If you’ve ever felt conflicted between purchasing stainless steel kitchenware or ceramic cookware, you’ve come to the right place. People rave about both options, but each has its benefits that may work better for some more than others.
The type of cookware you choose should depend on the foods you cook and what you’re looking for in your kitchenware. Each has their own benefits, but with each benefit, comes a disadvantage.
To make every home chef's life a little easier when choosing the right cookware, we've curated a detailed list to break down the differences between ceramic and stainless steel cookware.
Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware often features a ceramic coating that gives the appliance a natural non-stick surface. The slick coating helps to keep food from sticking to the cooking surface, and makes for an easier process both before and after. You can minimize the amount of oil or butter in your foods, which is a key benefit for health-conscious cooks.
Alongside the non-stick properties, ceramic cookware is easier to clean as a result. As your food does not need extra help from butter or oil, most food will rinse right off with the help from hot water and a good sponge. Make sure to hand-wash with dish soap and a soft brush or sponge to avoid scratching the ceramic coating that is applied on the cookware surface.
Correspondingly, ceramic cookware is known to distribute heat evenly across the entire surface. This allows you to cook food faster, without the annoyance of cold spots in your food.
And the best part about ceramic cookware? The fact that it is chemical free! Unlike Teflon (another non-stick alternative), ceramic does contain any toxic PFOA/PTFE chemicals which can be harmful.
What to Look Out For When Purchasing Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware is a great choice if you are looking for an even heat distribution and easy clean up option. However, it is important to note that the caretaking process is on the high maintenance side.
To ensure that the ceramic surface stays up to par with your cooking, you cannot use metal utensils on it. Using metal utensils on ceramic cookware can damage the non-stick surface.
Furthermore, dishwashing is not an option when it comes to cleaning your ceramic cookware. Over time, dishwashing can damage and weaken the non-stick finish on your ceramic appliance. As a result, it is best to hand-wash with hot water and a gentle sponge.
The Verdict on Ceramic Cookware
If you’re looking for an easy-to-clean and everyday pan, ceramic cookware is the way to go. It’s perfect for beginners given its non-stick surface and great for home cooks looking to whip up a quick and easy meal.
Stainless Steel
When choosing which cookware is best for you, there is lots to love when it comes to stainless steel due to its durability. Stainless steel pans are highly noted for their ability to handle the wear and tear of everyday cooking at home, and in a professional kitchen.
Furthermore, you can forget about rust when it comes to stainless steel cookware. The thin layer of chromium on stainless steel products prevents scratches and rusting. If taken care of properly, stainless steel pots and pans can last a lifetime.
Unlike ceramic cookware when it comes to the meticulous cleaning needed to maintain its upkeep, stainless steel cookware does not need any special treatment. You can put stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher or clean by hand, without worrying about ruining the appliance. The hard metal can handle any sort of treatment.
What to Look Out For When Purchasing Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cookware is a great choice if you are looking for an easy option to cooking that does not require a thorough cleaning process. However, it is important to note that this cookware option is more on the sturdy side, and less on the effectiveness side.
Unlike ceramic cookware options, stainless steel cookware does not distribute heat evenly across its surface. When you cook, you’ll find that some areas of the appliance will be much hotter than others. This can cause a lack of thorough cooking of your food, and have you waiting a little longer to eat.
As well, the surface of stainless steel cookware is not non-stick, which is not beginner-friendly. When cooking, you will be using external ingredients such as oil and butter to ensure your food does not stick to the appliance and spending extra time at the sink attempting to scrap off the remeninents.
Furthemore, stainless steel is on the expensive side. A quality set of stainless steel pots and pans can cost you double what you would pay if you were to buy the same set of ceramic pots.
The Verdict on Stainless Steel Cookware
If you’re looking for a durable choice that will last you years, stainless steel cookware is the way to go. It’s the perfect quick clean up option, and becomes your best friend for years with its no-rust ability.
FIKA’s Choice
Now that you understand the difference between ceramic and stainless steel cookware, you can make a more educated choice.
We believe that healthy cooking starts with healthy cookware, which is why ceramic cookware will always have our hearts. We pride ourselves in bringing you multi-award winning, eco-friendly, safe cookware that will make you excited to cook (and be the best option for your kitchen).
Interested in learning more about our products? Check out FIKA cookware for a variety of ceramic pots and pans.