Ceramic pans, which come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, are non-metallic and most often made from crystalline. Originally, there were all types of ceramic pans fashioned out of pottery and used for cookware. Today, the many types available include those that are considered earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Eco-friendly ceramic cookware is also available.
Earthenware ceramic pans are popular due to the fact that they are often offered with matching pottery tableware. These types of pans are made of a combination of feldspar, quartz, and ball clay. Earthenware is one of the oldest types of ceramic pans marketed as a household cooking item.
Known for its density, stoneware ceramic pans are popular with cooks because they are unable to be scratched by steel. Stoneware pans are recognized by cooks as being one of the most durable and strongest types available. For this reason, stoneware is often used by hotels and restaurants. Stoneware is opaque and comes in any variety of colors and designs.
Some types of ceramic pans feature a non-stick cooking surface. This cooking surface makes the use of oil, butter, or grease unnecessary. This type of cookware is especially popular with those trying to eat in a healthier way or cut calories.
With ecologically friendly lifestyles on the rise, eco-friendly ceramic cookware is becoming increasingly popular. These dishes are made from all-natural minerals and when used do not emit any toxic fumes. These pans not only cook food faster, requiring less energy to be used, but they also retain heat longer, requiring less reheating. These eco-friendly pans can be used not only to cook with, but they can also be used for storing any unused portions of food. Made for all cooking methods, eco-friendly pans can be used on a stove, in the oven, or in the microwave, as well as being dishwasher safe.
Regardless of their type, ceramic pans are popular with many cooks because of their high conductivity of heat. Food cooks differently in ceramic versus a metal pan. Ceramic pans retain heat and therefore keep food warm longer than any other variety of cooking dish.
