It might be difficult to navigate the non-toxic cookware market. Many people are aware that harmful chemicals called PFAS, which are used to make standard non-stick cookware like Teflon, are used in their manufacture, but it is not always obvious what to use in their place.
Ceramic-coated cookware has grown in popularity as a user-friendly alternative to traditional non-stick cookware as manufacturers have begun to abandon it. The question, “Is ceramic cookware safe? “doesn’t actually have a simple yes or no response. The correct response is, “It depends.”
So that you may weigh the advantages and cons and make the best choice for you, we’re giving you the lowdown on ceramic cookware in this post.
What Is Ceramic Coated Cookware?
Although the phrase “ceramic” may give the impression that this cookware is delicate or even dainty, the truth is that ceramic cookware is not truly constructed entirely of clay.
Instead, these appealing pots and pans feature a metal core, typically composed of aluminum or copper, that is coated with numerous layers of ceramic coating in a multilayered construction.
This coating offers a surface that is not only appealing but also smooth and matte. In addition, it is non-stick and heats up evenly. Now, this isn’t something that just “happened” to turn out that way. This is exactly why they applied the coating in the first place so that they could protect the surface.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
Ceramic cookware is created entirely from natural minerals, thus, it does not contain any harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, Lead, Cadmium, PFAS, or any synthetic coatings or heavy metals. These substances can be found in other types of cookware.
It is non-reactive and can withstand highly acidic foods without absorbing taste and odor or staining the cookware. Additionally, it can manage the food without causing any damage. Your cookware is entirely safe because it does not contain any chemicals that could leach into the food.
Ceramics is an excellent material since it is fully inert, which means that it will not leech any dangerous poisons into its surroundings. In general, ceramic non-toxic cookware pans are devoid of heavy metals, polymers, coatings, and colors; in addition, they can be cleaned in the dishwasher without any problems.
Is Ceramic Coating Safer Than Teflon?
Before 2013, Teflon was processed using PFOA, a substance thought to be linked to a number of malignancies. However, all Teflon cookware has been PFOA-free since that time.
According to The American Cancer Society “there are no known dangers to humans from using Teflon-coated cookware,” despite the fact that there are still worries about Teflon emitting toxic gases when heated above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
As long as it’s purchased from a trustworthy retailer, ceramic non-stick cookware is entirely safe. Only buy ceramics from street vendors or flea markets, and never cook on ceramics that are broken or intended for that purpose. Ceramics created by hand and by unregulated offshore manufacturing have been found to contain harmful compounds like lead or cadmium.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe With Respect To Other Materials
1. Stainless Steel
One of the safest cookware alternatives is stainless steel cookware, while one of the safest nonstick cookware options is PTFE-coated cookware. Every time a pan is heated, the Sol-Gel layer on ceramic cookware releases silicone oil.
Although this oil is not dangerous, it has been applied to the pan’s surface. Additionally, it can be found in several household items like fabric softeners and hair conditioners. The maximum heating temperature for ceramic cookware is much lower than 800F for stainless steel.
Stainless Clad cookware is the safer alternative because it has no coating and a fully safe surface to cook on. People frequently link non-stick Teflon products with health problems.
The outer layer of material that confers the cookware’s non-stick qualities is the primary characteristic separating ceramic cookware from conventional non-stick cookware. Traditionally, per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds are used to create non-stick cookware (PFAS).
These synthetic compounds resist liquids thanks to their extremely strong bonding. Additionally, they’re known to play a role in a large number of harmful health outcomes, including cancer, thyroid issues, ulcerative colitis, immune system inadequacies, and more.
As more evidence of the dangers of these PFAS chemicals emerged, several brands started to abandon them in favor of safer alternatives while maintaining the useful and practical non-stick characteristic.
How To Maintain Ceramic Cookware To Keep Them Healthy?
- Before dropping the pan into the water, let it cool to room temperature. Never place a heated ceramic cookware in a sink full of cold water. Even while the pans can withstand extremely high and low temperatures, the rapid and severe temperature fluctuation may have an impact on your cookware.
- Like washing other pots and dishes, wash the ceramic cookware in warm, soapy water. Use a sponge or clean dishrag to clear the pan of any food residue completely.
- Each pan should have its interior, and outside cooking surfaces clean. Pay particular attention to the edges and the junctions of the handles because this is where food tends to congregate.
- Completely rinse the pan with clean water.
- Look through the pan for any food bits that may have been missed.
- Once it is clean, dry the pan.
In conclusion, ceramic cookware is a lot safer than conventional Teflon non-stick cookware. One of the healthiest non-toxic cookware options is 100% pure ceramic cookware. Even though ceramic cookware currently appears to be largely safe, there are still some uncertainties regarding the precise components of the coating material.
Therefore, if you want to be extra cautious, go with 100% ceramic cookware rather than ceramic-coated cookware. Choose a brand that is devoid of any PFAS chemicals if you do opt to use ceramic-coated cookware because not all brands are created equal.