What differentiates ceramic cookware from its peers? Essentially, the coating on the inside is baked or bonded, and it consists of a carcinogen-free ceramic glaze that has been deemed safer to use than other older formulas. Still, just like with any other product, they aren’t a “one size fits all” type of deal.
If you read more ceramic cookware reviews, you will see that each make and model comes with its own specifications. Some are more fragile and prone to breakage or damage, while other newer ones even allow the use of metal utensils in the process. Similarly, while some pots and pans of this variety are dishwasher safe, others aren’t.
Furthermore, it’s important not to forget that this technology is relatively new. Therefore, there isn’t a universal way to clean and look after them. Each manufacturer has their own specifications in this department, which is why you need to consult the instructions that come with the cookware closely before employing them.
Safety Specifications
Nowadays, it’s no longer a secret that using classic pots and pans in the kitchen might be worse for our health than we think. In fact, past studies have shown that the perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA for short, used in traditional nonstick cookware is linked with the development of testicular, pancreatic and liver cancer.
Nevertheless, many of the reviews have been deemed inconclusive by the medical community. Further research needs to be conducted in order to establish a connection once and for all between PFOA and fast-growing cancers. In the meantime, it’s better to avoid any potential problems. And one of the most effective alternatives for this is ceramic cookware.
The only safety and health concerns surrounding the ceramic glazing is that it contains lead and cadmium, two highly toxic and dangerous substances. Nevertheless, these have been phased out over the years, which means that this type of cookware is now one hundred percent friendly and perfect to use in any kitchen.
What to Look For
As previously discussed, depending on the manufacturer, the specifications of a ceramic set of pots, griddles and pans for various purposes will differ. Ideally, you should go for a sturdier model that is both dishwasher and metal safe. This means that it doesn’t have to be washed manually, and you won’t have to fumble looking for a wooden spoon when you just want a quick meal.
Nevertheless, if you want the nonstick coating on the inside to stand the test of time, avoiding these comforts is recommended, even though the label on the packaging says you can. On top of that, make sure that you know exactly what the company policy on using cooking sprays and oils on their products is.
While some varieties allow for a light coating to aid in the meal preparing process, others strictly forbid it. You won’t know until you check the detailed guidelines provided. After that’s out of the way, you can focus on other important features.
If you want to have a pleasant and hassle-free cooking experience, pots and pans with silicone handles will be your best friend. This type of construction doesn’t conduct heat, which means that you can grab onto a cool surface when it’s time to take the food off the stove or out of the oven and serve it to your friends and family.
Another aspect to keep in mind would be that you have a choice between buying the pieces individually or getting a set instead. While the latter might be a lot more convenient from a financial standpoint, you will rarely if ever find a set that contains all the pieces that you want and need. This means that some things will be purchased separately as well.
And speaking of cookware sets, the number of items described includes lids and tops as well. This means that, out of a total of let’s say 12 pieces, at least will be covers. There’s no particular issue with that, but it’s something worth remembering so that you don’t expect to get more containers than you actually will.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to healthier cooking styles, ceramic pots, pans and griddles surely make a difference. The glaze used to coat their insides doesn’t contain carcinogens such as perfluorooctanoic acid, which means that no unwanted substances leach in your food during frying, baking or boiling.
And with lead and cadmium having been phased out from the composition of ceramic, this type of cookware is now safer than ever. So, why not enjoy its benefits and get yourself a few pieces, or even an entire set if you’re feeling adventurous?