Is Ceramic Cookware Safe? Everything You Need to Know
Author: Patty Lee | April 8, 2024 | Time to read: 5 min
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
Cooking isn’t just about getting dinner on the table. It’s about care, connection, and the little joys that happen along the way. And because food is so personal, it’s natural to wonder about the tools we use to make it.
So, is ceramic cookware safe? In short: yes. When it’s made without PFAS (like PTFE and PFOA), lead, or cadmium, ceramic nonstick is a safe, reliable choice for everyday cooking.
But let’s dig in a little more — what exactly is ceramic cookware, how does it stack up against other options, and what’s worth knowing before you bring it into your kitchen?
What Is Ceramic-Coated Cookware (and What Does Ceramic-Coated Mean)?
Ceramic cookware usually refers to metal pans coated with a sol-gel ceramic nonstick layer. This smooth, glossy coating is made from silica (derived from sand) and cured into a slick surface.
A quick distinction:
Ceramic cookware is not solid clay. It’s typically aluminum or stainless steel with a ceramic nonstick coating.
That coating provides a slippery nonstick performance without PFAS-based coatings.
Pro Tip💡
At Our Place, our Thermakind® ceramic nonstick is exclusive, high-performing, and tested — so you can cook confidently, night after night.
What Do Experts Say About PTFE and Safety?
Most “traditional” nonstick pans use a coating made from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). This has been used for decades because it’s durable and slick.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows PTFE for cookware and notes that only negligible amounts migrate into food under normal use.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reviewed PTFE fumes in 2003 and did not require warning labels, finding typical household use safe.
That said, PTFE can degrade and release fumes if overheated (above ~680°F) for extended periods. While not a common cooking scenario, many home cooks prefer peace of mind by choosing cookware that avoids PFAS entirely.
Pro Tip💡
All Our Place ceramic nonstick cookware is made without PFAS (including PTFE and PFOA), lead, or cadmium — so you never have to worry.
Why Choose Ceramic Nonstick Cookware?
Here’s why so many home cooks are reaching for ceramic nonstick:
Naturally slick: Releases food with little to no oil
Fast, even heating: Cooks evenly across the surface
Easy to clean: Little to no scrubbing required
Pro Tip💡
Looking for a more versatile ceramic nonstick pan? The Always Pan offers 10 functions in 1 pan: braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, bake, roast, and serve, and it’s oven-safe up to 450 °F.
Is Ceramic Coated Cookware Safe Even If Scratched?
Yes, ceramic-coated pans are still safe even if scratched — as long as the coating is made without toxins.. A scratch may reduce nonstick performance, but it won’t introduce risks the way other pans might.
Pro Tip💡
Store your pans with a soft cloth between them to protect the surfaces.
How Ceramic Cookware Compares to Other Materials
Every cookware material has strengths and trade-offs. Here’s how ceramic nonstick stacks up:
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Ceramic Nonstick
PFAS-free, lead-free, cadmium-free
Naturally slick, easy to clean
Best with low-to-medium heat, hand washing, silicone and wooden utensils, and proper storage
Pro Tip💡
Level up your cooking with the Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro. The first nonstick without a coating: Patented NoCo® tech delivers a true nonstick experience without coatings or PFAS.
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PTFE-Based Nonstick
PTFE (a type of PFAS) is approved by the FDA for use in nonstick cookware, but only when used under normal and without damage.
When scratched or overheated (beyond 650°F / 343°C), PTFE can break down - releasing fumes and even microplastics into food, according to recent peer-reviewed research.
Due to growing concern, states like Maine, Colorado, and Washington are now restricting or requiring labeling of PFAS in cookware.
Bottom line: PTFE-based nonstick is increasingly seen as a higher-risk choice, especially if scratched, overheated, or improperly used.
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Stainless Steel
Durable, versatile, great for browning
No nonstick properties
Long-lasting
Many are Dishwasher safe
How to Care for Ceramic-Coated Cookware
Caring for ceramic cookware is simple—and helps your pan last longer.
Cook at Medium Heat or Lower
Ceramic holds heat well, so low or medium is enough. High heat can wear out the coating faster.
Use Silicone or Wood Utensils
Avoid metal to keep the surface scratch-free and long-lasting.
Hand Wash Only
Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge. For stuck-on food, try baking soda paste or a vinegar soak.
Store with Care
Stacking? Slide a cloth or pan protector between pieces to avoid chips and scratches.
How to Care for Ceramic-Coated Cookware
Cooking isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the care, connection, and intention behind it. Choosing non-toxic cookware is one of the most impactful ways to create a safe, more joyful kitchen.
That’s why we designed our ceramic nonstick cookware to be safe from the inside out. No sketchy coatings, no hidden trade-offs.
Our Always Pan® was designed to make the choice simple:
Non-toxic: Free form PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Microplastic-free: Our exclusive Thermakind® ceramic nonstick coating is made without plastic-based materials so it won’t release microplastics, even with daily use.
Multifunctional: Replaces 10+ pieces of traditional cookware.
Oven-safe: Up to 450°F for seamless stovetop-to-oven recipes.
We believe cookware should make you feel good and safe every time you cook. That’s why we made the Always Pan a healthier, smarter alternative to traditional nonstick.
See the Always Pan® In Action
Patty Lee
Patty Lee is a writer and editor based in New York City. Her writing has appeared in The Kitchn, Martha Stewart Living, Food Network, and many other food and lifestyle publications. A native New Yorker who grew up in Brooklyn's Chinatown, her perfect weekend breakfast is a combination of bagels and dim sum.
