Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic frying pans and how to use them

Although they have been on the market for some time, the arrival of ceramic frying pans is fairly recent. Not long ago they were relatively unknown, but they have carved out an important place in many kitchens, especially among those looking for healthy, chemical-free options, and who don’t want to give up the convenience of cooking with nonstick pans — and having nothing stick!

Those are some of their benefits, but there are more. The best manufacturers know this, and proof of that is the wide variety of ceramic frying pans that can be found today. At Claudia&Julia we opened the door to them long ago, giving them the prominence they deserve, which is why we offer the best ceramic frying pans.

In this post we show why they are succeeding and we talk about:

1. Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic frying pans
2. Ceramic frying pans vs. Teflon
3. How to cook with ceramic frying pans
4. How to clean and maintain ceramic frying pans
5. Which ceramic frying pan to choose

1. Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic frying pans

Let’s learn more about them, starting with the advantages of the ceramic frying pan:

• Without a doubt, the biggest advantage is that ceramic frying pans are good for your health, they are healthy pans. Their ceramic coating is completely PTFE-free (commonly referred to as Teflon, which is the name of one of the brands of this material), PFOA and other PFAs. High-end ceramic pans are also free of lead and cadmium.
• These substances are not necessary in their manufacture, so the production process is much more eco-friendly, since persistent pollutants in the environment and in living beings are avoided. Their environmental impact is much lower, they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• Another of their advantages is their high temperature resistance. Many models withstand up to 400º C, unlike traditional nonstick pans, which tolerate a maximum temperature between 220 °C and 260 °C.
• The ceramic coating is harder and more resistant to wear and abrasion, although as we always indicate with all pans, it is advisable to protect them when storing and not to use metal utensils while cooking to avoid scratches and scuffs.
• Their nonstick performance. You’ll see we also consider this a disadvantage. Why? Manufacturers use different technologies both in the manufacture of their pans and in the hardening of the ceramic surface. This finish affects the nonstick performance and, for example, ceramic pans with Sol-gel technology or water-based ceramic pans are distinguished by their excellent nonstick properties.
• They are very easy to clean. Indeed, their smooth surface is a great advantage and makes cleaning very easy and convenient. You only need a soft sponge and non-abrasive soap to clean them.
  
• Being relatively new to the market, there is a wide variety of models to choose from. That is an indicator of the extraordinary reception they have had among those looking for an alternative to traditional nonstick. Manufacturers have put all their efforts into continuing to research and innovate to meet this demand.
  

As you can see, they have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages:

• Their nonstick performance. As we have already indicated, we find it important to highlight this point both in the advantages section and in the disadvantages section. The ceramic surface, while nonstick, does not have the same nonstick level as pans with traditional coatings. It is important to use oil when cooking with them so that food does not stick. It should be noted that use favors them; each time we cook with them, they become a bit more nonstick. And as we said, there are models with excellent nonstick performance.
• Although they are more resistant than traditional nonstick pans, they have less resistance than cast iron or stainless steel pans. It is important to keep in mind that if they fall or are struck, their resistance is lower than those two materials, so cracks could appear.
• They are relatively new pans on the market, so we cannot know how long they might last, what the lifespan of a ceramic pan is. Manufacturers continue researching to improve their qualities, so it is possible that new models that appear may have greater durability. Even so, to care for them and keep them in the best possible condition it is important to cook and clean them as the manufacturer indicates.

2. Ceramic frying pans vs. Teflon

Both options are excellent for cooking delicate foods or those that require gentle cooking, since they don’t stick and treat food gently. But if we talk about nonstick performance, Teflon pans still offer the best nonstick properties, which means that, in general, Teflon sticks less. This is an inherent characteristic of the coating material, PTFE.

This property is not present in the ceramic coating, although there are ceramic pans that offer excellent nonstick performance. Moreover, all brands are continuously researching and improving, so these are pans that are not passing fads—they’re here to stay.

In addition, they have other qualities that make them an excellent option if we want an alternative to Teflon. They are much more sustainable and environmentally friendly, tolerate much higher temperatures, and are harder and more resistant to abrasion and wear.

3. How to cook with ceramic frying pans

At Claudia&Julia we place great importance on the care and maintenance of all cookware, especially frying pans. It is undoubtedly one of the kitchen utensils we use most daily, and it is up to us to make them last as long as possible and in the best condition. It is the way to ensure that, in addition to buying healthy pans, keeping them healthy.

If you wonder how to season ceramic pans, it is not necessary. Ceramic pans do not need seasoning. As soon as we receive them at home, we only need to clean them with a soft sponge and a little soap, and we can start cooking with them without any seasoning. Ceramic pans, as an alternative to traditional nonstick, are an excellent option for cooking delicate foods or foods that tend to stick, and for those that require gentle cooking.

When we buy our first ceramic pan, the question is always how to use a ceramic pan for the first time. The most important tips, many applicable to all types of pans, are the following:

• If we want it to last a long time, we must never use it on high heat settings; neither on the first use nor thereafter. Overheating or excessive heating can damage the coating and cause it to lose its nonstick properties.
• We must allow it to heat up gradually, from low to high.
• Ceramic heats up quickly and transfers heat across the entire cooking surface, so it is important not to overheat the pan to prevent food from burning.
• Cook with a little oil to prevent food from sticking.
• Do not put cold foods straight from the fridge; let them come to room temperature a bit before you start cooking, because if you put them in cold, the pan’s temperature will drop.
• Wait for the food to cook before flipping it or removing it from the pan.
• When it’s done, remove the pan from heat and let it cool before cleaning it.
• Always use silicone, nylon, or wooden utensils, and never cut food directly on the pan’s surface.

4. How to clean and maintain ceramic frying pans

After we have cooked for the first time, a new question arises: how to clean ceramic pans and how they should be maintained.

To ensure their durability and that their properties remain intact, it is recommended to always wash them by hand once they have cooled. Use a soft sponge and non-abrasive soap to avoid scratching the surface. It is not advisable to wash them in the dishwasher, as that cleaning is more aggressive and can shorten the pan’s lifespan.

If there are stuck food residues, you can soak the pan for a few hours in warm water before cleaning it with the sponge and a little soap.

As we indicated earlier, seasoning is not necessary. But in case they lose their nonstick performance, it is said that ceramic pans can be seasoned. It’s a very simple process: just heat oil over low heat for about 15 minutes.

5. Which ceramic frying pan to choose

As you may have seen, the options are many and very diverse, so we know choosing can be difficult. If you don’t yet have your ceramic pan and are thinking of buying one, you’ll find a wide variety with the best ceramic pans in our Ceramic Frying Pans section.

Among them, we must highlight the Ceratal water-based ceramic pan® from Fissler, as one of the best-selling ceramic pans in Europe, or the Ceramic Le Creuset with Sol-gel technology, as a similar alternative. For those looking for a more economical ceramic pan but with an excellent value for money, the Life frying pan by BRA is a great option. For those who, in addition to quality, opt for an incredible design with the added value of a folding handle that optimizes space, without a doubt the Space ceramic pan from Joseph Joseph is a magnificent choice.