Choosing the right type of cookware is of the utmost importance. Oftentimes, the right material can mean the difference between a culinary masterpiece and a kitchen disaster. One of the many materials available in the market today is ceramic cookware. The term ceramic cookware is generally used to refer to a variety of materials that range from bone china to terracotta. This material is known as a great heat insulator and is best for foods that require slow cooking at a constant temperature. Leading brands have made recent improvements on ceramic by making sure that it is more durable to constant heating and cooling which makes it perfect for stove tops and ovens.

Although ceramic cookware enjoys some prominence and is now widely accepted, it is also somewhat controversial because of the health issues it raises regarding the chemicals contained in the material itself, as well as those present during the glazing process. If for example the glazing material contains lead, many are worried that it may trickle down to the food cooked in it. This issue has been a dark cloud looming on the reputation of ceramic cookware as early as 1990 when the New York Times reported on the dangers of lead poisoning from ceramic cookware. While this is a legitimate concern, many should realize that ceramic

cookware is as safe as the material it is made of. In other words, for as long as the ceramic cookware is properly made and sealed, there should be no danger of any hazardous materials seeping into your food. Brands like VitaClay ceramic cookware for example advertises that their cookware is made with a mineral liner making it free of harmful chemicals. While some manufacturers like VitaClay make this claim, many do not. It is on the reader therefore to choose the brand they are confident and most comfortable with

Health issues are not the only thing that comes into play when choosing ceramic cookware. It is also important to consider what it is you will be cooking. Ceramic cookware usually has two variants—the glazed and unglazed. The glazed version is already non-stick even without coating it with Teflon. This makes it ideal for frying and sautéing. The unglazed variant on the other hand is porous and retains water making it best for steaming and boiling.

Ceramic cookware is particularly famous for of its durability. When properly made, it is resistant to scratches, dents and does not really chip easily. It is also relatively more lightweight than other materials making it easier to handle and clean with some warm water and a mild detergent. Another particular attraction for ceramic cookware is that it is available in a wide variety of styles and prices. It is sold online as well as in kitchen stores making access to it relatively easy for those who would want to add it to their collection.