What material should be avoided when using an open flame for cooking?

When using an open flame for cooking, it is important to avoid materials that can easily catch fire or degrade in high heat. Paper plates, being made of paper, are particularly susceptible to combustion and can ignite quickly when exposed to flames. This poses a serious fire hazard, as the flames can spread rapidly and lead to larger fires.

On the other hand, non-stick cookware, glass cookware, and ceramic dishes are designed to withstand higher temperatures and are generally safer for use with open flames. Non-stick cookware is engineered to provide a non-reactive surface that can handle cooking at elevated temperatures. Glass cookware can also tolerate high heat, although care must be taken since rapid temperature changes can cause it to break. Ceramic dishes are often made to endure oven temperatures and can resist heat from a flame.

Therefore, while the other options can be used cautiously with an open flame, paper plates should be strictly avoided due to their flammability and the risk they pose for igniting fires.