How to Take Care of Ceramic Cookware, According to the Pros

Don't Cook at High Temperatures

“Ceramic cookware is best used on low to medium heat, or you’ll risk affecting the longevity of the non-stick coating and discoloring the outside of the pan,” Nathan says. 

Don't Wash a Hot Pan

The coating may not respond well to a drastic change in temperature, resulting in cracks in the protective sheathing and potentially warping the pan’s bottom.

“Ceramic cookware can withstand extreme temperatures on both ends of the spectrum, but like all products that contain aluminum or stainless steel, sudden and significant temperature changes can reduce their lifespan,” Nathan says. “The pans should cool completely before running cold water over their surface to avoid thermal shock.”

Do Use Plastic or Wood Utensils

Use plastic, silicone, wood, or nylon utensils when cooking with ceramic nonstick cookware. “Anything metal could cause scratching,” Miguel Hall, the manager of research and development for Calphalon, a cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances company, says.

Don't Put in the Dishwasher

Putting ceramic cookware in the dishwasher can affect the longevity of any type of metal cookware, not just ceramic-based.

“Ceramic's naturally non-stick composition allows for food to release easy without tough scrubbing,” Nathan says.

Do Soak Your Pans

Soak pans with burnt food in warm water once the cookware has cooled. “Then, use a nonabrasive pad such as a nylon scrubber to remove stubborn messes,” Hall notes. 

Don't Cut Food in the Pan

If you cut into foods while they’re in the pan with knives or kitchen shears, you’ll risk scratching the ceramic coating. 

Do Store Cookware Properly

Store cookware properly as any metal-on-metal contact can damage the cookware. A hanging pot rack is ideal, or place a dish towel between each item if they’re stored in cabinets. The Caraway set comes with hooks for the lids and magnetically connecting holding racks for the pots and pans.

Don't Use Oil Sprays or Aerosols

Using oil sprays or aerosols can leave a build-up of hard-to-remove residue on ceramic cookware.

“Instead, use a minimal amount of butter or liquid-based oils to preserve the slick coating,” Nathan says. “The good news is ceramic non-stick surfaces allow you to use less of both, making cleanup is a breeze.”

Do Use in the Oven

Feel free to use your ceramic cookware in the oven. “But, it’s best to stick to temperatures of less than 450° degrees to extend the life of your nonstick ceramic,” Hall advises.

Don't Use Abrasive Cleaning Products

If you use steel wool, metal pads, or abrasive cleaning agents, you'll risk scrapes and scuffs, which will reduce the non-stick quality of the finish. As for the exterior, “Browning is natural and bound to occur on any type of cookware with regular cooking and the use of a flame above 400° degrees.” Nathan says.

Don't Season Your New Cookware

“Most ceramic cookware comes naturally non-stick, so there’s no need to season your pan,” Hall says. “Our cookware is actually oil-infused.”

Do Replace When Necessary

Remember all ceramic pots and pans will lose their nonstick benefits over time. “Once you start seeing signs of cracks or flaking, throw them out,” Hall says. “There’s no fixing these issues.”