The Do’s and Don’ts of Cooking with Ceramic Pots & Pans

Ceramic cookware is a kitchen game-changer: non-toxic, naturally non-stick, and actually nice to use. But like all good things, it works best when you treat it right. If you’ve just added a ceramic pan or ceramic pot to your lineup (or you’re thinking about it), here’s a simple guide to what you should and shouldn’t do to get the most out of it.

DO: Use Low to Medium Heat

Ceramic heats up quickly and holds heat well, so you don’t need to crank it. Medium heat is more than enough for most meals, and using high heat regularly can actually shorten the lifespan of your non-stick surface. Save the high heat for your cast iron cookware. With ceramic, gentle and consistent wins the race.

Low and slow wins the race with ceramic cookware!

DON’T: Heat the Pan While It’s Dry

Always add a little oil, butter or liquid before you turn the heat on. Heating a ceramic pan when it’s completely dry can cause food to stick and may even damage the coating over time. It doesn’t need much, just a small dab of oil on a paper towel or a pat of butter swirled around the base does the trick.

DO: Use Wood, Silicone or Nylon Utensils

To protect the non-stick coating, avoid metal utensils. Wood, silicone or nylon tools are your best bet – they won’t scratch the surface and they’re gentler during cooking and cleaning. Crumble’s Non-Scratch Wood Spoon is ideal here. One tool that stirs, flips, and won’t leave a mark.

DON’T: Use Spray Oils

It’s tempting (especially when you’re in a rush), but aerosol sprays tend to leave a sticky residue on ceramic that’s hard to clean and can degrade the non-stick coating over time. Stick to regular oils, just a teaspoon is plenty.

DO: Let the Pan Cool Before Washing

We know, it’s tempting to rinse it immediately, especially when you’ve nailed dinner and want to get clean-up done. But washing a hot ceramic pan in cold water can cause thermal shock, which risks damaging the coating. Let it cool down for a few minutes, then wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.

DON’T: Use Abrasive Scrubbers or Scourers

Ceramic is naturally easy to clean, so no need to go in heavy-handed. Avoid steel wool, rough scourers or gritty cleaners. A regular sponge and warm water is all you need, even for stickier messes. If something’s really stuck, soak it for a bit first, then wipe clean.

Ceramic is typically easy to clean, so all you need is a regular sponge with warm water. 

DO: Hand Wash for Longevity

Crumble ceramic cookware is technically dishwasher-safe, but if you want it to last as long as possible, we recommend washing by hand. It’s faster than you think and helps protect the coating over time.

DON’T: Stack Without Protection

If you’re storing your ceramic cookware with other pots or pans, pop a cloth or paper towel between them to avoid scratches or chips. A little padding goes a long way, especially if you cook often.

DO: Keep Using It

The best way to keep your ceramic cookware in good shape? Use it regularly. Cooking with a little care builds up familiarity with how it heats and behaves, so you’ll get better results, and your pans will stay in great condition for longer.

Cook with your ceramic cookware regularly to get the most out of it! 

Looking for the Right Ceramic Cookware?

From our range of beautiful ceramic pots to ceramic pans, our ceramic cookware range is built for everyday cooking (and made to last when looked after properly).

Explore our full Ceramic Sets Collection and set yourself up with cookware that’s as easy to use as it is to clean.