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When you’re looking for cookware to add to your arsenal, the choices seem endless, which is why it’s important to narrow them down to the basics. The final popularity battle is fought between a traditional staple of conventional cooking, namely stainless steels pots and pans, and the newer prospects brought to us by ceramic technology.

If an ecologically justifiable and healthy alternative is what you’re after, make sure to read more information on the best ceramic cookware sets. This will help you decide if they are the best choice for you and your kitchen. But if you’re looking for durability, stainless steel tends to be a lot sturdier. Nevertheless, the discussion is a lot more nuanced than that. To find what is the optimum for you, going on a cookware hunt is always the right choice! From finding the best non-stick pan to the best set of knives, the internet has got you covered.

Ceramic Cookware

Even though ceramic isn’t a newly discovered material, employing it in the kitchen in innovative ways is surely a recent trend. Nowadays, the market offers all sorts of utensils and recipients made from it, from sharp and efficient knives to pots, pans, griddles and anything in between. This is why we have a lot to learn about it.

In the case that safety is your main concern, you will be happy to hear that ceramic cookware doesn’t leach any unwanted substances into food during the preparation process. In fact, it’s one of the most trustworthy alternatives out there. Quite a few people are still worried about lead and cadmium going into the production of the glaze, but that is no longer the case.

The use of such harsh compounds has been phased out by manufacturers, and this made ceramic cookware a one hundred percent health-friendly option. If there is one problem worth noting in their case, it’s the fact that they aren’t recyclable. However, they are also versatile enough that they can be repurposed with great ease.

The only real risk as far as ceramic cookware is concerned is breakage. Although newer technologies have made them more and more resilient, they are still some of the more fragile varieties out there. But if handled with care, perils are considerably lower. Thus, this has more to do with you than with the actual containers. Sustainability is, therefore, a valid attribute.

Stainless Steel Cookware

It’s no secret that stainless steel cookware is a staple in kitchens across American, and the world in general. Although the name hints at just one compound, these pots and pans are usually made from an allow containing steel, nickel, carbon, and chromium. This gives them a particular non-porous quality that makes them durable and corrosion-resistant. If it wasn’t for the idea of passivation, none of us would have stainless steel cookware. Plus, considering it is as simple as finding durable cookware by doing a quick google search into finding the best carbon steel pan, for example, there shouldn’t be any excuses as to why people cannot opt for these products instead of ones that may not last as long. Having equipment made out of carbon, for example, allows for the steel to be resistant to corrosion, which makes all the difference when it comes to using pots and pans on high heat. Maybe you didn’t know that already, but you do now. There is still a lot to learn about this topic, which you can do through companies such as astropak. The more you know, the better.

Furthermore, due to the very nature of the alloy, stainless steel cookware is incredibly easy to clean. If you’ve ever owned a set, then you already know this. Nevertheless, there are notable some disadvantages involved once you take a look at the bigger picture. First of all, they’re not quite as heat-conductive as other varieties.

In order to solve this problem, manufacturers started throwing in some copper into the mix. While this helps with the thermic exchange, it also jacks up the price quite a bit. Thus, this once household-friendly and affordable alternative becomes unattainable by many. And even with this alteration, the base material is still prone to discoloration under high temperatures.

Besides, the damages don’t end there. When exposed to salt water, stainless still has a tendency to pit. This is particularly impractical when boiling pasta, rice, meat and many other ingredients. Also, if caution is not practiced adequately and the surface gets scratched, chromium and nickel can leach into foods, which is extremely detrimental to health.

What to Choose

When it comes to choosing between ceramic and stainless-steel cookware, accounting for your needs and preferences is essential. Nevertheless, most people nowadays are looking for a healthy and sustainable option that ensures no nasty compounds leach into their food and make them sick. For that, ceramic is the perfect choice.

Stainless steel is indeed a lot more durable, but it comes with plenty more risks. Besides chromium and nickel making its way into your meals, the containers themselves are prone to heat damage and pitting due to salt water. This limits your possibilities in the kitchen by a bit.

At the other end of the spectrum, a good set of ceramic pots and pans can last you a lifetime if handled with care. Yet, before jumping on the bandwagon in one way or another, weigh your options against your personal taste and see what suits best. At the end of the day, it’s essential for you to be satisfied.

Final Thoughts

While stainless steel is heftier and sturdier, ceramic cookware keeps your meals healthy. On top of that, although the latter is prone to breakage, the former can turn dangerous when damaged. Chromium and nickel can leach into food, which is certainly undesirable. So, whatever you choose, make sure it’s the wise alternative.

This is a Sponsored guest post by Amanda Wilks.