Is Stoneware Better than Stainless Steel?

Often one might be puzzled on what specific type of cookware to choose, especially as a first buyer.

There is a variety of cookware in the market, and each tends to stand out in its unique way. They include aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, stoneware, etc.

Is stoneware or stainless steel better for cooking? Authentic stoneware is versatile and can cook a variety of foods since it has a non-stick cooking surface and doesn’t react with acidic or alkaline foods. Nonetheless, stainless steel has its bright side of cooking, i.e., it efficiently handles cooking that needs high heating, such as searing, stir-frying, etc.

This blog post deeply examines these two types of cookware, their differences, and what you should choose. 

What is Stoneware? 

Stoneware is a generic term you’ll repeatedly hear people use to refer to certain types of cookware.

Stoneware can refer to cookware often made of non-stick ceramic, porcelain (specifically made of kaolinite), or 100% stoneware.

You’ll notice that when you search on the internet for stoneware or stoneware cookware, you’ll get results of the non-stick coating.

Stoneware is different because any authentic stoneware doesn’t contain PTFE, PFOA, or other toxic materials. 

Generally, stoneware is a type of cookware made of a type of clay or stone particles.

You can get cookware that is entirely stoneware or has other kinds of metals such as aluminum and a heavy stoneware coating. 

What is Stainless Steel Cookware? 

It is cookware made of steel alloy and tends to have a gleaming silver metallic appearance.

However, you can still get other stainless steel cookware made with an aluminum core and stainless steel on the bottom and top. 

One unique feature of stainless steel cookware is its corrosion and rust resistance properties. 

What are the Differences between Stoneware and Stainless Steel Cookware? 

As you can tell from the above definitions, stoneware and stainless are truly different types of cookware.

Let’s discuss their differences based on the following aspects/factors: 

Composition 

The obvious difference between stoneware and stainless steel cookware is the material they are made of.

Stoneware is made of clay or stone particles, while stainless steel cookware is made of steel alloy only or steel alloy and other suitable heat conductor metals as core layer. 

Cooking Application 

Stoneware is one the best cookware with the best non-stick surface for cooking. Therefore, it stands out as the best cookware for cooking delicate foods such as fish, pancakes, eggs, etc.

Also, stoneware is best for cooking methods such as grilling and griddle cooking that requires a non-stick surface for cooking. Lastly, the non-stick cooking surface allows you to cook with less or minimal cooking oil. 

On the other hand, stainless steel cookware is best for cooking methods that require extremely high heat due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and fast heat conduction.

For instance, stainless steel pans are ideal for boiling liquids, making sauces, searing meats, sautéing vegetables, etc.

Durability 

While the materials used to make cookware are of concern when discussing durability, how you use, maintain, and handle that specific type of cookware matters.

In general, even if you have quality cookware yet you don’t maintain it or use it properly, it’s not likely to last long. 

Stainless steel cookware is super durable. However, you uphold some maintenance practices such as cleaning it by hand in warm water, avoiding placing hot cookware into hot water instantly, using a ball of fine steel wool that doesn’t scratch its surface, etc. 

Stoneware is especially 100% stone cookware long-lasting when properly used and maintained. It doesn’t peel off easily.

Among the maintenance practices you should practice include washing by hand, proper storage, not using metals utensils, etc. Check out the advantages of stone coating. 

Generally, any cookware misused or abused will not last long and vice versa. 

Ease of cooking/use

It’s easy to cook on any of these cookware depending on the exact food you want to cook and cooking skills. 

If you’re a beginner, it will be easier to cook on stoneware cookware than on stainless steel cookware.

Why? Stoneware gradually conducts heat, and food doesn’t stick to the cooking surface. Additionally, it’s easy to clean. 

 On the other hand, stainless steel heats pretty quickly. Also, if you’ve poor cooking skills, food is likely to stick or burn. 

Safety

Both stainless steel cookware and stoneware are healthier alternatives for cooking. However, you must ensure that your stoneware doesn’t have Teflon. 

For instance, cooking on stoneware coated with a natural stone coating such as Atgrills Indoor Griddle is safer than using other cookware with non-stick coats that release toxic chemicals. Additionally, it maintains an authentic flavor of food. 

Read this blog post about the safety of stone-coated cookware. 

Stoneware vs. Stainless Steel Cookware: Which is better? 

Choosing between these two types of cookware depends on your personal preference and the type of cooking you want to do. They are all great in their own ways. 

For instance, stainless steel cookware is durable, doesn’t have toxic cooking surfaces, is versatile, and heats faster than other materials. Additionally, stainless steel cookware such as pans is best for searing, scorching, and frying foods. 

On the other hand, authentic stoneware needs to enhance healthy cooking (requires little to no cooking oil), foods don’t stick on the cooking surface, it’s easy to clean, doesn’t react with foods, and is safe under high heat.

Additionally, this kind of cookware is best safe to be used in ovens and best for griddles and grills cooking surfaces. 

So, are you in need of quality stonewares such as grill & griddle pan or electric grills and griddles?

Atgrills offers quality electric grills, griddles, and griddle pans with a 100% natural stone coating.

They’re free of non-toxic materials and are PFOA-free. Additionally, they offer even heat distribution, and you can easily control the temperature while cooking.