When to replace a ceramic pan?

Author: Annabell Medhurst  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

When compared to other types of traditional nonstick pan and cookware materials like stainless steel cookware or Teflon cookware; ceramic cookware generally has a much shorter lifespan. Average ceramic cookware will last for about a year, whereas quality ceramics can last for up to 3 years when well taken care of.

How often should I replace ceramic pans?

On average though, a high-quality ceramic pan used with proper care can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. It may come as a surprise that ceramic pans have a shorter lifespan than other cookware types, such as stainless steel or cast iron.

How can you tell if a ceramic pan is ruined?

If the surface becomes burned, becomes scored or cracks or chips, it is most assuredly ruined.

When to throw away ceramic pans?

There Are Scratches and Chips on the Surface

If you notice scratches or chips on the surface of your pan, it's time to replace it. These imperfections can harbor bacteria and the ceramic coating can flake off into your food, making it unsafe to use.

How long can I use ceramic pan?

Generally, ceramic cookware should last at least a year, and ideally up to 3 years. This number depends on the quality of the construction materials used along with how you cook with and care for it.

The Truth About Nonstick and Ceramic Pans

What is the disadvantage of ceramic pans?

One of the downsides of using a ceramic non-stick pan or Dutch oven is the possibility of the color changing. Over time, even high-quality ceramic cookware may develop stains or discoloration, especially if not cleaned promptly.

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.

How long do HexClad pans last?

HexClad says its pans are designed to last a whole lifetime, which is backed by the manufacturer's lifetime warranty for defects. However, it does make clear that the warranty doesn't cover damage incurred by improper care or use – so it's worth making a note of the care and cleaning instructions advised by the brand.

When did Calphalon stop using PFOA?

A: Calphalon stopped manufacturing our nonstick using PFOA back in the third quarter of 2012. We have then since moved to a formula that is completely FDA approved.

How to tell if a pan is unsafe to use?

Scratched or chipped coating

With old nonstick pans that contained PFOA, scratches and chips were a clear sign that your pan was no longer safe to use, as the coating could flake off and get in your food.

Are ceramic pans toxic when scratched?

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.

What not to cook in a ceramic pan?

However, since ceramic pans—like their non stick predecessor—usually aren't heat-safe above roughly 500F (and shouldn't be held over high heat for more than a few minutes), they can't be used for deep frying, searing, or similar high heat cooking methods.

Are 100% ceramic pans safe?

In short—yes.

Why do ceramic pans turn black?

Ceramic cookware can stain and develop a brown discoloration, especially when food is burned at high temperatures.

What is the HexClad controversy?

HexClad Cookware advertises its nonstick pans as free from harmful chemicals. But, according to recent reports, HexClad may be using a chemical compound called PTFE as a non-stick coating on its pans. PTFE is a type of PFA, or “forever” chemical, that can build up in the human body and does not break down over time.

Does Gordon Ramsay actually use HexClad?

What type of cookware do I use at home? Only HexClad 👉 it's just that good. Built with patented hybrid technology, this is how I cook my dishes to absolute perfection.

Is HexClad just teflon?

Does HexClad have Teflon in it? Teflon is a proprietary brand of PTFE made by Chemours that is not used by HexClad. Instead, the brand now uses ceramic to coat the nonstick valleys of its cookware.

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.

Is Caraway worth it?

I've used the Caraway cookware set daily for over a year and am really pleased with how the pots and pans have held up. Naturally, you can tell my pans are well-loved (hello egg residue on the side of my fry pan). But the scratch-resistant ceramic coating is just as great as it was on day one.

How often should you replace ceramic cookware?

Still, even the best ceramic nonstick cookware won't last forever the way stainless steel and cast iron can. You can expect to replace your nonstick ceramic cookware about every three years and even sooner for lower-quality pans. The most common issue is that ceramic nonstick cookware will eventually scratch.

What happens if you overheat 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.

Why is everything sticking to my ceramic pan?

This is due to the nature of the coating, which naturally releases every time you heat up your pan. Once that coating has worn out, your pan will no longer be non stick—but will still be usable, and can be made relatively non stick once more with the help of cooking fat.

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