There is a recent battle in the kitchen that has gotten health buffs, cooking experts, and homemakers in a heated debate. In recent years, ceramic frying pans started challenging the preferred position that Teflon frying pans have enjoyed in many kitchens for a long time. This is largely because of claims that ceramic frying pans are safer from both the personal and environmental perspectives. Read along for a quick take on how these non-stick pans stack up against each other.

Chemical Components

As far as health issues are concerned, ceramic frying pans definitely take the edge. This is because these pans do not contain the chemicals polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – the two chemicals that are used in making traditional Teflon and other non-stick pans. These two chemicals have been declared as harmful for humans and birds by health and environmental protection agencies. PTFE has been found to break down in extreme heat and release fumes that can be toxic for humans and birds. On the other hand, PFOA has been found to cause birth defects and has been flagged by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Since ceramic frying pans do not contain these chemicals, it is believed to be the safer cookware alternative.

Cooking Test

While cooking in ceramic frying pans is considered to be safer, it does not necessarily make it the best cooking surface around. Consumers and experts, in fact, have found that not all ceramic cookware are really non-stick. Some are also prone to chipping. Furthermore, some of those who used this kind of cookware have had problems with the ceramic pan’s ability to retain and distribute heat evenly. Of course, this is a subjective matter as those who have tried cooking in these pans have had different reactions.

There are those who are actually pleased with cooking with their ceramic frying pans and have permanently retired their old Teflon non-stick pans and there are still some sticking to Teflon.  It is still best to take your cooking style and food preferences into consideration when you decide on which cookware to buy.