In addition to the classic PTFE-based non-stick coatings, ceramic coatings with a non-stick effect have also become increasingly established on the market in recent years. These ceramic coatings are PTFE-free / PFAS-free. But what about the care properties, or more precisely, cleaning in the dishwasher?

Ceramic coating + dishwasher? Better not!

The first generation of ceramic coatings, which appeared in the 2000s, often reacted extremely badly to cleaning in the dishwasher. The non-stick effect of these ceramic coatings degraded very quickly in the dishwasher. The pan still looked flawless, but everything stuck to it when frying.

The current generations of ceramic coatings (as of 2024) have become much more resistant in this respect, so that some manufacturers approve their ceramic-coated cookware for cleaning in the dishwasher.

However, we do not recommend this to ensure the longest possible product service life and instead recommend much gentler cleaning by hand.

Another reason: aluminum corrosion

Many ceramic pans are made of aluminum, either cast (cast aluminum) or pressed or forged. And here is another reason not to clean ceramic pans in the dishwasher: aluminum corrosion. The outer base (i.e. the surface with which the pan is placed on the stove) of most of these aluminum ceramic pans is made of raw, uncoated aluminum, i.e. the bright, silvery aluminum is visible. (With induction-suitable aluminum pans and pots, the aluminum on the base is usually only partially visible due to the additional induction-suitable ferromagnetic stainless steel disc).

This bare aluminum can corrode, especially during the drying phase in the dishwasher, depending on the temperature and humidity control of the respective machine. The result is grayish stains in the uncoated aluminum.

But don't worry, aluminum does not rust like iron. There is no destructive, rapid progression of oxidation, as with brown iron rust, with aluminum. Instead, aluminum forms a stable grey-white oxide layer. Aluminum corrosion on cookware is therefore primarily a visual impairment.

Conclusion

Cookware with a ceramic coating is extremely easy to clean. A drop of washing-up liquid, wiping once and rinsing is usually enough. For this reason alone, it makes little sense to have the pan machine-cleaned for 1, 2 or 3 hours. However, the real risk of the non-stick properties of the coating deteriorating noticeably through regular cleaning in the dishwasher is a clear argument against the dishwasher.

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