Clay pots are great for cooking because they are made from natural materials. However, there are some disadvantages to using them as well. For example, clay pots wear down with time and won’t last forever.
Plus, the food cooked in a clay pot tastes different as compared to the one cooked in iron, steel, or aluminum pots or pans. Knowing these disadvantages will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to cook in a clay pot.
Table of Contents
8 Disadvantage of Cooking in Clay Pots
#1. May cause a change in flavor
Cooking in a clay pot causes the food to taste different than cooking on a regular vessel of steel or aluminum stovetop or in an oven. This is due to the minerals that are made within the clay.
#2. Get Cracks on High Temperature
Clay pots are made for low-temperature cooking only. It is dangerous to use them at high temperatures because they can get cracks and crackle on the pots easily. Clay pots are fragile and can break easily, so they must be handled with care. If you accidentally knock it over or drop it, the pot will shatter and break- not to mention the fact that clay pots are very heavy so they can be dangerous if dropped on your foot.
#3. May cause health problems
The porous material of the clay combined with acidic foods may release small amounts of lead into your food, which can be harmful to your health over time. The presence of lead in Glazed clay pots is also very harmful to health. In rare cases, clay can cause skin allergies or irritations.
Also read – Ceramic cookware in India
#4. Can’t use a metal spatula
This is one of the disadvantages because it means you can’t use any metal utensils to stir or scrape out food. You’ll need to use a wooden or plastic spatula instead, as they won’t damage the cooking surface of the pot.
#5. Porousness
Clay is a porous material, which means it can absorb the smells and flavors of certain foods. The porous material of the clay pot makes it difficult to clean. If they are not cleaned properly the porous nature may lead to the formation of fungus in the vessels. They can’t be washed with regular soap and water, because they’re made from natural materials and will absorb all the lather and soap used.
#6. Heat Absorption is Very High
Clay absorbs heat faster than other materials, which means the pots will get hot to the touch much sooner when placed on a burner. If you touch the handle without a potholder, your hand can get burned easily.
#7. Expensive
A clay pot may cost more than regular non-stick pots and pans or metal cast iron cookware, just because it is made from natural materials.
#8. Not Safe for Dishwasher
You can’t put the clay pot in the dishwasher, so you’ll need to clean it by hand using a brush and sponge. Plus, even if you wash it by hand it will be difficult to get the clay pot completely clean due to how porous it is.
Advantages of Cooking in Clay Pots
With all the disadvantages of cooking in clay pots, there are also some advantages that come with it.
- Made from natural materials
- Environment-friendly utensil
- Maintain 100% Nutrition in food
- Balances the pH level of food
- Retains heat for a longer time
- A healthy diet at number 1 place.
- Easier to digest food when you’re sick
You can also check it out – top stainless steel pressure cooker for cooking
Conclusion
As you can see, cooking in a clay pot has many benefits, but it also has some drawbacks as well. Make sure you always use a potholder and never leave your clay pot on high heat for too long or it could break.
If you’re serious about cooking, the safest thing you can do is to read up on what’s available before making a decision.
If you do decide to use clay pots, make sure you go with one of the quality brands available- many clay pots are cheaply made and won’t last.
