## Common ground
All are types of cooking pans and pots categorized by material or function.
## Options at a glance
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from fired clay or ceramic materials, often non-reactive and heat-retentive.
- **Typical examples:** Ceramic casserole dishes, enameled cast iron (if glazed), stoneware pots.
- **Best fit when:** Used for slow cooking, baking, or serving; non-stick surface with no metal leaching.
**7013.42 – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Made of heat-resistant glass (e.g., borosilicate), transparent and non-reactive.
- **Typical examples:** Pyrex baking dishes, glass cookware for stovetop or oven use.
- **Best fit when:** Requires visibility during cooking, oven-safe, and needs easy cleaning.
**7323.9X – Iron or Steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from ferrous metals; often heavy-duty with good heat retention.
- **Typical examples:** Cast iron skillets, carbon steel woks, stainless steel pots.
- **Best fit when:** High-heat cooking, searing, long-term durability, or induction compatibility.
**7418.10 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from pure or lined copper; excellent heat conductivity but reactive unless lined.
- **Typical examples:** Copper saucepans with tin lining, high-end cookware sets.
- **Best fit when:** Precise temperature control needed, professional kitchens, or aesthetic appeal.
**7615.10 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight, highly conductive metal; often anodized or coated to prevent reactivity.
- **Typical examples:** Anodized aluminum pots, non-stick frying pans.
- **Best fit when:** Fast heating, lightweight design, budget-friendly options.
**8516.79 – Electric cooking pans and pots**
- **Defining trait:** Equipped with built-in electric heating elements for direct power use.
- **Typical examples:** Electric rice cookers, induction-compatible electric pots, hot plates with pots.
- **Best fit when:** No external heat source needed; designed for plug-in operation.
## Key differences
| Feature | Ceramic | Glass | Iron/Steel | Copper | Aluminium | Electric |
|------------------|---------------|---------------|---------------|---------------|---------------|----------------|
| Material | Clay/glass | Borosilicate | Ferrous metal | Pure/lin. Cu | Metal (Al) | Metal + heating element |
| Heat conductivity| Low | Medium | High | Very high | High | Built-in heat source |
| Use case | Baking, serving | Visibility, oven use | Searing, durability | Precision cooking | Lightweight, fast heat | Plug-in convenience |
## How to choose
- Is it made of ceramic or glazed clay? → 6912.00
- Is it transparent and made of glass? → 7013.42
- Is it heavy, ferrous (iron/steel), and used on stove? → 7323.9X
- Is it shiny, pure copper or lined with tin? → 7418.10
- Is it lightweight aluminum, often anodized? → 7615.10
- Does it plug into a power outlet and heat itself? → 8516.79
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- A copper pot with electric heating could fit both 7418.10 and 8516.79. Prioritize **function**: if it heats via electricity, use 8516.79.
- Enameled cast iron may look like ceramic but is steel-based; use 7323.9X unless glazed surface dominates.
- Glass or ceramic cookware with heating elements would still fall under 8516.79 if electric.
- No clear priority rule: choose based on **main function** (material vs. power source)