Ceramic and Teflon pans provide non-sticky surfaces for cooking a variety of dishes.
But there are significant differences between them.
Understanding the key differences between these pans will help you identify which one will better suit your needs. So…
Here are the differences between ceramic and Teflon pans.
1. Material of Construction
Ceramic pans have a metal base coated in non-stick material. These pans are non-stick because of the presence of a silicone coating called sol-gel.
Sol-gel becomes non-stick only when heated.
Heating sol-gel releases a layer of silicone oil which is transparent. But this material makes the surface non-sticky.
It allows food to easily glide and move on the surface of the pan without sticking. Ceramic pans are cured at a temperature of 550°F to 600°F.
Teflon pans have a non-reactive synthetic polymer coating on their surface. It’s made of a material called PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene.
Like in the case of ceramic cookware, a sticky coating is first applied to the base layer.
Then, the Teflon layer is used to coat the metal, and it adheres to the metal because of the sticky layer beneath it.
Non-stick pans are cured at a temperature of 750°F to 800°F.
2. Non-Stick Properties
Both ceramic and non-stick pans have attractive non-stick properties. You can use them to cook food without using oil or butter.
The food will not stick to the surface and will glide off easily.
But the way each of these materials achieves their non-stick properties is drastically different.
The sol-gel layer on a ceramic pan releases silicone oil when you heat the pan, making it non-stick. But this layer deteriorates over time.
So, ceramic pans don’t remain non-stick forever. Once the sol-gel in the coating is exhausted, food will start sticking to the surface.
In the case of Teflon pans, the PTFE coating is inert. It contains fluorine atoms that repel other molecules and prevent them from sticking to their surface.
This prevents the food cooked on the surface from sticking to the pan. The non-stick properties of Teflon pans don’t deteriorate over time.
However, scratches on the surface will damage the Teflon layer and make the pan unusable.
3. Heat Resistance
Ceramic pans have a higher heat resistance than Teflon pans. They can withstand higher temperatures because of the way they are built.
The temperature tolerance of the pan will vary from brand to brand. Some pans can tolerate temperatures as high as 800°F without breaking down.
So ceramic pans can usually go directly from the stovetop to the oven.
Teflon pans don’t handle extreme temperatures too well. The PTFE coating is heat-sensitive.
Hence, manufacturers don’t recommend using them at temperatures above 500°F. They are generally not suitable for oven use.
It’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting them in the oven, even if it’s for a short duration.
4. Durability
Ceramic pans are generally more durable than Teflon pans. The coating lasts for several years. They are sturdy.
These pans are generally hardier than Teflon pans and more resistant to scratches. They are also thicker than Teflon-coated pans.
However, you should exercise care while storing them. Rough handling can dent or scratch the surface and damage the ceramic coating.
Teflon pans last for a long time with proper care. However, they are very vulnerable to rough handling.
You should be careful about using them as they are prone to scratches. Once the Teflon layer develops scratches, it loses its non-stick properties.
Abrasive sponges and cleaners can scratch the Teflon surface. It’s also affected by metal utensils and spatulas.
The layer will peel off easily if you accidentally use the pan at a very high temperature.
They can also get damaged if not stored properly. These pans do not generally hold up for as long as ceramic pans.
5. Cleaning
Both ceramic pans and Teflon pans are easy to clean. However, you should be careful when cleaning them.
Ceramic pans need more effort to clean as the coating is porous and it can absorb stains.
Leaving the food in it for too long can discolor the surface. This action is usually irreversible.
It’s best to handwash ceramic pans to prolong the lifespan of the ceramic coating.
Ceramic pans should be cleaned with mild soap and gentle sponges to prevent scratching the surface.
Teflon pans can’t usually go in the dishwasher.
Their delicate coating can peel off or develop scratches due to the rough and hot environment of the dishwasher. So it’s better to handwash them.
Cleaning Teflon pans is generally easy since food will not stick to the surface. You can easily wipe it clean.
The other option is to use warm soapy water to clean the surface. It’s not recommended nor necessary to use harsh abrasive cleaners on Teflon pans.
6. Price and Availability
Ceramic pans are more expensive than Teflon pans. This is because the construction process and materials used to make ceramic pans are more expensive.
Their attractive properties like long lifespan and heat resistance also make them costlier.
However, ceramic pans are worth the investment because of their aesthetic appeal and functionality.
These pans come in iconic colors and look very elegant with their bright colors and light or white cooking surface.
Teflon pans are rarely as expensive as ceramic pans. Only high-quality Teflon pans from leading brands are as expensive as ceramic pans.
Nevertheless, you can also find Teflon pans at affordable prices in the market. Their lower price point is because of their limited lifespan.
The delicate nature of the Teflon coating also makes it essential to replace these pans quite often.
7. Versatility
Ceramic pans find multiple uses in the kitchen. They are both suitable for stovetop cooking and oven use.
Unless the handle is made of wood or heat-sensitive materials, you can safely place these pans in the oven.
However, ceramic pans are vulnerable to stains. The surface becomes discolored when exposed to tomato-based sauces.
Hence, you will have to immediately transfer the dishes to the serving container and clean the pans immediately after cooking.
Teflon pans are not as versatile as ceramic pans. They have a limited temperature range.
You can use them for deep-frying, shallow-frying, stir-frying, and a few other cooking methods.
However, it’s not a good idea to use them at high temperatures for a long time.
These pans are also generally not suitable for oven use because of their heat-sensitive PTFE coating.
Further Reading: Ceramic Pans vs. Stainless Steel Pans
To Summarize…
| Features | Ceramic Pans | Teflon Pans |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Metal base coated with non-stick material and a sol-gel layer that produces non-stick properties. | Metal base with PTFE coating. |
| Non-stick properties | The sol-gel layer is responsible for non-stick properties. | The chemical nature of PTFE molecules prevents food and anything else from sticking to the surface. |
| Heat resistance | Better heat resistance. Can withstand high temperatures. | Moderate heat resistance. Usually unsuitable for oven use. |
| Durability | Lasts for years with good care. | Doesn’t last as long as ceramic pans. Teflon coating is highly vulnerable to scratches. |
| Cleaning | Not easy to eliminate stains and discoloration from the surface. Handwashing is recommended. | Handwashing is necessary to prevent scratches and dents that can permanently damage the coating. |
| Price and availability | Ceramic pans are very expensive. They are treated as long-term investments and are not as popular as non-stick pans. | Teflon pans are produced by various manufacturers and are available at different price points. Generally cheaper than ceramic pans. |
| Versatility | Ceramic pans are more versatile. Suitable for stovetop cooking and oven use. | Not as versatile as ceramic pans. Unsuitable for oven use. |
