You’ve noticed that your pans need replacing. The most
logical thing to do is to decide which pan to buy, right? Unfortunately, there
are tons of different brands and types out there – made from different
materials too. The most common problem is to decide whether you should go with
ceramic or stainless steel pans. Which to choose?
Ceramic and Stainless Steel Pans
Keep in mind that both types of pans are durable and
sturdy. Each of them has its own characteristics, strength, and flaws. The good
thing about them is that they are long-lasting – provided that they are in
perfect shape. But then again, there are some flaws that you need to address
from these two.
Recommended: Ceramic Frying Pan Pros and Cons
- Cleaning up
Which one is easier to clean? It’s ceramic pans.
Thanks to the non-stick surface, you only need to use a soft sponge and soapy
water to remove the residue and oil. In some products, you only need to use the
paper towel, wipe it up, and voila! It’s clean as a whistle.
However, the same helpful non-stick surface is the
weakness of the ceramic pans. The pans are prone to scratches, which means that
you shouldn’t use them in the dishwasher. Although some manufacturers claim
that their products are dishwasher-safe, some experts state that the dishwasher
detergent (which is harsh) is responsible for the damage to the non-stick coat.
The stainless steel pans are tougher. They don’t have
any coat or whatsoever, so feel free to throw them into the dishwasher. For the
regular hand wash manner, this can be tricky. When some food particles or
residue are sticking on the surface, you need to soak it up in hot water
overnight. You can use either a sponge or steel wool for a thorough cleaning.
- Health
Both stainless steel and ceramic pans don’t produce toxins or negative fumes. The ceramic pans have the non-stick coating while
stainless steel pans don’t. However, if the surface isn’t damaged, the ceramic pans are safe. But if you are into health concern so much, you should know that you still need to
use butter, cooking spray, or oil to cook your food.
Otherwise, the food will stick. The ceramic pans, on the other hand, don’t need butter or oil. You can use only a little or none at all. That’s why ceramic is considered better for health junkies.
- Use and Care
Because of the non-stick coating, the ceramic doesn’t
last – well, not up to 10 or 20 years. The pans are good for 3 to 4 years but at some points, the coating will deteriorate. The pans will no longer be useful. The stainless steel,
on the other hand, is tougher and more long-lasting. Since the pans don’t have
any coating or whatsoever, you won’t have to worry about metal leakage.
Using ceramic pans is also more complicated. You have
to use wooden or silicone utensils; otherwise, you will scratch the nonstick
surface. With stainless steel, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Feel free to use any utensils you want (wood, metal, silicone, etc), and your pans are going to be just fine.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing
the cookware. Whether you use ceramic or stainless steel pans, it doesn’t
matter. Simply choose the pan that suits your lifestyle, cooking comfort, and
cooking preference.
