Can A Ceramic Pot Go On the Stove? [Yes, but…]

CRYSTAL H.  | ,   |   Updated
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Ceramic pots have been around for many years. If you have one you’ve bought for the oven, you might be wondering can it go on the stovetop? What about using it on a gas stove? Or an induction cooktop? Some can, some can’t. Here’s what to know…

can I put a ceramic pot on the stove?

I’m guessing you’re after info about ceramic pots that include the likes of ceramic ovenware, dutch ovens, solid ceramic pots, or ceramic coated types (not the pot plant type).

Can a ceramic pot go on the stove? 

Not all ceramic pots can go on all stovetops or all settings. The following scenarios are examples…

Ceramic on stovetop: ‘What if’ scenarios

  • The label says bakeware only. In this case avoid using the ceramic on the stove.
  • The recipe requires high heat and you have a nonstick ceramic pot that specifies low to medium heat only. It’s not a good idea to use it on the stove.
  • You have a fully ceramic cookware pot made with natural heat resistant materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures. In this case it won’t work if you are putting it on an induction stove as it has no induction-compatible metal base.

When cooking with ceramic pots on the stove, there area few things to know.

using ceramic cookware on an electric stove

Can you use a ceramic pot on electric stove? You can use a ceramic pot on the electric stovetop if the pot is like the Xtrema cookware that’s pure ceramic fired at high heat or a dutch oven of either fully ceramic or cast iron, but if its nonstick…

…ceramic-coated or nonstick pots aren’t designed for high heat settings unless the makers claim otherwise as it can compromise the nonstick surface and reduce its lifespan.

In any of these, if the electric cooking appliance is an induction type, the base of the pot needs an magnetic layer to work. The cookware is usually marked as suitable for induction but you can test it by placing a magnetic on the base. If it sticks, it’s magnetic. Don’t expect this with a solid pure ceramic pot.

A pure ceramic pot won’t work on an electric stovetop that’s induction.

Ceramic saucepan with meal that was cooked on the stove top
Things to cook in ceramic on the stove – Ceramic saucepan with Italian butter beans on kitchen table

about using ceramic cookware on a gas stove

Can ceramic cookware be used on gas stove? Top-quality pure ceramic pots, like those of the Xtrema 100 ceramic, are designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and handle the direct flame contact from a gas stove. 

The advantage of a gas stove is that it heats pots and pans faster than a lot of electric stoves because it provides direct heating from a flame. 

The nonstick ceramic coating type may have exterior finishes that can discolor or deteriorate when used with a high gas flame. The same applies to cookware with plastic handles. Be careful with the nonstick type, as the interior ceramic coating is typically less durable than the pot base when it comes to very high heat settings. So keep those flames lower when using your nonstick ceramic cookware.

What materials are ceramic pots made of to make them heat resistant?

The term, ceramic cookware, gets used for two different types, one is made of pure ceramic and the other is a metal pot with ceramic coating on the cooking surface.

  • Pure ceramic cookware is made from clay and minerals that are fired in a kiln then finished with a ceramic lead-free glaze. These pure ceramics then become extremely heat resistant and durable. I explain more in my article covering 100 percent ceramic cookware.
  • The metal cookware with ceramic coating is made with a coating made from silica (or sand) mixed with a gel (there’s more on this in my article cover how ceramic cookware is made). This coating provides the pots with non-stick characteristics; however, a coating is not as durable as solid ceramic, and the coating eventually wears with use over time.  

A pure ceramic cooking pot is good on the stove for cooking pasta, rice, stews, and more, including with very high heat to sauté vegetables, brown meat, and evaporate liquids to thicken sauces. Don’t expect rapid heating with a ceramic pot, however, but it will retain heat for even cooking.

A pure ceramic pot will take longer to heat up than your lightweight metal pan. At the same time, it will hold in the heat and is thus great for serving at the table and keeping the food warm for second servings.

Can you cook anything in a ceramic pot?

In a 100% ceramic pot, you can basically cook anything, from the perfect eggs to a hearty casserole to a homely dessert. Ceramic pots can be used in the microwave and then used to serve at the table.

The thing about ceramic is that it is nonreactive and this makes it good for cooking tomato sauces and other acidic foods. Whereas, with metal cookware, acidic foods can react with the metal in a chemical reaction that taints the food and you end up with a metallic flavor and discolored food.

In using nonstick ceramic pots on the stove, look for foods to prepare over low to medium heat or at least no higher than that recommended by the manufacturer. Going hotter could harm the nonstick surface.  

On the brighter side, the ceramic coating that covers the pan means you use less oil than with other pots, which can help you cook foods with a crisp finish but without the added calories. You can see a range of these in my article covering nonstick ceramic pans.

Using ceramic pots on the stovetop

On using your ceramic pot on the stove…Here are some common guidelines. 

  1. Don’t overheat your pot. As you begin cooking with your ceramic pot on the stove, start with a lower heat setting than you typically would with a metal pot. Overheating can quickly burn food and you could risk cracking your pot. 
  1. Avoid extreme cold when your pot is hot. Dramatic temperature changes can cause cracking, warping, or compromise the surface. To avoid damaging your pot on the stovetop…
    • Do not fill a hot ceramic pot with cold water.
    • Avoid adding frozen food to a hot ceramic pot. 
    • Let the pot completely cool before putting it in the refrigerator or freezer, or in the sink.
  1. Use the proper utensils with your pot. Certain utensils are better for cooking with ceramics, such as silicone, nylon, or wood or bamboo. A metal utensil can leave marks and scratches.

–> Check out my full guide on using, caring, and storing nonstick cookware to ensure you get the longest time out of your investment.

Final thoughts

The 100% ceramic dutch ovens and the likes of Xtrema are heat resistant for the stovetop but not induction compatible. Exceptions for stovetop use include containers labeled ‘bakeware only’ and the limits of heating with some nonstick ceramic types.

Info sources

Acidic foods need nonreactive pans | Glass-Ceramic Cooktops |

©ceramiccookwarehub.com original article created: 2020-04-27