What is the Ceramic non-stick coating used on Frontier Pots/Pans? Can metal utensils be used with it?

Sea to Summit’s Ceramic Non-Stick coating is manufactured as a silica base sol-gel. it is cured at high temperature to form a hard non-stick surface.
 

What advantages does the ceramic coating have over Teflon (PTFE)? Does it contain PFOAs?

• Ceramic coatings are much harder than Teflon / PTFE and less likely to become scratched.  
• The manufacture of Ceramic coatings does not result in the formation of PFOAs 
• Ceramic coatings do not produce polymer fumes, even at high temperatures. 
  • Teflon (PTFE) coatings are subject to scratching from contact with hard objects.
  • During manufacture, Teflon pans may set free PFOAs.
  • If heated to a high temperature, a Teflon pan may set free polymer fumes.

Can I use metal utensils with the Ceramic Coating?

We would recommend nylon utensils for use with the Ceramic Non-Stick coating. 

We would advise against the use of metal utensils with the Ceramic Non-Stick coating, because constant use could result in micro-scratches in the ceramic surface, making food more likely to stick. Occasional use with a metal utensil should not be an issue.