There are quite a few safe ceramic cookware brands that you can choose, in order to avoid any health problems that are caused by ceramic.
Ceramic is one of the most versatile materials used for making various kinds of cookware that you can use in your kitchen. Ceramic cookware is made using various pottery materials like bone china, terra cotta, porcelain, stone, etc. This cookware is actually an eco-friendly type of cookware that also increases aesthetic value of your kitchen.
Apart from these materials, it is available in two major types, namely, enamel based ceramic cookware and clay based ceramic cookware. The use of this cookware is kind of limited to tea sets and dinner sets. The main reason behind this is the potential hazard that this cookware is capable of causing. Having said that, there are a few brands available that are safe for regular use. In the following article, we will try to review some of the best brands of ceramic cookware. But before that, let’s find out more about the safety concerns.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
Well, this is an obvious question to cross the minds of those, who are aware of the toxic reactions that are associated with ceramic cookware. In case you are not aware, let me tell you that there are potential dangers, which are associated with enameled as well as porcelain glazed ceramic kitchen appliances. Apart from the safety considerations, other types of cookware like those made using clay, (ones that are lightweight) break easily. Porcelain glazed ceramic cookware is nothing but enamel coated cast iron or such other solid metal, which is glazed with porcelain (light glass powder).
The main cause of concern is, this type of cookware contains varied amount of lead, cadmium and other such toxins that may interact with food and cause food poisoning. Understand the fact that porcelain glazed cookware is safe to use, only when it is sealed properly. Once sealed, lead becomes pretty safe and hence, such cookware can be used for cooking on a regular basis. However, it is always important to refrain from olden ceramic cookware, since most of it was made using coloring pigments that contained cadmium, which is a harmful chemical.
How to Choose Ceramic Cookware?
Ceramic cookware which is available today, however, is free from cadmium and is made using a special body formula that makes them strong and heat resistant for a longer period of time. Having said that, there are a few things that one should check for buying the safest cookware for their kitchen. Along with avoiding old cookware, make sure the cookware that you are buying is lead free. Such cookware is labeled as unleaded, which makes it better for a layman to recognize. This label is mostly available for the top brands of ceramic cookware, which also assures you that they are tested according to the FDA standards for cookware.
One also needs to make sure that they are purchasing cookware, which is safe for using in microwave as well as dishwashers. High fired ceramic cookware and ceramic cookware which is not highly decorated with metal are mostly suitable for microwaves. Also, it is important to check whether the cookware has the USA ASTM standard mark, which is an identification of dishwasher safe appliances. Many leading brands also offer an extended warranty or five years performance warranty.
Popular Brands of Ceramic Cookware
There are quite a few popular brands with a large assortment of cookware. Here are some examples of such brands for you, to make better choices.
Ceramcor Xtrema
Ceramcor Xtrema is a popular range of stove top and oven top ceramic cookware. They offer a wide range of ceramic skillets, Oriental ceramic tea sets, cookware sets, baking pans, cake pans, etc. Ceramcor Xtrema is one of the brands that provide patented ceramic cookware with 100% guarantee of non toxic and environment friendly cookware. According to the manufacturers, their products are safe to be used in microwave ovens, BBQ grills, freezers and almost all sorts of cooking surfaces. You can serve all types of foods in this cookware and it can be cleaned in dishwashers as well. All in all, Ceramcor Xtrema is one popular brand of that one may like to try.
Mercola Ceramic Cookware
Mercola Healthy Chef Ceramic Cookware, provides 50 years warranty for their cookware. During this period, the customers can get free replacement of the ceramic part of the cookware at anytime. You may demand replacement in case of leaching, as well as cracked ceramic exterior of their cookware. According to Dr. Mercola, ceramic cookware is designed using far-infrared heating process, which save energy and provides instant cooking. This cookware is easy to clean and can be used for serving almost all types of foods and you may use it on all cooking surfaces too. These products are dishwasher safe. However, they are pretty delicate and hence, you need to handle them with care, especially when they are hot.
Emile Henry Ceramic Cookware
Emile Henry Ceramic Cookware is one of the oldest and the most reliable brand. This brand manufactures various products like ceramic bakeware, ceramic tableware and ceramic ovenware. Forming, casting, glazing and firing of this cookware is done in such a way that they increase its heat resistance properties and make them safe to be used on a regular basis. Cookware which is manufactured by Emile Henry, has advanced thermal shock properties and they do not crack or break easily. According to the manufacturers, glazing of these products meets the California Prop 65 standards and hence, they are 100% safe for storing, serving and cooking foods.
CorningWare Ceramic Cookware
Products of CorningWare are made using pyroceram, which is a white glass ceramic with excellent thermal shock resistance properties. This brand manufactures various types of ovenware, cookware and bakeware which are safe to be used for food storage as well as cooking.
According to the manufacturer, their products are microwave oven friendly and they can also be used for stove top cooking. This cookware is dishwasher friendly and is free from stains, odors and flavors for foods that were previously served in it. They offer trademark SimplyLite Glass Bakeware and French White Dinnerware and Bakeware. CorningWare also has a special range of bridal ceramic cookware.
The price range differs a lot and it mostly depends on the kind of sources from where you are purchasing them. You may get cheaper deals with online stores and at closeout sales, while you may need to pay regular price in kitchen stores.