Nowadays, there’re so many types of cookware available in the market, porcelain and ceramic are the most popular options among them. They are lightweight, easy-to-clean, durable, non-stick, and comes with attractive appearance. Many of us think that porcelain and ceramic are the same material when it comes to cookware. However, besides so many similarities both of these cookware items have certain differences also. In this article, I’d like to share a comparative discussion about Porcelain VS Ceramic Cookware just for you. Hopefully, this article will help you to ensure that which one you do need. So let’s start it.
Porcelain Cookware
Porcelain cookware is considered the blazing pans and pots that are coated with a smooth, pristine, and strong glass layer. The glass layer of the cookware is bonded to the metal like stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum on the inside of it. This kind of cookware comes with a variety of attractive colors from a host of manufacturers. Some higher-end porcelain enamel cookware pieces last for longer than most of the other cheap graded cookware available in the market.
Advantages of Porcelain Cookware
There are some advantages of the porcelain cookware right below. Check these following points to know more.
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- Non-Reactive and Healthy Cooking Surface
Porcelain cookware is safe as well as non-reactive to acidic foods such as lemon, vinegar, or tomatoes. Its ultra-smooth non-stick coating reduces the need of adding excess fat to prevent foods from sticking to the cooking surface.
- Versatility
Another great advantage of the Porcelain cookware is its versatile use. You can cook a wide variety of different foods at various stages with your porcelain enamel cookware set. Unlike most of the non-stick cookware, it can be used both in the microwave and oven.
- Effortless Cleaning Process
It’s quite simple and easy to clean the porcelain cookware manually using your hand. All you need just a quick wipe with a mild dishwasher and soft sponge to clean your enamel cookware fast and properly. However, be aware not to use any plastic or steel wool on the surface or you may damage the coating.
- Sturdy Structure
Compared to other non-stick cookware like Teflon or aluminum, a porcelain pot or pan is costlier. But unlike them, enameled cookware is an heirloom piece that you can pass on to your child. [/su_list]
Disadvantages of Porcelain Cookware
Besides so many useful sides Porcelain cookware has some downsides also. Let’s have a look over the points right below to know more.
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- Not High-Heat Friendly
When using enameled coated pans or pots, low to medium heat makes the best result. A porcelain-coated cast iron pan retains heat naturally and can ruin dishes that break over the high-heat temperature.
- Breakable
The porcelain enamel coated cookware is comparatively breakable and prone to chipping or cracking after some time of use. It requires extra attention and care while using or stocking with other kitchenware. Never put a hot porcelain enamel pan to cold water as it can break or crack the porcelain coating of the pan.
- Costly
Unlike other available uncoated metal cookware, porcelain-coated cookware is more expensive. You’ll need to spend some more to buy your favorite porcelain pans or pots. [/su_list]
Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware denotes to the pans and pots that are kiln-baked and particularly glazed. It also refers to pans and pots have an aluminum base that is coated with ceramic glaze. This kind of cookware considered to be the best choice for the home cook as it is resistant to scratches and heat. Since the cookware doesn’t contain lead or toxic so it considered the safest option for everyday cooking.
Advantages of Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware has some most effective advantages that’ll enhance your cooking experience. Let’s check them out to get more.
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- Eye-Catching Appearance
One of the finest reasons why people love ceramic cookware is its attractive appearance. Many manufacturers of ceramic cookware feature a glazed surface that comes in a wide variety of bright and decorative colors. This feature makes the ceramic cookware ideal type of cookware for serving guests or decorating your kitchen.
- Non-reactive Natural Non-Stick Coating
Ceramic Coated cookware comes with the wonderful property of being non-stick. Its natural non-stick coating allows you to cook all your favorite dishes with fewer calories. Moreover, you can cook acidic ingredients without worrying about unwanted trace items releasing into your foods.
- Doesn’t Require Seasoning
Unlike much other uncoated cookware like cast iron or copper, ceramic cookware doesn’t require any kind of seasoning. It’s natural superior non-stick coating makes both cooking and cleaning easier and simpler as well. [/su_list]
Disadvantages of Ceramic Cookware
After going through the advantages of ceramic cookware, now it’s time to look at its downsides. Read on to know the disadvantages of ceramic cookware.
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- Shorter Lifespan
Some cheap grade ceramic cookware can lose their non-stick coating within just a few months, especially if you use them frequently. To avoid this disadvantage, it’s best to buy ceramic cookware set from a well-known brand.
- Scratches Easily
Compared to other non-stick cooking surfaces, Thermolon coating is more prone to scratch. You cannot use any kind of metal utensils with this cookware as it can scratch or damage the cooking surface of the pan.
- Only Low to Medium Temperature
Another downside of the ceramic cookware is its temperature level limitations. This type of cookware is not safe to use over high-heat temperatures as it can damage the non-stick coating. [/su_list]
Differences Between Porcelain VS Ceramic Cookware
Porcelain Enamel Vs Ceramic Cookware, both of them may look a lot similar but the truth is that they have some significant differences between them.
Construction Process
The main difference between Ceramic Vs Porcelain cookware is in their construction process. Porcelain cookware usually describes the coating that is on top of the base of the metallic pots and pans. The clays used for porcelain cookware are hardened at a high-heat temperature which makes them less porous, more glasslike.
Ceramic cookware, on the other hand, is fired at a lower temperature which gives them glazes and makes more porous.
Cooking Performance
Ceramic or Porcelain cookware which one is better for cooking? Well, it completely depends on your cooking purpose and the dishes that you’re cooking. Ceramic cookware is nice for roasting or baking and safe to use to cook acidic ingredients also.
Many porcelain cookware is specially designed for use both on the stovetop and inside an oven. Their even heat transfer ability makes them more popular among the cooks for a variety of recipes.
Cost
As I mentioned it once before in this post, Porcelain cookware is more expensive than the ceramic and other available non-stick cookware.
On the other side, ceramic cookware is relatively affordable and available in different sizes and colors. However, there’re a few expensive ceramic cookware sets are also available that you can buy instead of cheap ones.
Last Words
Now you know the difference between Porcelain VS Ceramic Cookware along with the pros and cons of them. If you’re looking for something from the higher-end collection and ready to spend more, you can go with Porcelain Enameled cookware. Or if you want something with your limited budget, it would be better to go with ceramic coated cookware collection. However, some manufacturers made higher-end ceramic cookware that’ll be also expensive like the Porcelain ones.
Useful Resources for Further Reading
- Pros and Cons of Porcelain Enamel Cookware – Leaf Score
- The Benefits of Ceramic Cookware – Xtrema
- What is the chemical structure of ceramic nonstick coating on pans? – StackExchange