If you enjoy deep-fried fish, chips or fritters, a ceramic frying pan will be a worthwhile investment. There are many different pans but a ceramic frying pan can be ideal for frying, baking, roasting and for cooking casseroles.
The fact that a ceramic frying pan takes less energy than an oven makes it an important part of your kitchen.
It is a good idea to look for a ceramic frying pan with a deep base and high lid if you want to indulge in some more adventurous cooking. Of course, a non stick coating on the cooking surface of a ceramic frying pan will ensure easy cooking and easy cleaning of the pan.
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Ceramic Cookware Emerged After Non-stick Cookware
A ceramic frying pan is a must-have in any kitchen. Ceramic came after nonstick cookware. It came about because people started worrying about PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and some of the side effects of Teflon. The problem with the nonstick cookware was that it released these toxic gasses if it heated beyond a certain point. People chose to ignore this as they loved the new idea of a pan that was non-stick.
A Healthier Alternative to Teflon
The main difference between ceramic vs Teflon cookware lies in the composition of the non-stick coating. Teflon emits toxic fumes when it is heated beyond a certain temperature. This gave rise to people looking at what ceramic cookware could offer as a healthier alternative. Both are non-stick cookware but with different coatings. Both will require you using wooden or silicone utensils.
It doesn’t make much sense to spend a lot of money on non stick cookware because it doesn’t last that long. With health on most people’s minds, the trend is now towards ceramic cookware.
Actually, there are so many pans out there – available in a variety of different metals. There are so many choices when it comes to buying pans and other cookware, but it’s almost unthinkable to buy an ordinary pan when there are non-stick versions available. A ceramic frying pan, whether coated or solid is the best frying pan for eggs. How can anyone fry a decent egg or make a wonderful omelet when half the egg sticks to the sides and the bottom of the pan?
There was a time when these non-stick pans were a cause for concern because they were made with something known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This was thought to cause cancer. These days, however, with the drive towards more safer pans, the words ‘PFOA-free’ will often appear on nonstick pans.
There’s a Lot of Unsafe Cookware on the Market
When shopping for non stick cookware, you’ve got to do a lot of research because unfortunately, the market offers a lot of cookware that is of inferior quality. Some of the cookware can actually be dangerous. Also, the manufacturers don’t give you much information about the materials they use and the coatings.
What about ceramic pans?
The word ‘ceramic’ conjures up images of clay dishes. Pure ceramic cookware isn’t clay only as minerals as well as quartz sand have been added in to strengthen the pan. Ceramic frying pans aren’t ceramic as such either but are metal pans with a finish. The coating of the pan has a glossy surface.
You need to hand-wash ceramic frying pans because then you contribute towards preserving the nonstick aspect of the ceramic finish.
You’ll find that restaurants and hotels use a lot of ceramic frying pans and ceramic cookware in general. They haven’t got time to faff around in the kitchens with pans that stick. They love that these ceramic frying pans are easy to clean, they’re healthy, non-toxic pans and they’re able to use less oil in the pan.
It pays to choose a good brand name because then you can be sure that the ceramic finish will perform well. With pans that are more expensive, the cookware has more layers of finish and this enhances its durability. The cookware has been fired in a kiln to super high temperatures to make it strong and durable.
It is glazed and fired further to give it the non-stick coating.
There is another type of ceramic cookware which is constructed from aluminum. It is dipped in a polymer, ceramic enamel before it is cured in the fire. Both these styles of ceramic frying pans are free from toxins but with superb non-stick abilities.
An important aspect of ceramics is that it is resistant to heat. It is also able to put up with rough and tumble treatment. Ceramic tiles, for instance, put up with a lot of wear and tear and being resistant to scratching, the tiles look good year after year.
Is ceramic cookware better than non stick?
When non-stick pans came out for the first time, everyone wanted them. The Polytetrafluoroethylene used in the non stick pans is a synthetic fluoropolymer which is simply referred to as Teflon. It was used to coat pans to give them strength. It was discovered however but it was discovered the coating also had non-stick properties.
Teflon was looked upon as the answer to all cooking problems as you required just a bit of oil to cook with and whatever you cooked, it didn’t adhere to the pan.
However, the safety of the nonstick cookware came under investigation. Investigations started looking at the risks associated with overheating Teflon. With temperatures above 570°F or 300°C, Teflon coatings break down, releasing toxic chemicals. If you inhale these fumes, you can get polymer fume fever which is also known as Teflon flu. You sit with headaches, chills and your body aches. This usually happens about 4 hours after exposure.
Ceramic frying pans and cookware are better as they are completely safe for healthy cooking and the cookware doesn’t react with food while cooking.
Solid ceramic frying pan or ceramic coated frying pan?
The word ‘ceramic’ is used a lot in the cookware market and manufacturers of this kind of cookware label their products as ceramic but who knows whether they’re referring to a ceramic coated pan or a solid ceramic pan?
If you were looking for a specific type of pan you may well have become frustrated, because both the ceramic coated pans as well as the solid ceramic pans are labeled as ‘ceramic’.
Ceramic coated cookware is different because manufacturers start with an aluminum-base which is placed in a synthetic ceramic material coating. The surface then dries off. Solid ceramic cookware, on the other hand, starts with water and clay and then this is poured into stainless steel molds that bring about a solid ceramic pan which is hardened using a kiln.
Ceramic coated cookware is always a bit lighter and you can’t use steel utensils on these as they become scratched. Then again, with solid ceramic cookware, they are a lot heavier. Because the pan is solid ceramic, it doesn’t contain aluminum.
Overall, the more popular choice seems to be the aluminum cookware coated with ceramic as it’s lighter and less prone to chipping.
Is ceramic frying pan any good?
Yes, they are a good choice. In fact, if you choose to go with a non-stick pan, choose a pan with a ceramic coating. The reason for this is –
Compared to Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene, pans with ceramic coating are environmentally friendly. The ceramic frying pans are also durable because of the ITC high temp coating which makes the pan amazingly heat resistant. Ceramics are able to resist temperatures up to 800°F and they are also scratch-resistant.
Ceramic cookware is also energy efficient. It heats up easily and also retains its heat which is particularly useful in the winter months.
Which ceramic frying pan is best?
There are many good ceramic frying pans, but because of the concerns with some non-stick pan linings, people are looking at the ceramic frying pan with new interest. They see them in a new light.
They want to do what it takes to reduce the risk of chemical contamination. It is certainly suggested that ceramic frying pans are more environmentally friendly than other pan types.
Greenlife has a 2-piece ceramic frying pan cookware set made up of the two frying pans. These skillets, available in trendy red and turquoise are 7- and 10-inches in size. One drawback with these ceramic frying pans is that they don’t come with lids. They do however come with a lifetime warranty.
Another great ceramic frying pan is the GreenPan Lima Thermolon. Its base material is anodized aluminum & steel. The pan has been coated with Thermolon ceramic non-stick. What people appreciate is that this ceramic frying pan comes with a tempered glass lid. Both pan and lid are oven safe up to 420° F and with stainless steel handle. GreenPan backs the pan with a 2-year warranty.
Xtrema is another good brand with their vision being to provide customers with excellent non-scratch 100% ceramic cookware products. A ceramic formula with different inorganic minerals is mixed to make the clay before it is pressed by a casting mold.
The cookware goes through a drying and inspection process and is then polished and washed. After a week the cookware goes into the firing kiln. Once cooled, the cookware goes through another inspection before a first and second ceramic glaze is applied.
The cookware goes into the kiln for a second firing and this lasts for 2 days. When cooled the back label stamp is applied, as well as an additional ceramic glaze to the underside. The cookware goes back into the kiln before it is inspected, polished and packaged for shipment.
Customers then receive ceramic cookware that is 100% green and eco-friendly. These pans won’t leach metals or chemicals. The best-tasting food can be expected and you can heat the pan and food as you like because these pans are able to withstand high temperatures without cracking or melting.
How long do ceramic non stick pans last?
The lifespan of anything that you buy will depend on the way you treat it. Even cheap stuff can last longer than usual if you look after it. Even cheap cookware can have remarkable life span when they’re looked after.
Many ceramic frying pans undergo a lot of abuse. People cook with them on a high heat and then dip them from the hot oven into the water without letting the pan first cool down. They use particularly abrasive materials to clean them with.
Does food stick to ceramic pans?
When your ceramic coated pan is brand new, the food doesn’t stick to it. As time goes on and you subject your ceramic frying pan to regular use, it begins to lose its stick. It is also important that you look after these pans. If you cook at high temperatures then it won’t be long that you find you have problems with food sticking to your pan.
Also, you need to be very careful with how you wash your ceramic frying pan. If you look after your ceramic frying pan and follow the simple instructions on how to clean it, you should get a few years of non-stick wear from it. After that, you start to see your food starting to stick to the pan.
Why do ceramic pans stick?
Ceramic pans only start to stick when they start getting old. Over time it is inevitable that even with the best care, they become scratched. Sometimes washing them in the wrong way with harsh abrasives makes it that the non-stick surface is no longer as efficient as it once was.
Don’t use cooking sprays in your nonstick pan as this can also damage the pan. These oil sprays coat the surface of the pan and build up a sticky layer of fat. This oil build-up doesn’t burn off during the cooking process.
What is the healthiest non stick pan?
The Zwilling Madura Plus non stick pan is considered as one of the healthiest. Certainly, with this pan, you don’t get your eggs or other food sticking to the pan. This in itself makes it considered as a healthy choice as anyone battling along with eggs that stick to the pan are sure to battle with high blood pressure.
There is nothing to make a person more agitated when you’re cooking for visitors and all your food sticks to the pan.
The core of this pan is made of forged aluminum, it has efficient heat distribution, and the 4-layer Duraslide nonstick coating is free of PFOA. This is the perfluorooctanoic acid that you find in Teflon.
How do you season a ceramic frying pan?
If you take a little bit of time to season your ceramic frying pan, you can actually enhance your pan’s performance. Knowing how to season a ceramic frying pan will increase the pan’s lifespan. In fact, you should always season a new pan before cooking.
- Make sure your pan is clean. Wash it gently with a soft cloth and dish soap.
- Rinse the pan in cool water and dry it off with a dry, soft cloth.
- Add a teaspoon of oil to the surface of the pan and use your fingers to spread the oil over the pan.
- Heat the pan. Place the pan on a plate and set it to medium heat, till you see the oil beginning to smoke. The oil needs to heat up slowly so that it soaks into the pan’s surface thoroughly.
- Cool the pan. Take it off the hot plate and allow it to cool down. Don’t run cold water over it to cool it down faster. Let it cool down on its own. Once the pan has cooled, wipe away any excess oil. Seasoning your pan every 6 months can be good for it.
Does Olive Oil ruin non stick pans?
Not really. Certainly, olive oil shouldn’t be used to season your ceramic frying pan, and the reason for this is that the olive oil has a low smoke point. This means the oil breaks down at fairly high temperatures and smokes. Also, extra virgin olive oil is also not recommended as it leaves a thin carbonized layer on the pan because of its inability to withstand high temperatures.
How do you restore a ceramic non stick pan?
Non-stick pans have a ceramic non-stick coating instead of a Teflon one. Suddenly we notice that the ceramic frying pan is no longer quite as non-stick as it once was. Does it mean buying a new one? There are actually a few ways to make your once non-stick pan into a non-stick pan all over again.
One of the ways is to heat the ceramic frying pan on medium heat and then to add some coconut oil to the pan and allow it to melt. Swirl the pan around so that the coconut oil reaches the entire surface. The coconut oil will start to smoke.
Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Then rub the oil into the pan with a paper towel and you’ll find the pan is ready to be used again.
There is also another method, making use of salt. Put the pan on top of the stove and heat it till it starts smoking. Put coarse sea salt into the smoking hot pan, making sure that the salt covers the entire pan’s surface area with a layer of salt.
Leave the pan on the flame and actually allow the salt to cook. You’ll see it turns to a dark brown color. Throw the salt out and rub the surface of the pan with a towel. Rub the pan until it looks gleaming and then don’t ever wash the pan again. It should only be wiped with a paper towel.
Why are my non stick pans sticking?
Nonstick coatings can begin sticking for the following reasons –
- You’re using too high a heat. High heat isn’t recommended for non-stick pans and a low to medium heat needs to be used to preserve your non-stick coating.
- You’re using aerosol cooking sprays which can actually result in a build-up of the spray. Your pan is likely to get a rusty looking appearance. Rather use coconut oil, butter or margarine.
Pans should be washed with warm soapy water after use.
How do you cook eggs in a ceramic pan?
Ceramic cookware distributes heat evenly, so eggs fried in a ceramic frying pan are done so at the same temperature. The glazed finish makes the cookware non-stick. Fried eggs are an easy meal with a ceramic frying pan. Add some butter for the sheer taste and allow it to melt. Crack your eggs open by tapping them on the edge of the ceramic pan. Pour the eggs into the ceramic frying pan. Cook the eggs for about 3 minutes.
The eggs are ready when the whites are no longer clear but are now white. You can flip your egg over with an egg beater if you like or you can make use of a plastic or wooden spoon to ladle hot butter over the yolk of the egg. A white film appears over the yolk. Some people like to put a little bit of grated cheese over the egg while still in the pan.
Can you deep fry in a ceramic pan?
Yes, you can. You can still make fries for instance because all you essentially need is a sturdy non-stick pan and your stove-top. Make sure you have the right pan – one with a heavy metal bottom to heat oil slowly and to allow for a steady fry.
The ceramic frying pan should be at least 5’’ deep to allow for about 4 cups of oil. The speed at which food fries is due to temperature. Deep fryers have thermometers, but your ceramic pan won’t likely have one, so maybe you need to use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil before starting to fry.
Deep fryers come with frying baskets, but you’re not likely to have one with your frying pan. There are, however, scooping tools that allow the oil to drip through the wire net and these can be found at your local homeware store. Once the fries are golden brown, they can be placed on a paper towel on a cooling rack.
Do ceramic frying pans need oil?
Essentially not. Having said that, some manufacturers advise using just a small amount of oil while others will say no oil. If you opt to cook without oil, put your stove plate onto a medium heat.
When cooking, allow the food to cook slightly before you try to move it around in the pan. The food becomes less prone to sticking once the proteins coagulate with the time given to the cooking process.
Of course, there are going to be recipes that tell you to use oil.
While all of the above is true, many recipes involve using oil in the cooking process, and then you should.
The butter or oil adds flavor. The thing to remember is that less oil is required when using nonstick pans than with other cookware.
Can I cook steak on a ceramic pan?
Yes, of course, you can. The only tricky part is cooking different steaks for different people. Some people like their steaks well done while others like the insides to still be pink. Also, there are different cuts and different seasons too.
- Select your particular tender cut of beef. Make sure it’s not too thick.
- Select the oil you want for flavor. With a ceramic frying pan, remember you don’t have to use oil.
- With pan frying there are different ways to season the steak. You can rub spices on it, you can make a sauce or you can marinade it. Salt, pepper and herbs such as fennel or thyme can be tasty additions. Before you add herbs, add a bit of oil to the meat so the herbs adhere to the oil.
- Just be careful when you add salt to the meat because salting it before cooking can make it tougher and less juicy. It’s actually better to salt steak after its been cooked.
- Heat the pan to medium. If you like a rare steak, set the burner to a high heat with a little bit of oil to coat the bottom.
- Once the pan is the right heat, add your steak. Don’t turn the steak until the one side of the steak forms a brownish crust. Cook the steak to your liking. You can make a small cut in the meat to see if the inside meat has cooked to the desired color.
Can you sear meat in a ceramic pan?
It’s not a good idea. You can but it’s not recommended. This is because with searing, you have to make sure you pan is hot. High temperatures are required to get that deep-brown sear on the surface of the meat.
Ceramic coated cookware is heat resistant up to 450 C which amounts to about 842 F. If you do accidentally heat your ceramic pan beyond 450 C, it isn’t going to emit toxic fumes but it can damage your pan.
What is the healthiest frying pan?
Certainly, the healthiest pans to cook with are those ones that leach the least amount of chemicals. One of the healthiest kinds of pans is cast iron frying pans, stainless steel pans, glass, copper pans, and ceramic pans. When you do research you see that some cooks recommend cooking with stainless steel and cast iron.
Glass has to one of the healthiest materials around and what is more, glass is inexpensive. While glass is the healthiest cookware, you can’t use it on your stovetop, while it can be used in your oven. Ceramic pans are safe so long as the pan-coating is lead-free.
Which is the best non stick frying pan?
There are so many excellent pans and other cookware on the market that it can be mind-boggling. When it comes to food preparation, one of the most important things to look out for when choosing a non-stick pan is to look out for safety.
You have to do thorough research because some pans are still made using PFOA which is a harmful chemical. Think about how you want to use your pan so that you can settle on the right size. You also have to know which pans are the more durable and which will stand up to years of usage.
What is the healthiest cookware to use?
Some people don’t like eating out anymore as they are afraid of what goes on in some unseen kitchens. They prefer to cook at home then they know precisely what’s going into their food and under what conditions the food is prepared.
Cooking at home is safer and healthier – you just have to know what is the healthiest cookware to use. People often ask are ceramic frying pans safe. The answer is that ceramic cookware is a safe, healthy choice and 100% ceramic cookware is naturally non-stick and doesn’t emit potentially harmful fumes. The benefit of this 100% ceramic cookware is that it comes with numerous advantages, and the fact that it is made of molded natural clay and then finished with a natural ceramic glaze makes it super robust. Being 100% natural it is guaranteed non-toxic with no lead or other harmful metals.
Also, 100 percent ceramic cookware isn’t manufactured with chemicals so it’s an eco-friendly investment piece of cookware that will last for a long time if maintained properly.
Conclusion:
The ceramic frying pan is a boon for frying and cooking and even though there is such a lot of cookware to choose from, ceramic cookware is the healthier choice as it doesn’t release toxic fumes. Also, you don’t have to use butter or oil in the pan and this is considered a healthier choice.
Even though there is such a lot of cookware available, ceramic cookware is known to be environmentally friendly and safer, and taste-wise the food tastes good and it is packed with nourishing goodness.
