Features of ceramic pots

What is ceramic ware

There is a misconception that ceramic coated cookware is an analogue of porcelain cookware with additional technical functions. This is not true. Ceramic coating is not related to the same clay ceramics. In the manufacture of this material, gel-sol technology is used, which requires special conditions and equipment.

The coating combines tiny particles of sand or other minerals in different proportions, which allows for the creation of other types of ceramic coatings that have their own unique characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic pots

Ceramic kitchenware has become extremely popular in recent years. Compared to Teflon counterparts, ceramic products are much more convenient for cooking and are absolutely safe.

The following advantages of these pans can be noted:

• has high strength;
• will last up to 10 years;
• the ability to prepare food using metal utensils;
• capable of withstanding very high temperatures (450°C);
• food will not burn on such a coating;
• easy dishwashing;
• heat is distributed evenly;
• food cooks faster;
• preserving beneficial properties in food;
• There are different shapes and shades of products.

Ecologically clean and natural materials that do not emit harmful substances during cooking. Also, no plaque or scale appears on the walls of the dishes.

Ceramic pots have few disadvantages, but they do exist:

• do not tolerate temperature changes, which causes cracks to appear;
• Some models are not dishwasher safe.

Types of ceramic pots

Products are divided into the following materials:

• aluminum;
• cast iron;
• steel;
• glass;
• ceramics;
• silicone.

Each material has its own characteristics. Some are suitable for any stove, others are used only in specific ovens and hobs.

What materials are ceramic coated pots made of?

Pots with such a coating are a metal base, which is covered with a mineral composition and special enamel. Natural materials that are part of glass and ceramics are used for this coating. But polymeric substances can also be used in the manufacture of coatings, so when buying, you need to clarify what exactly the manufacturer means by "ceramic coating".

Cast aluminum

Food grade cast aluminum is most often used to produce the body base. It is thanks to it that the products have:

• high thermal conductivity;
• practicality;
• light weight.

Stamped aluminum

These pots are also made of stamped aluminum. The price of these pots is much lower than that of cast aluminum, and their service life is also shorter. This is due to the fact that thin aluminum is used, which is prone to deformation, chipping, and cracking. It is prohibited to store food in these pots.

Steel

This material is used only when the cookware has a three-layer base, the middle layer is aluminum. This material conducts heat poorly, so steel is used only in combination with this malleable metal.

Disadvantages of ceramic pots: heavy weight and high price. The three-layer base ensures low gas and electricity consumption, due to the fact that ceramics heats up quickly.

Cast iron

Durable cast iron pots are made for frying and baking, as well as for dishes that require long cooking - stewing, simmering, baking. These products are allowed to be placed in the oven if there is no heat-resistant lid and handles.

The material has a natural non-stick property, but its appearance occurs after the pores are clogged with fat.

One of the main disadvantages is the large weight, and it is also forbidden to store cooked food for a long time in an uncoated pan.

Dimensions

Pots are divided by size according to:

• diameter of the top surface and bottom;
• volume;
• height.

The smallest size of the products, with a volume of 1 to 3 liters, is ideal for cooking small portions. Convenient for boiling milk, cooking porridge, mashed potatoes or soups.

Pots with a capacity of 3 to 5 liters are suitable for cooking small portions of soups or borscht, for boiling vegetables, meat, and dumplings.

Large pots, from 5 liters, are purchased to cook compotes, pickle cabbage, and prepare food for the whole family.

Type of handles and lids

The handles must be firmly attached to the body, as poor fastening can lead to burns. To eliminate the risk of burns, you need to choose pots with rubber handles.

Plastic ones are not so practical, they are prone to melting.

If you choose metal handles, they are made of metal. Their edges do not heat up. They are also easier to wash and you can cook in the oven with them.

When choosing a lid, pay attention to the material, it should be the same as the saucepan, or made of heat-resistant glass. A glass lid will allow you to monitor cooking and boiling.

The lid should fit tightly, have holes to allow steam to escape, and also have a comfortable and safe handle, as well as a tall shape.

Depending on the type of plate

The first question people ask themselves when choosing these products is whether it is possible to cook on a ceramic stove in ceramic cookware. The answer is yes, it is possible, but carefully. Such cookware is chosen based on the stove. Not every pan is allowed to be used on a gas stove, or to heat food in a microwave or electric oven. But these pans are great for cooking delicious dishes in the oven.

Gas stove

Some ceramic products are prohibited for use on gas stoves due to the possible lack of uneven heating, as a result of which the pan may crack.

To use this cookware on gas burners, you should buy a flame spreader, thanks to which the cookware will heat evenly, eliminating the risk of cracking.

Although it is not recommended to use ceramics with an open fire, modern manufacturers have produced pots with a thick bottom, reinforced with additives, they can be used on gas stoves.

Electric stove

Manufacturers have made special pots for electric stoves and glass-ceramic hobs. They have a flat bottom, which allows for maximum adhesion to the cooking surface.

But in practice it turned out that using ceramic pots on such stoves leads to high energy consumption. Cooking is slower, dishes lose their juiciness and taste. There is a risk of overheating the edges of the product and breaking the electric stove.

Purpose and form

Due to its heat resistance, the cookware can be placed in the oven without pre-lubricating the inner surface with oil. Thanks to this, you can cook various dishes in it, which will be of high quality. The volume of the products is often small, usually three liters, this is explained by the large weight of the product.

Universal saucepan

Ceramic universal pots from 3 to 5 liters, which are equipped with lids, are used for preparing a variety of dishes for which conventional metal and enamel products are used.

Heat-resistant pots up to two liters are used to prepare several portions. You can cook porridge or stew vegetables.

Due to the heat resistance of the material, it is possible to use combined cooking, i.e. when products are first fried and then stewed.

Universal pots are made entirely of ceramic: handles and lid.

Ceramic roasters and duck pans

The small height of the brazier is suitable for stewing vegetables or meat dishes. In these products you can cook:

• stuffed peppers;
• cabbage rolls;
• roast;
• meatballs.

There are housewives who use a roasting pan to bake pies and bread.

Duck roasters are used to cook poultry, and thanks to their universal shape, it is possible to cook:

• fish;
• meatloaf;
• boiled pork.

They are often used for cooking in the oven. And if you put it on a simple gas burner, its edges will not heat up. You can use a duck pan only on a double burner.

Choosing a Quality Ceramic Pot

1. The best option would be to choose a saucepan with a capacity of 3 liters, it allows you to realize your culinary masterpieces. When you choose a saucepan for soup or compote, rely on the calculation - 1 liter per person.
2. To prepare a side dish, use a 2-liter saucepan; a 1-liter pan is suitable for cooking porridge. The best option would be to stock up on saucepans of different sizes.
3. Choose cookware with a thick bottom and walls, multi-layer non-stick coating. When the model has thin walls, it will deform when overheated or overcooled.
4. The minimum thickness of the product is 2 mm. The multi-layer coating will ensure uniform heating of food.
5. Buy models with handles made of heat-resistant material.
6. Choose a lid that fits tightly over the pan.
7. When choosing a saucepan, pay attention to whether there is mechanical damage: scratches, chips, breaks, cracks. Harmful substances can get into food through them.
8. Pay attention to the material of the pan. Choose environmentally friendly and wear-resistant models.

What can you cook in a ceramic coated pan?

Housewives who use pots with ceramic coating praise these products, because you can cook whatever you like in them without using oil. In addition, porridge does not burn in them, milk does not boil over, and they are easy to clean and wash. Porridge, stew, rich soup turn out much tastier in this pot, because the dishes simmer in it, like in a Russian stove. This effect is formed due to the fact that the ceramic material does not conduct heat well and the contents in it cool down for a long time. Consequently, the food continues to cook after the stove has been turned off.

Rules for use and care of ceramic dishes

In order for ceramic products to bring you joy for many years with their delicious dishes, you need to follow basic operating rules:

1. Use only as directed: Do not place ceramic cookware on an open fire or electric stove.
2. When cooking food in the oven, the dishes should be placed directly into the oven so that they gradually heat up to the required temperature.
3. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

If you follow the above rules, then beautiful, durable and practical ceramic products will be your assistant for many years in preparing amazing dishes!

Popular models of ceramic pots

1. One of the first coatings that came to our kitchen was Thermolon. The materials for its production are carbon, silicon and oxygen, i.e. sand. This means that the coating is suitable for various products, and you can both cook and store food in it.
2. The Ecolon ceramic coating is considered absolutely safe for humans and the environment - no heavy metals are used in production, only pure, natural components. You can use metal accessories when cooking.
3. Ceramica coating. The manufacturer of this coating offers quality cookware, from cheap but thin to expensive and thick-walled.
4. Ceramic cookware from Tefal, which does not contain perfluorooctanoic acid. It is environmentally friendly and made from natural ingredients.

Housewives have long given their positive assessment to pots with ceramic coating, namely, ease of use and ease of maintenance. The smoothness of the coating allows grease and dirt to practically not stick to it, due to which it is very easy to wash. And a diverse palette of shades can surprise every housewife, it is much more interesting than cast iron or steel.

VIDEO: How to choose the right ceramic pot.