Best Ceramic Cookware
Experienced cooks know there’s nothing more important for success in the kitchen than using the best tools to get the job done well. This is especially true when it comes to cookware. Which pots and pans you choose can have a direct impact on the outcome of your carefully crafted recipes.
In recent years, ceramic cookware has moved up the ladder of esteem in the eyes of pampered chefs as the cookware of choice. That’s because it is affordable, is a healthier and safer non-stick alternative to other non-stick options, has good heat transfer and retention, and is lightweight, making it ideal for every day use.
Luckily there are so many varieties to choose from. From five-piece starter sets to 23-piece sets that include everything you need from stockpots and frying pans to baking sheets, there is something for every budget and taste.
We feature the best ceramic cookware sets you can buy online. Read on to find one that suits you best.
Top Pick Best Healthy Nonstick: GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Induction Safe Healthy Ceramic Nonstick
These days, no one takes their health for granted and with more and more people hopping onto the health and wellness bandwagon, that concern has extended into not only the foods we eat, but also, the utensils we use to prepare them in. You’ve been eating healthy and preparing your own meals for years, but now you’re turning your attention to your non-stick cookware. If you’re looking to replace your non-stick cookware with a healthier alternative, then this may be the set for you.
We recommend the GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Induction Save Healthy Ceramic Nonstick for all your cooking needs.
Crafted from hard anodized aluminum for maximum strength and scratch resistance, this collection is finished with a Magneto base for superior induction efficiency and incredible searing and browning on all stovetops, including induction. Cooking has never been easier.
In keeping with a healthy lifestyle, each of this collection’s pots and pans are finished with a ceramic nonstick coating that is safe to use with metal utensils and free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. You’ll never have to worry about toxic fumes, even if you accidentally overheat a pot or pan.
Beautiful to look at, the cookware is mirror-polished and has an ergonomic stainless steel handle with a stay-cool V cutout for an easy transition from stovetop to oven. So yes, it’s oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Glass lids are safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each pot and pan features a Thermolon Minerals Pro ceramic nonstick, diamond-infused coating that’s designed to stand up to intense use while giving you even heating, effortless release, and easy cleanup. This cookware set will never warp, wobble or scratch over time for even cooking, browning, searing and sautéing without the lost of energy or heat.
Hand-washing is recommended, but for really big messes, you can put them into the dishwasher. Included in the set is everything you need to prepare all of your favorite recipes: an 8-inch, 9.5-inch and 11-inch fry pan; a 2-quart and a 3-quart saucepan with lids; a 3-quart skillet with lid; and a 5-quart casserole with lid.
Makes a great housewarming or wedding gift for the health-conscious cooks in your life.
Pros:
- Metal utensil safe
- Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium
- Good on all stovetops including induction
- Can be used in the oven up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- More expensive than other cookware sets
Top Pick Best Budget: KUTIME 6pcs Cookware Set
Congraulations, you’re moving into your first apartment. It’s so much fun to equip a new place but like most people starting out, the budget is tight. That doesn’t mean you have to skimp on health or quality. If you’re on your own, or part of a couple, then your cookware needn’t consist of more than a few basic pieces. If you’re looking for an affordable, quality cookware set that will get you cooking like a pro in no time, then this may be the set for you.
We recommend the KUTIME 6pcs Cookware Set for all your cooking needs.
This six-piece non-stick cookware set includes everything to meet your different needs for everyday cooking: an 8-inch and a 9.5-inch fry pan; a 9.5-inch stockpot with lid to make delicious soups and stews; and a 6-inch milk pan with lid.
This cookware set is made of durable food-grade aluminum material with a premium ceramic non-stick coating to help food slide right off the pan, and is PTFE, PFOA, lead and cadmium free, so you know it’s a healthier choice. The three-layered bottom on this cookware set makes for quick, even heating and is compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, glass and induction cooktops. What more can you ask for?
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Includes six pieces
- PTFE, PFOA, lead and cadmium free
- Use plastic or wooden utensils
- Wash with a soft sponge or cloth
Cons:
- Starter set, may not have all the pieces you want
- Do not use with stainless steel wire balls or wire brushes to clean
- Not dishwasher safe
- Cannot be used in the oven
Top Pick Most Versatile: Home Hero Copper Pots and Pans Set
Over the years you have collected an assortment of pots, pans and bakeware. Some pieces have lasted a long time, while others have ended up in the garbage for one reason or another. The result? Your kitchen cabinets house a hodgepodge of cookware you’re too embarrassed to display. Since you do a lot of cooking and baking, you feel it’s time to treat yourself and finally have a complete set so you can proudly display your cookware and more importantly, become the chef you’ve always wanted to be.
We recommend the Home Hero Copper Pots and Pans Set to supply you with a good-looking ceramic cookware set that has everything you will need to turn out beautifully cooked meals every time.
This 23-piece cookware set includes a rich variety of non-stick copper ceramic cookware, bake-ware and lids, as well as three pan protectors, two cleaning sponges and two pan scrapers that won’t scratch your cookware as you try to remove any burnt leftovers in the pan.
The ultra non-stick ceramic interior of these pans is designed for maximal and even heat transfer. Plus, every item is durable, 2.8 mm thick, and lasts longer than standard non-stick coatings – no chipping, peeling or flaking. The ergonomic handles are designed to maximize airflow so they do not conduct heat, protecting your hands from burns. All the pieces in this set are compatible with most stovetops, including induction, and are safe to use in the oven (except for the egg pan).
This set includes an 8.5-inch fry pan; 10.25-inch fry pan with lid; 1.5-quart saucepan with lid; 2.5-quart saucepan with lid; 5.5-inch egg pan (non induction); 4.8-quart deep fryer and steamer rack; 5.5-inch grill pan; 9.5-inch square pan; 5-quart casserole and steamer; 17.7-inch tray with grid; 15.4-inch baking tray; 16-inch muffin tray; 9-inch deep tray; 9-inch round tray; three pan protectors; two cleaning sponges; and two scrapers.
Makes a great wedding or housewarming gift for the favorite cook in your life.
Pros:
- FDA approved
- Dishwasher safe
- 23 pieces
- Oven safe
Cons:
- More expensive than other sets
- Hand-wash only
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for ceramic cookware so you will choose a set that best suits your needs:
Maintenance and care:
Ceramic pots and pans tend to be more lightweight than many other cookware types, and with a non-stick surface, there are some things you can do to help ensure the longevity of the product, although it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Although some ceramic cookware is dishwasher safe, for the best results, it’s usually better to hand wash ceramic cookware with a soft cloth or soft sponge and a gentle cleanser.
Because ceramic is a good conductor of heat, it’s always best to use over low or medium heat. Some ceramic cookware is compatible with metal utensils, but most are not. It’s best to check with the brand you choose to purchase, but using plastic or wooden utensils will still do the job well.
Always cool your ceramic cookware down before washing it, and never ever cool it down by running cold water over it. Ceramic and the metal underneath cool at different speeds, so introducing sudden extreme temperature changes can lead to the coating cracking or chipping as the metal contracts more than the coating.
It’s generally recommended to not use cooking spray on ceramic cookware, although a good quality olive oil, ghee or butter is fine. Finally, always check to make sure all parts of the cookware, including the lids, are safe to put in the oven. Some lids are not to be put in the oven, although the pan is okay.
Features:
As with most things, ceramic cookware comes with different features. When you’re looking at a set to purchase, take into consideration the features that appeal to you. For example, some factors to consider may be if there is a warranty and the length of that warranty and if the cookware is compatible with your cooktop, since some work well with induction stovetops while others do not.
Another feature is if the ceramic cookware can be used in the oven. Some can be used in ovens with temperatures as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This expands the versatility and usage of the cookware, but it may not be a function that is necessary for the way you prefer to cook.
Do you require your pots and pans to have lids? If yes, does it matter to you if the lids are ovenproof? Some lids are fine in the oven up to 350 or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while others cannot be put into the oven.
How many pieces do you want or need? Ceramic cookware sets come in a variety of sizes, meaning some include six pieces, others 12, while others as many as 23 pieces. Before making a decision, consider which items you need and will use. If you are not a baker, or someone who enjoys deep-frying, then you may not want pay for a set that includes these pieces. However, if you feel you may need bakeware later on in your cooking life, then it’s best to get them with the set, rather than buying separate pieces to match your set, which may be more costly.
Ceramic cookware materials:
Because ceramic cookware is a hybrid material, with ceramic being coated over a type of metal underneath, it can combine the incredible heat retention of cast iron, or the precise temperature control of copper, with the durability and non-stick properties of ceramic. Additionally, ceramic is non-reactive and, with proper use, will never degrade. Ceramic nonstick coatings are typically much denser and thicker, and can be heavier than other nonstick options, and more expensive.
Price:
Luckily, ceramic cookware comes in a variety of price points to suit pretty much any budget. The price can depend on a number of factors, including the number of pieces you wish to purchase and the quality of the material from which the pots and pans are made from. It’s never a good idea to spend more than you