Cerrolan Pans: What's In The Non-Stick Coating?

Ceramic pans have become increasingly popular due to health and environmental concerns about traditional non-stick coatings such as Teflon. Ceramic pans are made from a sand-like mineral that doesn't break down at high temperatures, making them a food-safe and eco-friendly alternative. They are known for their non-stick capabilities, ease of cleaning, and attractive designs. Ceramic pans are also compatible with various cooktops, including induction stoves, and can be safe to use with metal utensils. However, it's important to consider factors such as heat conductivity, handle design, and oven safety when selecting a ceramic pan. Some popular brands offering ceramic pans include GreenPan, Xtrema, Caraway Home, and T-Fal.

Explore related products

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Studio Set, 24 Whole Pans

$64.72

Schmincke - HORADAM® AQUARELL - Finest Artists' Watercolor Paints, 492 Prussian Blue, 14 492 044, 1/2 pan

$13.43

A non-stick surface

Ceramic pans are known for their non-stick properties. They are made of sand and have a slick, glossy surface. Unlike traditional non-stick pans, they are not made with toxic chemicals such as PTFE (also known as Teflon), PFAS, PFOA, lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals. This makes ceramic pans a safer and healthier option for cooking.

The non-stick surface of ceramic pans makes cooking and cleaning easier. Food doesn't stick to the pan, so there's no need to scrape excess food off the pan after cooking. A simple scrub with soap and warm water is enough to clean ceramic pans. This also means that you don't need to use as much oil or butter when cooking with ceramic pans, promoting a healthier cooking experience.

While ceramic pans are known for their non-stick properties, it's important to note that they are less non-stick than regular non-stick pans. Over time, food may start to stick to the ceramic surface, and cleanup can become more difficult. To maintain the non-stick properties of ceramic pans, it is recommended to hand-wash them instead of using a dishwasher. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using metal utensils on the ceramic surface, as they can wear out the coating.

The durability of a ceramic pan's non-stick surface depends on various factors, including the quality of the pan, how it is maintained, and the type of heat it is exposed to. High temperatures can break down the non-stick surface, so it is recommended to use medium or lower heat when cooking with ceramic pans. While ceramic pans can withstand higher temperatures than traditional non-stick pans, they should not be exposed to extreme heat to preserve their non-stick properties.

Overall, ceramic pans offer a natural non-stick surface that is free of toxic chemicals, making them a safer and healthier alternative to traditional non-stick pans. While they may require some extra care and attention, the benefits of easy cooking and cleaning make them a popular choice for many.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ceramic pans have become increasingly popular in recent years, with some people opting for 100% ceramic cookware, while others choose ceramic-coated metal pans. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Ceramic pans are a safer, more natural alternative to traditional non-stick pans. They are free from harmful chemicals such as PFOA, PFAS, PTFE, lead, and cadmium, which can pose a risk to your family's health. Ceramic pans are also non-reactive, meaning there is no risk of metals leaching into your food and altering its taste or colour. The non-stick coating means you need very little oil or cooking fat, and food won't stick to the surface, even without the need for scrubbing. The coating also has an attractive, smooth matte finish, and ceramic cookware comes in a variety of colours and designs to suit your kitchen decor. Ceramic pans are also lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, and some can be safely transferred from the stovetop to the oven.

Disadvantages

The coating on ceramic pans can be more fragile than other types, making it susceptible to scratches and other forms of wear and tear. This means the pan may only last a couple of years before it loses its non-stick properties. Harsh scrubbing and the use of metal utensils can damage the coating, and sustained high-heat cooking can cause it to break down more quickly. Some ceramic pans can also be more expensive than other types of cookware.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of ceramic pans varies, but they are typically made with kiln-fired clay, specifically a type of fireclay that is highly heat-resistant. The main matrix is composed of a network of silica formed by the chemical reaction or condensation of colloidal silica sol (water base) and an organoalkoxysilane such as MTMS (methyltrimethoxysilane).

The non-stick material has two main components of silicon dioxide: silica sol, which is pure SiO2, and an organoalkoxysilane, an organic-inorganic hybrid material. Both materials can form strong chemical bonds through a chemical reaction known as condensation.

Ceramic pans are an alternative to traditional non-stick pans that contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which has been linked to health problems due to the PFOA substance used in its manufacturing. Ceramic pans are marketed as non-toxic and safe to use, with some manufacturers claiming that they will not emit toxic fumes even when heated beyond 500°F, unlike PTFE pans.

However, it is important to note that the non-stick coating on ceramic pans will eventually wear out, and once it starts to break down, there is no way to restore the finish. While ceramic pans are generally considered better for the environment due to requiring less energy to manufacture, this may not always be the case, depending on the specific manufacturing process.

Lids and accessories

Some ceramic cookware sets come with lids and storage solutions. The GreenPan set, for instance, includes three sizes of pots and pans, plus lids. The Caraway set includes four pots and pans, with the rest of the set being lids and storage solutions.

When it comes to accessories, some brands offer unique features. The Always Pan, for instance, comes with a nesting wooden spoon that rests on the handle. The GreenPan Venice Pro Noir has a built-in strainer and spout for easy pouring.

If you're looking for durability, Xtrema's fully ceramic cookware is worth considering. Their Signature Skillet is scratch-resistant and can last for years.

Finally, if you're seeking a lid for a specific pot or pan, you can explore options from brands like SCANPAN, which offers a range of lids for different diameters of pots and pans.

Teflon-free

Teflon-coated pans, also known as PTFE coating, became the non-stick cookware of choice in the 1970s. They are lightweight, and food easily slides off their non-stick surface. However, there are safety concerns about using Teflon. Firstly, Teflon pans may release toxic fumes if heated above 500 °F (260 °C). Secondly, scratches on the surface of a pan may result in unhealthy chemicals in your food.

Ceramic pans are often considered a safer alternative to Teflon pans as they are free from harmful chemicals such as PTFE and PFOA. Ceramic pans are also better for the environment as they produce up to 50% less carbon dioxide in processing. However, ceramic pans are less durable than Teflon pans and are more expensive.

If you are looking for a coated non-stick pan, ceramic pans are a good option. Some companies that make ceramic pans include GreenPan, Oxo, and Caraway. GreenPan's non-stick coating, Thermolon, is made from raw materials derived from Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) and is a toxin-free alternative to traditional non-stick ceramic coatings.

If you are looking for a more durable option, carbon steel pans are a good alternative to both Teflon and ceramic pans. Carbon steel pans need to be seasoned, which can be a labor-intensive process, but they can last a long time, or even forever, with proper care.

Frequently asked questions