Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Vs Stainless Steel - Battle of the Surfaces
Bradman Vs Smith. Fraser Vs Wickham, Hawkie Vs Keating. Aussies love a good comparison debate, particularly when a few cleansing beverages are involved! Untold pints and perhaps the odd right errant right hook have been devoted to the eternal unanswerable questions that occupy Australian minds.
While we doubt there will ever be any bar stools thrown in anger over this one, the debate over which cooking surface is best rages, somewhat more calmly, in kitchens all over the country. Most budding chefs have their pots and pans they swear by. Some of us are slightly more agnostic and are open to playing the field. One thing is for certain, though: the type of cookware you use can have a significant impact on the food that emerges from the heart of your home.
Since stainless steel cookware burst onto the cooking scene in 1930s France, it has become a staple in gourmet kitchens across the globe. If you’re a reality cooking show devotee, you’ll have noticed the gleaming silver glint of stainless straddling the hobs in the Master Chef kitchen, and those of celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson. It’s easy to understand, therefore, why stainless steel has such an allure for so many. If the pros are using it, there must be an upside, right?
Ceramic cookware, by contrast, has been around for millennia. It shows up in archaeological digs of civilisations from the Ancient Sumerians to the Aztecs1,2. However, it’s fair to say that today’s non-stick ceramic cookware is a far cry from the crude implements used in antiquity. Modern ceramic has a conductive metal base to which a ceramic coating is laminated. Hardly something that Montezuma would have recognised. Nevertheless, the inspiration for modern ceramic pots and pans owes its emergence to those ancient roots.
There’s no question that both varieties have their place in the cookware surface pantheon. Our mission today is to explore the difference between stainless steel and ceramic non-stick cookware. We’re going to take the two head-to-head in a culinary deep-dive that will settle this thorny debate once and for all!
Ceramic Vs Stainless Steel Cookware - The Ultimate Guide
1. Non-Stick Surface
Non-Stick Ceramic:
We wouldn’t call it non-stick if you had to spend hours chiselling burnt gunk off the base, would we? Putting a GreenPan non-stick frypan through its paces is an exercise in pure joy. Pretty much anything you cook effortlessly glides right off the silky smooth surface, making cooking a breeze.
Stainless Steel:
Boosters like to claim that Stainless is non-stick, but anyone who has ever tried to fry an egg on a stainless steel pan knows that this is far from reality. Stainless can be reasonably stick-free with perfectly judged preheating and expert oiling technique.
However, these skills require more time, effort and expertise than the overwhelming majority of busy home cooks are willing or able to devote. Even then, the results will often vary depending on the food you’re cooking. The more delicate the item (think flaky fish, eggs, crepes, etc.), the more likely you are to have some heavy work ahead of you at clean-up time.
The Verdict:
Clear win for Ceramic here!
2. Heat Sensitivity
Non-Stick Ceramic:
In general, ceramic surfaces are not compatible with high heat. For best results, it’s always best to keep the dial on low to medium. Some users may balk at this; however, high-quality non-stick ceramic pots and pans, such as GreenPan, have advanced construction that includes highly conductive layers, ensuring extraordinarily high conductivity. This means you can achieve the same results at lower heat, as more energy is kept in and evenly distributed throughout the pan surface.
Overheating can damage your pan, so you do need to remain mindful when cooking with ceramic.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless is able to tolerate high heat without warping or damaging the cooking surface, making it a versatile option for those who like to really crank it up. Some home cooks may find that specific cooking techniques, such as searing meats, sautéing, or reducing sauces, are easier. On the negative side, you may need to get the elbow grease out to remove the stains afterwards.
The Verdict:
If used correctly, you can cook pretty much anything on non-stick ceramic. However, Stainless’ greater temperature range gives it a slight advantage in this area.
3. Cleaning
Non-Stick Ceramic:
Let’s face it: few, if any, of us enjoy washing dishes. If you're like 99.9% of humanity, then you’re going to love non-stick ceramic. With no baked-on grime to wrestle with, your cookware cleans off quickly and easily, so you spend less time and energy scrubbing at the sink and more doing the things you love.
Stainless Steel:
As we’ve mentioned previously, this is a common area of concern for stainless steel users. Even the most slavish of fans have to admit that cleaning stainless steel cookware is a task they dread. Sure, the super durable surface can withstand a solid session with metal scourers or other abrasives. However, the effort and time commitment required to keep your cookware gleaming and clean are definite drawbacks.
The Verdict:
Non-stick ceramic wins this round, hands down.
4. Durability
Non-Stick Ceramic:
Like all non-stick surfaces, ceramic wears over time and will need replacing at some point. How frequently that is depends on the user. GreenPan cookware will comfortably last for many years if you take great care of it and follow our care recommendations and guidelines. If you’re not looking after it, you may find your favourite cooking vessel is out of commission sooner than expected.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless is an extremely forgiving surface that can take a solid beating and still come back for more at the next meal. The hard, metal surface is wear and scratch-resistant, so it should last you many years, if not a lifetime - with a few important caveats. Like any product, how long it lasts you will depend on the grade and thickness of the steel, the quality of the construction and how well you look after it3.
The Verdict:
On this one, it’s a bit of a case-by-case scenario. Your beloved stainless saucepan could still be serving you well decades from now if it’s great quality and you’ve been taking wonderful care of it. If either of those things are not true, it may not last more than a year or two. As for GreenPan cookware on the other hand, follow our care guidelines and you’ll get years of top quality use out of them.
5. Cost
Non-Stick Ceramic:
Like anything else, there is a range of price points for non-stick ceramic cookware, depending on the quality. However, it is, generally speaking, relatively affordable. GreenPan’s cookware is within the budget of most homes, making high-performance, mess-free cooking accessible to almost everyone. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that ceramic doesn’t last forever and will usually need to be replaced after several years.
Stainless Steel:
Good quality stainless cookware items are typically priced higher than non-stick items. The excellent longevity means that the cost over time may be lower. However, the greater up-front investment puts quality items out of reach for many. Like any products, cheaper versions are available. However, these tend to be of inferior quality, which compromises both their performance and durability.
The Verdict:
This one depends on what you’re looking for. If you can wear the hefty initial cost, premium quality stainless steel cookware may can save you money in the long term. Ceramic will set you back less at the checkout, but you’ll be back there sooner. However, treat your ceramic cookware well, and that cost will be spread out over many years, so you’re unlikely to notice it all that acutely. Having said that, a slight edge to stainless in the dollars and cents department.
6. Look & Feel
Non-Stick Ceramic:
The state-of-the-art construction of ceramic cookware allows manufacturers like us a tremendous amount of freedom to tap into our creative juices and create a wide variety of stunning designs. Browse through our incredible range of non-stick, non-toxic cookware collections and you’ll immediately see what we mean. From the warm pastel colours and soft rounded design of our Padova cookware collection, to the award-winning modern, clean lines of Valencia Pro, there’s something to fit every taste and kitchen decor.
Non-stick ceramic pots and pans are typically lightweight and easy to handle compared to many other surfaces.
Stainless Steel:
If the timeless silver glint of stainless steel is your thing, then you’re in luck. However, if you’re the sort of cook or homemaker who prizes a dash of colour or a spark of character, then you may need to look further afield. Stainless steel cookware offers few, if any, chances to make your cookware part of your kitchen's signature look.
In terms of maneuverability, stainless steel is typically heavier and harder to work with.
The Verdict:
From an aesthetic perspective, ceramic gives you the freedom to turn your cookware into a design feature and find the look that suits you. Stainless can indeed be beautiful in its minimalistic simplicity. Still, it will never offer you the breadth of creative expression to fill your unique kitchen canvas if you’re looking to make a visual splash.
7. Maintenance
Non-Stick Ceramic:
GreenPan’s cookware is about as low-maintenance as it gets. There’s no need to season your cookware, and upkeep is minimal. We recommend a deep clean every now and then to keep your tools in the best possible condition, remove any carbonised spots and extend their lifespan. The process is straightforward. Simply fill up your pan halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Pour out the water and place the pan on a sturdy, flat surface. While the pan's surface is still warm, gently rub it with a melamine sponge. Do this every few months and you’re favourite GreenPan kitchen bestie will keep working like new for longer!
GreenPan cookware is also dishwasher safe, adding another dimension of simplicity.
Stainless Steel:
No dramas here! Aside from a vigorous scrub when food gets stuck to it, stainless requires little or no maintenance, as a rule. Most stainless pots and pans are also dishwasher safe, although manufacturers usually recommend hand washing to maintain the finish's integrity.
The Verdict:
We’re going to split the points in this category. Both types of cookware are a cinch to maintain.
8. Induction-Compatibility
Non-Stick Ceramic:
With the phase-out of gas in some Australian states, induction cooktops are becoming increasingly popular. If you’re unfamiliar with this seemingly magical way of cooking, it’s worth finding out more about what induction cooking is and how it works. Induction cooktops create an electromagnetic field that excites the molecules in the base of your cookware, causing the pot or pan itself to act as the heating element. The catch is that for this process to work, the base needs to be magnetised. You can check this easily by putting a magnet on the base of your cookware. If it sticks, you’re in business!
It’s essential to keep in mind that not all cookware is induction-friendly, so you need to check before you buy. GreenPan’s ever-expanding range of induction-compatible cookware, is constructed using our revolutionary MagnetoTM technology, which features a thick base with copper-reinforced ferromagnetic particles. This state-of-the-art technology not only allows you to use the pans on any induction hob, but also prevents warping, which can be an issue with some induction pans. If you’re in the market for outstanding quality induction cookware, check to see if your favourite GreenPan item contains MagnetoTM. If it does, you’re good to go!
Stainless Steel:
Most stainless steel products are induction-friendly, but not all. If you’re already an induction fan or considering making the switch, make sure to check carefully before investing in new cookware.
The Verdict:
Another tie! Plenty of induction-friendly options are available for both materials, but always check before you buy to make doubly sure.
9. Health & Safety
Non-Stick Ceramic:
Much has been made about the potential health risks, particularly the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals, in non-stick cookware coatings. Fortunately, we’ve made it our driving mission to manufacture and sell the healthiest, safest cookware, free from PFAS and other nasty chemicals.
Stainless Steel:
Nothing to see here. Stainless steel is naturally toxin-free. There is some evidence to suggest that metallic particles can leach off when cooking at extremely high temperatures, but the risk of this is minuscule.
The Verdict:
A photo finish, yet again.
The Conclusion: Which is Better - Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware, or Stainless Steel
As you can see from our in-depth analysis, it’s a pretty close run thing! Both styles of cookware have their pros and cons.
It essentially boils down to what you’re looking for. Many professional chefs use stainless steel for its superior heat tolerance, durability and versatility. However, as we’ve seen, ordinary home cooks don’t always have the expertise to avoid frustrating and costly messes when food sticks to the base. The relatively high entry price can also prove a barrier.
Non-stick ceramic pans, by contrast, are incredibly easy to use and offer a wide choice of styles and finishes to beautify your kitchen. Ceramic surfaces don’t necessarily deliver the same lifespan as stainless, but they are generally cheaper and therefore more accessible to the average household budget.
If you’re a dedicated chef looking to elevate your cooking to MasterChef level with professional techniques like searing, flambéing, or high-heat sautéing, stainless steel is worth considering.
By contrast, if you’re looking for a reliable, affordable workhorse for simple everyday cooking that’s free from toxic chemicals and requires minimal maintenance and cleanup, non-stick ceramic cookware like GreenPan is a sure bet.
Note:
1. Archeometry, May 16, 2024: Ancient and historical cooking pots and food: an eternal communion. A topical review
2. Cambridge University Press, June 03, 2016: The Trade In Cooking Pots Under The Aztec And Spanish Empires
3. Prudent Reviews, March, 2025: How Long Do Stainless Steel Pans Last?
