Stainless Steel vs Ceramic Cookware – What’s Best For You?
Stainless steel vs ceramic cookware is the kind of debate that probably will never end. But you have to go for one, and we’ll help point out what’s right for your needs!
If you want to know which one is better, keep reading this article because below we will cover the following topics:
Stainless Steel Cookware:
- Stainless steel cookware overview
- Stainless steel cookware Pros n Cons
- Caring tips for stainless steel cookware
- Our recommendation
Stainless Steel vs Ceramic Cookware:
Stainless Steel Cookware:
Stainless steel cookware are one of the primitive pots and pans that you still have to this date. They are popular and are loved across the world since they are versatile and high quality.
When cooking in nonstick pans or pots, it is surrounded by a controversy of leaching poisons into food, making nonstick a dubious cookware, stainless steel cookware offers you a healthier and safer cooking experience. It never seeps any toxins and never makes your food unhealthy for your health. Even when cooking meals at higher temperatures, there are no chances of reaction with acidic food.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a home chef, you can undisputedly cook in stainless steel cookware. Offering superior heat distribution, a stainless steel pan cooks food perfectly.
Below, we’ve stated some pros and cons of cooking in stainless steel cookware to help you make an educated and informed decision.
What are the advantages of Stainless Steel Cookware?
Below you will find the main advantages of stainless steel cookware!
Aesthetically-friendly:
Show off your taste and style to your friends or guests by serving the meals in stainless steel cookware. They look beautiful and chic since they remain rust-resistant and scratch-proof.
Italian-based stainless steel utensils have outlasted standard versions by introducing more refined and acquisitive designs. If you slay by the looks and designs of cookery sets, it’s your choice.
Durability:
Not only are they look beautiful, but they can last for a lifetime when maintained properly. Stainless steel is hard, strong, and flexible.
No matter if you’re a home cook who cooks thrice or more a day or a weekend warrior who does cooking at weekend nights, a quality set of stainless steel pots and pans will outperform nonstick and other cookware types.
Performance
Stainless steel that uses 18/10 alloy in its construction is the best and high-quality grade. This type of cookware comes with a 3-layer bottom with the middle layer of aluminum or copper. This way, the cookware not only becomes durable but also its performance is dramatically increased to prepare the food in a pan.
Non-reactive
What makes stainless steel cookware an unbeatable choice over other cookware types is its non-reactive nature. Stainless steel never leaches. This cookware is also popular among professional chefs and health-conscious people still it remains non-reactive to acidic foods.
There are stainless steel cookware options that are Nickle-free, making it 100% stainless steel utensils for your cooking requirements.
So for health-lovers, this cookware offers the best bet.
Dishwasher-safe:
Along with such versatility, the stainless steel is dishwasher-safe. You can use the toughest detergent and chemicals to rinse the stains from your stainless steel pot or wok, without fearing to bring your utensils any harm. So reliable, too.
Compatible with induction cooktops:
Opposite to hard-anodized aluminum cookware that is non-magnetic, thankfully stainless steel is magnetic, if the outer layer of stainless steel is magnetic grade. Therefore, it can work on induction cooktops perfectly. (Related: Best Cookware for Induction Cooktop).
Poor heat conductivity:
Stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat and retains heat poorly as compared to other cookware options. This is the reason; manufacturers build stainless steel utensils with aluminum or copper base so that the heat retention and distribution is good.
Not greasy:
Unapologetically, stainless steel can’t perform in a nonstick way. They must need oil to prevent food from sticking to the walls and base of a stainless steel cooking utensil.
Comparatively expensive:
Even though stainless steel utensils and cookery sets come in several sizes and price ranges, they still bear a hefty price tag as compared to nonstick cookware.
How to care for stainless steel cookware:
- Don’t let a hot stainless steel pan get wet, or it will deform and warp. Allow it to cool before doing so.
- Be careful with stuck-on foods: It will emerge when it is time. Before moving eggs, allow them to rest for a moment or two.
- Pour a layer of water into the pan and bring to a boil if food is difficult to remove.
- Preheat the pan for about 2-3 minutes before adding anything to it. Then, add a little layer of oil to the (empty) pan. Only then should you add the food.
- Use vinegar to remove stains or white calcium build-up if you notice any dark spots (from overheating).
- Using harsh steel wool to clean is not recommended. It can damage the surface and produce pitting. Instead, use a Scotch-Brite Pad or anything similar.
- If you detect copper or aluminum peeking through deep gouges, it’s time for a new set of cookware.
Our recommendation for stainless steel cookware:
If you’re Looking for the best stainless steel cookware set, we recommend KitchenAid 5-ply 10-pc cookware set that will cost you around $329.99.
Ceramic cookware:
Let’s assume that you’re more inclined to get nonstick cookware over a not-nonstick one. if this being the situation, then ceramic cookware is the advanced level of nonstick cookware that might grab your attention.
Opposite to Teflon and other nonstick cookware choices, ceramic pans and pots are environmentally friendly. They even tend to last you long enough when utilized properly.
Since they are nonstick, so easy to clean up. The brands like Forever Ceramics tend to introduce ceramic utensils that are three times more durable as compared to traditional ceramic coating cookware.
If you love organic ways to ensure a healthy lifestyle, then ceramic cookware is sufficient for your cooking needs. Moreover, like hard-anodized, die-cast aluminum, or other inorganic pans and pots, ceramic pots and pans never make your food toxic and poisonous.
Crafted with organic substances, they are also as healthier cookware options as stainless steel is.
However, this type of cookware, like all other cookware options, also packs some pros and cons. Let’s get into its details:
What are the pros n cons of ceramic cookware?
Below you will find the main pros n cons of ceramic cookware!
Nonstick:
Ceramic cookware is getting prevalent because they are nonstick. Just pour a few drops in your ceramic pan or cook your favorite dish without fear of sticking food. The lesser oil means the better health benefits.
Consistent heating:
Contrary to a stainless steel pot, a ceramic pot distributes heat evenly. By retaining heat for longer, it ensures the food cooks evenly and properly from inside and out. Cold spots or uncooked food due to poor heat conductivity of the cookware material? No way!
Low maintenance:
Similar to other nonstick utensils, they also are easy to maintain when used proper cleaning methods and treatments. Since food particles don’t stick with the base of a ceramic pan, you don’t have to over-scrub the surfaces to get a thorough cleanup.
Cost-effectiveness:
Ceramic cookware is a better choice over stainless steel and much other metallic cookware since it is relatively affordable.
Harmless:
Nonstick pans and pots are notorious for leaching harmful substances. But ceramic coated utensils are made from organic minerals and leaves no inorganic or toxic substances to make food contaminated. Toxin Leaching? Not at all!
Relatively not durable:
Ceramic cookware tends to have a shorter lifespan and can’t stand abuse. When used roughly, the coating disrupts and starts showing the surface under the coat.
Less flexible:
Ceramic cookware can endure heat from low to medium. For hot temperature levels, you should consider trying hard-anodized aluminum cookware for cooking your meals.
Less reliable:
And the whole story comes to an end when a ceramic pot accidentally falls on your kitchen’s floor. (Disclaimer: don’t test it or you will end up having the worst consequences.)
Even if you don’t use proper utensils like silicone or rubber spatulas or ladles, the flimsy coating would likely have chances to get ruptured.
Since several myths and facts are associated with both types of cookware, there’s still a debate in the air about the efficiency and superiority of one over the other.
How to care for ceramic cookware?
- After use, make sure the ceramic pan is completely dry before putting it away.
- Allow the pan to air dry or clean it with a clean, dry towel.
- Baking soda is a good cleanser for ceramic cookware. It will not damage the ceramic pan’s surface, but it can help to gently remove any stains from your last culinary activities.
- Keep the cleaning solution that seems to be the best for you on hand for simple clean-ups with your ceramic cookware.
- Do not put your heated pan into cold water. Allow it to cool before cleaning it.
- It is unnecessary to season ceramic-coated pans. However, it isn’t a terrible idea since it will increase the non-stickiness.
- The use of a nonstick spray on ceramic pans is not recommended.
- Replace the pan if you notice some cracks on the cooking surface.
Our recommendation for ceramic cookware:
If you’re Looking for the best ceramic cookware set, we recommend GreenPan Prime Midnight Cookware Set, that will cost you around $168.99.
Why stainless steel cookware is most popular among chefs around the world?
Stainless steel is much more durable and can endure a lot of abuse. With proper maintenance and care, a stainless steel pan will last you for a lifetime.
Their bright appearance and nontoxic nature make this cookware popular among chefs around the world.
When should you replace stainless steel pans?
Look for the signs and indications of wear on your stainless steel pan. Once the interior of the base of your pans is discolored, it the better to replace a stainless steel pan or pot.
Is ceramic coated cookware safe?
Yes ceramic coated cookware is 100% safe. Ceramic is a natural ingredient and has no traces of inorganic substances. They never leach poisons and toxins in your food, so ceramic cookware is safer to cook.
How long does ceramic coating last?
Even when taken care of with caution and care, the ceramic coatings don’t last for long. Typically, ceramic coatings would last for one year or two, unless the cookware never hits a hard surface.
Is ceramic coating scratch resistant?
Unfortunately, ceramic coating is not scratch-proof. Even the hardest and toughest ceramic coatings on cookware are capable of getting marks and scratches.
Final Verdict:
There is not one absolute winner in the case of stainless steel vs ceramic cookware because it all depends on your choice and preferences.
Now that you have read the pros n cons of both the cookware and other stuff, now is the time to decide which works best in your situation.
Choose stainless steel cookware:
- If you want a long-lasting set of cookware
- If you want cookware in which you can cook a variety of foods.
- If you need dishwasher-safe cookware.
- If you like to use butter or oil while cooking your favorite food.
Choose ceramic cookware:
- If you want to cook your food faster and save some time for other activities.
- If you want easy cleaning cooking pans.
- If you like colored pans and pots.
- If you don’t like to use butter or oil while you cook your favorite food.
- If you like to cook your food at low temperatures.