Ceramic Vs Teflon Vs Stainless Steel

Ceramic, Teflon and stainless steel are 3 cookware types that people normally use in their kitchens. Ceramic and Teflon are non stick cookware and they are commonly used for frying eggs and other delicate foodstuff. Stainless steel cookware are much more durable and they can be a reliable workhorse in your kitchen. We will look at ceramic vs teflon vs stainless steel cookware in further detail below to find out the pros and cons of each.

Ceramic Vs Teflon Cookware

In terms of ceramic vs Teflon cookware, the main difference lies in the composition of the non stick coating. Teflon is known to emit toxic fumes when it is heated up to a certain temperature. As many people do have a habit of cooking on high heat, the fear of the Teflon coating reacting with the heat begins to give rise to the popularity of the ceramic cookware as an alternative.

Ceramic coating, on the other hand, tends to be lead, cadmium, PFOA and PTFE free. A ceramic coating like Thermolon, which is used in the GreenPan, is made of natural minerals. So, there is no danger of it leaching toxic substances into your food and in the air that you breathe while you cook.

In short, both are non stick cookware but with different coatings used for its cooking surface. The weakness of both coatings is the short lifespan. The non stick coating can wear off over time and complaints of it turning sticky are common. Teflon cookware also have a tendency to peel or flake. Once that happens, the pan is as good as disposable.

You will have to use wooden or silicone utensils for both ceramic and Teflon pans although some do claim to be metal utensil safe. They are normally oven safe but the threshold temperature can differ depending on the type of coating, handle and lid used. Some models are dishwasher safe too but handwashing is still very much recommended for these types of cookware.

The normal price range for ceramic and Teflon 10 to 14-piece cookware sets are around $60 to $150. The more expensive ones tend to have a more advanced non stick coating that may be reinforced with other minerals or materials to make it stronger and more scratch resistant.

Ceramic Vs Stainless Steel Cookware

The big difference between ceramic vs stainless steel cookware is, of course, one is non stick and the other is not. Ceramic cookware has to be used with low to medium heat to protect its non stick coating while stainless steel cookware is tougher and can take much more abuse from the user. You can use it with metal utensils without worrying about it scratching and peeling. It will also be suitable for the broiler and oven, especially if it comes with a full stainless steel handle and lid.

However, a ceramic pan is definitely easier to use for a beginner cook because you don’t have to worry about food sticking to the cooking surface. And if food doesn’t stick, clean up would be easy and fast.

On the other hand, you have to learn how to cook with stainless steel. Although you can fry eggs with a stainless steel pan without it sticking, chances are it will involve some trial and error. And when food sticks, there is the clean up that you have to do. There are ways to get rid of burnt food on stainless steel cookware but it certainly isn’t as straightforward as washing a ceramic pan.

Furthermore, you have to use more oil to cook with a stainless steel pan compared to using a ceramic pan. So, if you are into healthy eating, a stainless steel pan may not meet your dietary preferences.

But in terms of durability in the ceramic vs stainless steel cookware war, the latter wins hands down. Good quality cookware like the All Clad can last you a lifetime. Ceramic cookware with its non stick coating tends to need replacement every 1 to 2 years.

Ceramic Vs Teflon Vs Stainless Steel Cookware

The different types of cookware do have their specific uses. Despite their shortcomings, it is still practical to have a non stick ceramic or Teflon pan in your kitchen to whip up scramble eggs or other delicate food like fish when the situation demands it. As we are not professionals, some food is best cooked with non stick pans to avoid a disaster. Food that requires only low to medium low heat would be perfect for non stick cookware.

A good stainless steel pan is perfect for searing, browning or stir frying. You can use high heat without worrying about destroying any coating in the pan although a good quality one can conduct heat extremely well that high heat is often not needed.

In conclusion, we don’t recommend spending too much on non stick cookware because they don’t last long. The trend now is towards ceramic cookware for the non stick category due to health concerns but both work equally well in terms of cooking performance. It is a matter of budget and personal preference.

We also suggest spending a bit more and buying better quality stainless steel cookware because these will last you for a long time to come. The better quality ones are also less likely to warp and can conduct heat better to avoid burnt spots on your food. It is not necessary to get All Clad or any American made cookware if you can’t afford it. A Calphalon Tri-Ply or Cuisinart Multiclad Pro is also good enough for household use.