The Best Ceramic Cookware Sets for Healthier Cooking

How To Pick the Perfect Ceramic Cookware Set- A Buying Guide

Why Should You Choose Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic cookware has become popular in many households over the years. It is made of ceramic bonded to a metal coating and handles to create various pots and pans. Some of the main benefits of using a ceramic cookware set are:

• It absorbs heat evenly, so you do not need very high heat to cook food properly
• Once the stove has been turned off, it retains heat for a more extended period of time
• There are no added chemicals that would cause concern to your health
• Many cultures believe it enhances the flavor of the food cooked in it
• It is very affordable as compared to metallic cooking sets

The Non-Stick Element

Ceramic cookware sets have also joined other cooking utensils in becoming non-stick to ensure less use of oil and healthier lifestyles. However, how this non-stick feature is added to the product makes a world of difference. The two most common ways to make ceramic cookware set non-stick are to either infuse it with oil or coat it with a non-stick layer of Teflon.

Oil-infused vs. coating

Oil-infused cookware sets are preferred by many because they do not contain any chemical layer on them. The oil lasts a long time and does not interfere with the cooking. It also gives the user the freedom to use utensils of their choice. However, Teflon or other coated ceramic cookware sets may last longer when it comes to the non-stick element. Even though they last longer, the user must avoid metallic spoons and utensils that may scratch the Teflon layer. It can also chip along with the ceramic and cause issues later.

Heat Conduction

Heat conduction is an essential feature when considering ceramic cookware sets. Ceramic by itself is a perfect conductor of heat. It absorbs heat efficiently and evenly, which means you do not need to leave it sitting on the stove for it to heat up. The increased heat conductivity sets it apart from other cookware materials. The most redeeming quality of ceramic cookware is that it retains this absorbed heat for longer as well. Therefore, cooked food stays warm inside the pan and does not need to be reheated. A feature like this makes ceramic cookware sets excellent for parties and storing food until guests arrive.

Stove Compatibility

It is vital to ensure that your ceramic cookware set is compatible with the type of stove you have at home. Most ceramic cookware is compatible with gas and fire stoves. However, for your cooking set to be compatible with electrical cooking, such as an induction oven, you must check the product before buying it. Many people prefer cookware sets with multi-stove compatibility due to their convenience and ease of use. If you plan on putting your pan in the oven, you will have to check if the cookware is compatible with it. A dead giveaway of cookware not being compatible with an oven is its plastic handle that looks like it will melt.

Weight

The weight of your ceramic cookware set impacts many aspects of your kitchen life. Although ceramic is heavier than metals, the cookware is of manageable weight. Some ceramic cookware sets are made of thin ceramic layers, reducing their weight and making them easier to handle. However, other ceramic cookware can be significantly heavy due to a thick layer of ceramic incorporated into the design. Such a design is usually better for heat retention. Regardless of the weight of your pots and pans, you get used to it over time, and it does not feel any different than a regular pan once you have gotten the hang of it.

Number of Pans in the Set

It is good to buy a cookware set that has the closest number of pots and pans that you are looking for. Doing so helps you save up on storage and money as you would not be buying unnecessary cookware items that you do not need in your kitchen. The standard range of items in a ceramic cookware set is between 6 and 11 pieces. You should remember that this doesn’t mean it would be 6-11 pots and pans since lids are considered separate pieces in each set. Hence a six-piece set would typically include two sizes of frying pans, one stockpot with a lid, and one saucepan with a lid.

Temperature Considerations

Although ceramic cookware is good to go for both hot and cold temperature ranges, it would be preferred to avoid drastic temperature changes when using the cookware set. For example, a saucepan that was just taken off the heat should not be put into a blast chiller to reduce the sauce’s temperature. Nor should you put a pan into a highly heated oven without letting it adjust to the temperature. The main reason behind this is that ceramic cookware sets wear over time, and sudden temperature changes affect the bonds between the ceramic and the coating or handles. These practices reduce the life of your cooking set in the long run.

Durability

Most ceramic cookware sets are constructed to be durable and withstand the daily wear and tear all kitchen items are subjected to. However, you must invest in a cookware set from a company that guarantees durability. The average life of a ceramic pan made of regular quality materials is between 1 and 2 years, depending on how well you take care of it. Well-made ceramic cookware sets can last you up to 3 years if you take care of them and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, cleaning, and usage.

Health and Safety Assurance

The last thing that you should be on the lookout for is the health and safety assurances that come with most ceramic cookware sets. The cookware set should be PTFE and PFOA-free to ensure your food is free from harmful chemicals. Additionally, BPA-free products are the minimum requirement for any ceramic cookware set to be acceptable. Always invest in a product that states its health assurances so you can save yourself and your loved ones from trouble in the future.