The trend of safe cooking has led to the emergence of cookware made from previously unused materials. First came Teflon – for those who want to fry in a frying pan, but do not want to use oil. It was followed by a ceramic frying pan as a representative of even safer cookware. Safe, extremely environmentally friendly and natural. Is this true, and how is ceramic better than Teflon – we will consider in this material.
Content
- What is a ceramic frying pan
- How Ceramic Coated Frying Pans Are Made
- What are the beneficial properties of a ceramic frying pan?
- Types of ceramic frying pans
- Which coating is better, ceramic or teflon
- How to Properly Clean All-Ceramic Cookware
- How to choose the right ceramic frying pan
- Why is ceramic coating dangerous?
- General Pros and Cons of Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Pans
- Rating of the best brands of ceramic frying pans
- VIDEO: How to clean a ceramic frying pan.
What is a ceramic frying pan
The ceramic frying pan appeared after the Teflon one. What did not suit the users of Teflon frying pans? Just one nuance, small but significant: if you accidentally damage the Teflon layer (for example, scratch it with an ordinary fork), the body is at risk of exposure to harmful substances that are released when heated from the Teflon that has lost its integrity. Even if you are extremely careful, the knowledge that there is something harmful under the top layer makes you look for better options.
A ceramic frying pan has become such an option: it is made of a safe material that does not evaporate any harmful substances even when heated to 450 degrees. And at the same time, like a Teflon frying pan, nothing burns on it even without using oil.
How Ceramic Coated Frying Pans Are Made
A ceramic frying pan is not made of ceramics alone. Ceramics is just a coating, so it would be more correct to call it a frying pan with a ceramic coating, which, like Teflon, is non-stick. Accordingly, the question that many ask is not entirely correct: which is better: a non-stick coating or a ceramic one. But there is an answer to it: from a safety point of view, ceramic is better.
The base of ceramic coated frying pans is made of stainless steel or aluminum. The shape is covered with ceramic glaze.
What are the beneficial properties of a ceramic frying pan?
Ceramic coating is a layer of polymer composite material with silicon particles, that is, it consists only of environmentally friendly components, based on water, sand and stones.
However, these are not all the advantages of such a frying pan. They include the following:
- Non-stick effect. You can fry without oil or with a minimum amount. It is more economical for your wallet and healthier for your body.
- Scratch resistance. If Teflon was dangerous to scratch, ceramic can be scratched, but it is not easy.
- Compatibility with metal objects: you can turn the cutlets over with a fork (you can’t do this with Teflon ones).
- Uniform heating. Ceramics heat up perfectly to high temperatures, quickly and evenly. This allows you to get healthy dishes that are evenly processed at the temperature.
- Easy to maintain. The frying pan is easy to wash and clean, many models can be placed in the dishwasher.
- External attractiveness. Which is also not the least important thing.
Types of ceramic frying pans
Users have appreciated the ceramic frying pan as a solution, and now there are a huge number of them on the market, so once you have decided to buy a ceramic frying pan, you still need to choose from a wide variety.
Types of frying pans by material
First of all, these dishes are divided by the base material, because depending on it we get different properties that cannot be called good or bad - it depends on the nature of use.
Made of cast iron
Cast iron is the basis for frying pans for true connoisseurs of everything natural and high-quality, even at the expense of convenience. Cast iron frying pans are highly valued, however, in this case, the cast iron is covered with ceramics. The result is a product:
- dear,
- heavy.
But cast iron heats food evenly, which allows you to get high-quality, healthy food.
Made of aluminum
Made of aluminum - a more attractive solution in terms of ease of use. Aluminum itself is not suitable for contact with food, but covered with a ceramic layer is quite convenient. But it is important that it is thick enough. Usually stamped products have thin walls (a cheaper production process that is impossible with a thicker sheet of material), frying pans are cheaper and of lower quality.
Cast aluminum allows you to get a frying pan of optimal thickness, from 5 mm, which will reliably hold the ceramic layer, heat up well, and have a comfortable weight. Aluminum frying pans are lightweight and heat up quickly.
Made of carbon steel
Ceramic-coated frying pans are also made of carbon steel, a heavy material similar to cast iron. Like cast iron, this material heats up to high temperatures, but slowly and evenly. They also cool down slowly. Their difference from cast iron, if both are coated with ceramics, is insignificant, however, carbon steel can be thinner than cast iron, which expands the possibilities and comfort of use.
Clay
Despite the shape of the deep clay frying pan, it is designed not for frying, but for baking, including in the oven.
Made of porcelain stoneware
In an attempt to combine the beneficial properties of frying pans, a version of a ceramic frying pan has also appeared – made of porcelain stoneware, that is, a mixture of ceramics and stone.
Varieties by coating application method
There are two methods of applying the coating, which are very important to know when choosing. These are the rolling method and spraying.
Rolling method
Rolling involves covering the sheet with a layer of coating, after which this sheet is pressed and takes the shape of a frying pan. Firstly, this method is only possible when applying a thin layer, as well as a thin layer of the metal itself, and secondly, it does not guarantee the integrity and evenness of the coating.
Spray coating application
Spraying is a coating of a finished product. As a result, we get a smooth surface and no flaws. As for the composition itself, here we can only rely on the manufacturer's reputation and user reviews.
Handle and lid type
When choosing, pay attention to the size, handle and lid - this is a matter of comfort and capabilities. The handle should be heat-resistant or removable - then the frying pan can be put in the oven. The lid should fit tightly and have a hole for steam to escape, which is desirable to close and open when necessary. Knowing your cooking style, for the sake of saving, you can refuse some parameters if they do not matter to you, for example, in your family it is not customary to cook dishes that require putting the frying pan in the oven.
Color scheme
The color scheme also plays a role. A stylish, brightly colored frying pan can make a big difference to your kitchen interior. Although this is not the most important criterion, it still plays a role. If your frying pans are hanging in a visible place, think about how a new frying pan will complement the existing ensemble.
It is believed that a black frying pan is universal and does not show any flaws, but now, when minimalism is the leading trend in design, white color comes to the forefront, including frying pans.
Type of shape and size
Ceramic frying pans are not only round. Square, rectangular, heart-shaped – non-standard shapes are designed to diversify everyday life. If it is one person, a diameter of 24 cm is enough, for 2-3 people the average size is suitable – 26 cm. If there are more of you, look for an option with a diameter of 28 cm.
Thickness of walls and bottom
Ceramic pans can be thin or thick-walled and with a bottom, heavy or light, with high or low sides. The choice depends on the dishes you plan to cook.
Purpose of a ceramic frying pan
If you plan to cook meat, it is important to choose a model with a thick bottom, from 5 mm, and high sides with a thickness of 3 mm, and for scrambled eggs, a lighter and shallower model is suitable.
Which coating is better, ceramic or teflon
From the point of view of environmental friendliness and safety, a ceramic coating is better, but if the main criterion is non-stick properties, then Teflon will be a better choice, provided that all operating recommendations are followed.
As for ease of use, the Teflon bottom is easy to scratch, after which the frying pan cannot be used, otherwise its use will become harmful to the body. Ceramic is harder to scratch and even after damage to the integrity of such a frying pan will not cause harm, however, it will lose its non-stick properties. Everyone makes their own choice.
Warning! It is harmful to use a scratched Teflon frying pan.
How to Properly Clean All-Ceramic Cookware
The ceramic frying pan is very quick and easy to clean – this is one of the most important advantages that users mention in their reviews, however, there is one peculiarity: such frying pans cannot be soaked in water – this causes microcracks and the non-stick properties are lost.
Attention! The all-ceramic frying pan cannot be soaked.
How to choose the right ceramic frying pan
When choosing a ceramic frying pan, discard the idea of buying a very cheap one - you will have to throw it away in a month. For everyone who is tormented by the question of how to choose a ceramic frying pan, we suggest choosing one that:
- will be suitable in size taking into account the number of people,
- will be of the highest quality at the best price,
- will match in color and design,
- will not be too heavy with sufficient quality,
- will allow you to prepare all the necessary dishes.
Why is ceramic coating dangerous?
Ceramics are completely safe, but only in the case of a trusted manufacturer. To save costs on production, some manufacturers use a harmful composition that is toxic and unacceptable for use. All products with an unreasonably low price are at risk.
General Pros and Cons of Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Pans
To sum it up, it can be noted that ceramic non-stick coating:
- harmless,
- naturally,
- does not burn,
- scratch resistant,
- allows you to fry without fat,
- easy to clean,
- looks beautiful.
However:
- You should not buy cheap models, as there is a risk of counterfeiting with toxic coating,
- It is advisable to use wooden tools, because although ceramics are scratch-resistant, if the integrity is compromised they become less effective,
- Do not soak ceramic pans in water.
Rating of the best brands of ceramic frying pans
To avoid counterfeits, we will name the most popular and proven brands that produce ceramic frying pans.
Tefal
Ceramic frying pans of the French brand Tefal are a continuation of the production of non-stick cookware, now with a ceramic coating. This manufacturer uses stainless steel as a base, which provides the cookware with uniform heating and high quality cooking. Only Tefal products should be used with caution, wooden tools - a thin coating.
Ballarini
Ballarini cookware is an Italian take on quality frying pans. Ballarini frying pans are not cheap, but the coating cannot be damaged, and you can use metal utensils. The frying pans are very easy to clean, do not burn during cooking, and have a perfect appearance. The only thing that is undesirable is to overheat them.
Rondell
Rondell ceramic frying pans are designed specifically for ideal food quality. The bottom surface is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Such a frying pan will last a long time. There is a wide selection, allowing you to choose your option by size, depth, thickness, bottom.
Vari
Ceramic frying pans Vari of the St. Petersburg company are more affordable and of good quality. They are distinguished by a high-quality thick bottom - more than 6 mm.
Maestro
Maestro ceramic frying pans are beautiful and high-quality. The special feature of this brand of cookware is the ability to retain heat after cooking for a long time. The company offers models with a flat and ribbed bottom. It will serve for a long time, but it also costs a lot.
Bergner
Bergner ceramic frying pans are affordable and of excellent quality. They are guaranteed to be safe and have a ribbed grill surface, which allows you to get a "signature" crust. The frying pans are made perfectly - a lid with a hole for steam to escape is included.
A ceramic frying pan will decorate any kitchen, but only a well-thought-out choice will allow you to purchase a ceramic frying pan model that you will not regret buying.
