Tag: Non-toxic

Categories
Ceramics Materials

Clay & Ceramics

What types of ceramics can be found in kitchenware ?

There are several types of ceramics that are commonly used in kitchenware, including:

  1. Porcelain – This type of ceramic is known for its durability and is often used for dishes, cups, and other tableware. It is resistant to chipping and scratching, and is safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.
  2. Stoneware – This type of ceramic is known for its strength and is often used for baking dishes, casserole dishes, and other oven-safe kitchenware. It is resistant to chipping and scratching, and is safe for use in the microwave and dishwasher.
  3. Earthenware – This type of ceramic is made from a porous clay that is fired at a lower temperature than porcelain and stoneware. It is not as durable as other ceramics and is more prone to chipping and scratching. It is not recommended for use in the microwave or dishwasher.
  4. Terra cotta – This type of ceramic is made from a porous clay that is fired at a lower temperature than porcelain and stoneware. It is not as durable as other ceramics and is more prone to chipping and scratching. It is not recommended for use in the microwave or dishwasher.

You might be wondering what would be the difference between terra-cotta and earthenware then ?

Terra cotta is distinguished by its brown-red color and is usually unglazed. While earthenware refers to any dish made of clay that was baked to harden, it can be any color and can be glazed as well. Terra cotta is therefore a subtype of earthenware.

Stoneware is harder and denser than earthenware, as for the difference between stoneware and porcelain, Made in’s cookware blog puts it this way :

Porcelain is made with a type of clay that has a much finer grain than the clay used for stoneware. Once it’s fired, porcelain has a smoother texture that’s easier to clean and has a more visually appealing and non stick finish.

https://madeincookware.com/blogs/stoneware-vs-porcelain

Porcelain can be used as bakeware or dinnerware. Some non-ceramic dinnerware alternatives to porcelain are:

  1. Melamine –
  2. Vitrified glass –

Some particular types of porcelain include:

  1. Fine China –
  2. Bone China – Made in part with animal bone ashes in addition to clay so not the most “vegan” choice.

Ceramic kitchenware is a popular choice because it is non-reactive, safe for use with food, and easy to clean. However, it is important to handle ceramic kitchenware with care to avoid chipping or breaking it.

Categories
Glass Materials

Glass Facts Sheet

What types of glass can be found in kitchenware?

There are several types of glass that are commonly used in kitchenware, including:

  1. Borosilicate glass – This type of glass is known for its strength and durability, and is resistant to thermal shock. It is often used for baking dishes, casserole dishes, and other oven-safe kitchenware.
  2. Tempered glass – This type of glass is treated with heat and chemicals to make it stronger and more resistant to breaking. It is often used for baking dishes, casserole dishes, and other oven-safe kitchenware.
  3. Soda-lime glass – This is the most common type of glass and is often used for dishes, cups, and other tableware. It is not as strong or durable as borosilicate or tempered glass, and is not recommended for use in the oven.
  4. Crystal – This type of glass is made from leaded soda-lime glass and is known for its clarity and brilliance. It is often used for decorative purposes and is not recommended for use in the oven. Fun Fact! In 16th century Italy, it was believed that crystal glass had poison detecting properties:

For it was believed that goblets and glassware made on the Murano island in Venice would shiver and shatter when poison was poured into them. In this way, if you weren’t wealthy enough to pay someone to taste your food just in case of fatal flavorings, your trusty Venetian glassware would explode in warning.

https://hyperallergic.com/110317/a-delicate-savior-when-venetian-glass-was-believed-to-be-a-poison-detector/

There are other types of patented glass such as Pyrex®, it is defined on the company’s website as:

The Pyrex® glass is unique. It is a borosilicate glass that is tempered, of superior quality and has a great thermal and mechanical shock resistance. It is perfectly adapted to extreme temperatures, from –40° to 300°, and has a high thermal shock resistance that can go up to 220°.

All the Pyrex® glass products can be used safely in the oven and freezer and the other way around. It defies all culinary expectations, from prepping to serving directly, by going through a whole cooking process, to storing and reheating.

https://www.pyrex.eu/pages/a-unique-glass

Glass kitchenware is a popular choice because it is non-reactive, safe for use with food, and easy to clean. However, it is important to handle glass kitchenware with care to avoid breaking it.

To ensure safety, it is best to avoid colored glass, as some paints might be toxic.

Categories
Materials Metals

Metals Facts Sheet

Iron

Aluminum

Steel

Copper

Silver

Which metals are used in cookware ? Which metals are the safest ?

There are several types of metals that are commonly used in cookware, including:

  1. Stainless steel – This type of metal is a popular choice for cookware because it is durable, non-reactive, and easy to clean. It is also resistant to corrosion and can withstand high heat, making it a safe choice for cooking.
  2. Aluminum – This type of metal is lightweight, conductive, and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for cookware. However, it is reactive to acidic foods and can discolor or alter the taste of certain dishes.
  3. Copper – This type of metal is highly conductive and heats up quickly, making it a popular choice for high-quality cookware. However, it is reactive to acidic foods and can discolor or alter the taste of certain dishes. Copper cookware should also be coated with a protective layer to prevent leaching of copper into food.
  4. Cast iron – This type of metal is heavy, durable, and conducts heat well. It is also non-reactive, making it a safe choice for cooking. However, it is prone to rusting and requires special care to prevent rust from forming.
  5. Carbon steel – This type of metal is similar to cast iron and is also a good choice for cookware. It is lightweight, conductive, and non-reactive, but it requires special care to prevent rusting.

Overall, stainless steel and cast iron are generally considered the safest options for cookware because they are non-reactive and resistant to corrosion. Copper and aluminum can be safe to use as well, but they should be coated with a protective layer and used with caution to avoid reacting with acidic foods.

This article did not touch upon silverware, for which a dedicated post will be written.

Categories
General

What is meant by healthy cookware ?

You might be asking yourself if the concept of “healthy cookware and utensils” is legitimate or if it is just a void marketing argument.

I am here to help you make sense of that.

What is meant by healthy is cookware that is not harmful to the body. Some cookware contains endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and other toxic substances.

Healthy cookware is, therefore, one made of harmless materials.

Also, it is good to know that by “cookware and utensils”, I refer to any recipient or tool used to cook, heat, serve, keep or transform food.

I include baby bottles in that as well. Generally speaking, one must be very careful of the recipients used by newborns and children.

In addition to that, some materials might be safe in one state and dangerous in another. For example, when heated.

Very few regulations and certifications exist in the domain of cookware materials. However, it is best to choose the safest alternatives possible.