Ceramic pans are an optimal solution to Teflon. Since Teflon, toxic and harmful to health, has been banned, the best solution to make pans non-stick are two: the stone coating and the ceramic coating.
A good ceramic coating ensures healthy cooking without added fat, is resistant to thermal shock, and is easy to clean. And maintenance becomes practical and fast.
Ceramic frying pans: Key features
Unlike harmful materials, ceramic pans are guaranteed and are now very popular.
Ceramics is a natural element and is used to compose the cladding together with other materials. It is a coating and not a 100% ceramic pan-like mini pan.
To find out more read the article Pans: Guide to the choice of materials
The basic pan is most often made of aluminum and then coated with several layers of material that are also composed of ceramic. The difference is made by the brand that produces it. Some brands have even put on the market a compound they have developed and guaranteed even for several years, providing a lot of resistance and durability to the pan thanks to the different layers used.
A ceramic frying pan with these characteristics has 2 advantages :
The first is given by the aluminum which guarantees uniform heat diffusion over the entire bottom of the pan if it is not too thin; the second is given by the ceramic coating which allows non-stick and fat-free cooking.
That’s why they are widespread and used in almost all kitchens, even those of great chefs’ restaurants.
Ceramic pans: Benefits
Non-stick and cooking without added fat, dietetic and healthy
Thanks to the ceramic coating, the pans are very non-stick and you can cook without oil, butter, or any added fat.
You will be able to brown, brown, and roast your foods as they are, in a healthy and/or dietetic way.
The ceramic frying pans are an excellent choice for golden and crunchy cooking.
Resistance and durability over time
The ceramic coating is made of a material that is also very resistant to shocks, scratches, and abrasions. In reality though, if you use metal ladles they will still scratch.
If, on the other hand, you are careful and use silicone or wooden ladles, you can have a long-lasting ceramic pan.
Homogeneous heat diffusion
The structure of the aluminum pan offers a diffusion of heat throughout the bottom of the ceramic pan quite evenly and also in a short time.
This will allow you not to burn the food in the center and leave it raw around the edges.
Be careful though, ceramic reaches high temperatures in a short time, and therefore avoid keeping it on fire for a long time before cooking, you would risk burning your food even before cooking it.
Material not harmful to health
The coating of the ceramic pan is made without the aid of materials such as PRFE or PFOA. This guarantees you a safer material from a health point of view also because ceramic is non-toxic by its nature.
It does not deteriorate with food acids
You can cook anything without limits. Ceramics resist well the acidic agents of some foods.
It resists high temperatures
The ceramic pan can reach temperatures of up to 400 degrees and not get damaged. For this reason, some manufacturers have placed pans on the market that can also be used in the oven.
Ceramic pans: Disadvantages
If you’re thinking that ceramic pans are perfect products, I’m sorry to prove you wrong. Since the ceramic in question is a simple coating, this means that if you drop it or if you have to use metals, the pan will be affected. The coating could come off and be ruined.
If the coating on the bottom of the pan, the one in contact with food, gets damaged, the advice is to change it as soon as possible and stop using it.
Ceramic Pans: Advice
It is good to choose a ceramic pan model with a good handle that is not too short to avoid burning yourself.
Some brands produce handles with ergonomic and high-temperature-resistant material. Practical and handy.
Always use mild detergents if the ceramic pan you have purchased is not suitable for washing in the dishwasher.
Do not use metal or particularly stiff sponges which could scratch the surface and damage it.
Now they are rare remodels to wash by hand. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and treat it carefully. It will give you great satisfaction.
Ceramic frying pans: how to choose them
If you have decided that there will be a ceramic appeal in your kitchen, then read these practical suggestions that will accompany you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.
Here’s what you need to watch out for:
The bottom
As ceramic paella is an aluminum pan with a layered coating, the bottom of the pan mustn’t be too thin.
This is because aluminum heats up quickly and would cause bikes to burn in the center and be raw around the edges.
Plus you would have a very light pan which is not advisable. You can also understand the structure of the bottom from the weight.
Pans with multi-layered bottoms ensure better heat distribution.
Weight
The right ceramic pan should be neither too light nor too heavy. The heaviness is an indication of manageability, practicality, and excellent cooking.
The maintenance
If you can, choose a model that can be easily washed in the dishwasher. Not only will you be able to have this advantage if you have this appliance, but the coating will certainly not be so delicate as to get damaged in a short time.
Ceramic frying pans: how to clean them
Be very careful when cleaning the ceramic coating because if it gets damaged or scratched, you will need to buy a new pan.
Metal accessories to be used during cooking are therefore banned and those with non-aggressive materials such as silicone and wood are recommended.
Similarly, it is good to avoid sponges such as scouring pads or hard bristle brushes.
Never use the knife to cut the food inside the pan but prepare it before cooking. All blade tools that can cut and damage the coating are banned.
The best cleaning is the one that comes from prevention. Avoid burning food, letting it stick to the bottom, or anything else that could cause invasive cleaning.
Moisten if necessary and prevent it from encrusting. You would also ruin your beautiful ceramic pan.
Ceramic frying pans: prices
As always, on the market, there are different prices for different models. The difference is made by the brand, the quality of the raw material used, and the quality of the final product.
Evaluate more and more proposals and compare them with the same characteristics and size.
The prices are not exaggerated and are truly for all budgets.
The advice is to buy packs of 3 pans of different sizes because you save money and because you can use the right one for each use.