Is Ceramic Cookware Safe? Everything You Need to Know

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Is Ceramic Cookware Safe to Use?

As we become more aware of the hidden dangers lurking in things we use every day, the type of cookware we have in the kitchen has quite literally become a hot topic. I know there’s a lot of buzz around various types of cookware, but today, we’re going to focus on whether or not ceramic cookware is safe to use.

As someone who has made a conscious effort to adopt greener habits in the kitchen, I’ve been experimenting with ceramic cookware for a while now. But before you go ahead and revamp your kitchen, let’s take a closer look at whether or not ceramic cookware gets a thumbs up in the sustainability and safety department.

Are Ceramic Pots and Pans Safe to Cook With?

While people love using cookware with a non-stick coating because it’s so convenient and makes cleaning up a breeze, we’re now beginning to realize that a lot of traditional nonstick cookware, such as Teflon-coated pans, are very toxic and harmful to our health.

As a result, ceramic nonstick pans have been growing in popularity. But is ceramic cookware safe to use?

Ceramic cookware is safe as long as it’s glazed with materials designed for contact with food and the glazing is intact.

What’s the Best Ceramic Cookware Set to Use?

While ceramic pans and pots are safe to cook with, it’s important to note that not all ceramic cookware is created equally.

If you’re ready to make the switch to new cookware, I highly recommend Caraway ceramic-coated cookware. It’s what I use in my own kitchen, and I love the quality and craftsmanship of these products.

So what makes Caraway such an excellent choice for ceramic nonstick cookware? First of all, the company is committed to making sure no potentially toxic materials make their way into your food.

This means everything from their Dutch oven and their saucepan to their fry pan and their baking sheets are free of PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, and toxic heavy metals.

Even better, not only are you avoiding the toxic chemicals that you often find in Teflon cookware, but you also don’t have to use as much oil or butter to prevent food from sticking because the slick surface of the cookware is naturally nonstick. This means your food is free of toxic chemicals AND healthier.

The other thing that makes Caraway one of the top cookware brands out there is that their products are so easy to use. Their pots and pans have even heat distribution, so you don’t have to worry about cool spots or unevenly cooked food.

Plus, their high-quality ceramic cookware is versatile. It doesn’t matter whether you have an electric, gas, or induction cooktop — these pots and pans are safe to use on any type of cooking surface.

Why Is Traditional Non-Stick Cookware Not Safe to Use?

Those shiny, easy-to-clean conventional nonstick pots and pans have been a staple in kitchens for years because of their ease of use. However, it’s time to bid farewell to them because they might not be as safe as they seem.

Unwanted Chemical Guests

The main issue with this cookware comes down to dangerous chemicals. Traditional non-stick pans are often coated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS.

Since PFAS provide a stain- and water-resistant coating, they’re used to give traditional cookware their nonstick properties. You can also find PFAS in waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and grease-resistant food packaging.

There are thousands of different PFAS, but two of the most widely used are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

Unfortunately, PFAS also go by another name: forever chemicals. As the name suggests, once these chemicals start to build up, they never go away. Since they resist degradation, they remain in the environment and in our bodies decades after exposure.

Even at low doses, PFAS are known to have numerous harmful effects on human health. This includes:

Developmental effects or delays in children
Decreased fertility
Increased risk of miscarriages
Increased risk of some cancers
Increased cholesterol levels
Increased risk of obesity
Reduced ability to fight infections
Interference with natural hormones
Increased risk of allergies and asthma in children
Increased risk of thyroid disease

High Heat Concerns

It’s not just health concerns from eating food cooked in traditional non-stick cookware that you have to worry about. These pots and pans also aren’t a safe option when things start to heat up in the kitchen.

High temperatures can cause those aforementioned chemicals to release toxic fumes into the air, creating a not-so-pleasant cooking environment. If you think that home cooks could never reach the higher temperatures that cause these fumes to be released, think again.

One study found that it only takes 2.5 minutes for a traditional nonstick pan to heat up to 500ºF, which is the temperature where these chemicals start to break down and release into the air you breathe.

One of the best ways to avoid these chemicals is to stay away from cookware coated in them. Since Caraway cookware doesn’t use these chemicals in their non-toxic cookware, they’re a safer option.

How to Make Your Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Last Longer

Once you have your new nonstick cookware, you want your pieces to last as long as possible. Fortunately, taking care of your ceramic pots and pans isn’t rocket science, and a little care goes a long way in keeping them in tip-top shape.

Mind the Heat

While ceramic can handle the heat like a champ, extreme temperatures aren’t good for it. First, since ceramic-coated pans hold heat more efficiently than traditional ones, you’ll want to use lower temperatures when cooking.

I find that I never have to use anything above medium heat when I’m cooking with my Caraway ceramic pots and pans.

Also, you want to avoid rapid temperature changes, like taking a sizzling hot pan and dunking it into cold water. Let your cookware cool down on its own terms, and it’ll reward you with longevity.

Avoid Metal

Although ceramic cookware is tough, it still prefers a soft touch. Never use metal utensils with your ceramic pieces.

Metal utensils can scratch or chip the non-stick ceramic coating and expose the metal underneath. This could be a health risk depending on what type of metal was used.

These chips and scraps will also wear down the non-stick surface of your ceramic cookware, which means you’ll have to replace it sooner.

Instead, use non-stick utensils made of silicone or wood to prevent scratches on that beautiful ceramic surface.

Give it a Green Clean

Cleaning your ceramic cookware is simple — no harsh chemicals needed. First, let your pots and pans cool down completely before running water over them.

Then, stick to mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge or dishcloth to clean the cooking surface. If you notice some stains on the outside of the pans, a gentle scrub with a stronger sponge (such as a wool sponge) should do the trick to remove them.

Is Ceramic Cookware Safe and Healthy?

Ceramic cookware doesn’t just look pretty in the kitchen. Since these pieces don’t have any harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, and PFAS, they’re also a safe and sustainable choice for your culinary adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting started, ceramic cookware deserves a prime spot in your culinary lineup. They’re more than just a way to cook your favorite recipes. They’re also a commitment to delicious meals that are safer and healthier for you and leave a lighter footprint on the planet.

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