How to Care for Made In CeramiClad Cookware
The CeramiClad Cookware Care Guide
Ceramic cookware performs differently than traditional nonstick - and that difference is exactly why many cooks prefer it.
Made In’s CeramiClad collection combines a PFAS-free ceramic cooking surface with fully clad stainless steel construction, creating cookware that heats quickly, responds precisely, and releases food with minimal effort. The experience feels closer to professional stainless cookware than typical lightweight nonstick pans, but ceramic surfaces reward a slightly different approach to cooking and maintenance.
The good news is that caring for CeramiClad cookware is simple. Most long-term performance comes down to a few everyday habits: moderate heat, gentle cleaning, and avoiding the kinds of shortcuts that gradually wear down ceramic surfaces over time.
Here’s how to get the best possible performance from your CeramiClad cookware for years of everyday cooking.
Why Ceramic Cookware Behaves Differently
Many people assume ceramic cookware should be treated exactly like traditional nonstick. In reality, ceramic cooking surfaces respond differently to heat, oil, and abrasion.
Unlike disposable-style nonstick pans that rely heavily on synthetic coatings, ceramic cookware performs best with steadier heat and more controlled cooking temperatures. The ceramic surface naturally releases food well, but excessive heat can gradually reduce that slickness over time.
What makes CeramiClad unique is the stainless-clad body underneath the ceramic surface. The fully clad construction distributes heat more evenly across the pan, reducing hot spots and allowing the cookware to perform exceptionally well at medium and medium-low temperatures.
That combination creates a smoother, more controlled cooking experience - especially for foods like:
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Eggs
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Fish
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Pancakes
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Sautéed vegetables
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Delicate proteins
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Butter-based cooking
For many home cooks, the biggest adjustment is simply learning that ceramic cookware rarely needs extreme heat to perform well.
Cook With Moderate Heat - Not Maximum Heat
One of the fastest ways to shorten the life of a ceramic pan is consistently cooking over high heat.
Because CeramiClad pans heat efficiently through their multi-layer stainless construction, they reach cooking temperature quickly and retain heat exceptionally well. In most cases, medium heat is more than enough for everyday cooking.
Higher temperatures don’t usually improve performance. Instead, they often:
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Cause food residue to bond to the surface
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Create discoloration
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Reduce long-term nonstick performance
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Make cleanup more difficult
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Accelerate wear on the ceramic finish
In fact, ceramic cookware often performs better when allowed to heat gradually rather than aggressively.
A Better Approach
Preheat the pan over medium heat for a minute or two before adding oil or butter. Once the pan is warm, reduce the heat slightly if needed and let the cookware do the work.
This creates more even cooking, cleaner browning, and easier food release without overstressing the ceramic surface.
Avoid Thermal Shock
Ceramic cookware handles everyday cooking beautifully, but sudden temperature swings can place unnecessary stress on both the cooking surface and the pan body.
For example:
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Running cold water into a hot pan
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Moving cookware directly from the stove into the refrigerator
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Leaving an empty pan over high heat
can all create rapid expansion and contraction that gradually affects long-term durability.
Instead, allow the cookware to cool naturally before washing or storing it.
This small habit helps preserve both the ceramic surface and the structural stability of the pan over time.
Use Oil Thoughtfully
One of the advantages of ceramic cookware is that it typically requires less oil than stainless steel cookware. Even so, the type of oil you use matters.
Aerosol cooking sprays are one of the most common causes of residue buildup on ceramic surfaces. Over time, these sprays can leave behind a thin film that becomes increasingly difficult to remove and may interfere with the pan’s natural food-release performance.
Instead, use small amounts of:
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Olive oil
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Avocado oil
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Butter
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Grapeseed oil
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Canola oil
A light coating is usually all that’s needed.
Many cooks are surprised by how little oil ceramic cookware actually requires once the pan is heated properly.
Choose Gentler Utensils
Ceramic surfaces are durable enough for daily use, but they are not indestructible.
Repeated contact with sharp-edged metal utensils can gradually scratch or wear down the cooking surface, especially around the center of the pan where most stirring and flipping occurs.
For long-term care, it’s best to use:
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Silicone utensils
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Wooden spoons
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Nylon spatulas
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Soft-edge kitchen tools
Avoid cutting food directly inside the pan or scraping aggressively with metal edges.
The goal isn’t to baby the cookware - it’s simply to avoid unnecessary abrasion that slowly reduces the smoothness of the ceramic finish.
Hand Washing Protects Long-Term Performance
While some ceramic cookware may technically tolerate dishwasher use, hand washing remains the best option for preserving long-term performance.
Dishwashers expose cookware to:
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Highly alkaline detergents
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Prolonged moisture
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Repeated high heat cycles
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Friction from surrounding cookware and utensils
Over time, those conditions can dull ceramic surfaces faster than gentle hand washing.
Fortunately, cleanup is usually quick and easy.
How to Clean CeramiClad Cookware
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Allow the cookware to cool completely
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Wash with warm water and mild dish soap
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Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth
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Rinse thoroughly
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Dry immediately with a soft towel
Avoid:
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Steel wool
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Abrasive scrubbers
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Harsh cleaning powders
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Bleach-based cleaners
In most cases, ceramic cookware cleans up easily without heavy scrubbing.
How to Remove Stubborn Residue
Even well-maintained ceramic cookware may occasionally develop stubborn spots or cooked-on residue, especially after high-heat cooking or sugary sauces.
The key is removing buildup gently rather than scrubbing aggressively.
Simple Baking Soda Method
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Sprinkle baking soda into the pan
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Add warm water or a splash of white vinegar
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Let the mixture sit for several minutes
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Gently scrub with a soft sponge
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Rinse and dry thoroughly
For more stubborn residue, simmer water with baking soda over low heat for several minutes before cleaning.
This helps loosen buildup while protecting the ceramic surface from unnecessary wear.
Store Your Cookware Carefully
Storage is one of the most overlooked parts of ceramic cookware maintenance.
Stacking pans directly against one another can gradually create scratches, chips, or worn spots on the cooking surface - especially around the rim and center of the pan.
If stacking cookware, place:
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Pan protectors
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Felt liners
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Soft kitchen towels
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Cloth separators
between each piece.
Hanging storage is another excellent option when possible.
Thoughtful storage helps preserve the finish and keeps the cookware looking newer longer.
Understanding Ceramic Cookware Longevity
All ceramic cookware changes gradually with use. Over time, the surface may become less slick than it felt when brand new, particularly if exposed to consistently high temperatures or abrasive cleaning methods.
That’s normal.
What matters most is how quickly that wear occurs.
The habits that most strongly affect ceramic cookware lifespan are:
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Repeated high-heat cooking
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Dishwasher use
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Cooking spray residue buildup
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Abrasive scrubbing
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Metal utensil use
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Improper storage
With moderate heat, gentle cleaning, and proper daily care, CeramiClad cookware can maintain excellent cooking performance far longer than many lower-quality ceramic pans.
Common Ceramic Cookware Mistakes
Cooking Over High Heat Constantly
Ceramic cookware performs best with controlled, moderate heat rather than aggressive burner settings.
Washing a Hot Pan Immediately
Rapid cooling creates unnecessary stress on the pan body and ceramic surface.
Using Abrasive Cleaning Tools
Harsh scrubbers wear down ceramic finishes much faster than most people realize.
Stacking Pans Without Protection
Direct cookware contact can gradually scratch the surface during storage.
Relying on Cooking Spray
Residue build-up is one of the most common reasons ceramic cookware loses smooth food release prematurely.
Final Thoughts
Made In CeramiClad cookware performs best when treated like precision cookware rather than disposable nonstick.
The fully clad stainless construction provides responsive heat control and excellent temperature stability, while the ceramic cooking surface delivers easy release and simpler cleanup for everyday cooking. With the right habits, that combination can remain enjoyable to cook with for years.
The most important principles are simple:
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Use moderate heat
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Heat the pan gradually
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Hand wash whenever possible
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Avoid abrasive tools
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Store cookware carefully
Ceramic cookware rewards thoughtful use. A little extra care goes a long way toward preserving the smooth cooking surface and consistent performance that make CeramiClad cookware stand out in the first place.
