We tested our Non Stick Cookware against Ceramic Cookware to find out if one is safer than the other.
The cookware you use is just as important as the ingredients you cook with, and that’s why it is necessary to do all the research before you buy new Non Stick Pots and Pans.
However, we understand that the research can be exhausting and never-ending, which is why we put together this post examining the coatings on Non Stick Cookware, especially PTFE-coated Cookware and Ceramic Cookware.
All of the following data comes from toxicology reports we had done on both our Non Stick Cookware and on another premium Ceramic Cookware competitor that touts superior safety. Here’s what we found.
There were three different tests performed on each pan. In each test, a food stimulant is added to the pan and then heated. After a significant amount of time exposed to heat, the food stimulant gets tested in a laboratory to see if there are toxic materials that are leached from the surface of the pan.
The first test performed was an NIAS Test, which stands for Non-Intentionally Added Substances. NIAS tests help ensure that any material that will be in contact with food is safe. It tests substances that are unintentionally added into food contact materials but are present. Some are impurities of chemicals from an approved list, some are formed as by-products, and some can be contaminants from the manufacturing process.
To test this, both pans are exposed to a food stimulant containing 95% ethanol for 6 hours at 140F. Any substances that were picked up during the NIAS test are deemed safe by the FCM (Food Contact Materials) Regulation and are non-genotoxic as well.
The second one was a Specific Release of Metals, which measures which metals are and aren’t present on the surface of the pan. Each pan was under the same food stimulant and cooking temperature. For the metal test, the food stimulant contained .5% citric acid and the test duration was for 2 hours at 212F.
Both test results came back with zero red flags. For both our Non Stick Frying Pan and the competitors Ceramic Frying Pan, all findings were in compliance with the limits and almost identical, for one-time and extended use.
The third test was a Specific Release of Silicon, where similar to the first test, both pans were exposed to the same food stimulant and cooking temperature (.5% citric acid and 2 hours at 212F). Similarly to the Specific Release of Metals, both pans met the requirements for this test.
When it comes to sustainability, the factory that makes our PTFE-coated cookware is fully compliant with all of the regional regulations they are held to. Any wastewater that is produced is sent to a specific treatment facility.
They have also decreased their energy production, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and have increased their renewable energy. It is this thoughtfulness behind the production that makes us proud of our Non Stick Cookware every time.
After going through these reports, it is very clear that our PTFE-coated Cookware is equally as safe as Ceramic Cookware. Many Ceramic Cookware Companies like to say that their cookware is safer than PTFE but these tests have clearly debunked that myth.
When it comes to picking between Ceramic and PTFE Non Stick Cookware, we think our PTFE cookware is the best option. It performs much better, lasts 70x longer so you can get more worth for your money, and it is equally as safe and non-toxic by the reports laid out above.
Born out of a 100-year old, family-owned restaurant supply business, we work to ensure our Cookware is as detail oriented as the chefs who choose to use it in their kitchens.
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