The 5 Best Cooking Oils for Ceramic Pans and Which to Avoid

When it comes to ceramic pans, you get a tool that’s visually appealing and enhances your cooking with its superior qualities. At Caraway , we understand that the right oil can dramatically impact the longevity of your ceramic pans and the flavor of your food. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best cooking oils for your ceramic cookware and highlight which ones to avoid, ensuring that every meal is not just a feast for the eyes but a triumph of taste.

What Is Ceramic Cookware?

Ceramic-coated cookware is a popular choice among those who value both aesthetics and functionality in their kitchen. This type of cookware is known for its smooth, naturally slick surface , which is achieved through a ceramic coating applied over a metal core, typically aluminum or carbon steel. 

Key features that make ceramic cookware a favorite include:

• Slick Properties: The ceramic coating provides an excellent slick surface, reducing the need for excessive oil or butter—great for healthier cooking.

• Even Heat Distribution: The metal core ensures that heat is distributed evenly, eliminating hot spots that can cause uneven cooking.

• Chemical-Free: Unlike traditional nonstick pans that may contain PTFE or Teflon ^®, ceramic cookware does not release harmful fumes when overheated, offering a safer cooking experience at high temperatures.

• Versatility: Suitable for everything from searing meats to sautéing vegetables, ceramic pans can often go from stovetop to oven, making them extremely versatile.

• Ease of Maintenance: Ceramic cookware is generally easy to clean; a quick hand wash with soapy water is usually all that’s needed to keep these pans in top condition.

As functional as they are stylish, ceramic pans fit perfectly into the modern kitchen, offering a practical solution for everyday cooking while keeping health and safety in the forefront.

What Are the Best Cooking Oils for Ceramic Pans?

Choosing the right oil isn’t just about preventing food from sticking. It's also about enhancing flavor and prioritizing health. 

From the mild and versatile to the robust and flavorful, here are the top cooking oils that shine in ceramic pans, each with distinct benefits and some healthier than others.

1. Avocado Oil

Celebrated for its high smoke point and nutritional profile, avocado oil is perfect for high-heat cooking in ceramic pans. It’s loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice for your kitchen.

2. Refined Olive Oil

Unlike its extra virgin counterpart, refined olive oil has a higher smoke point, making it suitable for cooking at medium to high temperatures. It’s less intense in flavor but still offers heart-healthy benefits, standing out as a healthier oil option.

3. Coconut Oil

With a moderate smoke point, coconut oil is great for baking and sautéing in ceramic cookware. It adds a subtle tropical flavor to dishes and offers a dose of healthy medium-chain fatty acids , though it’s higher in saturated fat compared to others.

4. Sunflower Oil

This oil is a versatile choice for all types of cooking and has a high smoke point. While it’s not as rich in nutrients as some other oils, its neutral flavor makes it ideal for cooking without overpowering dishes.

5. Canola Oil

Often praised for its light flavor and high smoke point, canola oil is another excellent option for ceramic pans. 

What Are Cooking Oils To Avoid With Ceramic Pans?

While ceramic cookware offers a versatile platform for a variety of cooking oils, not all oils are suited to the task. Certain oils can degrade under heat or damage the delicate surface of your ceramic pans. 

Here are a few oils to keep off your ceramic surfaces to maintain their integrity and performance.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Known for its rich flavor and health benefits , extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point that can quickly degrade under high heat, potentially harming the non-stick coating of ceramic pans. Save this flavorful oil for dressings or low-heat cooking.

Cooking Sprays

These convenient sprays might seem like a good idea for non-stick surfaces, but they often contain lecithin, which can build up over time and cause a sticky residue that is hard to remove. Instead, opt for a light brushing of your preferred oil to protect and preserve your pan’s surface.

How To Clean and Maintain a Ceramic Pan

Keeping your ceramic pans in great shape means more than just a quick rinse. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your kitchenware lasts longer and performs better:

Hand Wash

To protect the ceramic coating, always hand wash your pans with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Steer clear of abrasive scrubbers that can damage the non-stick surface.

Prevent Thermal Shock

Let your pan cool naturally before cleaning to avoid warping or cracking the ceramic.

Avoid High Temperatures

Stick to low to medium heat when cooking with ceramic pans. This preserves the non-stick coating and ensures your food cooks evenly.

Use the Right Utensils

Scratches can ruin the non-stick surface, so choose your tools wisely. Caraway’s Kitchen Utensils are the perfect match for your ceramic cookware. 

Our Utensil Set , featuring essentials like a Wooden Spoon, Server, Scraper, Spatula, and Tongs, is made from FSC-certified birch wood—ensuring no microplastics contaminate your meals. These tools are not only gentle on non-stick surfaces but also stylishly complement your Caraway Cookware , marrying function with form in your kitchen.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right oil can turn your cooking experience from good to great, especially when using Caraway’s ceramic cookware . Our sets are designed not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their performance on the cooktop. Each pan is crafted to provide a superior cooking experience with a focus on health and ease.

Looking to upgrade your kitchen essentials? Dive into Caraway’s world of ceramic cookware sets. Whether you’re searing chicken thighs or crafting delicate frittatas, our cookware ensures even heat distribution and a premium nonstick surface, simplifying both cooking and cleanup. 

Join the Caraway community today and upgrade your kitchen with stylish, functional, non-toxic cookware.

Sources:
Ceramic vs. Nonstick: Which Cookware Should I Buy? | Spruce Eats
The Teflon chemical PTFE is often touted as a safe cousin of toxic PFAS. But is it really? | ChemSec 6 Major Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Cleveland Clinic
Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil as a Medium-chain Fatty Acid Source | PMC