Ceramic Pans Sticking: What's The Problem?

Ceramic pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their natural non-stick surface, lightweight properties, and heat transfer capabilities. However, ceramic pans can lose their non-stick coating over time, causing food to stick to the pan's surface. This can be frustrating and result in unappetizing food. So, what causes ceramic pans to lose their non-stick properties, and how can you restore their non-stick surface?

Cooking with metal utensils

Ceramic pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their natural non-stick surface and lightweight properties. However, they can lose their non-stick qualities over time and with constant use. One of the main reasons for this is the use of metal utensils, which can create scratches on the surface of the pan and damage the non-stick coating.

Why You Should Avoid Metal Utensils

When cooking with a ceramic pan, it is important to use the right utensils. Sharp metal utensils can create scratches on the surface of the pan, which can eventually lead to bigger problems. The scratches may not be apparent at first, but over time, they can cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate and food to start sticking.

Alternative Utensil Options

To prevent scratches and maintain the non-stick surface of your ceramic pan, it is recommended to use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils. These materials are softer than metal and will not damage the surface of the pan. Wooden utensils, in particular, are a good option as they are gentle on the pan's surface and will not create scratches.

Proper Care for Ceramic Pans

In addition to using the right utensils, there are other ways to properly care for your ceramic pan and maintain its non-stick properties:

• Avoid cooking at high temperatures: Ceramic pans have good heat resistance, but exposing them to high heat in the oven can gradually affect their non-stick coating. It is recommended to cook at medium or low temperatures to prolong the life of the non-stick surface.
• Use oil or butter: Adding a small amount of oil or butter before putting the pan on the heat can help prevent food from sticking. However, avoid using non-stick cooking sprays or extra virgin oils, as these can form a carbonized layer.
• Allow the pan to cool properly: Do not pour cold water into a hot pan, as sudden temperature changes can damage the non-stick coating. Let the pan cool down before washing it.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning: Abrasive cleaning methods, such as using steel wool or scouring pads, can harm the interior surface of the pan. Instead, use warm soapy water and a soft sponge to clean the pan.

By following these tips and using the right utensils, you can help maintain the non-stick properties of your ceramic pan and prolong its lifespan.

Cooking at high temperatures

Ceramic pans are not designed to withstand high temperatures. The non-stick coating on ceramic pans can slowly erode when exposed to high heat, whether in the oven or on the stove. This is a gradual process, and you may not notice the damage until it is too late. Therefore, it is best to avoid cooking at high temperatures with ceramic pans.

The ideal temperature for cooking with ceramic pans is medium to low heat. You can also preheat the pan on low heat and then adjust the temperature gradually as needed. This will help preserve the non-stick coating and prevent discolouration and damage to the pan's surface.

It is also important to avoid dry heating, which is when you leave the pan on an active stove top before adding oil or fat. Contact with excessive heat, even at low temperatures, can negatively impact the non-stick coating. Always make sure your ceramic pan is lubricated with oil or fat before cooking to preserve the coating.

Additionally, be sure to allow your ceramic pan to cool down properly before washing it. A sudden change in temperature can damage the non-stick coating, so it is best to let the pan cool down before washing it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.

By following these temperature guidelines and proper care techniques, you can help extend the life of your ceramic pan and maintain its non-stick properties.

Using cooking spray

Cooking sprays are a surefire way to ruin your ceramic pan's non-stick coating. While it may seem like a good idea to use cooking spray to prevent food from sticking to your ceramic pan, it will actually have the opposite effect. Cooking sprays contain lecithin, which is an emulsifier, and dimethyl silicone, which is an anti-foaming agent. Over time, the lecithin in the cooking spray will cook onto the surface of your pan, building up and becoming nearly impossible to remove. The result is a degraded coating that will no longer act as a non-stick surface.

Instead of using cooking spray, it is recommended to use pure ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. These oils will prevent any unnecessary build-up and will not damage the non-stick coating by burning prematurely. To apply the oil, dip a paper towel or clean kitchen towel into the oil and then wipe the interior of your pan before cooking.

It is also important to note that ceramic pans operate best under low to medium temperatures. Using high heat can damage the non-stick coating and cause food to stick due to a reaction called thermocapillary convection. So, when using your ceramic pan, be sure to keep the temperature low to medium and avoid preheating the pan.

Additionally, it is recommended to hand wash your ceramic pan instead of putting it in the dishwasher. Even if your pan is labelled as "dishwasher safe", the cleaning detergents can damage the sensitive coating and cause it to peel. It is also important to let the pan cool down before washing it to avoid warping due to thermal expansion.

Abrasive cleaning

• Let the pan cool down before washing.
• Wash the pan with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth.
• If there is burnt-on food, fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle baking soda onto the pan and use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any remaining food.
• For tough stains, make a paste from baking soda and water and let it sit on the pan for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing in a circular motion with a soft brush.
• Rinse the pan with tap water and dry with a soft towel or paper towel.
• Store the pan on a shelf or rack to avoid scratches.

Using it as a food container

You should avoid using your ceramic pan as a food container. It is best to invest in some good-quality food containers to store your leftovers in the fridge. Leaving food in your ceramic pan for a long period can damage the non-stick coating.

Sudden temperature changes can also cause damage to the non-stick coating of your ceramic pan. For example, placing a hot pan under cold running water can cause the coating to stop working within a few weeks. Therefore, it is best to let your pan cool down before washing it.

In addition, cold temperatures and food do not mix well inside a ceramic pan. Food stored in a ceramic pan in the fridge will cause staining on the surface of the pan, which you will be tempted to scrub or harshly wash, damaging the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions