- Aluminium body
- Ceramic (sol-gel) coating
- Aluminium body
- Nonstick coating
| Maker statement | Ceramic coated | Nonstick and hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Products in our catalogue | 12 | 11 |
| Declared induction-ready | 9 of 12 | 9 of 11 |
| Dishwasher allowed by the maker | 4 of 12 | 11 of 11 |
| Metal utensils allowed | 1 of 12 | 8 of 11 |
| Needs seasoning | 0 of 12 | 8 of 11 |
| Pan oven limit | 350–600°F (11 of 12 state one) | 400–900°F (11 of 11 state one) |
| Lid oven limit | 350–425°F (4 of 12 state one) | 350–400°F (10 of 11 state one) |
| Difference | Caraway 10.5-inch Ceramic Fry Pan, Cream | Tramontina Professional Nonstick 10-inch Fry Pan |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Ceramic coated | Nonstick |
| Cooking surface | Ceramic nonstick | Reinforced nonstick; maker does not name the coating chemistry |
| Included shapes | Skillet | Skillet |
| Nominal size | Skillet: 10.5 in | Skillet: 10 in |
| Flat cooking diameter | Skillet: Not stated | Skillet: Not stated |
| Interior depth | Skillet: Not stated | Skillet: Not stated |
| Stated capacity | Skillet: Not stated | Skillet: Not stated |
| Supplied lids | 0 | 0 |
| Pan oven limit | 550 °F | 400 °F |
| Lid oven limit | No supplied lid | No supplied lid |
| Empty total weight | Not stated | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Hand wash only (maker) | Dishwasher safe |
| Induction | Works on induction | Maker does not say whether it works on induction |
The difference in one line
Conventional nonstick is a PTFE coating, the material long sold as Teflon. Ceramic nonstick is a sol-gel coating made largely from silica. Both are thin layers over an aluminium or steel pan, which is why both are treated gently and why neither lasts like bare stainless steel or cast iron.
Heat on the hob and in the oven
Makers set the oven limits, and they vary as much within each type as between them; the table above shows the spread in our catalogue. On the hob, makers of both ask for low to medium heat and warn against heating an empty pan, which is what wears a coating out fastest.
Utensils, sprays and the dishwasher
Most makers in both groups ask for wooden, silicone or nylon tools, though a few ceramic and hybrid lines allow metal. Cooking sprays leave a residue that builds up on any coating; All-Clad advises against them on its nonstick pans. Dishwasher permission is set per product, and some makers that allow it still advise washing by hand.
Which one to choose
Choose ceramic if you want a coating made without PTFE, or if a particular ceramic line has the oven limit you need. Choose conventional nonstick if a specific set fits your stove, sizes and budget better. Either way, keep one bare stainless or cast iron pan for hard searing, which coatings are not made for.
How these comparisons are made
Questions about this choice
Is ceramic cookware nonstick?
Yes. Ceramic cookware sold for the stove is a nonstick coating, just a different chemistry from PTFE.
Which coating lasts longer?
Both wear with use, and how long either lasts depends on heat, utensils and cleaning. Keep to the maker's heat and utensil limits for your pan.