What not to use on ceramic cookware?

Author: Dr. Kenyatta Becker Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, June 7, 2026

Never use spray oils — including aerosols, mist, and pump sprays — with ceramic nonstick cookware, because small spray droplets will heat up quickly and carbonize easily on the nonstick surface. If you do end up with sticky spots, you can get rid of them with a melamine sponge and a bit of warm water.

What not to use on ceramic pans?

It helps to use a little oil every time you cook, and to avoid using metal utensils or abrasive cleaning pads, and to avoid very high temperatures or the use of cooking sprays (which deposit something harmful to the ceramic coating) or olive oil (which can burn on).

What ruins ceramic pans?

Don't Use Metal Utensils

Metal utensils are typically quite abrasive, leaving permanent scratches that may not be visible to the naked eye, but which will gradually build up and destroy your pan's non stick surface.

Why can't you use olive oil on ceramic pans?

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.

How do you keep ceramic pans from sticking?

What should I do if my ceramic nonstick pan is sticking? And how can I avoid this in the future?
  1. Cook over low or medium heat (at least most of the time, but especially when cooking with olive oil or butter)
  2. Always preheat the pan before adding ingredients.
  3. Use wooden or silicone utensils.
  4. Wash and dry by hand.

The Truth About Nonstick and Ceramic Pans

Why are my eggs sticking to my ceramic pan?

Every time you heat up a ceramic pan, it naturally releases a little bit. from whatever's underneath the ceramic, and that means that coating is wearing out. every single time you heat it, no matter the temperature, which then, unfortunately, makes it stick.

Can you use butter on ceramic pans?

Keeping your ceramics in shape

Make your pan naturally non-stick for easy cleaning and added flavor with high-quality fats or oils. Our favorite choices are Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Tallow, Ghee, or Grass-Fed Butter.

How to make a ceramic pan non-stick again?

Try oiling the surface to bring back some of the pan's nonstick quality. (Use seed oils to do this, not olive oil.) Place the pan on medium heat for about five to seven minutes to bring the oil to its smoking point, which helps the oil bond to the pan's surface.

Why is everything sticking to my greenpan?

Here's why. Overheating + oils= carbonization (a.k.a. those little spots that cause your food to stick to the pan). But don't worry! You can use a melamine sponge (e.g. our Restore Sponge) to wipe them away.

Are scratched ceramic pans safe?

Are scratched ceramic pans safe? As long as they're made without potential toxins, then yes. A scratched surface will just make your ceramic nonstick pan less, well, nonstick. To preserve the ceramic coating, hand wash your cookware with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.

When should you throw out a ceramic pan?

Average ceramic cookware will last for about a year, whereas quality ceramics can last for up to 3 years when well taken care of. The main reason ceramic cookware may need to be thrown out is that it loses its nonstick coating.

What is the healthiest cookware to use?

“The most nontoxic cookware that you can buy is stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel; things that don't have a coating on them,” says Alexis Pisciotta, culinary purchasing and events manager and cookware consultant for Food Network.

Does baking soda ruin ceramic pans?

Stubborn Stains Call for Baking Soda

Apply the paste gently on the affected area, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then wash as usual. This mild abrasive action helps lift stains without damaging the pan.

Is it okay to use a metal spatula on a ceramic pan?

Avoid metal utensils: While ceramic cookware is durable, it can be scratched by metal utensils. Instead, use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid damaging the surface of the cookware. Allow to cool before washing: After cooking with ceramic cookware, allow it to cool before washing it.

What are the side effects of ceramic pans?

Our experts agree that ceramic cookware is completely safe to use if you purchase from a reputable supplier. Commercial factories that produce ceramic cookware for everyday use are much less likely to have lead-related issues.

Why do we no longer recommend GreenPan?

Then, we removed GreenPan entirely from our list of non-toxic cookware. There were two primary reasons: Competing brands began providing independent laboratory testing to prove their products are non-toxic. We became aware of lawsuits against GreenPan that cast doubt on the company's marketing claims.

What is the lawsuit against GreenPan?

In 2019, a lawsuit was brought against GreenPan claiming false advertising and concluded with no findings of liability by the company. The case was dismissed. What we said about our products is true. Thermolon coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.

Why can't you use olive oil in the GreenPan?

Be Careful with olive oil

Please remember that olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, butter and oil sprays quickly start to smoke and burn when the pan is hot. This causes carbonization of the pan, which can damage the non-stick layer.

Can I use a magic eraser on ceramic pans?

Food is sticking to the carbonized layer of fat sitting above the ceramic surface and can easily be removed. A melamine sponge (such as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) will do the trick.

Why does my ceramic pan stick now?

Food Sticks to the Surface

If food starts to stick to the surface of your ceramic-coated pan, it may be a sign that the nonstick coating is wearing off. As the coating wears off, the surface becomes more porous and food can stick to it, making it challenging to cook with.

How do you remove sticky residue from a ceramic pan?

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the greasy areas and then add a little water to form a paste. Use a sponge or a soft brush to scrub gently. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and will help to lift the sticky oil without damaging the surface of the pan/pot.

Can you use Pam on ceramic pans?

Never use spray oils — including aerosols, mist, and pump sprays — with ceramic nonstick cookware, because small spray droplets will heat up quickly and carbonize easily on the nonstick surface.

What is the safest cookware for your health?

ceramic is among the safest material for pans

From dishes, to glasses, bakeware and cookware, ceramic bakeware is our pick for the best cookware material for health thanks to its non-reactive nature and resistance to high temperatures and acidic foods. Plus it's so pretty!

What not to do with a ceramic pan?

Avoid High Temperatures

While ceramic nonstick cookware can withstand higher temperatures than traditional PTFE nonstick cookware, it's still best to use low- to medium-heat temperatures. The coating naturally wears over time and the higher the heat, the faster it'll fade.

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