A New Generation of Non-Stick
What sets this cookware apart isn’t just what it can do, but what it deliberately leaves out. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of chemicals commonly used in non-stick coatings. They’ve also earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. IKEA has been working to remove PFAS from its entire product range for over a decade, and this cookware marks a meaningful step forward in that process.
The sol-gel coating is applied as a liquid and cured in high heat, forming a ceramic-like surface that doesn’t rely on plastic polymers. It offers many of the benefits users expect from non-stick cookware, without the environmental baggage.
IKEA’s ceramic non-stick pan in use with mushrooms and seasoning on medium heat
Everyday Usability with a Conscious Design
In daily use, the new pans and pots feel familiar and easygoing. They heat quickly and perform well with minimal oil, making them a good fit for everything from stir-fries and vegetables to pancakes or fish. Cleaning is also refreshingly simple—most foods release easily with just warm water and a soft sponge.
IKEA’s trademark functionality is evident in the thoughtful details: light but sturdy construction, ergonomic handles (some models feature natural wood), and a minimalist look that blends into almost any kitchen style.
That said, this is still ceramic cookware—and that means understanding a few differences compared to traditional PTFE non-stick. Ceramic coatings can be more sensitive to high heat and rough handling. Metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers are best avoided, and for the longest possible lifespan, it’s wise to stick with medium heat.
IKEA’s ceramic non-stick pan in use with mushrooms and seasoning on medium heat
Strengths and Limitations
The biggest strength of this new cookware is, without question, its PFAS-free formulation. For health-conscious consumers and eco-minded households, that’s a compelling selling point. The pans also offer good non-stick performance for common meals and are easy to keep clean without aggressive chemicals or scrubbing.
However, ceramic coatings—while durable—tend to wear out faster than high-end PTFE coatings. If you’re cooking every day at high temperatures or looking for something that will last for a decade, you may want to supplement your kitchen setup with stainless steel or cast iron for certain tasks.
This range isn’t about replacing all your cookware. It’s about offering a safer, more sustainable option for the everyday meals most of us make regularly.
Practical Tips for Cooking with Ceramic-Coated Cookware
To get the best experience from IKEA’s ceramic cookware, here are a few tips:
- Use medium heat instead of high—ceramic coatings perform best this way and last longer.
- Choose silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the surface.
- Let the pan cool before washing, and clean with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
- Ideal for low-to-medium intensity dishes like eggs, stir-fries, veggies, pancakes, and fish.
Making pancakes with IKEA’s PFAS-free ceramic non-stick pan
Where to Buy
The HEMKOMST, MIDDAGSMAT, and HUSKNUT cookware lines are available at IKEA stores across the United States and on their official website at ikea.com. Prices vary by size and style, but in true IKEA fashion, the products aim to stay budget-friendly and accessible.
Kitchenfinder Thoughts
IKEA’s new ceramic-coated cookware is a timely and thoughtful innovation. It addresses the growing concern around PFAS in everyday products while maintaining the practical benefits that home cooks value: ease, affordability, and reliability.
This is not a high-performance chef’s pan—and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it’s a smart choice for families, apartment dwellers, first-time homeowners, and anyone wanting to reduce harmful chemicals in their kitchen without overcomplicating things.
For everyday meals, it’s more than enough. For your health and the environment, it’s a step in the right direction.