It’s a boom time for ceramic cookware: in 2022, the global market for ceramic cookware products was valued at $7.33 billion, and is expected to reach at least $12 billion by 2031. And we get the hype: ceramic pots and pans are marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional coated nonstick, and come in an array of aesthetically-pleasing colors and styles.
Before you take the leap, however, it’s worth noting that no matter how well-crafted a ceramic pot or pan is, it’s still got a limited lifespan. Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know before buying your first piece of ceramic cookware—from how they’re made, to how to keep them in great working condition.
Understanding Ceramic Coated Pans
While ceramic pans function similarly to traditional non stick, they’re actually constructed quite differently. First, there’s the coating: rather than materials used for coated non stick cookware, ceramic cookware is made by applying thin layers of silica (a compound of silicon and oxygen) to a metal base using a process called sol-gel.
Every time ceramic cookware is heated, a tiny amount of the coating gets released, creating a non stick cooking surface. Because silica is naturally-derived (typically from materials like sand), it’s considered a healthier, more eco-friendly non stick alternative.
What Is the Expected Lifespan of Ceramic Pans?
Generally, ceramic cookware should last at least a year, and ideally up to 3 years. This number depends on how you use it and care for it: a gently used pan—i.e. one that you cook with infrequently or only over low heat—will last longer than one that’s used every night and/or over a high heat for extended periods of time.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Ceramic Pans
From the quality of materials to your own care and maintenance regimen, here are some of the main factors that can influence your pan’s lifespan and performance.
Quality of Materials
Like with most cookware—including traditional non stick—your pan will last longer if it was made using quality craftsmanship and materials (for example, with multiple layers of stainless clad and aluminum at its core). This makes for a safer pan with better heat conductivity and distribution, and which can stand up better to warping and other forms of damage.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process for ceramic cookware—and most cookware—can vary quite a bit. Manufacturers in the E.U. and U.S. tend to abide by the strictest safety standards, hence why so many of our products are made in France, Italy, Sweden, and the U.S.
Usage and Maintenance
A properly cared-for pan will definitely last longer than a neglected or abused one (even if it doesn’t last forever). If you’re frequently scouring a ceramic pan with harsh scrubbers, scratching it up with sharp-edged metal utensils, or running it through the dishwasher, you’re dramatically shortening your pan’s lifespan—not to mention, your pan won’t work as well.
How to Prolong the Lifespan of Ceramic Pans
While no ceramic pan will last forever, there are a few things you can do to extend its lifespan—starting first with proper care and maintenance.
Care and Maintenance Tips
One of the easiest ways to keep your ceramic pan in good shape is by always hand washing it. Similarly to non stick, running your pan through the dishwasher will damage the coating and potentially even warp the metal base.
Use a gentle sponge or dish cloth to wipe out your pan, and avoid steel wool or overly rough scrubbing pads. You should also dry it immediately after washing, and never leave dirty pans in the sink overnight—the longer you leave stuck-on food or other residue, the harder it’ll be to remove without scratching up the coating.
Once your pan is clean, make sure you’re storing it properly. If you’re not hanging it up or placing it in its own drawer, make sure to stack it carefully with other pans, placing a trivet, Pan Protector, or dish towel in between each layer to protect the coating from getting scratched.
Proper Cooking Techniques
Another way to take care of your pan is by following manufacturer guidelines when cooking. While this will differ from brand to brand, we recommend the same approach as how we cook with non stick—always adding oil or other fat before heating, as well as cooking on a low or medium heat. Cooking with an empty pan, or over very high heat, can degrade the coating and make it less non stick over time.
Ready to Cook?
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about ceramic cookware. And as long as you’re aware of ceramic’s (comparatively) shorter lifespan, you should definitely feel free to enjoy these beautiful, lightweight alternatives to traditionally coated non stick cookware.
