Are Ceramic Pans Dishwasher-Safe? (Yes and No, Here’s Why…)

Dishwasher-safe ceramic pan

Ceramic pans are a gorgeous addition to your cookware collection with their iconic colors and classic finish.

Though their name contains the word “ceramic” this cookware has a metal base with a ceramic coating.

The ceramic coating makes them non-stick, thus differentiating them from regular metallic cookware.

So, does it make them dishwasher-safe?

Washing Ceramic Pans in The Dishwasher

Some ceramic pans are dishwasher-safe. Others should not be put in the dishwasher. It depends on the brand and the model.

Let’s look at the different factors that affect whether a ceramic pan is dishwasher-safe or not.

3 Reasons Why Ceramic Pans Can Be Washed in The Dishwasher

Here are 3 main reasons why you can wash ceramic pans in a dishwasher.

1. Ceramic Coatings Are Non-Reactive

Ceramic cookware is safe for cooking because it’s non-reactive.

This material doesn’t contain harmful additives that leach into food. So, this cookware is safe to use.

For the same reason, you can also put these pans in the dishwasher.

Their surface will not deteriorate during washing, and they can endure dishwasher cycles.

Unlike non-stick pans, where the PTFE coating is sensitive to heat, ceramic pans don’t have chemicals that are damaged by water or detergents.

2. Ceramic Pans Have the Dishwasher-Safe Symbol

The best way to identify if a ceramic pan can be put in the dishwasher is to look for the dishwasher-safe symbol.

Manufacturers usually add this symbol to the base or handle of the pan. If it’s present, you can safely place the pan in the dishwasher for cleaning.

Manufacturers usually perform extensive stress testing before labeling a pan as dishwasher-safe.

So the presence of this sign is a clear indication that you can wash the pan in a dishwasher without worrying about damaging it.

3. Dishwashers Get Rid of Stuck-On Food and Grease

Dishwashers can save you the trouble of soaking and scrubbing dishes with stuck-on food residue.

It’s a convenient way of washing ceramic pans and easily cleaning them.

Timely washing will prevent stains from setting in ceramic pans. It also prevents the surface from discoloration.

The other option is handwashing. Ceramic pans develop surface stains when exposed to ingredients like tomatoes and turmeric for a long time.

To prevent these stains from setting and spoiling the clean white surface, wash them immediately after use.

You will also have to soak the pan for several minutes to clean it properly. A dishwasher makes this task much easier.

3 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Washing Ceramic Pans in A Dishwasher

Here are 3 main reasons why ceramic pans shouldn’t be washed in a dishwasher.

1. Some Ceramic Coatings Are Delicate

Dishwashers usually use hot water cycles to thoroughly clean greasy and oily cookware.

Ceramic cookware is typically heat-resistant. However, there are variants with delicate coatings.

These may not be able to handle the rough dishwasher cycle or exposure to heat and strong detergents.

Washing such ceramic pans in the dishwasher can make their coating erode. It will affect their non-stick properties and make food stick to the surface.

It can also cause chipping and flaking. To avoid these issues, make sure that the ceramic pan has a dishwasher-safe symbol on it before placing it in the dishwasher.

2. Ceramic Coating Will Wear Off Faster

Worn-off ceramic pan

Ceramic pans are not naturally non-stick. These pans have a metal base sandwiched within several layers of ceramic coating.

The surface is treated with sol-gel which makes it non-stick.

When you heat the pan, the sol-gel coating releases silicone oil which creates a non-stick surface. It prevents food from sticking to the pan.

The sol-gel layer depletes with use. It also deteriorates faster when you handle the pan frequently or roughly.

Washing a pan in a dishwasher is a rough process. It applies force and heat on the pan surface. This makes the surface erode faster.

Handwashing doesn’t involve such rigorous force or high heat. So it will help you retain the non-stick properties of the ceramic pan for longer.

3. The Pan Has Developed Chips or Is Flaking

Unlike non-stick pans, you can continue to use ceramic pans even after they look worn out. The ceramic coating is essentially inert.

It doesn’t release any harmful toxins that poison food. However, it can develop stains and become discolored over time.

This will also depend on the dishes you cook in it and how you handle the pan.

We don’t recommend putting a tired or worn-out ceramic pan in the dishwasher since it will accelerate the damage.

Ceramic pans lose their non-stick properties over time.

A pan that has started flaking or chipping will lose its non-stick properties even faster when washed in a dishwasher.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Ceramic Pans for Longer?

Here are some simple but effective ways to prolong the lifespan of ceramic pans.

1. Use Medium or Low Heat for Cooking

Ceramic cookware can withstand high temperatures. Most ceramic pans are also oven-safe, so you can use them for high-heat recipes.

Nevertheless, we recommend using them at medium to low heat to extend their durability.

Exposure to high heat will make the ceramic coating deteriorate faster.

To slow the rate at which the coating breaks down, use them for low and medium-heat cooking.

2. Avoid Using Metal Utensils

Unlike Teflon-coated pans, ceramic coatings don’t come off when you use metal utensils for stirring.

But metals can still scratch the surface. The scratches will not be visible or even cause the coating to peel off.

However, it will damage the even surface and affect the longevity of the pan.

Use silicone, wooden, or plastic spatulas to stir ingredients inside ceramic pans.

Further Reading: Ceramic Pans vs. Teflon Pans

3. Handwash the Pan for Longer Life

Gentle handwashing is the best way to clean ceramic pans. You should avoid the use of harsh and abrasive detergents and scrubbers too.

Since ceramic pans are non-stick, food will not stick to the surface. It will usually glide off easily.

However, some dishes make the pan surface greasy and sticky.

When you use these pans to cook such dishes, soak the pan in warm water after cooking. This will dislodge the food residue from the surface.

You can then use a soft sponge or gentle scrubber to release the food and grease from the surface.

4. Store It Properly

Ceramic pans can develop dents and bend out of shape when stored improperly. It will affect the lifespan of the pan.

To prevent such problems, store ceramic pans properly. Don’t stack them. Place them flat in a single layer if space permits.

If you must stack these pans, separate them with silicone mats to prevent the surfaces from scratching each other.

Further Reading: Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel Pans

5. Use Oil or Butter for Cooking

As we mentioned earlier, ceramic pans lose their non-stick properties over time. When the sol-gel layer erodes, the pan becomes sticky.

These pans will easily release food without the use of oil or butter if the sol-gel layer exists.

However, you can still use oil or butter to extend the lifespan of the ceramic coating.

A little bit of oil or butter will prevent the sticking of food to the surface. It will make it easier to stir the ingredients.

Another benefit of using oil or butter is that the pan is less likely to develop stains or discoloration.

The food will not seep into the coating, preventing it from changing color.

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