Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel Cookware: Which is Better?
Learn about the pros and cons of stainless steel and ceramic cookware.
There are a lot of decisions that you have to make when choosing between ceramic cookware and stainless steel cookware. We will cover the basic information that you need in order to make a decision today.
Is ceramic or stainless steel cookware better?
Stainless steel is much more durable and long lasting. So if you are willing to pay the bigger price tag up front, you will not have to worry about the cost of replacement pieces over the years.
It is easy to clean and maintain, adjusts to temperature changes easily, can go from cooktop, to oven, to grill with ease, which makes it almost indestructible.
Another reason stainless is widely chosen as many people's kitchen favorite is that it is nonreactive. That means that you can cook everything from chocolate to wine in your stainless cookware and not have to worry.
Pros of Stainless Steel Cookware
- Extremely durable: it will last for years, even with daily wear and tear usage.
- Can resist scratches.
- Can resist erosion.
- Budget friendly - even with the upfront cost. You will not need to worry about replacing it for several years, possibly decades.
- Can withstand high heat.
- Aesthetically pleasing. It can go with any decor.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- No hazardous materials leaking into your food.
- Can go from stovetop to oven.
Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware
- Upfront cost: the initial cost can definitely hurt your wallet. Although you can find less expensive versions, the heat distribution is often a cause for the pan to underperform.
- Can be heavy.
- Must add oil or butter to cook, otherwise things will likely stick to the pan.
Pros of Ceramic Cookware
- Non-stick surface: food slides right out.
- No oils needed.
- Affordable: prices can vary, but even the higher quality ceramic pans are less expensive than stainless steel.
- You do not need to season.
- Comes in different colors.
- Can go from stove top to oven (check the brand as some of the handles do not go into the oven).
- Holds heat well: you can turn your pan on low or medium and retain an even temperature.
- Safe to use for short term freezer storage.
- Helps to maintain the moisture in food.
Cons of Ceramic Cookware
- Doesn’t last long and will need to be replaced often.
- Can chip easily.
- Can be scratched.
- Usually needs to be washed by hand.
- Can only use silicone or wood utensils.
- Takes a long time to heat.
- Cannot withstand high heat, even on stove top.
- Nonstick spray can cause stains and build up in ceramic.
- If placed in the oven, it can not exceed 350 degrees (for most pans).
Cooking in Stainless Steel
If you are using a stainless steel pan, you can place it on your stove top on medium heat. Then add your oil or butter to the pan. Once that is ready, you can then add your food to the pan.
Once the meat is browned, you can move the pan from the stovetop to the oven, allowing it to finish in the oven.
Try this method out by cooking this delicious recipe for 20 Clove Garlic Chicken with Lemon Butter!
Cooking in Ceramic
If you are using a ceramic pan, you can place it on your stove top on either a low or medium heat. Then add your oil (no aerosol cooking sprays - they will stain your pan and cause a buildup), and then add your food to the pan.
You will never need to go above medium heat, since the ceramic coating will help the dish hold its temperature.
If you have a pan that can go into the oven, you can partially cook your protein, and finish your dish in the oven.
So, now you know all about ceramic vs. stainless steel cookware! No matter which pan you decide on, you will be able to get great results in the food you decide to cook in it. Both ceramic and stainless steel pans are versatile and offer many benefits.
Feel free to leave a comment below, let me know which one you chose to use or which one you use now and love.
Thanks to Karla Harmer for writing this guest post for us! Be sure to check out more great ideas on her blog, The Happy Mustard Seed.