtrema cookware is great for warming bread in the oven. Since it’s a good insulator, it will retain the heat and keep your bread warm on the table.
View all Xtrema Cookware Products. There is something for every kitchen.
What are the pros and cons of 100% ceramic cookware?
Pros
- 100% ceramic cookware does not flake or peel. So there is no risk of carcinogens getting into your food.
- You can use abrasive cleaning tools without scratching and damaging the cookware. Feel free to use steel wool or comet!
- Easy to clean.
- Non-scratch.
- You can cook, serve, and store the meal in the same pot.
Cons
- The pans are NOT non-stick. You will need to add oil or fat correctly so food doesn’t stick while cooking.
- The 100% ceramic cookware is usually heavy, so if you have problems lifting heavy items, this cookware set is not for you.
- Ceramic vs. stainless steel: The ceramic cookware can break if you drop it.
What is the best brand of 100% ceramic cookware?
How long does 100% ceramic cookware last?
100% ceramic cookware can last a lifetime as long as you don’t drop it.
What is the healthiest ceramic cookware?
By far, the healthiest ceramic cookware is 100% ceramic cookware. Since this is not easy to cook with, people often go with ceramic coated cookware.
Stainless Steel Cookware
When you contemplate ceramic vs. stainless steel cookware, it is best to have both in your kitchen. If you cook a lot of meals at home, then having multiple cookware choices will make your life easier.
Stainless steel is durable, and some consider it the workhorse of the kitchen! People often wonder if stainless steel can go into the oven, and the simple answer is yes.
If you give someone a cookware set as a gift, the stainless steel set will probably last them a lifetime. My mom still has a few stainless steel pots from the ’80s that look like new! The handles on the old stainless steel sets might look different from modern handles, but the cookware still works!
Most of the stainless steel cookware sets have metal handles. The all-metal handles make it easy to put the stainless steel cookware into the oven if you want to warm up some food. The older stainless steel cookware sets have hard plastic on the handle. Which means they cannot go into the oven.
Stainless steel cookware is hands down the best cookware you will have in your kitchen. The benefits of using stainless steel cookware are too many to name. One advantage of stainless steel cookware is that you can easily find a set that works well with some top-rated electric cooktops, including induction stovetops.
- 10-piece set includes 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 2-quart and 3-quart covered saucepans, 3-quart covered sauté pan, and 8-quart covered stockpot. Featuring the exceptional All-Clad D3 tri-ply construction for superior heat distribution and retention.
- Fast and Even Heat - D3 tri-ply is fully bonded to the rim for professional performance & durability. The high quality 18/10 stainless steel surface sears to perfection and is ideal to deglaze for pan sauces.
- Design You Will Love - D3 has a professionally polished stainless steel finish. Our classic, double riveted stainless steel handles ensure a secure grip.
- Built to Last - Trusted by generations of chefs and backed by All-Clad's Limited Lifetime Warranty. Our cookware is oven & broiler safe up to 600°F and compatible with any stovetop, including induction. Handwashing is recommended.
- Bonded, Engineered, & Assembled in Canonsburg, PA - USA Since 1971.
What are the Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware?
Pros of stainless steel cookware
- The metal does not leach into the food.
- Versatile: you can even learn how to cook eggs on a stainless steel pan.
- You do not have to worry about a non-stick coating flaking off and harming your health.
- Stainless steel cookware evenly heats food if it has an aluminum or copper base.
- Dishwasher safe.
- This type of cookware can last a lifetime.
Cons of stainless steel cookware
- There is no nonstick surface on the cookware. You must create a temporary non-stick surface by using oil or butter.
- You will have to use elbow grease to get some stuck-on foods out. One easy solution that helps me is the baking soda trick. It is so simple, just sprinkle the pan’s bottom with baking soda, then wipe it with a paper towel. Most times, whatever was stuck will come right off.
- Low heat conduction if your set doesn’t have an extra layer of conductive metal.
What are Stainless Steel Pans Good For?
Another way to word this question is: why use stainless steel cookware?
If undercooked noodles are your problem then starting with a large stainless steel pasta pot will help you achieve the perfect al dente pasta.
Stainless Steel Cookware is what a Chef uses. A chef knows how to properly use a stainless steel pan and not have the ingredient stick to the bottom. This know-how takes practice. Stainless steel pans can handle high heat, unlike ceramic coated pans.
If you are thinking about ceramic vs. stainless steel for high heat cooking, definitely go with stainless steel! It is what all professional Chefs prefer!
Whether you are using a spaghetti pot with strainer or just a saucepan, stainless steel is the way to go.
How Can You Tell if a Pan is Stainless Steel?
One simple way is to buy a trusted brand. Some of the best brands that sell stainless steel pans are Revere Ware (known to last a lifetime), All Clad, Calphalon, and KitchenAid. The “magnet test” that people refer to is not that accurate. So I would skip it, and instead go directly to the manufacturers website to read up on the construction of your stainless steel pan.
What are All Clad Stainless Steel Pans Made From?
The All Clad pans have 3 layers. A stainless steel exterior, a stainless steel interior, and an aluminum inner core.
Is it Safe to Boil Water in a Stainless Steel Pan?
Yes absolutely! Stainless steel does not leach metallic particles into your food or water. If you want to boil water in a kettle there are hammered copper tea kettles, glass kettles, ceramic kettles, stainless steel tea kettles and more.
Are Stainless Steel Pans Hard to Clean?
Stainless steel pans are not hard to clean if you have the right tools. Baking soda and a scrubby sponge will clean any grease or hardened food right off.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Pan with Baking Soda (photo guide below)
- Rinse the pan with water, and dump the water out.
- Sprinkle the pan with baking soda.
- Wipe with a sponge, paper towel, or rag.
- Lastly, take a regular kitchen sponge and clean it with soap and water.
How to easily clean a stainless steel pan with baking soda!
Can You Cook Eggs on a Stainless Steel Pan?
The simple answer is yes! If you are contemplating ceramic vs. stainless steel cookware for eggs, then ceramic cookware will be more comfortable. Being that ceramic cookware has a non-stick surface.
With that said, once you have a tiny bit of practice, you can quickly cook scrambled eggs on a stainless steel pan. The trick is to add a fat layer and get the stainless steel pan hot enough before adding the egg. However, if you want to make your life easier just purchase an omelet pan.
What Should You Look for When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware?
Look for a stainless steel cookware set that has layers of conductive metal on the bottom. The conductive layers create an even heat distribution. This even distribution of heat will allow your meals to turn out better with less of a headache.
What is the least toxic cookware?
Ceramic vs. stainless steel: which one wins the competition for the least toxic cookware? Stainless steel wins the battle for the least toxic cookware. Just do not get deep pits and cuts in your pan. If you do get deep scratches, then there is a possibility of heavy metals leaching into the food. As long as you take care of your stainless steel cookware and do not use knives on it, you should be good.
In Conclusion
When deciding between ceramic vs stainless steel cookware the best idea is to have both. A variety of cookware will allow you to tailor each meal and food ingredient to the easiest cooking vessel. If you looking for a housewarming gift then a good quality stainless steel cookware set will last a lifetime!
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