Calphalon Oven-Safe Ceramic Nonstick Cookware, 11-Piece

It’s not just the food that we put in our bodies that makes a difference in our health. The tools we use to cook and prepare our food are also extremely important. The FDA performed studies on cookware that was coated with PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. These studies showed that the chemicals had leached into the water supply in the areas of manufacturing and caused serious health issues. In an attempt to clean up the environment of these hazardous chemicals, avoid using cookware with these chemicals and search for alternatives. One such alternative is ceramic nonstick cookware. Let’s see what makes this cookware better.

Ceramic nonstick pots and pans are essentially metal pans under a coating of silicon. This silicon is composed of sand, thus the name ceramic, and is safe for use in cooking. Another aspect of the ceramic nonstick cookware is that it can handle higher temperatures than traditional nonstick pots and pans. The coating won’t break down until they are over 800 degrees and that is near impossible to reach in everyday cooking. You won’t have to worry about any coating leaching into your food.

Although the FDA has not investigated the manufacturing process of ceramic nonstick cookware, many companies are thorough with their safety standards. When you start the buying process, research the company and investigate its safety standards. If the company is reputable, it’s because their products are excellent and put through rigorous testing. It’s worth the time spent to make sure your cookware is safe.

Ceramic nonstick cookware can be bought either as individual pieces or as a set. If you are just starting out or replacing your Teflon cookware with a safer alternative, you will want a whole set. These are a few of the best ceramic nonstick cookware sets: Cook N Home Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set, 10-Piece and the Blue Diamond Toxin Free Ceramic Nonstick Cookware. Otherwise, if you just want to try out ceramic nonstick cookware, maybe start with just an individual pan until you know you like cooking with them.

Be smart about what you are putting in your body, but also be diligent about your cookware. Turn to ceramic nonstick cookware if you need a nonstick option that is kinder to the environment. Be sure to do your research on the manufacturer and find a set that has all the pieces you’ll need in your kitchen.

• High heat will diminish the nonstick characteristics of ceramic cookware, especially when heating an empty pot or pan on a stove.
• Do not use metal utensils or the ceramic coating will chip off.
• Do not put ceramic nonstick cookware in the dishwasher as the cleaning chemicals and high heat can compromise the effectiveness of the nonstick coating.
• Use mild dish soap and warm water to wash.