Still debating between stainless steel and ceramic cookware?

Stainless steel and ceramic are arguably the most popular types of cookware today, and the best choice for you depends on what you like to cook and how you like to cook it. Regardless of the material, each type of cookware has its pros and cons, which you must consider before making a decision, but it's crucial to understand the purpose of each type. Here's everything you need to know to help you decide.

What is Stainless Steel Cookware?

You may be familiar with the material of stainless steel cookware, which is an alloy of several metals, including chromium, nickel, iron, carbon, manganese, and silicon.

You might wonder why stainless steel is mixed with other metals. This is done to enhance the durability and stability of the cookware. Pure stainless steel itself does not conduct heat well, so adding an aluminum or copper core can enhance its heat conductivity. Additionally, adding nickel and chromium to pure stainless steel is to give it excellent corrosion resistance. This means it won't stain or rust over time. Stainless steel cookware has no coating, so it won't chip or peel, it's naturally stable, and extremely durable.

What is Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic cookware is made from organic materials, making it very safe. Currently, there are two types of ceramic cookware: 100% ceramic cookware and ceramic-coated non-stick cookware.

100% ceramic does not react with any food during cooking. However, this type of ceramic has one drawback: fully fired clay can be fragile, making the cookware prone to breakage.

Ceramic-coated cookware, on the other hand, is made of aluminum or steel coated with a ceramic mixture, providing a smooth, non-stick surface. Ceramic-coated cookware is also safe, but due to the presence of metal, it's not as safe as 100% ceramic.

Cleaning

Ceramic cookware's surface is easier to clean, mainly due to its non-stick properties. Just soap and water with a sponge can clean it, sometimes just a simple wipe with a paper towel is enough. After cleaning, remember to air dry for next use.

Cleaning stainless steel cookware varies depending on the type of food. For example, cleaning burnt food can be more challenging and may require soaking and then using a cleanser. Typically, stainless steel is not difficult to clean and can safely be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Durability

Compared to other types of cookware, stainless steel cookware, due to the addition of chromium and nickel, is very tough, can be cleaned in the dishwasher, making it easier to clean, and there is no need to worry about damage when storing cookware, nor about scratches when using metal utensils.

The lifespan of ceramic cookware is relatively short compared to stainless steel. Under normal continuous use, ceramic cookware can be safely used for 3-5 years, and the proper maintenance will also affect its lifespan.

Heat Conduction and Retention

As mentioned earlier, pure stainless steel does not conduct heat well. Therefore, stainless steel is not a good choice for high-temperature cooking. This is because stainless steel cookware has excellent insulation properties for high-temperature cooking. Although pure stainless steel has poor heat conduction, it has excellent heat retention, which means it can slowly gain heat and retain heat for a long time, making the cooling process very slow.

Ceramic cookware is suitable for cooking delicate foods and is not suitable for grilling. Its heat resistance limit is lower than stainless steel, and it lacks insulation.

Safety

The only way to confirm safety is to use non-PFOA or PTFE-coated materials, ceramics, stainless steel are healthy and safe materials.

However, one issue is that most stainless steel alloys contain chromium and nickel. If you are allergic to nickel, it may cause health problems. Also, if you consume a lot of nickel, there is a risk of heavy metal poisoning.

Metal pitting on stainless steel cookware is also common, especially when heated at high temperatures, it can cause metal to leach into food. Quality stainless steel cookware sets have a strong alloy bond, and the metal does not easily leach out, making them relatively safe.

Compared to stainless steel cookware, ceramic cookware is safer and healthier. If you are looking for 100% safe non-stick cookware, then ceramics are a good choice. The ceramic coating on the cookware is not made of PFOA or PTFE, so there is no risk of metal or chemical substances leaching into your food or even the environment.

Types of Utensils

Not all types of utensils can be used on the surface of ceramic cookware. It is best to use nylon, silicone, and wooden utensils because traditional metal utensils are prone to scratching the surface, and once the coating is damaged, the inner metal core will be exposed. If the interior is a metal that is prone to reacting with food, you need to worry about metal leaching during use. It is recommended to handle it as soon as possible.

There are no strict requirements for the types of utensils used on stainless steel cookware. Any utensils can be safely used on stainless steel cookware without worrying about scratching the surface.

Which One is More Suitable for You?

The comparison between stainless steel and ceramic shows that both have excellent advantages, and it's difficult to say which material is better. If you can't have the best of both worlds, consider your current cooking needs and experience when making a choice. You can refer to the following indicators for selection.

Stainless Steel Cookware:

• Dishwasher safe
• Frequently used for high-temperature cooking
• Need durable cookware, not replaced frequently
• Do not mind using edible oil or butter

Ceramic Cookware:

• Easy to clean
• Frequently need to fry eggs or cook other delicate foods
• For fitness or weight loss, rarely use edible oil
• Suitable for cooking beginners
• Richer in colors