The so-called ceramic pans are no different. Their metal base is sprayed with a coating of sand and other inorganic chemicals. When you heat the pan, tiny amounts of this coating are released, making the cooking surface slippery (and also leaching into your food). The coating scratches easily, losing its slick, non-stick properties, and eventually wears off. At that point, you have to buy a new ceramic pan because your old one becomes too sticky.