It is impossible to think of a kitchen that doesn’t have pans, pots, and cookware in which to prepare recipes. Cookware sets are great allies for impressing with dishes of all kinds, from the most common yet delicious ones, ideal for everyday meals, to those reserved only for the most special occasions.

Today, there is a wide variety of cookware sets that stand out not only for their designs but also for the materials they are made of. That’s why, at kiwilimón, we wanted to tell you all about stainless steel, Teflon, and ceramic cookware so you can know the advantages and disadvantages of each material and choose the best cookware according to your needs.

Pros and cons of stainless steel cookware


Stainless steel is an alloy of metals such as iron, chromium, and sometimes nickel, characterized by its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. It is precisely its resistance to rust and corrosion that makes stainless steel an excellent material for kitchens, both for surfaces and various utensils, including the pots and pans that make up the cookware sets.

Among the advantages of stainless steel cookware is that they are very durable. As noted by the website The Cookware Advisor, stainless steel utensils resist impact, scratches, and can be scrubbed without problems. Additionally, their lifespan is superior to all other materials used to manufacture cookware.

Moreover, their appearance is very attractive. It is worth noting that what makes stainless steel so resistant is its chromium content, which also gives it the characteristic chrome finish. This mirror-like silver finish can be a decisive factor when it comes to design.

Furthermore, stainless steel cookware is easy to care for, as they do not require any special maintenance beyond their usual washing, although it is possible to clean them with mixtures of chemicals or natural ingredients to give them extra shine. Remember that before washing your stainless steel pots and pans, you should let them cool down first to avoid deformation.

As if that weren’t enough, stainless steel pots and pans are also very versatile, as they are ideal for searing, frying, steaming, sautéing, boiling, poaching, and other cooking techniques that will help you create spectacular dishes.

You can also read: How to clean your Teflon cookware

On the other hand, we must mention the disadvantages of stainless steel cookware, starting with the fact that this material is not the best conductor, as noted by the website Pots and Pans. This means that, compared to other materials, stainless steel does not distribute heat well, so it is better to opt for cookware sets that combine this material with copper or aluminum to mitigate the problem.

It is also necessary to consider that, although stainless steel pans are very versatile, one must always keep in mind that food tends to stick very easily. So don’t even think about cooking an egg in them, although with the right technique and a good amount of oil, anything is possible.

Pros and cons of Teflon cookware


According to Healthline, Teflon is a coating used in cookware to make them non-stick. Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, was invented in the 1930s and allows for using very little oil or butter to cook and fry various types of food.

Much has been said about how safe it is to cook with Teflon pots and pans, since, in the past, this coating contained perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA, an endocrine-disrupting chemical associated with different types of cancer, thyroid problems, and sterility, as noted by the Association of Specialists in Prevention and Occupational Health. Fortunately, nowadays PFOA is no longer used to manufacture Teflon cookware, so its use is considered safe.

This is great news as Teflon is one of the best coatings for pots and pans, as one of its greatest characteristics is that it prevents food from sticking and only requires a little oil or butter to achieve this. So if you plan to have fried eggs for breakfast or prepare any other food that usually sticks in other materials, Teflon pans are your best option.

Another advantage of Teflon cookware is that they are ideal for beginner cooks, as noted by the site Prudent Reviews. This type of utensil does not require any special preparation to cook with them and can be learned to use easily. And, of course, one must not forget how lightweight Teflon pots and pans are.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Teflon pots, pans, and cookware sets are usually much more affordable than those made with other materials, making them ideal for your first set or if you are on a tight budget.

You can also read: 10 ways to keep your pots and pans clean

As for the disadvantages of Teflon cookware, it is important to mention that they have a short lifespan, since the non-stick coating can easily be scratched if utensils, spatulas, or other incompatible tools, especially metal ones, are used, if they are scrubbed with very hard sponges, washed with abrasive detergents, or sprayed with oil spray.

Moreover, Teflon pans and pots should not be exposed to high temperatures to avoid damaging the coating or deforming them.

Pros and cons of ceramic cookware


In recent years, due to the anti-Teflon fear, ceramic pots and pans have gained popularity among cooking enthusiasts. This type of utensil consists of metal pots and pans that have a ceramic coating free of potentially harmful substances that is also non-stick, as noted by Pots and Pans.

One of the advantages of ceramic cookware is that they are non-stick, making it easy to cook all kinds of foods without fear of sticking. Although the ceramic coating is not as efficient as Teflon, it serves the same purpose of cooking with less fat, so it is sometimes marketed as a healthy cooking option.

Where ceramic wins over Teflon is that only one layer of it is needed to coat the pans and pots, unlike Teflon, which can require up to 3, resulting in up to half the carbon dioxide production in its manufacturing, according to Prudent Reviews.

Additionally, ceramic cookware can be very versatile, as they can withstand high temperatures, allowing you to use them on both the stovetop and in the oven.

Ceramic pots and pans also stand out for their design, as they come in all colors and even patterns; thus, you can easily match them with the rest of your kitchen utensils.

As if that weren’t enough, they are also very easy to use, making them perfect for beginner cooks.

Regarding the disadvantages of ceramic cookware, it must be mentioned that they can chip, which poses a risk if ingested; thus, if this happens with your ceramic cookware, you should dispose of it to avoid health risks.

Another disadvantage is that, being very thin, the coating can be easily damaged if metal utensils are used to cook with this type of cookware, so it is generally recommended to opt for wooden utensils.

Like Teflon, the ceramic coating can be damaged with abrasive detergents or spray oil. It is also important to remember that you must let ceramic pots and pans cool down before washing them to avoid deformation.

Likewise, ceramic cookware is not as durable as, for example, stainless steel cookware, since, like Teflon, the coating can be scratched easily, causing food to begin to stick.

On the other hand, the price of ceramic cookware is usually higher than that of Teflon cookware, although there are increasingly more options on the market that could fit various budgets.

You can also read: How to choose the best air fryer

Now that you know all the pros and cons of stainless steel, Teflon, and ceramic cookware, you have everything you need to choose the one that best suits your needs. Remember that, regardless of the material you choose, it is very important to opt for reliable and high-quality brands, as well as to give proper maintenance to your cookware to extend its lifespan.

At kiwilimón, we have the best tips for you to have the kitchen of your dreams and know how to use the utensils and appliances properly to make the most of them and prepare delicious dishes for your loved ones.