Ceramic or Stainless Steel Pans | Find The Best Nonstick One

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.