What are the benefits of ceramic pans?
A new trend in the kitchen nowadays is cooking with a ceramic pan, which you have probably heard of. But what is the ceramic pan actually?
This pan was actually created after it was discovered that cooking with the Teflon non-stick coating is not very healthy. This layer could be toxic if it got too hot.
This created the ceramic pan that no longer contains a Teflon layer, which means that cooking is more natural and can still offer optimal cooking results.
In this article we will discuss the benefits of cooking with a ceramic pan, as well as give tips on which brands are at the forefront of producing these pans.
My personal favorite brand is these pans from Greenpan. This company has focused entirely on ceramic coating in their pans rather than creating a line of pans to join in the rising popularity.
Finally, we will give handy cleaning tips so that you can always use the pan at its best.
Appearance
In addition to the performance of the pan, it is of course also important how the pan looks. The pan itself already looks very elegant with few extra additions.
The range of ceramic pans is therefore huge with different available colors and sizes. You have ceramic frying pans, but also frying pans and wok pans. The best thing is to buy an entire set in the same color or from the same brand.
We will come back to the brands later to give you some more inspiration.
Performance and benefits of the ceramic pan
As mentioned earlier, the great advantage of the ceramic pan is that no toxic substances can be released by the pan when overheated, such as with pans with a Teflon layer.
You also have to use little or no oil with a ceramic pan, which makes cooking even more natural. The pan can also withstand high temperatures and distributes this evenly throughout the pan, which ensures the optimal cooking result.
Because the pan is heat resistant, it can also easily be put in the oven.
In addition, the ceramic pans will not warp because the pans have a solid bottom that usually consists of 6 layers.
Finally, the purchase of a ceramic pan is a conscious choice, because the production process of these pans is more environmentally friendly than the production of pans containing a Teflon layer.
Disadvantages of the ceramic pan
The ceramic pans also have some drawbacks that you should read carefully before you make the decision to purchase one. For example, ceramic pans are often heavier than “normal” pans, partly because the pan has a solid bottom.
The pan can also discolour a bit during baking and scratches can occur fairly quickly. The final drawback can be the price; ceramic pans are quite expensive to purchase if you buy them from a well-known brand, but this way you know that the quality is really good.
Cleaning the ceramic pan
After cooking with the ceramic pan, there will probably be some residue in the pan, which is what needs to be done to start cooking clean the next time. One way to do this is to use an acid such as vinegar.
You cook this in the pan and that way the deposits will disappear. If you don’t have vinegar at home, you can also use a plastic scouring pad with a little detergent to gently brush away the deposits.
Make sure you do this carefully, otherwise you can damage the ceramic layer or partly sand it off.
Ceramic pans from Greenpan
We start with the GreenPan, which is a Belgian brand with an international character. The company is the first to find out that traditional non-stick pans give off a toxic substance when overheated and started looking for an alternative.
That is how they arrived at the ceramic pans and it has been running like a train ever since. Why GreenPan is a good and reliable brand?
The company uses different technologies in their pans, so the cookware will give the best results.
You also have a number of nice pan sets like this one for an affordable price.
Check the latest prices hereCeramic pans from Greenlife
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Finally, we treat the pans from Greenlife. The company has been in the market for a long time and is known for the good quality they provide for well-priced pans like these.
The big advantage of the Greenlife is that you can immediately purchase a complete set from the company with all types of pans, or go for a smaller set or even single pans from the same series.
This is often cheaper than buying all pans separately and then you can be sure that you have the right quality.
The nice thing about Greenlife is that in addition to the standard pans that you will find in every kitchen, they also have some very affordable specialist pans.
Check out these pans hereIs ceramic cookware better than Teflon?
Teflon cookware is most known for its nonstick layer and has been very popular because of the durability it can provide. more so than ceramic coated pans (teflon may not wear out as quickly). Ceramic coatings are made from ceramic, which is clay hardened by heat. Ceramics are often considered non-toxic.
Do you use oil in ceramic pans?
Always use low or medium heat with ceramic nonstick pan or skillet. Preheat your pan on the lowest setting and let the oil heat up for a minute before adding the food to the pan. Heat can cause food to stick, which can discolor or damage the surface. Do not let the pan come to a boil.
How long do ceramic pans last?
Ceramic coating is a soft layer, unlike a plate layer of stainless steel so you should handle the coating with care. When you don’t watch it, you’ll probably scratch the soft coating of your pan. With continuous use, one can expect general degradation of ceramic coated pans. However, it can be used safely for 3 to 5 years under normal conditions.
How do you care for a ceramic non-stick pan?
Always wash ceramic pans by hand. Always let a frying pan cool down before cleaning. Clean your ceramic frying pan with warm water and some soap with a sponge that’s not too hard or with a soft cloth. And if you need to remove burnt food off of your ceramic pan you should soak it in some hot water for around 30 minutes or so before you wash it.
Also read: these pans work for ceramic stove tops
Why a ceramic skillet is better
Why a ceramic frying pan is better may be a question you’ve been asking yourself for some time. It may also be that you already know the answer, but that you are still looking for more information.
Whatever the reason, you’ve come to the right place and everything about the ceramic frying pan will be explained in great detail.
The ceramic frying pan has been on the rise for a number of years now and it seems that it is gradually taking over the market from its well-known predecessor, the Teflon pan.
Since 2015, the main substance in the Teflon pans has even been banned due to the risk of toxic substances being released. In addition to teflon and ceramic non-stick coatings, there are of course a number of variants, such as stainless steel and enamelled sheet steel.
And so of course there are other reasons why the ceramic frying pan is better.
The non-stick coating in a ceramic frying pan consists of a composition of titanium and ceramic, which is heat resistant up to 450 degrees.
Until 2015, the toxic substance perfluorctanoic acid was used in teflon pans (the most famous pans before the ceramic pan came into existence). Perfluorctanoic acid (PFOA) is released when exposed to temperatures above 350 degrees.
On average, a pan reaches about 200 degrees during cooking, but the idea of a toxic substance in the cookware is not entirely reassuring.
The ceramic pans are head and shoulders above their competition. Because no toxic but only natural substances are used for the ceramic non-stick coating, the pan is not only healthier for you as a user, but of course also for the environment!
In addition to Teflon and ceramic non-stick coatings, there are a number of other variants. You can also choose to use a stainless steel pan or, for example, enamelled sheet steel.
However, the disadvantage of stainless steel is the high chance of sticking. The disadvantage of sheet steel pans is that the material can crack quickly with impacts and temperature changes.
Another important advantage of ceramics is that it has the property of distributing the heat evenly over the entire pan.
Just think of all those pancakes or fried eggs, which were often undercooked at the edges when the center was already burning!
In addition to being healthier, more environmentally friendly and easier to use, the life of the ceramic frying pan is also very long.
What you have to watch out for is gusing a spatula for scratches. It is best to use a spatula made of wood or plastic. Once the non-stick coating is damaged, the food will burn.
You can then throw in oil or butter as much as you want, but that perfect dish will no longer be prepared. You can read more tips for the maintenance of the ceramic pan below.
Assuming you handle the pan properly (and follow all tips) you can do with a ceramic pan for years.
Read more: top choice enamel pans for long-lasting cooking pleasure
Types of pans with ceramic non-stick coating
So there are different types of non-stick coatings, but also different types of material for the pan itself. A ceramic non-stick coating is often used in aluminum pans.
These are lightweight, easy to use and maintain and available in every price range. Other pans that can also have a ceramic non-stick coating are stainless steel pans and copper pans.
In addition, countless different sizes and shapes of pans are available.
The material of the pan depends on your personal preference and of course also on the type of pan. The ceramic non-stick coating is not suitable for every pan and every dish.
Below you can see if you should pay attention to the ceramic non-stick coating for some of the most used pans in the Dutch kitchen.
– Frying pans & Frying pans
The frying pan and the skillet are the most standard pans that can be found in every kitchen. The two are closely related. The only real difference between the pans is that the skillet often has a slightly higher edge and a matching lid.
Pay attention to the presence of the ceramic non-stick coating with both types of pans and use them for frying meat, egg, fish, sandwiches, you name it!
– Wok pans
Wok pans are my personal favorite. Ideal for stews with risotto and of course, stir-fries. My aluminum wok pan with ceramic non-stick coating doesn’t even disappear in the kitchen cupboard at home, that’s how often it is used!
Because this pan is also used for baking, it is therefore useful to pay attention to the non-stick coating.
– Grill pans
Grill pans are often used to sear meat on high heat or to grill some vegetables. As a change from the standard cooked vegetables that we as Dutch people often eat, it is a great idea. Grill pans are available with ceramic non-stick coating, so make sure you buy the right one if you are going to buy one!
– Frying pans
Frying pans are also often used for searing meat (often game) or fish. They are ideal for cooking a stew and are deep, wide, with a thick base and a matching lid. These pans are now also available in many variations with a ceramic non-stick coating, so choose the healthy and environmentally friendly pan here too.
– Saucepans
The well-known saucepan often does not contain a non-stick coating and is therefore often not used for baking food but for cooking it. In case you do not use it for baking, the non-stick coating is negligible.
However, if you do use it for baking (or like me for making risotto) then that ceramic non-stick coating is really indispensable!
Also read: These are the best sauté pans
Maintenance of a ceramic frying pan
Like all products, your pans will last longer if you handle them carefully. The type of spatula has already been discussed, but cleaning is of course just as important.
Most pans may have a label that says they are dishwasher safe, however, it is recommended that you simply clean all your pans with a sponge, some washing-up liquid and hot water.
Hot water really does mean the water. Did you know that fat with cold water does not go away at all?
A final tip concerns the storage of the pans. The wok pan is standard on the gas stove, but the other pans are stacked in the cupboard. Just as a spatula can destroy the non-stick coating, the bottom of another pan can, of course.
To make my beautiful ceramic non-stick coatings last as long as possible, there is a pan protector between each pan. It would be a shame if the pans were damaged by being in the cupboard …
Conclusion
The pan with a ceramic non-stick coating can therefore be seen as the natural variant of the non-stick coatings. The ceramic pan is not only better for health and the environment, but also very easy to use and maintain!
There are advantages and disadvantages for every pan size, material type of the pan and material type of the non-stick coating.
Many households even maintain the pan in different ways. With the above information, you will hopefully have a better idea of the ceramic frying pan and itsmany benefits.
Because these pans are available in every price range, they are indispensable in everyone’s kitchen. The ceramic pans can last for years and are ideal for any dish!
