Ceramic Pans: Treat Or Not?

Ceramic pans are a popular alternative to traditional non-stick pans, which have been found to produce toxic chemicals. While ceramic pans are marketed as non-stick, they do need to be treated to maintain their non-stick properties. This is because the non-stick coating on ceramic pans can break down over time, especially when exposed to high temperatures.

Do You Need to Treat Ceramic Pans?

Hand-wash ceramic pans before first use

Ceramic pans are vulnerable to drastic temperature changes, so it's always best to let them cool down before washing. Hand-washing also helps to avoid the potential damage that dishwashers can cause.

How to hand-wash

• Remove any labels and packaging from your new ceramic pan.
• Wash the pan with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt or debris left over from the manufacturing and shipping process. Use a sponge or soft cloth to avoid damaging the coating.
• Dry the pan with a soft cloth or let it air-dry.

Tips

• Read the manual that came with your pan for specific care and maintenance instructions.
• Avoid using metal utensils, sharp knives, or abrasive cleaning tools on your ceramic pan to prevent scratching.

Use plastic, silicone, wood or nylon utensils

Ceramic pans are a great addition to your kitchen, offering easy cleaning, even heat retention, and a wide range of colours. They are also touted as a healthier alternative to traditional non-stick pans. However, they do require some special care to ensure their longevity.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when using ceramic pans is to use the correct utensils. While ceramic pans are durable and resistant to scratches, using the right utensils can further extend the life of your pan. It is recommended that you use plastic, silicone, wood, or nylon utensils with your ceramic pans. These materials are softer than metal and will not damage the delicate non-stick coating of the pan.

Wooden utensils have been a popular choice for kitchen tools for centuries. Wood is hard enough to break up chunks of meat or scrape up fond from the bottom of the pan, yet malleable enough that it won't scratch or gouge the coating. Wooden utensils are also naturally occurring and widely available. However, they do require more maintenance than other materials. They cannot be washed in the dishwasher or left wet for long periods, as this can cause the wood to warp, crack, or break. Wooden utensils also need to be oiled occasionally to prevent cracking.

Silicone utensils are incredibly durable, heat-safe, dishwasher-safe, and gentle on non-stick pans. They mould to the shape of your pan, allowing you to get every last drop of your food. However, flipping large pieces of food, such as hamburgers or steaks, can be challenging with silicone utensils. Additionally, silicone utensils can be damaged by sharp knives, and some may have a lower melting point, causing them to melt onto your pan if exposed to high enough temperatures. It is important to look for heat-safe silicone utensils with a stainless steel core for better rigidity and durability.

Nylon utensils are rigid yet flexible, durable, and easy to maintain. They are also typically dishwasher-safe and affordable. However, nylon can leave noticeable scuffs and superficial scratches on the surface of the pan, although this does not affect the cooking performance. Nylon also has a relatively low heat safety rating and can melt if exposed to high temperatures for too long. Over time, nylon can become brittle and crack, so these utensils may need to be replaced more frequently than wooden or silicone ones.

By using plastic, silicone, wood, or nylon utensils with your ceramic pans, you can help extend the life of your pans and maintain their non-stick properties. These utensils are softer and gentler on the delicate coating, ensuring that your pans continue to perform at their best for many meals to come.

Avoid oil sprays or aerosols

While ceramic non-stick pans require less oil than stainless steel or cast-iron pans, it's important to be mindful of the amount and type of oil you use. Cooking sprays or aerosol oils can damage the non-stick coating of your ceramic pan.

One reason to avoid cooking sprays is that they contain lecithin, a substance with a mixture of fats that resists heated surfaces. Over time, lecithin will cook onto the surface of your pan, building up and becoming very difficult to remove. This will degrade the cooking surface, causing food to stick and potentially ruining your pan.

Cooking sprays also often contain an anti-foaming agent like dimethyl silicon, as well as pressurized gases like propane and butane. These can gradually wear down the non-stick properties of the coating, creating a buildup of film that becomes nearly impossible to remove. When you then attempt to clean the pan, you can cause further damage.

Instead of using cooking sprays, it's recommended to use a paper towel or soft kitchen cloth to apply minimal amounts of vegetable, canola, or olive oil. For pure ceramic pans, you can also use avocado, coconut, butter, or ghee.

Don't cut food in the pan

When it comes to cooking with a ceramic pan, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure the longevity of your cookware. One of the most important things to remember is to never cut food directly in the pan with a knife. Here are four to six paragraphs explaining why you shouldn't cut food in a ceramic pan:

Firstly, cutting food directly in the pan can damage the ceramic surface. Ceramic cookware has a delicate non-stick coating that is susceptible to scratches and gouges. Knives, in particular, can leave deep scratches or cuts on the surface, which will ruin the pan's ability to prevent food from sticking. Even if you are using a high-quality knife, it is best to avoid cutting food directly in the pan to prevent any accidental damage.

Secondly, cutting food in the pan can cause tiny specks of the non-stick material to chip away and creep into your food. According to a 2016 research article published in the Journal of Nanotechnology, the sol-gel coating used in ceramic pans contains titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are known to be toxic. Therefore, consuming these tiny specks of coating can potentially pose health risks. Using a cutting board to cut your ingredients before adding them to the pan is always the safest option.

Thirdly, cutting food in the pan can lead to uneven heating and affect the cooking process. Ceramic pans are designed to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. However, if the surface is scratched or damaged due to cutting, it can interfere with the pan's ability to conduct heat properly. This can result in hot spots and uneven cooking, affecting the quality of your dishes. By avoiding cutting in the pan, you ensure that the cooking surface remains intact and your food cooks evenly.

Additionally, it is important to use the right utensils when cooking with ceramic pans. Instead of metal utensils, opt for plastic, silicone, wood, or nylon utensils. These materials are gentler on the ceramic surface and less likely to cause scratches or damage. Using the correct utensils will help extend the life of your ceramic cookware and maintain its non-stick properties. Remember, always transfer the food to a cutting board or serving platter before cutting it with a knife to prevent any accidental damage to the ceramic surface.

Lastly, proper care and maintenance of your ceramic cookware is essential to ensure its longevity. Always hand wash your ceramic pan with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaning pads, as they can scratch the surface. Never put your ceramic pan in the dishwasher, as the detergents and other utensils can scratch or damage the coating. By following these tips and avoiding cutting food directly in the pan, you can help maintain the quality and performance of your ceramic cookware for years to come.

Store ceramic pans properly

Ceramic pans are a great addition to your cookware arsenal. They are durable, long-lasting, and resist scratching. However, to make them last even longer, it is important to store them properly. Here are some tips to ensure your ceramic pans are stored correctly:

• Ensure the pan is completely dry before putting it away. You can let the pan air dry or wipe it down with a clean, dry towel.
• Avoid stacking other cookware directly on top of your ceramic pans. The contact can cause damage to both pans. If you need to stack your pans due to limited storage space, use polyester pot protectors or place a cloth napkin, kitchen towel, or paper towel between each pan. These act as a cushioning layer and prevent the pans from banging into each other and causing scratches or other damage.
• Store the pans on a flat surface where they will not get knocked down, and in a spot where nothing will fall onto them. An enclosed cabinet is ideal as it keeps the pans clean and protected.
• If you have ceramic pans with rough surfaces on the bottom, be careful when placing them on surfaces such as glass stovetops or kitchen countertops, as they may cause damage.

Frequently asked questions