Which frying pans are the best and safest? How to choose a quality frying pan

In 2007, it appeared on the market non-stick cookware with a new type of coating - ceramic spraying.

The new product was appreciated not only by consumers, but also by dishonest manufacturers who saw an opportunity for profit in the popular product. How to choose a frying pan with a ceramic coating so that it lasts a long time, is safe for health and easy to use? This review will help you make the best choice and buy a quality product.

What is a ceramic coating - manufacturing method and features

The first known patent for a ceramic-based nonstick coating belongs to William A. Groll, now the leading manager of the All-Clad Metalcrafters concern, which produces the highest quality cookware.

There are two methods for applying the non-stick ceramic layer. A more budget-friendly way is roller rolling, implying the use of extruded aluminum. The prepared forms are pre-fired and placed on the conveyor. Then a suspension of sand and tiny stone chips 15-25 microns thick is applied to them. This is followed by the drying stage, after which the product again enters the conveyor for applying a new layer.

Second method - spraying- guarantees a thicker coating (up to 70 microns) and includes two stages:

Placing workpieces with a pre-smoothed and polished surface in closed cells, into which a mixture of inert gas and oxygen is subsequently supplied.
Using special plasma jet guns, a powder consisting of water, silicon-containing substances (sand, clay, small stone chips) and a solvent (formic or hydrochloric acid) is sprayed onto the outer and inner sides of the blank, which helps to fix the layer on the product.

Thanks to temperatures reaching +1,500 °C, the mixture being processed melts and envelops the workpiece with a thin film.

As a result, it appears material similar to strained glass increased hardness. Features of the ceramic coating are strength (six times greater than Teflon), multi-layering, heat resistance and high non-stick qualities. The spray composition does not contain:

Polytetrafluoroethylene. Its compounds, decomposing when heated, release volatile toxic fumes into the air that are dangerous to human health.
Perfluorooctanoic acid. This chemical synthetic substance has carcinogenic properties that lead to cell mutation and can cause the development of cancer.

Which ceramic-coated frying pans are better?

Frying pans, which are subsequently coated with a ceramic layer, are cast from cast iron, aluminum and carbon steel.

Cast-iron pan with a ceramic coating provides slow but even heating, which is perfect for cooking foods that require prolonged heat treatment. If there are microcracks on the surface, coated cast iron cookware can be cleaned of the coating using a sandblasting unit and continue to be used.

Made of aluminum Non-stick frying pans are produced in two ways:

Extruded aluminum. The production technology consists of using thin sheet blanks, which are pressed into the required form. The advantage of stamped pans is low price, however, they are inferior in their functional qualities and service life to cast ones.
The best ceramic-coated frying pans are cast aluminum models. For their manufacture, molds of various configurations are used, which are filled with molten metal. Such dishes are durable, have thick surfaces, and are resistant to deformation and corrosion.

Carbon steel. Benefits steel utensils are light weight, strength and rapid heating. Disadvantage - low thermal conductivity.

Instructions for choosing a ceramic frying pan

In order for a frying pan with a non-stick ceramic coating to serve long years, there are several important indicators to consider when purchasing.

High-quality coating is the key to durability

To choose a good ceramic frying pan, pay attention on the coating structure. It should be uniform, without bulges, bends, dents, chips and inclusions in the form of dark dots and spots. Color is also important: give preference to pastel colors. Shades of beige and Ivory They say there are no synthetic dyes in the composition.

The quality of spraying depends on the production method. There are two types: rolled and sprayed coating. The difference between them is quite significant. Rolling is done only on blank sheets, from which the dishes are subsequently “squeezed out”. This process leads to deformation and the appearance of microcracks. The method of rolling spraying is indicated by small streaks and streaks on the inside of the product.

The best frying pans are the models that ceramic composition applied by spraying onto ready-made molds. The surfaces retain their non-stick properties for a long time, remaining smooth and durable.

Bottom and wall thickness

The thickness of the surfaces directly affects the wear resistance of the ceramic coating and the tendency of the frying pan to deform. When choosing from several models, always give preference to frying pans with a bottom thickness of at least 3 mm.

Shape and size

As a rule, in the arsenal of every housewife there are several special frying pans used for preparing certain dishes. In addition to universal frying pans with a diameter of 18 to 30 cm, manufacturers produce special models with ceramic coating.

For making pancakes, pancakes, cheesecakes and pancakes. Features: low sides, long handle and flat, compacted bottom. The size should not exceed 22-25 cm. As for materials, preference should be given to cast iron, which retains heat better.

For grilled meat and fish. Such dishes are characterized by a relief bottom. Juice accumulates in the grooves, which subsequently evaporates and makes the food juicier and softer, preserving all the beneficial properties of the products. The ribs distribute heat evenly, reducing cooking time to 5-10 minutes. The range includes round, square and rectangular models - when choosing, consider the size and shape of the burners of your stove.

Wok. The ideal size is 30-35 cm. In a wok, the heat treatment time is significantly reduced due to the conical shape and thinned walls. The best material for a wok is steel, since cast iron is too heavy and aluminum retains heat less well.

Saucepan. It is characterized by high straight or inclined sides, thick walls and a bottom. This model often comes with a lid and removable handles and is oven-safe. The best material for stewpans is cast aluminum, ideal for long-term simmering of dishes.

Features of choosing a frying pan for gas and electric stoves

Manufacturers usually provide their products with markings informing the consumer about the type hob, for which the model is intended. Choosing a ceramic frying pan for electric and gas stoves, consider the following recommendations:

For electric stoves, it is important to have an even and flat bottom ensuring tight contact with the hob. Concavity cannot exceed 0.6% of the pan diameter. It is not recommended to use thin-walled cookware.
An important detail is the color of the bottom - dark matte shades do not reflect the heat generated by the stove and provide ideal heat absorption.
Not the last element is the handles. They are removable, screwed and cast. Handles should not become hot during cooking. The best material is heat-resistant silicone or plastic. The best option is a handle with a SoftTouch coating that prevents slipping.
The diameter of the frying pan should not be smaller or larger than the circumference of the burner. Otherwise, the power of the appliance will not be enough to heat the dishes, and the cooking time will increase significantly.

Which frying pan is suitable for the oven?

The first thing you should pay attention to when buying a frying pan with a ceramic coating for oven, are handles. They must be heat-resistant and preferably removable.

A mandatory attribute of ovenware is a lid that matches perfectly in size. The best option- glass heat-resistant lid with a metal or rubberized rim. The advantage is the presence of a hole for steam to escape, which prevents the liquid from boiling over and helps improve the taste of the dish.

Important! Frying pans with a ceramic non-stick layer, like Teflon and frying pans, should only be placed in a cold oven and care must be taken to ensure that the walls of the pan do not come into contact with the heating elements.

Review of the best manufacturers

Unfortunately, today on the market you can find many products from pseudo-European (actually unknown Chinese) manufacturers, whose products are characterized by low prices and poor quality. Even among products with the same characteristics, give preference to dishes from well-known and well-established brands that provide a hygienic certificate and a guarantee for their products.

Tefal

The company that was the first to give Russian housewives the opportunity to use frying pans with ceramic non-stick coating. The highlight that distinguishes the manufacturer’s products from competitors is the presence of a thermospot - an indicator of heating up to +180 °C and the readiness of the frying pan for use.

To the very modern models, developed by Tefal specialists, include frying pans of the METEOR CERAM aluminum series, the distinctive feature of which is an ultra-thick bottom (5 mm). The non-stick ceramic coating has a low porosity structure, which promotes closer contact between food and the surface of the cookware. In addition, the French brand's pans are the only ones on the market that are compatible with induction cookers.

Ballarini

The Italian manufacturer, founded in 1889, produces frying pans with both its own environmental non-stick coating and licensed DuPont multilayer coating. All products are made of aluminum with the addition of copper. The ISO 9002 standard guarantees durability and defect-free products.

Today the company produces several series of frying pans made using quick heating technology. The group coated with ceramic microparticles includes cookware from the Cortina and Cookin lines. It is distinguished by its elegant appearance (many speed bars have a white color on both the internal and external surfaces), safety of use (the absence of heavy metals in the composition) and increased heat resistance (up to +450 °C).

Rondell

Since 2006, all products of the German brand, founded in 1988, have been manufactured in China, which has not affected its quality in any way. The company's calling card is the patented technology of a three-layer stamped bottom, thanks to which the thermal conductivity of the materials is increased several times.

The range of cookware produced by Rondell includes two lines focused on ceramic coating - Eis and Terrakotte. The frying pans of both series are made of aluminum (wall thickness - 3.5 mm), have a presentable appearance and durable cast steel handles with reliable riveted fastening.

Brand Vari

The Landskrona company (St. Petersburg) has been producing high-quality tableware since 2002 and uses Italian fittings and coatings from the international corporation WHITFORD in its production. One of the brand’s popular series is the Cerama line. This thick-walled cookware is made using the die casting method, which guarantees a denser aluminum structure, and is then coated with the following layers:

non-water-absorbing Akzo Nobel Matrix® spraying, the peculiarity of which is its use in a wide temperature range, resistance to most chemical compounds and contact with metal objects;
reinforced coating containing ultra-hard tiny ceramic particles.

Among other advantages of Vari brand cookware, it is worth noting the thickness of the bottom and walls (4-6 mm), the absence of cadmium, lead and harmful emissions when heated, soft handles and the ability to use on gas, electric and induction (with an adapter) stoves.

Pros and cons of ceramic coating

Although ceramic-coated frying pans appeared on the market only in XXI century, they have already managed to displace their Teflon colleagues. A number of advantages contribute to the growing popularity of such dishes:

Environmental friendliness. Only natural materials are used in production: stone chips, sand and clay. A big plus for fans of a healthy lifestyle is the ability to prepare food with minimal use of oil and fat.
The surface structure is absolutely smooth and has no pores, which avoids damage and the possibility of burning. In addition, the coating is chemically inert, the prepared products do not have any foreign tastes or odors.
Aesthetic side. The original coating mixture is resistant to coloring - various pigments can be added to it, which is why manufacturers often produce dishes different colors and bright colors.

However, when choosing the best kitchen assistant, you should consider not only the pros, but also the disadvantages of ceramic frying pans:

Ceramics - very brittle material, requiring careful handling. Be careful when working, try to protect the frying pan from falling and not meet your late husband with it.
High price. The price of a good ceramic frying pan starts from 1,500 rubles.
The weak point of the coating is its instability to abrasive and aggressive substances and sudden temperature changes, as well as a short service life (up to three years).
With the exception of Tefal models, the use of ceramic-coated pans on induction cookers is prohibited - these electrical appliances only recognize metallic ferromagnetic materials.

Care features for long service life

In order to extend the life of the frying pan and maintain its non-stick properties, follow simple care rules.

Do not rush to use a new frying pan immediately after purchase. First, you should treat it with soapy water, then rinse it in plenty of warm water, wipe it dry with a soft towel and lubricate the inner surface and walls with oil or grease.
The next step to help improve the non-stick coating is hardening. Heat the pan over high heat for a few seconds. Do not exceed the time specified by the manufacturer - long thermal effect on empty dishes negatively affects its quality.
Although the ceramic coating is resistant to damage, you should not use metal accessories - it is better to replace them with silicone, wooden or plastic spatulas.
Ceramic coating cannot withstand sudden temperature changes. To avoid microcracks, do not place frozen food in a hot pan and do not allow a hot frying pan to come into contact with cold water.
To clean, use a soft sponge and detergents, do not contain alkali, chlorine and acids. If you cooked without oil, you can simply rinse the surface warm water.

Although many manufacturers claim that their products are suitable for processing in dishwasher, it is recommended to abandon this method, which involves the use of aggressive cleaning agents.

Ceramic frying pans with a white or beige coating sooner or later become covered with a greasy coating. And although these stains do not affect the taste of the prepared food and do not harm health, they spoil the appearance. Such formations can be removed with medical spit or products intended for cleaning microwave ovens.

Find out what others are, how they differ and which one is better.

A frying pan is the main attribute in the kitchen, and is found in every home. Almost no preparation is complete without this wonderful device. It can be used to fry, steam and bake dishes in the oven. Previously, cast iron frying pans were made, but now they have switched to more modern ones - Teflon and ceramic. Many housewives have a question: ceramic frying pans - how to choose, which company produces high-quality dishes. The choice must be approached with special responsibility, since not only the service life of this product, but also the quality of the prepared food depends on your decision.

Strengths and weaknesses of ceramic-coated frying pans

Let's start understanding Teflon-coated frying pans and get to know their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

The product can be washed in the dishwasher.
It tolerates washing well with detergents.
It has a fairly dense structure (the surface of the device has almost no pores), which avoids possible scratches and damage.
The ceramic frying pan is wear-resistant.
Since the product can be painted in different colors and shades, you can buy a frying pan in any color palette, and not in the standard black tone.
Allows you to cook food without adding sunflower oil, making the dishes nutritious and healthy.
Without spending a drop of oil, you will save a lot of money that would have been required to purchase if you used another frying pan.

Important! This - perfect solution for those who watch their weight and want to eat healthy.

Minuses:

Wears out due to sudden temperature changes. A heated frying pan does not withstand the flow of cold water and food from the freezer.
Becomes unusable due to frequent soaking.
It is not suitable for induction hobs and hobs due to the fact that the listed burners use only cookware with a metal bottom, and not a ceramic frying pan.
High price policy(compared to Teflon coating).

Features of a ceramic frying pan

Which ceramic frying pan should you choose? The coating consists of a ceramic nanocomposite containing tiny sand particles. All components are absolutely safe for human health, even at the highest heating of 450°C. In terms of strength and wear resistance, such a product can be placed on a par with a cast iron or steel frying pan. Ceramic tableware is presented in stores and on various websites in a large assortment, differing in size, color and shape.

Ceramic frying pans are made from the following materials:

Stainless steel. Frying utensils made from this material are light in weight, heat up quickly and do not deform at all.
Cast aluminum. This frying pan is considered one of the best. Its price is an order of magnitude cheaper than the previous one, but they are the same in quality.
Thin stamped aluminum. The price of a product made from such material is very reasonable, but it has a short service life and low functional qualities.
Forged aluminum. Ceramic cookware made from forged aluminum is inexpensive, but the quality is almost as good as cast cookware.

Important! If you decide to buy a frying pan with a ceramic coating, then give preference to well-known brands that can provide a guarantee for their product.

Rating of the best manufacturers of ceramic frying pans

After familiarizing yourself with the design features, advantages and disadvantages of this product, do not forget to get acquainted with the most popular frying pans, which have been noted by many users. So, the most popular ceramic frying pans are the following.