Most families are now preoccupied with choosing and enjoying foods that are healthy. The kitchen is the major venue when preparing foods and is usually where the family meets most frequently. Many now consider using utensils that are environmentally friendly and they also look for ways to avoid bringing family members into harm’s way by introducing toxins into their dishes. Mothers certainly would love serving great-tasting recipes without sacrificing flavors when they cook. And toxins have no place in the preparation of foods.
The type of cooking vessel is an important factor when we talk about healthy cooking. Using ceramic cookware is a great way to fulfill this desire because it’s made with natural compositions. You are assured that they don’t have toxic elements that are found in new cookware. You can make healthy and delicious dishes that could be beneficial to both your waistline and your taste buds. Furthermore, ceramics are usually durable and are scratch-proof.
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Cook N Home NC-00359 Nonstick Ceramic Coating 10-Piece Cookware Set
The ceramic pots and pans in this cookware set will surely make you swoon. The set contains saucepans, a casserole pot, and a Dutch oven, all of these with lids. It also includes 2 fry pans for your frying needs. The cookware is made of gauge aluminum that’s thick and coated with non-stick ceramic.
The Cook N Home NC-00359 Nonstick Ceramic Coating 10-Piece Cookware Set prevents hot spots and will provide you with even conduction of heat. The ceramic coating is totally safe because it’s free of PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. With these pots and pans, you will enjoy the better performance as it’s also resistant to scratches.
Since the pots and pans have a non-stick coating, this makes them easier to cook on and easier to clean too. The cookware also has anti-slip handles which stay cool and will provide you with a comfortable grip. The included glass lids are made of tempered glass and they also have a steam vent to make them safer to use for cooking.
Pros
- A set of ceramic pots and pans which are made of durable aluminum.
- The material helps prevent hot spots and provides an even conduction of heat.
- Has a non-stick coating which allows for easier cooking and cleaning.
Cons
- The white interior isn’t resistant to stains.
- Some claim that the interior tends to chip too.
T-fal C921SG Initiatives Nonstick Ceramic Coating Cookware Set
This cookware set was designed for healthier cooking. The pots and pans are made of aluminum with a ceramic non-stick coating. This allows you to cook delicious and healthier meals at home. The construction of the pots and pans will allow you to cook efficiently as they provide an even distribution of heat.
The T-fal C921SG Initiatives Nonstick Ceramic Coating Cookware Set is durable, strong, and will provide you with consistent cooking results all the time. The ceramic interior of the pots and pans are cadmium, PTFE, and PFOA-free making them easy to cook with too. The surface of the cookware can handle high temperatures, so you can also use them for searing.
Also, the ceramic interior is totally resistant to stains and scratches, so they will look good and perform well even after a lot of use. The handles are heat-resistant and oven-safe too. While the glass lids are tempered and vented for safe and convenient cooking. Finally, all the pots and pans are dishwasher-safe making them easy to clean as well.
Pros
- Made of aluminum that’s durable and it heats up evenly and quickly.
- The non-stick interior is resistant to stains and scratches.
- Has ergonomic handles which are heat-resistant.
Cons
- The screws of the handle may come off.
- Some say the pots and pans are too flimsy.
GreenLife CW000531-002 Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Here’s another great ceramic cookware set for you to consider. The GreenLife CW000531-002 Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set comes with 14 pieces which won’t warp over time. Because of the non-stick ceramic coating, you can cook healthy meals in the convenience of your home. The pots and pans don’t contain any cadmium, lead, PFOA or PFAS so you don’t have to worry about safety. You can even use the cookware on all stovetops making them very versatile.
Pros
- The Thermolon ceramic non-stick allows for easy cooking and cleaning.
- The bodies of the pots and pans are made of reinforced aluminum.
- Also, they provide an even distribution of heat to ensure the best results.
Cons
- The handle isn’t attached too well.
- The non-stick coating tends to chip.
WearEver C943SF Nonstick Ceramic Coating Cookware
This high-quality cookware set is also made with a ceramic coating along with a core made of heavy-gauge aluminum. The WearEver C943SF Nonstick Ceramic Coating Cookware set is durable and PTFE-free. The interior of the pots and pans is resistant to scratches and stains and would allow you to cook with ease. It’s also suitable for different cooktops aside from induction. The pots and pans can be used for various kinds of cooking making them very versatile.
Pros
- Has riveted, soft-touch handles for a comfortable and secure grip.
- The base is made of high-quality aluminum for efficient cooking.
- Stain resistant pots and pans which are dishwasher-safe too.
Cons
- The non-stick coating may get chipped.
- The pots and pans tend to deteriorate over time.
BulbHead (10824) Red Copper Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
The pots and pans in this set are made of copper-infused ceramic. They are also non-stick and scratch-resistant. Just season the pots and pans properly so you can get the most out of all the items in the set. With this cookware, you don’t need to add grease, oil or butter making your meals healthier without compromising the flavor. The BulbHead (10824) Red Copper Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set distributes heat evenly which means that there’s no risk of hot spots.
Pros
- The pots and pans are made of copper-infused ceramic.
- The cooking surface is scratch-resistant and non-stick.
- It includes 10 different pieces for you to cook with.
Cons
- The pots and pans don’t sit flat on the stove.
- After some use, food may start sticking to the surface.
Farberware Purecook Ceramic Nonstick Cookware 12 Piece Cookware Set
These pots and pans perform brilliantly and are easy to clean. They are durable, dishwasher-safe, and aren’t made with the harmful chemicals typically found in non-stick cookware. The Farberware Purecook Ceramic Nonstick Cookware 12 Piece Cookware Set has a lovely and fresh white color which will look good in any kitchen. The pots and pans are reliable, sturdy, they heat fast, and will cook your food evenly.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe pots and pans which heat up quickly and evenly.
- Sturdy items with a non-stick cooking surface.
- Has shatter-resistant lids made of glass to keep in the moisture and heat.
Cons
- The handles aren’t attached too well.
- The ceramic plating tends to come off after some time.
GreenPan Rio 12pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
This set will add a touch of color to any kitchen. The GreenPan Rio 12pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set has a ceramic non-stick coating for easier cooking and cleaning. The pots and pans distribute heat evenly and they don’t contain any toxic chemicals. They have a heavy-gauge construction for excellent cooking results each and every time. The handles also have an ergonomic design and they stay cool while cooking.
Pros
- Safe cookware which doesn’t contain any pollutants or chemicals.
- Has ergonomic handles which allow for a comfortable grip.
- Comes with a limited lifetime guarantee.
Cons
- It’s quite expensive.
- The non-stick feature doesn’t last for too long.
Calphalon 11 Piece Classic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Save a lot of time and effort in the kitchen with the Calphalon 11 Piece Classic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set. The pots and pans in this set have pour spouts, straining covers, and fill lines, all for your convenience. The pans are made with ceramic non-stick coating totally free of PFOA. This means that they will release your food easily while allowing for easy cleanup as well.
Pros
- Has a non-stick coating for easier cooking and cleanup.
- Comes with convenient features such as straining lids, pour spouts, and measuring marks.
- The handles have a stay-cool feature and are made of stainless steel.
Cons
- The interior isn’t stain-proof.
- The non-stick coating tends to chip easily.
Bialetti 10 Piece Ceramic Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
This cookware set combines healthier cooking with superior performance. You don’t need to use a lot of oil when cooking with the pots and pans in this brilliant ceramic set. The Bialetti 10 Piece Ceramic Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set will allow you to take food easily from your stove to your oven. It’s versatile, convenient, and all the items heat up evenly for consistent cooking results.
Pros
- These oven-safe pots and pans allow for even heating.
- Has a non-stick interior and an exterior that’s hard-anodized.
- Comes with a guarantee for 10 years.
Cons
- The interior of the pan tends to peel after some use.
- The non-stick feature may also fade after some time.
COOKSMARK Lovepan Beets Pots and Pans Set, Ceramic Cookware Set
Finally, this ceramic set is durable, superconductive, and designed for fast and even distribution of heat. The COOKSMARK Lovepan Beets Pots and Pans Set, Ceramic Cookware Set has a ceramic non-stick coating without the toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, PFOA, and PTFE. The pots and pans are scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and they come in a red color that’s oh-so-stylish.
Pros
- The pots and pans are super-conductive, and they heat up evenly.
- Scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
- The lids are made of tempered glass for easier monitoring.
Cons
- The screws of the handles may come off.
- The non-stick coating doesn’t last too long.
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What are the Benefits of Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking?
The country has gone obsessed, at least, healthy-cooking-wise. There is so much worry about the fat contents of the foods we consume or how we prepare our veggies to optimize their nutrients. Using ceramic cookware can be one solution to eating healthy, especially in the preparation of our food.
One great benefit when using ceramics is that you may cook your dishes with just a little fat or even none at all. All you would need is just a small amount of any heart-healthy oils and your dishes should be ready in no time at all. Olive, coconut, and canola oil are some such beneficial oils. Unlike the ceramics’ competition, aluminum and stainless steel pots and pans will need a lot of oils or butter to ensure that foods won’t stick to the ware’s bottom.
So why are ceramics better for the health than the traditional metal wares? First, ceramics use a far-infrared process of heating where the food is cooked from the outside and inside simultaneously. This ensures an even cook and lessens the chances of undercooked foods. Also, ceramics don’t contain lead, copper, cadmium or aluminum. What you put in the pot is what you get and there are no extra substances that can cling to your food coming from your cooking sources.
Ceramic pots and pans draw out the flavors of spices and herbs better than metal wares. Without that excess fat weighing down on your dishes, the flavors of herbs and spices will be more pronounced. Ceramics are also non-reactive. When using ceramics for cooking, they won’t give off chemicals, toxins or gases.
When cooking, foods don’t dry out in ceramics. When you cook with metal wares, moisture is usually taken out of the dish. You will need to add some water to make gravy or fat some fatty sauce just to restore the dish’s taste. This is not an issue with ceramic wares. Vegetables and meats are juicier when cooked too. Ceramics tend to bring out the ingredients’ juiciness, whether it be a prime-cut steak or some garden-fresh vegetable.
Non-stick metal cookware is lined with dangerous chemicals. To obtain a non-stick surface, these pans and pots have included perfluorooctanoic acid which is a potentially harmful cancer-causing substance that has been associated with developmental problems when tested on lab animals. Pans lined with this acid, when overheated, give off gases that can be very dangerous.
Metalware has been associated with several kinds of disorders. Even plain cast-iron skillets, which have recently gained popularity, can have their own deadly secrets. This cookware, when used, leaves some iron residue that adheres to the food and this has been associated with some autoimmune issues, especially for those with metal allergies.
The increase in the cases of Alzheimer’s Disease has been associated with the use of aluminum pots and pans. Stainless steel wares, which are very popular in the USA, contain chemicals which can include chromium, molybdenum, and carbon. Since metal wares flake when used, these chemicals are ingested and could pose a danger to one’s health.
Ceramic cookware seldom chips or flakes. Even if you use high temperatures when cooking, ceramics stay intact. Furthermore, they won’t release potentially dangerous toxins which can affect your health. Also, ceramics are virtually scratch-proof. You have experienced scraping the surfaces of metal pans/pots to get that extra sauce out. The action will often leave scratches on the pan’s surface. This does not happen with ceramics. They don’t scratch and will not make you feel worried about streaks that are left when you scrape away every food morsel in the pot. Ceramics will always retain their shine, that new-bought look for its entire life in the kitchen.
What are Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking?
Kitchens are often considered the heart of every home because it is the place where members of the family often congregate to prepare their meals. For such reason, it should be equipped to serve the family’s needs. This, of course, will include the cookware to be used to make meals for the home and the family. Ceramic cookware should be a perfect choice because they are safe and are healthy.
The making of ceramic cookware is also an interesting subject. Basically, they are clay pots that have been baked in kilns and glazed. But there is other ceramic cookware which isn’t clay-based. Many are made of metal, usually of aluminum, cast iron, sheet metals, and steel. They also have a ceramic enamel coating. Porcelain or enamel is a non-stick surface for cooking that doesn’t chip or scratch and they can evenly cook food. This is the type of cookware that cooks have a preference for because it’s easy to clean them and they evenly heat when used.
Many substances that are used in making cookware could pose dangerous health concerns when used to cook food. In the past, ceramic cookware where glazed using lead. We all know about the dangers of lead to the body.
Today, chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA is present in many cookware and other consumer goods. This is also a substance that can affect health.
We are all familiar with the term Teflon. Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE is a component of Teflon and this has been in kitchen use since the 1940s. This is a type of plastic that doesn’t burn, is waxy, and tough. Its use has been a subject of debate when associated with people’s health.
Many people believe that Teflon doesn’t cause cancer. PFOA is a chemical that stays in the body and in the environment even for long periods of time. Research has shown that it’s found in everyone’s blood in low concentrations. They are in many foods and in our drinking water too. Our exposure to this harmful substance is widespread. It’s even found in our stain-resistant carpets, ski wax, fabrics, and even in the household dust.
Unknowingly, we have been utilizing it for years as a component of Teflon, that non-stick cookware. Although the cookware isn’t supposed to be a relevant source of chemical exposure, many cooks don’t want this significant source present in their kitchen. They consider PFOA toxic and they don’t want any part of it.
We should care to know where our foods come from, we should care if they are genetically engineered, we should care if they have been treated with hormones or antibiotics. Now, we should also care about what we cook our foods in.
How do you Cook and Clean Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking?
Ceramic cookware is special and should be cleaned with special care. After some time practicing on your ceramic cookware, you will find out that each can perform best at different temperatures. You may also discover that they can heat up faster than expected. Remember these small variances as they will guide you in terms of what works best for each pot or pan. Let’s go through a few tips when using your ceramic cookware.
Don’t hesitate to use foods which are highly acidic when cooking with ceramics. While some foods like tomatoes can leave stains on cooking surfaces, ceramics don’t usually stain. You can even use your ceramic pots and pans to store cooked foods or leftovers. Just put a lid on it then store it in your refrigerator. This could save you time in cleaning containers for such foods.
Remember that the ceramic material is smooth and can withstand extreme temperatures, this includes both hot and cold. You can store your food in ceramic pots in freezers. You can just heat them up at a later time, even after a couple of months. Conversely, you can heat ceramics up to 2,500˚F without worries about cracking. This is because the paint used in glazing ceramics are lead-free and there is no fear of toxins seeping inside your food.
Since most of ceramic pots and pans have fancy designs, you can use them for serving on the dinner table, right after cooking. This will save you the work of cleaning up serving plates. You need to season cast iron-skillets before they can be used and this process can take months. With ceramics, simply jump straight into cooking and still get the same results.
Cleaning ceramics is much easier than with other types of cookware, including the non-stick types. With the latter, you will be told not to use abrasive cleansers like stool wool or baking soda because they could damage the cooking surfaces of these pots and pans. As experience would dictate, without these cleansers, it would take hours to remove grease and all that cooked-on foods on this non-stick cookware.
With ceramics, the story is different as the surface can be scrubbed with abrasive cleaners like baking soda. You can even use steel wool or Brillo pads. With such advantages, you could be left with your hands clean and won’t have to go overtime in front of the kitchen sink when everyone else has retired for the night. With ceramics, baked-on foods and grease come off easier.
There will be no worries about ruining the looks of ceramics when cleaning them up because they are scratch-proof. It gets out the frustration when dealing with cookware that doesn’t get entirely clean. There will be no need of choosing what method to scrub the mess off on pots and pans. With ceramics, the job is made easier. Ceramics are also dishwasher-safe, although cleaning them by hand is still recommended. If you’re pressed for time, just toss them inside the dishwasher and walk away without any worries.
Ceramic cookware is versatile too. If you intend to make desserts or home-made meals or fancy gourmet cuisines, there will always be a perfect fit for you with ceramic cookware.
What are Some Tips for Using Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking?
Ceramic pots and pans come in different types that are available for any type of cook and cooking. If you’re a kitchen starter, you can always start with the basic wares for your home kitchen. There is a wide selection to choose from. Buying a matched set could give you better savings. Or you may choose to complement your cookware with some teaware, bakeware or other extremely helpful kitchen helpers.
You can use ceramic cookware for simmering on the stovetop, cooking or baking in the oven. Consider what you really need for your kitchen, so you would know what wares to start with. There are several DOs and DONTs you need to know when using ceramic cookware.
DO remember that ceramic pots and pans can get very hot. Their composition allows heat to be retained even after they leave the stove. This property allows the cooking process to continue. DO remember not to turn a glass-top stove on high if the ceramic pot is dry. Only turn it on high heat if the ceramic pot has some water or liquid inside.
DO put a potholder or a trivet beneath your ceramic cookware before serving it to protect the surface of the place you will be placing it on. DON’T start with the extremely high heat on the stovetop. Some ceramics usually take a little longer to heat up when compared to metal wares. But ceramics will retain heat a lot longer. Once the ceramic has reached the desired temperature, you can simply turn the flame or coils down.
Finally, DON’T slides the ceramic cookware across a glass-topped stove. Ceramic pots and pans typically have a ring-design bottom which can scratch the surface of the glass stove’s top.
What are Some Safety Tips When Using Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking?
Ceramic cookware is relatively new, only being launched to the cookware market a few decades back. They came as a substitute for Teflon cookware which is made with substances that could be dangerous to health. Teflon or PFTE is a type of chemical coating that’s utilized in traditional cookware to prevent foods from sticking to cooking surfaces.
Later on, PFTE was found to exude toxic materials which could cause bird-like flu symptoms when inhaled or ingested. Other symptoms can include headaches and nausea. Ceramic cookware, on the other hand, doesn’t contain any dangerous components in their non-stick coating. Instead, their surfaces are glazed. They are completely safe and healthy.
There is a wide variety of ceramic cookware to choose from. Sad to say, but there’s no way to know which is the safest since they’re all safe. Choose any, choose the best, but stay away from cookware coated with Teflon.
Ceramic cookware is highly recommended because they’re safe environmentally friendly and toxin-free. Nothing else comes after ceramics when we talk about staying healthy and safe.
Important Factors To Keep In Mind
Your Budget and the Warranty of the Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking
When you’re planning to buy ceramic pots and pans, you can think of it as an investment. That’s why the first thing you need to consider is how much you’re willing to spend on the cookware. Whether you’re on a tight budget or you want to splurge on an expensive set, there are different choices out there for you. Just learn more about the product you plan to buy so you can be sure that you’ll get your money’s worth.
If you want to ensure that you have a high-quality product, choose one which comes with a warranty. Then you can return the ceramic pots and pans if you’re not satisfied with their performance. Manufacturers usually offer warranties if they’re certain that they produce high-quality products. This, in turn, would make you more confident about the cookware you’re purchasing.
Speaking of quality, it’s also important to find out what the ceramic pots and pans are made of. If the cookware is made with a sturdy construction, then you will be able to use it for years and years. Check everything from the pots, pans, handles, and lids to ensure that you’re getting the best possible cookware for your needs.
Your Purpose for the Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking
The next thing to consider is your purpose for purchasing ceramic pots and pans. Of course, you want to get such cookware, so you can cook healthier food at home. But you may have your own methods or cooking style, so you should think about this too. Also, are you planning to cook for yourself, your family or do you plan to whip up meals for your dinner party guests?
For more convenience, try to choose a set of ceramic pots and pans which are microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe. These are sure to be durable, hassle-free, and very easy to clean. Also, you will be able to use the cookware for different types of cooking from frying, searing, sautéing, and more.
Type of Stovetop Where You Will Uuse Your Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking
The type of stovetop you have at home is also an important factor. You don’t want to purchase ceramic pots and pans which you really love only to find out that you can’t use them on your stove. Fortunately, though, most models out there are versatile and can be used on different stovetops.
The best cookware sets can be used on glass, ceramic, electric, and gas stovetops. Just make sure that the bottoms of the pots and pans are really flat if you have the glass or ceramic types. One thing to keep in mind, if you own an induction stovetop, then you won’t be able to use ceramic pots and pans on it.
Non-Stick Property of the Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking
Most, if not all, ceramic pots and pans are non-stick. This makes them easier to cook with and to clean too. With the non-stick coating, you won’t have to use too much oil when cooking which means that you can cook healthier meals at home without sacrificing the taste of the dishes.
However, the non-stick coating is quite controversial because of the toxic chemicals used to make it. The good news is, the ceramic coating is safer than other types of non-stick coating. That’s why it’s important for you to check the product’s details in order to make sure that it doesn’t contain any of the toxic chemicals
The Material of the Ceramic Pots and Pans for Home Cooking
Finally, also consider the material used in the ceramic pots and pans. In the cookware market, they use the term “ceramic” quite loosely. This is because some pots and pans have ceramic coating while others are made of solid ceramic. Of course, the difference lies in the materials they’re made of.
Most cookware sets out there are made with an aluminum base and are coated with a ceramic non-stick coating. This is done by dipping the base in a ceramic material then left to dry for a number of days. On the other hand, solid ceramic cookware is made with water and clay.
These are mixed together and poured into molds made of stainless steel. Then the pots and pans are placed in a kiln for hardening then allowed to rest for some time. It takes a longer time to manufacture the solid ceramics which is why they are a lot more expensive.
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Conclusion
People nowadays are more health-conscious than ever. They involve themselves in activities that would develop for them healthy minds and bodies. They meticulously select their foods, get enough exercise, take supplements. They should also consider now, how their foods are cooked because many cookware today contains undesirable chemicals that are not good for the body. We have metal pots and pans that are coated with Teflon or PFTE, a chemical coating that prevents foods from sticking to the cooking surface.
Unfortunately, this chemical has been found to have adverse effects to health when ingested or inhaled. The metal itself can leave residues that would give food some metallic taste. The best, and perhaps, the only alternative to healthy and safe cooking is ceramic cookware. These kitchen helpers are non-stick, non-toxic, scratch-proof, durable, and are easy to clean. Furthermore, they can be used as storage containers that can fit inside your refrigerators. Next time you think of buying or replacing your cookware, forget those coated with Teflon. Safeguard your family from toxic chemicals. Switch to ceramic cookware, they are the safest and the healthiest alternative.