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What are the Pros and Cons of Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic cookware is pretty—but does it work?

By Rachel Baron
Mar 11, 2024
A person in an apron cooking with two pans on a stovetop in a kitchen.
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It’s hard to ignore the designer colors and sleek, minimalist shapes of ceramic cookware—especially when those ads keep popping up in your Instagram feed (you know the ones). Like with any trendy cookware item, however, it’s reasonable to feel a healthy dose of skepticism. That’s why we wanted to help demystify ceramic cookware: the pros, the cons, and where the name actually comes from.

What Is Ceramic Cookware?

Despite the name, ceramic cookware isn't kiln-fired—rather, the name comes from the coating’s glossy, enamel-like appearance. The inside of a ceramic pot or pan is coated with a water- and oil-resistant coating on top of a metal base (usually stainless steel or aluminum) that’s made of silicon oxide, aka silica. Since this coating is (and always has been) free of chemicals like PFOA and PTFE, ceramic cookware is often marketed as a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditionally coated non stick cookware.

What are the Pros of Ceramic Cookware?

The pros of ceramic cookware are similar to those of the non stick cookware you're familiar with—namely, the smooth non stick finish makes for easier cleanup, and requires less oil or cooking fat to keep things from sticking.

1. No-Stick Coating

The coating on the inside of a ceramic pot or pan functions similarly to that of non stick cookware, providing a frictionless surface for cooking eggs, fish, and other delicate, stick-prone foods. Ceramic cookware can be a solid option for those trying to cook with less fat, since you won’t need as much oil or butter to keep food from sticking.

2. Easy to Clean

This one’s pretty straightforward—since food naturally releases more easily from the surface of a ceramic pot or pan, you won’t need to scour or soak your ceramic cookware to get it clean. Just give it a gentle scrub with dish soap and a soft sponge to remove any debris. The only things while avoiding abrasive tools like steel wool at all costs—and keeping it far away from the dishwasher.

3. Induction-Compatible

If you’re looking for a pan that’s compatible with an induction cooktop, ceramic cookware is a solid option that's typically compatible across all types of cooktops, from induction to gas to electric.

What are the Cons of Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic cookware has a few distinct downsides—namely, it’s just not as durable as other types of cookware.

1. Less Durable Construction

While you can find high-quality ceramic cookware made of 5-ply stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum, that’s not always the case: many ceramic pans are made with a non-anodized aluminum base, which can warp and scratch more easily. Just like with any cookware, make sure to do a little research before purchasing a ceramic pan to make sure you’re getting something durable and relatively long-lasting.

2. Shorter Lifespan

Even if you manage to carefully source a well-made ceramic pan, your cookware is still only likely to last a couple of years. This is due to the nature of the silicon oxide coating, which naturally releases every time you heat up your pan. Once that coating has worn out, your pan will no longer be non stick.

3. Extremely Delicate Coating

The coating on a ceramic pot or pan tends to be more brittle than other types of coatings, which means it can be more susceptible to scratches and other forms of wear and tear. This applies to high-heat cooking, as well—some ceramic pans are marketed as safe for high heat cooking, but sustained use over high heat can actually cause the ceramic coating to break down more quickly.

Ready to Shop?

Like with any pot or pan, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe using it. If you still feel unsure about cooking with regular non stick pans, ceramic cookware is a great option; there's also numerous coating-free alternatives to suit any style of cooking.