Yes, modern ceramic cookware can go in an oven.
When it comes to how much temperature can the cookware withstand, that will largely depend on its build.
Using Ceramic Cookware in the Oven
The cookware made from 100% ceramic can be used for extremely high temperatures up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ceramic-coated non-stick cookware can withstand up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the ceramic pan has handles made of plastic, phenolic, or wood, placing them in an oven at high temperatures can damage them and cause the release of toxic fumes.
The cookware must have an oven-safe sign on it or in the manufacturing instructions. Read the manual to understand the temperature limit and the handle/knob material.
Usually, the pots with plastic handles (bakelite or phenolic resin) can withstand temperatures up to 350F/175C.
Silicone handles can withstand temperatures up to 400F/204C.
Stainless steel handles can be used safely up to 500F (260C).
100% ceramic can withstand extremely high temperatures.
Let us go into a little depth regarding ceramic cookware to understand its compatibility in an oven better.
What is Ceramic Cookware?
Ceramic cookware can be broken down into two types
- Pure ceramic cookware
- Ceramic coated cookware
Pure ceramic cookware is made out of 100% ceramic -core, exterior, and handles. It consists of minerals like clay and quartz sand and is glazed in a kiln using temperatures greater than 1900F.
Ceramic-coated cookware has a metal core (mostly aluminum) and a mineral base ceramic coating containing sand-derived silicon. The process is called sol-gel. The ceramic coating is good to go for around five years.
100% Ceramic Cookware
The ceramic cookware is hardened by fire and made of clay.
100% ceramic cookware is the best environmentally friendly option and enables you to keep your family safe and healthy.
It is tough and durable and can withstand high temperatures inside an oven or a microwave.
With different beautiful designs and colors, you can even serve directly from the oven to the dining table. With a visually appealing structure, they look quite presentable.
Ceramic coated nonstick cookware
A good quality ceramic cookware coating does not contain any toxic chemicals like PTFE or PFOA, cadmium, or lead.
The coating is approved under strict guidelines from the US govt.
All the cookware sold in America has to comply with the regulations regarding the safety of ceramic cookware.
The nonstick coating is usually made with silicon, oxygen, or any inorganic material. You can cook healthy food as there is no carbon content.
The non-stick cookware ensures speedier cooking by not sticking to food with less oil or butter.
As the ceramic coating is non-reactive, you can easily bake acidic foods like tomatoes and make sauces.
If the cookware comes from another country like Asia or Latin America, it could have minute amounts of lead and cadmium in it. Keep this in mind and read the labels before purchasing cookware coming from another country.
Also read: Can Cuisinart Pans Go In The Oven?
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let us look at what they are
Pros of using ceramic cookware
There are several pros of using Ceramic cookware.
- Ceramic cookware is a natural non-stick and can withstand extreme temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a durable and hard material.
- You can use it in an oven or in a microwave or even on a stovetop.
- The food releases easily and quickly due to its natural non-stick nature. You do not need to grease up the cookware with a lot of oil or butter.
- Ceramic cookware and ceramic-coated cookware surface heat up evenly without any hot spots.
- As the surface is non-reactive, ceramic cookware can easily be used for acidic foods like citrus vinegar and tomatoes.
- Ceramic cookware is very easy to maintain and clean. A little wipe with soapy water and a soft sponge cleans up the cookware like a breeze.
- Ceramic cookware is non-toxic. It is free from PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
- During the production of ceramic cookware, 60% less carbon dioxide is released making it an eco-friendly option.
- The ceramic cookware is available in a wide range of colors and designs according to the price range.
- A good quality ceramic cookware is budget-friendly when compared to a high-quality stainless steel
Cons of using ceramic cookware
- Over time, ceramic cookware including both ceramic coated cookware and pure ceramic, discolor or fade with exposure to the ovens.
- The non-stick coating can start to break down due to frequent exposure to high temperatures.
- The durability of ceramic cookware is low compared to stainless steel or cast iron. The slightest mishandling can cause damage to the cookware with chipping being the first on the list.
- Warping occurs in the ceramic cookware when it’s exposed to sudden and extreme temperature changes.
- A good quality ceramic cookware is costly when compared to traditional Teflon non-stick cookware
- The ceramic coating is made up of nanoparticles that prevent food from being in contact with the cooking surface causing an inconsistent cooking performance
- Ceramic cookware is not dishwasher safe as the harsh chemicals can ruin the surface. You need to always handwash for improving the lifespan of the cookware.
- Metal spoons Cannot be used on the ceramic cooking surface as that can cause scratching and chipping away of the coating.
- Not all ceramic cookware is oven-safe. You need to know the maximum temperature your cookware can withstand. Read the manufacturing instructions. You can also call customer service to find out the maximum temperature your ceramic cookware can handle.
- There is still research going on regarding ceramic cookware. While there are no toxic chemicals, there are not many studies to prove that claim.
Also read: Can You Use Cast Iron on a Glass Top Stove?
Ceramic Cookware Options that are Good to Go in the Oven
Here is a list of three Ceramic cookware options that can withstand high temperatures in an oven :
XTrema
Xtrema, a range of pure ceramic cookware. It is non-toxic and safe and made entirely from ceramic from the core to the outer body surface.
The all-ceramic construction gives you even heating consistently. Xtrema 100 can withstand temperature up to 2500ﾟF
GreenPan Cookware
GreenPan cookware comes with advanced technology in the ceramic non-stick coating.
It has a hard-anodized exterior along with diamond reinforced ceramic coating. They can withstand temperatures to 600 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven.
Blue Diamond
Blue diamond offers diamond in pure ceramic nonstick cookware that can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is an ideal choice for a budget-friendly option.
Also read: Safest (Non-Toxic) Cookware Material
Tips on using ceramic cookware
- Do not use metal ladles and spoons to stir food. It can scratch and chip away the outer surface of the ceramic layer.
- Although ceramic cookware is dishwasher safe, I would highly recommend hand washing. Wash the ceramic with a non-abrasive soapy sponge. Handwashing will increase the lifespan of ceramic cookware.
- If your ceramic cookware starts to chip, you need to replace them. A Chipped or cracked cookware can break down during cooking. If the chipping occurs in ceramic-coated cookware, it exposes you to the metal core inside that can leech into food.
- Sudden and drastic temperature changes can damage the ceramic coating as well as harm the ceramic layer on pure ceramic cookware. Let the cookware cool down before washing it.
- Remember never to stack ceramic cookware on top or inside each other. If you must store them together, use paper travels or napkins that can act as a buffer between them.
- As the ceramics are beautiful pieces of cookware, it’s best to hang them in full display to avoid undue stashing and scratches on its surface.
- If your handles are not oven-proof, you can try this trick. Wrap the handles in two layers of paper towels that are wet and cover the handles with a double layer of aluminum foil. As long as the paper towels remain wet, the temperature of the handle does not extend beyond 212F. This technique does not work on wooden handles as heat eventually gets to them.
Also read: Can You Microwave Ceramic Bowls?
Conclusion
Ceramic cookware or ceramic coated cookware is a non-toxic healthy and safe option to use in an oven.
The all-ceramic cookware can be used to bake at high temperatures while the ceramic coated cookware can be used safely up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most of the oven-friendly cookware now comes with the oven-safe mark on its body or in the manufacturing booklet.
Don’t forget to read about the handle and knob material to find out the maximum temperature they can withstand before putting the cookware in an oven.
Summing up, Ceramic cookware is low maintenance, easy to clean, and a non-reactive piece of cookware. It is free from PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Just remember to read the labels and choose the one manufactured in the US.
You can easily bake food with less fat. The natural non-stick releases the food quite easily.
Available in a wide range of brands and designs, you can choose your pick according to your budget. Bake away with the eco-friendly ceramic cookware to your heart’s content!
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