How Long Does Ceramic Cookware Last

When you are shopping for cookware, especially nonstick, there are many options for you. Over the years, people have been taking the health risks associated with Teflon cookware seriously and hence opt for other healthier alternatives like ceramic. Ceramic cookware is one of the most popular types of cookware for many health-conscious people.

There are many benefits of using ceramic cookware- it is toxin-free, easy to clean, non-reactive, and versatile. With all these benefits, people also ask: How long does ceramic cookware last?

Well, average ceramic cookware lasts between 6-9 months while maintaining its nonstick capabilities and quality ceramic cookware lasts up to 3 years if you take proper care. However, if you subject the cookware to metal utensils, it loses the nonstick capability quickly. In comparison to other nonstick cookware like Teflon and stainless steel, ceramic cookware has a shorter lifespan. 

If you would like to know everything about ceramic cookware, I have made this guide for you. you will learn the types of ceramic cookware, why they lose their nonstick coating, and tips to care for your cookware. Let’s dive in!

Types Of Ceramic Cookware

When shopping for ceramic cookware, there are two options you will come across – solid ceramic and coated ceramic. The most common type of ceramic cookware is coated ceramic.

Ceramic-coated cookware features an aluminum interior and a thermalon coating. Various processes are used to create the thin coating and the most common is the gel-sol spin coating. Coated ceramic cookware scratches with continuous use and this makes them sticky.

On the other hand, solid ceramic cookware is 100% ceramic with nothing else. This is the healthiest option, and the most expensive. It is also more durable than coated ceramic. Solid ceramic cookware is not nonstick. One of the healthiest solid ceramic brands I would recommend is Xtrema cookware. Their ceramic cookware is great because:

• They are made of 100% pure ceramic
• Cookware doesn’t contain heavy metals
• Doesn’t contain coating or glues
• They have gone through third-party testing
• Easy to find published test reports

How Long Does Ceramic Cookware Last?

Apart from the health benefits, another important thing you should consider when buying ceramic cookware is durability. You don’t want to invest your money in expensive cookware that doesn’t offer value for your money. As I mentioned above, average ceramic cookware can last up to a year without losing nonstick performance. But if you take proper care of your cookware, it can serve you for up to 3 years.

Why Do Ceramic Cookware Lose Their Non-stick Properties?

After using your ceramic cookware for some months, you will notice it will begin to lose its nonstick capability. This happens even if you use wooden utensils or low heat or even when the pan is smooth and clean. Why does this happen?

This is why!

When you use your nonstick ceramic cookware several times, it begins to form an invisible food/oil residue. At first, this coating offers a nonstick surface and so you don’t need to use cooking spray, oil, or butter to prevent sticking. With time, the silicone layer will degrade and this makes the pan lose its nonstick properties.

Again, many ceramic pans are not cladded and this makes them prone to warping. Eventually, this affects heat absorption and retention. The same reasons for inefficient heat distribution make the durability of the cookware hence the ceramic coating wears easily.

If repairing the nonstick coating of the ceramic cookware no longer works and cleaning the cookware is quite a task, it is time to get new cookware. Extremely worn-out ceramic cookware is prone to chipping and cracking. It can also leach metal into your food, which can be hazardous to your health.

Ceramic Cookware Care Tips For Long-Lasting Use 

One of the best ways you can ensure your ceramic pans serve you longer is proper care. The following care tips will keep your ceramic cookware in good condition for a longer time.

Avoid using sharp utensils like metal on nonstick cookware. Instead, use wood or silicone utensils.

• Do not preheat your ceramic cookware.
• Use low heat to prevent damaging the coating.
• Do not use your ceramic cookware to store food.
• Let your ceramic cookware cool off before washing.
• Use mild soap and a soft sponge to clean ceramic cookware.
• Slow temperature changes- don’t switch from low to high at once.
• Hand washing your ceramic cookware to prolong its lifespan.

Verdict 

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to Teflon cookware, ceramic cookware is highly recommended. this cookware is toxic-free, beautiful, heat resistant, easy to clean, lightweight, and provides efficient heat transfer. If you are looking forward to buying this cookware for your kitchen, I believe you have the right information about its durability and what you can do to make your ceramic cookware last long.