September Selections
Late September finds, cookware review: ceramic vs. stainless steel, and a regenerative rundown.
September Selections
COOKWARE: Ceramic Coated vs. Stainless Steel
Non-stick pans are high on the list of items to replace to reduce exposures to PFAS or ‘forever chemicals.’ These pans are typically coated with the polymer PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known as Teflon™. This chemical compound can be released as toxic fumes under high heat or as particles when the coating is scratched. Just think of the old, scraped up pans you’ve seen and used over the years (yikes). There are also environmental ramifications; many PFAS chemical and/or product manufacturers are guilty of contaminating water, soil, and air with their waste streams (read more here).
While there are great cookware alternatives, choosing the best option for your home can mean navigating a confusing landscape. I’ve done my best to distill the main differences below between ceramic coated and stainless steel – my top choices when considering safety and functionality.
CERAMIC COATED
Pros:
SURFACE: Doesn’t react with acidic or alkaline foods.
COOKING EASE: Excellent non-stick surface, little oil needed.
CLEANING: Stain resistant and easily cleaned with soap and water; however, avoid anything abrasive (such as steel wool) and hand wash only.
Cons/Notes:
SURFACE: Ceramic coating can scratch and chip (use wooden utensils). Transferring from hot stove to cold water can crack the coating. Let the pan cool before washing or use hot water if you’re impatient like me.
CLEANING: Not dishwasher safe.
HEAT: Best at low to medium heat. Avoid high heat which can degrade ceramic coating.
UTENSILS: Use wooden utensils; metal can scratch coating.
MANUFACTURING: Avoid products made in Latin America or Asia where cadmium and lead regulations can vary. There’s also discussion around nanoparticles in ceramic coating and whether this poses its own health risk. Read more here.
LIFESPAN: 1-5 years as ceramic coating breaks down over time. Low to medium heat and proper care extends lifespan.
Summary: Ceramic-coated cookware is easy to use and clean and is best for low- to medium-heat cooking. It does require careful handling and cleaning to ensure both longevity and safety and products may need to be replaced after a few years.
Please Note: The points above are based on ceramic-coated cookware which is more common, less fragile (with a metal core), and less expensive than 100% ceramic cookware. That said, 100% ceramic cookware is considered a safer option without the risk of a coating chipping. More information here and here to consider.
STAINLESS STEEL
Pros:
SURFACE: Doesn’t react with acidic or alkaline foods. Durable and scratch-resistant surface.
COOKING EASE: Suitable for various methods (stovetop, oven, and broiling - be sure to check handle material for the latter two options).
CLEANING: Dishwasher safe.
HEAT: Excellent high-heat distribution.
UTENSILS: Can use metal (not a risk of scratching/chipping coating like ceramic).
LIFESPAN: Can last decades or a lifetime, especially with proper care of quality pieces.
Cons/Notes:
COOKING EASE: Technically not “non-stick” but can be if prepped correctly (VIDEO: How to make any pan non-stick). May require more oil or butter.
CLEANING: Can stain over time. Requires soaking and some elbow grease if food gets stuck or burned. See video above.
ALLERGY: Someone with an extreme nickel allergy may be triggered; however, nickel-free products exist.
Summary: Stainless steel cookware is extremely durable, versatile, and safe. It does require proper prep and skill to use effectively. A good long-term investment as materials don’t degrade.
Additional resources: here & here.
WORTH A WATCH
REGEN RUNDOWN: Can Dirt Clean the Climate?
I’m loving these digestible rundowns from Kiss the Ground. This one is a minute – well technically 61 seconds.
Takeaways: In case you can’t watch their decidedly more entertaining breakdown.
2024 set to be the hottest year on record (2023 previously held record)
Main cause: carbon dioxide which accounts for 76% of all greenhouse gases
Healthy soil (through regenerative agriculture) can eliminate carbon & reverse climate change
Regenerative agriculture also:
protects farmland against storms (soil is more absorbant)
increases crop yields
increases nutrient density in food
FOLLOW ALONG
In an effort to avoid spamming those on my personal IG with too much unsolicited wellness content, I’ve resurrected @welleditednewsletter. I’d be grateful if you’d follow along!
FINAL THOUGHT
Take care. - BB.
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Just got the our place pan … good to know the advised cleaning care!