Ceramic Pans: Pros and Cons, Manufacturers' Overview and Selection

Non-stick cookware with a special type of coating (ceramic coating) appeared on the market 12 years ago and has successfully established itself as a durable, safe for human health products. In this case, ceramic frying pans are particularly popular with most housewives. Since these products are represented on the market in a huge range, many nuances must be taken into account before purchasing them - this will save you from buying fakes.

A ceramic pan with a non-stick coating is considered a modern type of cookware, which provides uniform heating and is ideal for cooking dishes that require a long heat treatment. The very first patent for the manufacture of ceramic pans was received by William A. Groll, now he is the lead manager of All-Clad Metalcrafters, which manufactures high-quality cookware. Thanks to modern technology, a ceramic non-stick layer can be applied in two ways.

• Roller coasting. This is a budget option and it is considered the most common. For its implementation requires the use of extruded aluminum. First, prepare the appropriate forms, they are burned and placed in containers. After that, they are applied to the suspension, which includes stone powder and fine sand. Forms are sent to dry and for the future product re-apply a new layer of protective powder.

• By spraying. This method provides a thick coating (up to 70 microns). It is carried out in two stages: the surface of the workpieces is carefully polished and placed in closed chambers, after which they are treated with a mixture of oxygen and inert gas. Then, using special sprays, a powder containing solvent (hydrochloric and formic acid), water, and silicon-containing substances is sprayed on the inside and outside of the disc.

Despite the fact that ceramic pans appeared on the market recently, they were able to successfully supplant their Teflon "relatives". The popularity of this type of dish is explained by the following list of advantages.

• Environmental friendliness. For the manufacture of such products are used exclusively natural materials, namely, clay, sand and stone chips.
• The ability to prepare dishes with minimal use of fats and oil or without it. This is great for supporters of a healthy lifestyle.
• Protection of products from burning. Due to the fact that the surface of such pans does not have pores, completely smooth, eliminates the possibility of damage. In addition, the coating is resistant to chemicals, it is inert and has no extraneous odors and tastes.
• Modern design. Since the mixture, which is used in the production of pans with non-stick coating, is resistant to staining, multicolored pigments are often added to it.

As for the shortcomings, they are also available.

• Ceramics are considered too fragile therefore, the dishes should be treated with care. While cooking, you should try to avoid falling pan.
• High price. A good ceramic pan can be purchased with a starting price of 1500 rubles, but it can be much higher depending on the brand.
• The instability of the ceramic coating to the effects of aggressive, abrasive substances, sharp temperature changes. As a rule, these pans serve no more than three years.
• Not all models are ideal for induction hobs. Exceptions are only products from the brand Tefal.

Ceramic frying pans are available in various models, which have their own performance characteristics depending on the material used to make the base. Usually there are products on sale, the base of which is made of the following materials.

• Cast iron. This dish has a large weight and is suitable for long-term cooking. Thanks to these pans you can cook very juicy and tasty dishes like “from the Russian stove”.

• Aluminum. The basis for the pans is usually made of extruded or cast aluminum, while the latter is largely the leader in quality. Cast base allows you to quickly cook any dishes. Aluminum dishes are lightweight, this is one of its advantages. There are also pans for sale, in which the base is made of wrought aluminum. They are inexpensive and in performance are in no way inferior cast.

• Steel. This base material retains heat well, evenly distributing it over the entire surface of the pan. On these products you can cook both scrambled eggs and stew meat. Steel pans are considered universal, high-quality, but they are expensive.

As for the types of pans with non-stick coating, they are divided into the following.

• Crepe makers Designed for cooking cheesecakes, pancakes, pancakes and fried eggs. They are distinguished by the presence of low inclined sides.

• Grill. Unlike conventional pans, this model has a ribbed bottom, which contributes to the accumulation of juice in the grooves emitted from the meat during cooking.

• For cooking fish. Such products are rectangular or rounded. They are used when frying fish.

• Stewpan They are used for extinguishing, characterized by the presence of an elongated handle and inclined (straight) sides.

• Wok This conical pan, with which you can roast meat over high heat. Most often, this type of product is acquired for cooking oriental dishes.

Each hostess should have at least 2-3 pans of different depth and diameter in the kitchen. If you plan to cook special dishes, then you need to purchase additional highly specialized models. This will greatly simplify the cooking process. Today the market is represented by pans of different sizes.

For a family consisting of two people, a product with a diameter of 24 cm is perfect, of three - 26 cm, and for a large family with more than five people, the best option would be to purchase a frying pan 28 cm in diameter

Despite the fact that ceramic pans with non-stick coating proved to be excellent and received a lot of positive reviews, one can often find Chinese-made pseudo-collectors on the market.They are characterized by low quality and affordable price. To avoid such purchases, it is necessary to give preference only to well-proven manufacturing companies. Their rating is as follows.

• Tefal. This is one of the very first companies that started producing karmic pans and gave an opportunity to Russian hostesses to enjoy the process of cooking. The main advantage of Tefal products is that they have a thermostat. This is a unique indicator of heat, showing the readiness of the pan to work. The maximum heating temperature is +180 ° C. In addition, dishes manufactured under this brand are distinguished by a super-thick bottom (5 cm).

• Ballarini Products from this Italian manufacturer are well known all over the world, its main difference is the presence of a multi-layer non-stick coating DuPont. Pans of this brand are made of aluminum alloy, to which copper is added. Therefore, the products are durable and last a long time. Special attention should be paid to the Cookin and Cortina pans - they are characterized by a chic design, are available with a white coating inside and out.

• Rondell. German pans of this brand are produced in China, but this did not affect their quality. The main "highlight" of products is that during its production they use modern technology of three-layer stamped bottom. Due to this feature, the heat conductivity of dishes increases several times.

• Vari. Products of this manufacturer appeared on the Russian market since 2002. Positive feedback received pans lineup Cerama. They are thick-walled and produced according to the method of chill casting, due to which a dense layer of aluminum is covered with a reinforced ceramic coating. The ware is steady against contact with metal objects, does not enter chemical reactions.

Any housewife wants her ceramic frying pan with non-stick coating to reliably serve a long time, so before such an important purchase you need to take into account many important indicators. Experts when choosing recommend to pay attention to the following characteristics.

• Coating structure Quality products should have a uniform surface without chips, dents, curvatures, interspersions in the form of spots and points. As for the color scheme of the coating, it is best to give preference to pastel tones. Shades of ivory and beige indicate the presence in the composition of the product synthetic dyes.
• The thickness of the walls and bottom dishes. The wear resistance of the ceramic coating and protection against deformation largely depend on these indicators. It is advisable to buy dishes for frying with a bottom thickness of more than 3 mm (if the base is aluminum), 3.5 mm (cast iron) and 4 mm (steel).
• Size and shape. Today, manufacturers produce ceramic pans of various designs and dimensions. Therefore, in addition to universal products with a diameter of 18 to 30 cm, you can additionally buy products intended for cooking special dishes. A set of pans should consist of products of 25 cm in diameter for cooking pancakes (pancakes, cheesecakes, fritters), for cooking grilled fish and meat, as well as models with inclined (straight) sides, which are called stewpans. The diameter of the pan should not be more or less than the circumference of the burners.
• Handle design. They can be cast, bolted or removable. While cooking dishes, the handle should not be heated, so dishes with plastic or silicone handles are a good choice.

Besides, It is important to know where it is planned to prepare dishes: on a gas or electric stove. For electric stoves should pick up dishes with a flat, even bottom, it is best to give preference to models with thick walls. A huge role is played by the color of the bottom. So, matte and dark shades reflect heat poorly. Frying pans are not suitable for induction cookers, not all manufacturers, in this case, products from the Tefal trademark are considered a good choice.

If it is planned to cook dishes not only on the stove, but also in the oven, then Before buying dishes you need to pay attention to such indicators as the possibility of removing pens and the level of heat resistance. In addition, pans for the oven must have a lid in their configuration that matches the size of the product. The ideal option is heat-resistant glass covers with rubberized or metal rim. Also in the lids should be openings for steam, it will improve the taste of the dish.

To prolong the life of the ceramic pan will help proper operation and care for her. You can not start using the dishes immediately after its purchase. First, the product must be treated with soapy water, rinsed well with warm water and wiped dry. After this, the walls and the inner surface of the pan are greased or oiled. The next step in preparing dishes for operation is hardening. For this, it is heated on high heat for a few seconds.

Ceramic ware is highly resistant to damage, but when cooking it is impossible to use metal accessories, it is desirable to replace them with wooden or plastic blades that will not leave scratches. In addition, this type of coating does not withstand sudden temperature changes. Therefore, it is impossible to immediately place frozen food on the hot surface. These products should be cleaned with detergents that do not contain alkali, acid and chlorine; Use only a soft sponge. Do not wash ceramic pans in the dishwasher.

Beige and white coated frying pans quickly become coated with grease, after which spots appear on their surface. They not only spoil the appearance of dishes, but also affect the process of cooking. Products start to burn. Get rid of these stains by using special tools that are designed for cleaning microwave ovens.

Considering all the above recommendations and carefully applies to the dishes, it will last a long time.

Among the buyers of ceramic pans can meet both enthusiastic and skeptical reviews. Many housewives are satisfied with their convenience, non-stick qualities and cooking speed, while others do not like the fact that dishes are whimsical with respect to detergents and water and are not suitable for cooking various sauces.

On the features of ceramic pans, see the following video.