Ceramic nonstick cookware
Quick answer
Ceramic nonstick conducts heat at about 237 W/m-K, works on induction only if it has a magnetic base, and is oven safe to about 350F. The same jobs as PTFE, for a cook who would rather not own PTFE.
Conductivity and density are published material properties. Oven ceilings are what manufacturers publish for this class of cookware and vary by brand.
| Material | Conductivity | Induction | Oven ceiling | Reactive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-ply stainless clad | 237 W/m-K | Yes | 600F | No |
| Five-ply stainless clad | 237 W/m-K | Yes | 600F | No |
| Disc-base stainless | 237 W/m-K | Yes | 500F | No |
| Bare cast iron | 52 W/m-K | Yes | 700F | Yes |
| Carbon steel | 50 W/m-K | Yes | 600F | Yes |
| Enamelled cast iron | 52 W/m-K | Yes | 500F | No |
| PTFE nonstick | 237 W/m-K | Depends | 400F | No |
| Ceramic nonstick | 237 W/m-K | Depends | 350F | No |
| Bare or anodised aluminium | 237 W/m-K | No | 500F | Yes |
| Plain stainless steel | 16 W/m-K | Depends | 500F | No |
| Copper, lined | 401 W/m-K | No | 450F | No |
| Stoneware and ceramic bakeware | 1.5 W/m-K | No | 450F | No |
| Tempered glass bakeware | 1 W/m-K | No | 425F | No |
| Wood | not applicable | No | Not oven safe | No |
| Polyethylene and polypropylene | not applicable | No | Not oven safe | No |
Cuisinart Chef's Classic 10-Inch Nonstick-Hard-Anodized, Open Skillet
10 inWhat is ceramic nonstick?
A silica-based sol-gel coating cured onto an aluminium body. It contains no PTFE.
The honest trade is chemistry against lifespan: ceramic avoids PTFE entirely and generally gives up release performance sooner, particularly if it is run hot.
How it behaves on the heat
Its conductivity of about 237 W/m-K sits at the top of the range, alongside aluminium and copper. Heat retention is low, and responsiveness is very high. Evenness is good.
Conductivity and heat capacity are different things and it is worth keeping them apart. Conductivity is how fast heat moves through the material. Heat capacity is how much energy the material holds once hot. Cast iron conducts poorly and holds a great deal, which is exactly why it sears well: the pan barely cools when cold food lands on it.
Induction, oven and care
Induction compatibility depends on the specific pan. Depends on the base, exactly as with PTFE nonstick. Use a magnet. The settling test is a fridge magnet on the base: a firm grip means it works.
The oven ceiling is about 350F. Published ceilings for ceramic nonstick are commonly 350F to 450F, generally lower than PTFE lines, and a good many state no broiler. Dishwasher guidance: Usually discouraged.. It is not reactive, so acidic food presents no problem.
What it is genuinely best at
The same jobs as PTFE, for a cook who would rather not own PTFE.
On sticking: No when new. Ceramic coatings typically lose their release sooner than PTFE does.
Ceramic nonstick cookware
- Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond 10" Diamond Infused Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Blue
10 in$19.92 Check pricePrices change often - CAROTE
CAROTE Non Stick Frying Pan, 10 Inch Classic Granite Skillet with Glass Lid
10 in$23.99 Check pricePrices change often - Pyrex
Pyrex 10-Inch Fry Pan Ceramic Cookware with Stainless Steel Handles
10 in$24.99 Check pricePrices change often - CAROTE
CAROTE Pots and Pans Set, Ceramic Cookware Set, 14pcs
14 pieces$68.98 Check pricePrices change often - SENSARTE
SENSARTE Ceramic Pots and Pans Set Nonstick, 20Pcs Cookware Set, Taupe
20 pieces$129.99 Check pricePrices change often
Common questions
Does ceramic nonstick work on induction?
Only if the maker bonded a magnetic base to it. Depends on the base, exactly as with PTFE nonstick. Use a magnet. The reliable test is a fridge magnet against the base: a firm grip across the whole base means the pan will work, a grip only in the centre means uneven heating, and no grip means it will not work at all.
How hot can ceramic nonstick go in the oven?
About 350F. Published ceilings for ceramic nonstick are commonly 350F to 450F, generally lower than PTFE lines, and a good many state no broiler. Remember that the ceiling for any assembled pan is the lowest of its cooking surface, its handle and, if it goes in covered, its lid, and the handle is very often the lowest of the three.
Is ceramic nonstick dishwasher safe?
Usually discouraged. Even where a dishwasher is technically permitted, hand washing extends the life of almost every kind of cookware, because detergents are aggressive and the heat cycle is harder on coatings and finishes than anything that happens during cooking.
Can I cook acidic food in ceramic nonstick?
Yes. This material is inert, so tomatoes, wine, vinegar and citrus present no problem however long they cook. That is one of the main practical reasons to own it.
What is ceramic nonstick best at?
The same jobs as PTFE, for a cook who would rather not own PTFE. No single cookware material is good at every job, which is why a mixed kitchen outperforms a matched set at every budget. Choose each vessel for what it will actually be used for rather than buying everything in one construction.