Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel Cookware
Everyone knows the importance of providing a healthy, nutrient-rich diet for your family. But did you know that the cookware you use has a direct impact on the health of the food you serve? That’s why it’s critical to outfit your kitchen with safe, non-toxic cookware. Two of the best options available in non-toxic cookware are ceramic and stainless steel. But what is ceramic or stainless steel cookware? And is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look.
Ceramic Versus Stainless Steel as Cookware Materials
Ceramic and stainless steel are great options for those seeking safe, chemical-free, environmentally-friendly cookware.
- Ceramic: Ceramic is a clay-like compound that is shaped and then hardened at high temperatures. The resulting product features a non-stick, glass-like surface. Ceramic is eco-friendly and non-toxic because it is free from lead and synthetic chemicals.
- Stainless Steel: An alloy made mostly from iron and chromium, known for its durability and non-reactive properties. Stainless steel is great for cookware because it won’t adversely influence the flavor of what you cook. It is durable, easy to clean, and recyclable.
Both ceramic and stainless steel are frequently found in kitchenware. Ceramic is used in everything from pots and pans to ceramic plates and coffee mugs. Stainless steel is used in many of the same products, particularly when it comes to cookware.
Safety Considerations of Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel
The recent focus on safe cookware has shed light on which materials are considered good for kitchen use and which materials should be avoided. Stainless steel and ceramic are two clear winners in the safety category, but it’s important to understand the safety features of each material before you go shopping for your next cookware set.
Ceramic Safety
Ceramic cookware is non-reactive, so you can be assured that it will not impart harmful chemicals into the food you cook. Good quality ceramic cookware is made without PFAS or PFOA, a family of synthetic chemicals found in many products, particularly some non-stick cookware.
Stainless Steel Safety
Like ceramic, stainless steel is non-reactive, so it won’t imbue your next meal with noxious chemicals. However, stainless steel does contain heavy metals like nickel and chromium, which can be harmful if ingested.
As long as the stainless cookware is undamaged, there is minimal threat of these metals leaching into food. By opting for high-quality stainless steel cookware, such as grade 304 stainless, you can be sure the risk of intrusive metals is minimal.
Other Stainless Versus Ceramic Considerations
While ceramic and stainless steel are both good choices for safe cookware, there are pros and cons of each that you should be aware of.
Durability
Ceramic and stainless steel are both durable materials, but if they become damaged, they can lead to unwanted particles in your food. Let’s explore some of the durability features of each.
- Ceramic is easy to care for and fairly durable. The slick, non-stick cooking surfaces of ceramic pots and pans are resistant to scratching. However, ceramics have a somewhat brittle nature, and they may chip or crack if dropped.
- Overall, stainless steel is more durable. It is resistant to all manner of damage and can withstand higher cooking temperatures. These features make it a better choice for long-term use.
A question many people ask is, can you use metal on ceramic pans? It is recommended that you never use metal utensils when cooking with ceramic pans, as these can damage the surface of the pan and lead to unwanted particles in your food.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Stainless steel and ceramic are both environmentally sound choices when compared to many other cookware options.
- Ceramic: The quality of ceramics can vary widely, but it isn’t difficult to find ceramic cookware products that are sourced sustainably. The lack of toxic chemicals makes ceramic a green choice.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel cookware can have a near-eternal lifespan. Not only do the products themselves last a very long time, but they are also 100% recyclable, making them a sound environmental choice.
Cost Comparison
Let’s take a look at the cost of ceramic and stainless steel cookware.
- Depending on the quality of the product, there is enormous variety in how much ceramic cookware costs.
- Stainless steel cookware, in general, is pricier than ceramic cookware. However, since it can last a lifetime, it may end up being the more cost-effective investment over the long term.
Which Cookware is Better for Health-Conscious Families?
When food safety is the priority, it’s important to know if ceramic or stainless steel cookware is better for your health. The good news is that as long as you are looking at quality products, both ceramic and stainless steel cookware are safe choices.
Your intended use should help determine which is the safest choice for you. Ceramic cookware is great for non-stick stovetop use because it lacks heavy metals. Meanwhile, stainless steel can handle higher temperatures, making it a better choice for high-heat cooking. It is also more resistant to damage.
Our Picks
If you’re looking to outfit your kitchen with new ceramic or stainless steel cookware, take a look at the following products we’ve selected for you to consider.
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Green Pan Lima Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
| Certifications | PFAS and PFOA-free, sustainably made, lead and cadmium-free |
| Material | Hard anodized aluminum body, healthy nonstick ceramic coating |
| Durability | Scratch resistant, oven safe |
The Green Pan ceramic cookware set is an affordable option that’s free from harmful chemicals.
Highlights
A complete 12-piece set to outfit your kitchen with. This is a healthy option that won’t contaminate your food, and it’s sustainably made so you can feel good about your purchase.
Things to Consider
Overall, this is a high-quality set. However, the products here are hand-wash only. The kit includes bamboo cooking utensils.
2. Caraway Cookware & Minis Set
| Certifications | PFOA, PTFE, PFA, lead, and cadmium free |
| Material | Non-toxic 5-ply stainless steel |
| Durability | Superb. Comes with a lifetime warranty. |
For those who want a product that will last a lifetime, this Caraway stainless steel cookware set fits the bill.
Highlights
Ruggedly built and naturally non-toxic, this set is a sound investment for those who want a high-end cookware set. Corrosion, heat, and damage-resistant.
Things to Consider
The only downside here is the price tag, but since this cookware set is backed by a lifetime warranty, you know you are getting what you pay for.
Final Thoughts
Both ceramic and stainless steel cookware are quality additions to a thoughtful kitchen. Just be sure your intended use aligns with the products you seek. Each material has its pros and cons, but both are great choices for your health and the planet.
Featured image via Canva
