Is Ceramic Cookware Safe? Pros & Cons of Cooking with Ceramic

Ceramic is safe for cooking but not all ceramic is created equally. Here are some tips for low-tox cooking with ceramic pans and casserole dishes.

Cooking up a storm shouldn’t come with a storm of potential health consequences.

Bring balance to your plate and wellness by cooking nutritious whole foods without the use of nonstick cookware. Many at-home cooks turn to ceramic cookware as a non-toxic alternative. Compared to nonstick pans with PFAS, ceramic is a better option. However, is ceramic cookware safe? Let’s take a closer look!

What Is Ceramic?

Ceramic is a timeless and versatile material that’s known for its beauty, durability, and utility. The primary material used to create ceramic is clay. 

Clay comes in various types, each with attributes that influence the final product's texture, strength, and color. The most commonly used clays include earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, each selected based on the intended use and desired aesthetic of the finished piece. 

Earthenware offers a rustic charm, stoneware presents durability and a pleasing heft, while porcelain stands out for its delicate beauty and translucence.

In addition to clay, other materials may be introduced to enhance the properties of the ceramic. Ingredients like silica, feldspar, and kaolin can be added to modify the clay's workability, firing temperature, and the final piece's durability. These components are carefully blended to form a malleable mixture, ready to be shaped by skilled hands into items ranging from functional kitchenware to ornamental sculptures.

How Is Ceramic Made?

The creation of ceramic is an art form that marries the earth's simplicity with human creativity and technological prowess. It begins with the careful shaping of clay. These pieces are left to dry, a crucial step that prepares them for the intense heat they will face in the kiln. 

The firing process is where the transformation occurs. As temperatures rise beyond 1000°C (about 1832°F), the clay undergoes a metamorphosis, hardening, and strengthening into a durable form [1]. This step is not just about endurance but also about preparing the surface for glazing, where the piece receives its finishing touches.

Glazing acts as both a shield and a design feature for ceramic cookware, creating a waterproof layer that also presents an opportunity for designers to infuse the collection with vibrant colors and unique patterns.

Pros and Cons of Using Ceramic Cookware

Pro: Non-toxic material

Crafted from natural, inorganic materials like clay, ceramic is heated to extremely high temperatures. This not only makes the clay durable but also keeps it naturally pure. 

The glazing on ceramic cookware adds a layer of shine and practicality for its low-stick qualities. Ceramic glazing could contain silica, kaolin, or feldspar. These materials are not inherently toxic and are considered safe when used for ceramic glazing [2].

These components are mixed with water to form a liquid glaze that is applied to the surface of the ceramic body. They don’t break down over high heat and are not a cause for concern when cooking. 

Con: Low-Grade Ceramic Exists

There's a range of ceramic cookware on the market, and while most of it brings a dash of color and reliability to the kitchen, it's worth being cautious about low-grade options. These might look appealing with their vibrant hues, but there's a hidden risk. 

The colors in some of these ceramics could contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium [3]. When used for cooking, these metals might sneak into your meals, posing potential health risks. 

The use of heavy metals tends to be more pronounced in lower-quality ceramics that don't meet stringent safety standards. It's an issue that could unknowingly affect you and your loved ones' well-being. 

This is why leaning towards high-quality, white ceramic cookware can be a wise move. White ceramic cookware tends to steer clear of dangerous heavy metals used for coloring. 

Pro: Naturally Nonstick

Ceramic cookware offers a naturally nonstick surface, primarily when it's coated with a ceramic glaze. When ceramic cookware is fired at high temperatures in a kiln, the glaze melts and fuses to the ceramic, creating a hard, impermeable surface that prevents food from sticking. 

Unlike traditional nonstick cookware that requires a coating of synthetic chemicals like PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or other PFAS, ceramic coatings achieve their non-stick properties through their physical structure rather than chemical additives. This makes them a safer, more eco-friendly option for many health-conscious cooks. 

Additionally, this natural, nonstick surface makes for easy cleaning. It requires less need for cooking with large amounts of oils or fats, promoting healthier cooking practices. 

However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to maintain the non-stick qualities of ceramic cookware. Using wooden or silicone utensils can prevent scratches that might compromise its non-stick surface. With proper care, ceramic cookware can provide a durable, effective, and safe non-stick cooking experience.

Con: Not as Durable as Other Options

We all yearn for cookware that can stand the test of time, retaining its charm and functionality through countless meals. It's this desire for durability that often leads us toward options like nonstick cookware. 

However, it's essential to acknowledge that ceramic cookware may not always match up in terms of longevity. Ceramic can indeed chip or break if dropped, and its surface is susceptible to scratching over time. 

There's also a consideration to bear in mind regarding safety. If the ceramic glaze contains heavy metals and it begins to scratch, there's a risk these metals could leach into your food. 

That's why it's so important to ensure that any ceramic cookware you choose clearly states it's made without harmful substances like lead and cadmium. Your health is paramount, and being vigilant about the cookware you use is a step towards safeguarding it.

For those of us seeking alternatives that blend non-toxicity with durability, stainless steel and glass cookware present themselves as excellent choices. These materials do not carry the same risk of chipping or leaching harmful chemicals into food, marking them as safe and sturdy companions in your culinary adventures. 

While it's true they don't naturally offer the same non-stick conveniences as some ceramic or traditional non-stick surfaces, there are simple techniques to minimize sticking—like properly heating the pan before adding oil or ensuring your food is dry before it hits the skillet. With a bit of practice and these mindful practices, cooking with stainless steel and glass can become nearly as effortless as with their nonstick counterparts!

Pro: Won’t Interact with Foods

One of the most significant advantages of using ceramic cookware is its inert nature. That means it won’t interact with the foods you’re cooking. 

This characteristic is a crucial consideration for those of us who pour love and care into our meals, aiming for the purest flavors and safest cooking conditions. Some metals can impart an undesirable taste or react chemically with acidic foods—think tomatoes or lemon juice. Ceramic remains neutral, allowing the true flavors of your dishes to shine through!

Con: Can Stain with Time

While white ceramic cookware brings a clean, classic aesthetic to the kitchen, it's important to acknowledge that it can show signs of wear over time. The very nature of its pristine surface makes it vulnerable to discoloration, especially when regularly used for cooking highly pigmented foods like tomato sauces or curry. 

This is a natural consequence of its use and doesn't indicate a lack of quality. However, it's something to keep in mind if you prefer your cookware to maintain an unblemished appearance.

When it comes to caring for your ceramic cookware, gentle handling is key to preserving its integrity and appearance. Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads are a no-go as they can scratch the smooth glaze, potentially leading to further damage over time. 

Instead, opt for softer cleaning materials like a soft cloth. For cooking, wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils are recommended to avoid scratching the ceramic surface. Metal utensils should be avoided during both cooking and cleaning to protect the cookware's non-stick properties and keep it looking its best. With these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of ceramic cookware while minimizing the risk of stains and scratches.

Pro: Cooks Evenly

Ceramic cookware is celebrated for its ability to distribute heat evenly across its surface, ensuring that dishes are cooked uniformly. This characteristic stems from the natural properties of ceramic, which is an excellent conductor of heat. 

Unlike some materials that can create hot spots leading to uneven cooking or burning, ceramic absorbs heat slowly and distributes it consistently. This even heat distribution is particularly beneficial when preparing delicate dishes that require precision and gentle cooking, such as sauces or chocolates, where consistency in temperature can make all the difference in the final outcome.

Furthermore, ceramic cookware retains heat efficiently, contributing to its even cooking performance. Once it reaches the desired temperature, ceramic maintains that temperature, allowing food to cook thoroughly without continuous adjustments to the heat source. 

This not only makes for more energy-efficient cooking but also means that dishes remain warm for longer once removed from the heat source. Whether you're simmering, sautéing, baking, or frying, ceramic cookware provides a reliable and stable cooking environment!

Get Low-Tox Recommendations 

Lowering your overall toxic chemical burden is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being. In our modern world, we're constantly exposed to a myriad of chemicals, many of which can be harmful over time. 

Substances found in everyday products, from plastics to personal care items, can interfere with our body's natural functions and contribute to a range of health issues. Chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, parabens, and oxybenzone are known to disrupt hormonal balance, affect reproductive health, and may even be linked to certain cancers. Reducing exposure to these toxins is an essential step towards safeguarding your health and ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for future generations.

Try a Detect & Detox Test Kit by Million Marker. We can pinpoint your exposure levels to some of the most common harmful chemicals. 

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Whether it's choosing safer products, making informed decisions about what you eat, or altering your lifestyle habits, Million Marker empowers you to take control of your health by minimizing your toxic chemical burden. This proactive approach is invaluable for anyone looking to lead a healthier, more conscious life.

Resources

[1] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/clay-minerals/article/abs/characterization-thermal-behaviour-and-firing-properties-of-clay-materials-from-cap-bon-basin-northeast-tunisia-for-ceramic-applications/2FA1EE200E5A4E54AF39BCFA730E5188 

[2] https://ehs.princeton.edu/health-safety-the-campus-community/art-theater-safety/art-safety/ceramics 

[3] https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/questions-and-answers-lead-glazed-traditional-pottery