This post was most recently updated on February 18th, 2020
Choosing a new or replacement cookware set can be quite overwhelming. In this buying guide, I share tips on choosing the best ceramic cookware set for your kitchen. I cover the popular choices in ceramic nonstick pots and pans that offer a greener healthier alternative in
In a hurry?
For the best value-for-money non stick ceramic cookware, check out this set at Amazon — See details. For 100% ceramic cookware –> see the deals in the 100% Ceramic Cookware range.
Ceramic Cookware Buying Guide
This guide is about helping you make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: This post may have compensated links where I receive a small share of the sale but at no extra cost to you. This helps me to run this site. Full disclaimer here.
What You’ll Find Here
- Comparison Of Popular
Non Stick Cookware Sets (Chart) - Solid vs Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware Sets
- Reasons To Choose Ceramic For The Best Nonstick Cookware
- What To Look For In Buying The Best Cookware
- Reviews of Some Top Ceramic
NonStick Cookware Sets - FAQs. Is ceramic cookware safe? How do I care for it? Will it last?
- Tips On Maintaining Your Cookware
OVERVIEW
A quick comparison of some
| MAKE | For Someone Looking For… | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| COOKLOVER | A basic set with utensils in a modern design, easy clean exterior & induction ready | 13 Piece (8 + 5 accessories) Wood-look handles Non stick exterior | View Price at Amazon |
| GREENLIFE Soft Grip | A complete set of pots and pans and utensils for all cooking needs at a cheap price | 16 Piece (12 + 4 tools) Thermolon finish | View Price at Amazon |
| GREENPAN Rio | An allrounder set at a budget price | 12-Piece Thermolon finish | View Price at Amazon |
| FARBERWARE Purecook | An allrounder set at a budget price with utensils | 12-Piece (9 + 3 tools) Porcelain enamel exterior | View Price at Amazon |
| T-FAL Initiatives | A ‘value for money’ set that includes utensils | 16-Piece (10 + 6 tools) | View Price at Amazon |
| WEAREVER Pure Living | A stylish versatile set that includes a large frypan with lid | 15-Piece (14 + s/steel insert) Stylish design | View Price at Amazon |
| VREMI | A induction ready cookware with a fresh appeal | 8-Piece Wood-look handles Induction compatible | View Price at Amazon |
Solid Ceramic vs Nonstick Ceramic
Let’s look at the ceramic non stick vs ceramic solid cookware:
Ceramic Non Stick Cookware
In terms of the non stick cookware — the ceramic coated pans have an ultra-dense, ultra-hard ceramic (glass-like) surface. This means, there are no microscopic pores for food particles to adhere to and this makes for a perfect nonstick cooking surface.
These ceramic pots and pans are reasonably lightweight and extra easy to clean.
Ceramic Solid Cookware
Regarding the solid ceramic cookware — in this range the best ceramic pots and pans are made entirely of non toxic ceramic. To find out more about this cookware, check out my review of the Xtrema Ceramic Skillets.
Choose The Best Nonstick Ceramic Cookware
What’s so good about ceramic cookers? Is ceramic cookware the best?
Ceramic is considered non-toxic and more eco-friendly than various other cookware materials. I wrote about the different cookware materials in my article on choosing the healthiest cookware, where you’ll find more info.
The Main Reasons Cooks Will Choose Nonstick Ceramic Cookware
Apart from being lightweight, the nonstick ceramic pans are popular because of the following:
- Simple to use. The food can be flipped and easily slid from the pan without messy cleanup needed.
- Less fat or oil. The non-stick surface means little oil or fat is needed for cooking. You can even cook meats, eggs, and fish without oil.
- Easy to clean. A
non stick coating such as ceramic means a quick wipe with a paper towel. - Healthy option. Ceramic pots and pans are free of toxins PTFE and PFOA and health is a prime consideration today, with safety a priority. Plus being nonstick, less oil and fats are required in cooking and this lowers the dietary intake of fat, suiting those watching their calorie intake or wanting to reduce cholesterol because of medical reasons.
Q. So what makes ceramic non stick pots and pans different from other nonstick cookware?
- The main reason they are considered healthier is that their
non stick coating is ceramic-based, made from silica (sand), rather than from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE aka Teflon), a compound known to release toxic fumes1 when heated at sufficiently high temperatures. Read my article on ceramic or Teflon for a ceramic pan vs Teflon break down.
Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Reviews
The following selection includes some of the best pots and pans in the nonstick ceramic coated range. If cookware made entirely of ceramic interests you, check out my reviews of the Xtrema cookware set designs – a 100 ceramic cookware brand – that’s 100% ceramic.
1. Bialetti Cookware Reviews
If you are looking for the best ceramic pans with an Italian style, check out the pans by Bialetti, a brand made famous in Italy.
The nonstick ceramic sets feature cadmium-, PFOA-, and PTFE-free and an attractive and easy to clean design.
The heavy gauge construction of these Bialetti pots and pans means rapid and even heat distribution.
Price
You’ll find Bialetti sets are in the mid-price range.
I cover four styles to choose from in my review of Bialetti ceramic cookware sets on the market today, check it out.
2. GreenLife Soft Grip Cookware Set Review
GreenLife began in 2013 with the idea of designing a ‘Green Life’ cookware selection to bring healthy cooking within everyone’s reach.
What’s Included?
This 16-piece set of ‘Green Life’ pots and pans includes 1-qt saucepan + lid, 2-qt saucepan + lid, 5-qt stockpot + lid, 2.5-qt sauté pan + lid, a stainless steel steamer, 4″ mini pan, 7″ open frypan, 9.5″ open frypan, and four utensils.
The ‘Green Life’ pans come in a choice of colors. At the time of this writing, you could choose a ceramic pan set in either black, red, lavender, burgundy, or turquoise.
How Is It Constructed?
The base is reinforced aluminum and the coating is PFAS-, PFOA-, lead-, and cadmium-free.
This Greenlife ceramic non stick cookware set has a rivet-free handle design, which allows ease of cleaning for better hygiene and durability of the coating in the area where rivets usually sit.
The rivet-free design combined with features of Thermolon® on both interior and exterior surfaces should make for super easy cleaning.
The cookware is designed in
What to Love or Not About This Set?
This set also has a saute pan with lid, which is great for tossing food when cooking. I like that the set has a fair sized stockpot, which is always great for those hearty winter soups. The 16-pcs set includes a stainless steel steamer.
The glass lids allow for the viewing of the food while cooking without having to lift the lid. These are interchangeable with the pot lids able to fit the frypans.
The GreenLife Soft Grip ceramic cooking pans feature ergonomic phenolic handles that have a soft touch and won’t be as hot to touch as metal handles.
You can choose smaller sets or larger ones to suit your cooking style and family needs.
Pros- The choice of colors
- Suitable for all cooktops apart from the induction type
- This line of green pots and pans are economically priced
- Come with GreenLife’s warranty on defects
- Also available in smaller and larger sets.
- Versatile, the frying pan in the set comes with a lid
- Style/design (rivet-free and ergonomic handles) make this is a top budget pick
Cons
- Like all nonstick surfaces, this ceramic surface is not impartial to wear with use over time
- High flames will tarnish the beautifully colored pots and pans
Price
This is for someone who wants a ‘value for money’ set. It is an economical buy given the extras included. Check out the latest price at Amazon — See details.
3. GreenPan Rio Ceramic Cookware Review
The main obvious differences between this and the GreenLife pots and pans set are the handle style and trims.
What’s Included?
1-qt saucepan + lid, 2-qt saucepan + lid, 3-qt saucepan + lid, 9.5″ sauté pan + lid, 5-qt casserole + lid, 8″ frypan, 9.5″ frypan.
GreenPan were the pioneers of the ceramic nonstick cookware, starting in 2007, and the first to introduce non-PTFE nonstick cookware. Their cookware sets are designed in Belguim and manufactured in China.
How Is It Constructed?
The GreenPan Rio ceramic cooking set also has the Thermolon ceramic coating, which makes for easy cleaning inside and out. According to the manufacturer, the coating is safe from toxic chemicals, like lead, cadmium, and fluoropolymers (PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA).
The handles are rivet free, which is great for hygiene and makes for ‘no fuss’ cleaning. The cookware set also comes in colors of b
What to Love or Not About This Set?
This also has a saute pan with lid and a fair sized stock pot (casserole). This GreenPan Rio set does not come with utensils but has a casserole pan.
The glass lids allow you to see the food cooking without having to remove the covers. Heavy-gauge aluminum bases mean fast and efficient heating.
The cookware is safe for oven use only at low heat, i.e., 350ºF (176ºC) oven use and for medium heat on the stovetop.
The handles are phenolic and ergonomically designed. They will be cooler to touch than metal handles. Suitable for all cooktops apart from the induction type.
Pros- It has a Limited Lifetime Warranty
- It has a great collection of pot and pan sizes to suit the family and dinner party cooking
- Rivets are covered making for easy cleaning and hygiene
Cons
- To retain it’s performance and appeal use non metal utensils, hand-wash only and ensure heat setting when cooking is no higher than medium
- Watch handles of small pots on gas stoves where exposure to open flames can cause damage
Price
Well priced for what is included. Check out the latest price at Amazon — See details.
4. Initiatives T-fal Ceramic Cookware Review
This is a great assortment of cookware from the company that invented non stick pots and pans in the 1950s.
The T fal ceramic pan set is ideal for preparing family meals or dinners for guests.
What’s Included?
This 16-piece set includes 1-qt sauce pan + lid, 2-qt sauce pan + lid, 5-qt dutch oven + lid, 7.5″ fry pan, 11″ fry pan + lid, 10″ square griddle, and six utensils.
How Is It Constructed?
The T-fal cookware is PFAS-, PFOA-, lead-, and cadmium-free making it a healthy choice for nonstick cookware and an eco-friendly option.
The surfaces are stain and scratch resistant with an enamel finish on the exterior and a ceramic surface interior. The color choices include black and red.
What to Love or Not About This Set?
What I like the most about this T-fal set is that has a griddle pan, which is perfect for making pancakes, French toast, bacon, eggs, and crepes.
The glass lids have vents allowing monitoring of cooking without moving the lids.
Handles are phenolic and lids and handles are oven-safe up to 350ºF, while the cooking surface can be heated to 570° F.
Suitable for all cooktops apart from induction type. A heavy-gauge aluminum base means fast and even distribution of heat.
Pros- Will last some years with care
- Has a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Care in cleaning around the rivets on the interior of the pot or pan will avoid wear to the ceramic surface.
Price
Price wise: A cheap ceramic cookware set. At Amazon.com you can get it with extras included. Check out the latest price at Amazon — See details.
T-fal also has a stainless steel range in ceramic nonstick…
Stainless Steel with Ceramic Non Stick Pans
The T-fal ceramic coated stainless steel cookware sets are suitable for all cooktops — including induction types.
Only the frying pans are ceramic nonstick, the rest is stainless steel. Perfect if you like more durable pots for stews etc. but want the fat-free benefits and a healthy option in a non stick pan.
Check out the latest price of this Stainless Steel Ceramic at Amazon — See details
5. Farberware PURECOOK Ceramic Set Review
What’s Included?
2-qt saucepan + lid, 5-qt dutch oven + lid, 5″ mini skillet, 8.5″ skillet, 10″ skillet, 11.5″ skillet+lid, and three utensils
This ceramic cookware pot set is designed in the USA. The set comes in popular colors of Aqua, Blue, Gray, and Lavender.
The double heavy-gauge aluminum base aids the cookware’s performance of even cooking without hot spots.
How Is It Constructed?
I like the stainless steel accents on the handles that add extra style. These are long handles that attach to the vessel with rivets.
The nonstick white ceramic surface is free from PFAS, PFOA, or cadmium. I also like the enamel porcelain exterior that is stain resistant and easy to clean.
What to Love or Not About This Set?
What I like the most about this set is that the 10-inch and the 15-inch ceramic non stick skillet each have a unique interior surface that is textured to enhance food release and ease of cooking.
The set contains shatter-resistant glass lids, which enable easy viewing of food while cooking. The lids that fit the pots also fit the frying pans.
The handles are phenolic and should be cool to touch. The cookware is oven safe up to 350ºF. This lightweight ceramic cookware set is ideal for all cooktops except induction.
Pros- Includes 3 nylon cooking utensils: a slotted turner, a slotted spoon, and a solid spoon
- Comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty
Cons
- The riveted areas might attract grime – Take care in cleaning around the rivets to avoid damage to the nonstick surface
Price
Budget price. Check out the price at Amazon —See details.
6. WearEver Ceramic Cookware NonStick
What’s Included?
This is a 15-piece cookware set that includes three saucepans: 1-quart, 2-quart, and 3-quart with lids; a 5-quart dutch oven with lid; a 3.5-quart deep saute pan with lid; two fry pans: 8-inch and 10-inch; a 12-inch fry pan with lid; and a steamer insert.
How Is It Constructed?
This ceramic nonstick cookware set is made of heavy gauge aluminum. The manufacturer claims the Pure Living design has a superior ceramic cooking surface in that it is stain and scratch and is most durable of its designs.
The handles are designed for comfort with soft-touch silicone covering. They are free of PTFE, PFOA, cadmium, and lead.
Performance
Performs well on medium heat. The heavy gauge aluminum base provides fast and even heat dispersion
The pots and lids are safe for placing in ovens up to 350ºF (a moderately slow oven).
What to Love or Not About This Set?
This set can be used on all cooktops apart from induction.
Make sure to treat before the first use to ensure the best performance (see instructions included for the set).
Pros- Versatility with the number of pieces in the set
- Has a stainless steel steamer included in the set
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Care needed when cleaning around riveted areas to avoid wearing the ceramic cooking surface
Price
This is a mid-range priced set. It has had mixed reviews at Amazon. Check out the latest price at Amazon — See details.
7. Vremi Ceramic Cookware Review
I love the look of this Vremi cookware in mellow yellow.
What’s Included?
3-qt dutch oven + lid, 5-qt dutch oven + lid, 4-qt casserole pot + lid, 9.4″ fry pan, and 10.1″ fry pan.
This set has a modern look. The pots and pans have a die-cast aluminum base that heats quickly and evenly.
The lids are not clear — they are aluminum but with steam release holes (a small gap between the body of the pot and the lid).
How Is It Constructed?
The exterior is heat-resistant enamel and claimed to be 100% Scrape Free. The handles and knobs are a wood-look Bakelite type.
The interior is a marble ceramic coating that resists staining and is easy to clean. The manufacturer claims the coating is lead-free, BPA free, PFOA free.
The pots are versatile in that they are designed for cooking and then serving, with handles both sides for easy maneuvering and an exterior in a color to add vibrancy to your table.
The set is available in green, blue, or yellow from Amazon.
Also, no seasoning of cookware is required.
What to Love or Not About This Set?
You can’t go wrong with two fry pans, two dutch ovens, and a casserole pot for preparing meals on the stove top.
But, as far as for oven use, I wouldn’t depend on these for that style of cooking since the handles and knobs are made of Bakelite.
This set suits all stovetops including induction, gas, electric, and halogen types.
When using on induction always make sure the size of the cookware base is larger than the element size.
Pros- Not bad seeing as these suit induction as well
Cons
- Handles may become hot during use if left sitting over heat.
- These pots and pans are not designed for oven cooking
Price
Another mid-range set, price wise, in terms of the ceramic cookware at Amazon — See details.
What Do I look For in the Best Cookware?
Cookware is an everyday item and an important purchase because it is something you will want to last for a fair amount of time.
All the best cookware reviews will tell you that performance and design are what matters the most regarding your satisfaction with your purchase. And, let’s be real, the price you are willing to pay plays an important part in your decision.
But… you should also consider your cooking style and the type of cooktop you use. And, are you one for convenience, less mess, and/or want to reduce your intake of dietary fat from cooking.
In this case, you’ll be looking at a healthy nonstick choice like nonstick ceramic or perhaps cast iron cookware – see my guide on the best-cast iron pan.
Choosing the Best Pots and Pans Set
For that best ceramic cookware purchase, let’s start with the design and performance…
Fast and even heating vs slow cooking
Most nonstick ceramic sets have metal bases that will conduct heat well, saving on energy costs and providing quick and easy cooking.
The best ceramic pan for this sort of performance is a non stick one with a metal core that conducts heat and distributes it fast and even.
By the way, the 100 percent ceramic cookware types are ideal for slow cooking on the range top or oven cooking as they absorb and withstand high heat. (Superb for locked-in flavor and goodness of hearty pot meals).
Those with a thin base will burn your food too easily. A heavy or thick metal base will be less likely to warp and a flat base is critical, or one that is slightly concave (like the bottom of a wine bottle) as it will flatten on heating.
Ease of cleaning
If you’re wanting easy cleanup and fat-free cooking, you’ll want nonstick cookware. A ceramic coating means easy cleanup of cookware. Just a simple wipe with a paper towel can be enough.
Is Ceramic Safe for Your Health?
The ceramic cooking surface is free of PTFE and PFOA and of heavy metals. This makes it the best nonstick cookware to buy healthwise.
Find out more in my FAQ section at the end.
Just so you know upfront, coatings of ceramic cookware sold in the USA must abide by 21CFR170(b). The ruling goes beyond ceramic cookware made in USA to cover that sold here but made elsewhere as well.
Although most of the best nonstick cookware are designed in the USA, most (if not all) are manufactured overseas.
Durable and easy to clean finish
The exterior finish is an important design feature. You might prefer a certain color, one that suits your kitchen. But look beyond that to the types of finishes.
Exterior finishes range from ceramic coatings and glazes to painted, anodized, and enamel. Here’s a bit of a run down on each…
Ceramic glazes provide a tough exterior. These are found in 100% ceramic cookware. They contain various inorganic minerals and oxides that give strength, color, and glossiness to the cookware finish.
Painted exteriors, though economical, can scratch or wear away with use.
Anodized finishes are tough and chemically inert. You can read more here: Chemical Materials, Elsevier. The non-stick coating is expected to last longer when applied to an anodized pan compared to one that’s not.
Porcelain enamel is a glass-based coating that is sprayed and fused to the cookware substrate through high heat (1500°F). It won’t peel, flake, or rust.
About the handles
Look for handles that you can grip securely as this will reduce the risk of injury when handling the cookware, moving it from the over or using it over the heat.
Consider how well handles are attached, the handle length, whether they will become hot or not, and the ease of use with two hands, especially with a larger pan.
Handles fixed by welding or fastening with screws can work loose over time, while riveted handles may mean areas of grime build-up and require care in cleaning for hygiene if they are not coated well with the ceramic surface.
Whether the handles will be hot to touch when on the stovetop is another thing to consider. The handle should remain cool to touch when using it on the stove top or you will need to use pot holders.
For stovetops (and ovens), the best handle to avoid burns is a silicone-coated, Bakelite, wood, or a hollow metal handle.
Clear view lids
Most people like glass lids because they make it easy to see the contents of the pot without having to lift the lid and releasing steam.
Lids with vents also prevent pressure build-up in the saucepan.
Some sets have lids of a size that works on other pots or pans in the set.
- Remember to recycle your old cookware. You can find out how here.
Getting the Best Cookware For Your Cooking Style
What is your cooking style? How do you mostly cook? The quality and type of cookware to choose will depend on your methods in the kitchen.
If you are preparing low-fat meals, you will want a non-stick for that best frying pan. And, you might want a good ceramic pan in that case.
Know Your Cookware
Cookware And Their Uses
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Saucepans | Best for boiling vegetables and cooking rice, pasta, and sauces |
| Frypans and Skillets | Best for fast frying or deglazing, searing, and browning |
| Griddle Pan | Perfect for pancakes, French toast, bacon, eggs, or crepes |
| Sauté Pan | A shallow pan used for sautéing and browning. It’s best for shaking and tossing food, and techniques that use less fat than frying |
| Stockpot | A deep saucepan used for stock or soup making or boiling seafood or a large number of vegetables |
| Dutch Oven | A thick-walled cooking pan that is best for the oven or slow-cooking of casseroles, stews, and roasts |
Design of Rims – In pots and pans, slightly rolled rims are designed for pouring whereas straight rims are suited to the tossing of ingredients while cooking.
Design of Sides – Cookware with high vertical sides are best for simmering liquids whereas those with flared sides are best for evaporating liquids while cooking.
About Oven Cooking
If you want to use your item in the oven, look for oven-safe materials in the parts, particularly the handles and knobs.
So are ceramic pans oven safe?
The handle construction is one feature that will determine whether or not you can put a ceramic pan in the oven for roasting or baking, i.e., an oven at high heat temperatures.
In this respect, the general rules for ‘can ceramic pans go in the oven?’ are:
- Stainless steel handles are oven safe to 500°F (260°C)
- Phenolic resin (Bakelite) parts to 350°F (175°C)
- Silicone parts to 400°F (204°C)
However, if you have 100% ceramic saucepan, it will withstand the highest heat of any kitchen oven much like a ceramic
For more factors affecting
Best Cookware for Your Cooktop
Are ceramic pans good to go on all cooktops? Ceramic non-stick cookware is suitable for gas, ceramic, and electric
What Type of Cooktop Do You Have?
- For gas, ceramic, or electric cooktops, all ceramic cookware as long as it has a flat base will suit. Tip: Avoid using high flame settings on gas burners as this can discolor the exterior of cookware.
- For induction ranges, you will need magnetic base materials, i.e., cookware with a ferrous base.
How Much Do Ceramic Cookware Cost?
How much are you prepared to pay for high-quality pots and pans?
Ceramic cookware sets range from $30 to $300 (up to $1000 for deluxe brands).
A basic starting set would be at least one pan and three pots with lids. But, do you cook for a family? Do you entertain?
Think about the size and quantity of the cookware you will need in that case. In both cases, you may need a good-sized set.
For an everyday family, 8–10 pieces should give you all you need. But, for a large family of say 10–12 or if you entertain large parties, you may want to choose the larger sized options available.
While it’s best to purchase good quality pots and pans, you might need to base your purchase on what you can afford at the time.
Buying an entire cookware set first-up rather than buying individual pieces later has advantages in saving you money in the long run.
But then, if the budget is tight, you can always add others as you can afford it, as long as you don’t mind whether the pieces match or not.
Here’s the Deal…
Acquiring a quality cooking set that covers all your needs is worth the investment.
Though it can cost a tad more initially, you should see the benefits of savings over time from not having to buy extras or replacements that are likely to be more expensive the next time around.
Things to Consider Price-Wise:
- How many pieces and what size pots and pans do you need?
- Will you be mostly cooking for the family or to entertain guests or both?
- Do you want a matching set or don’t mind mixing colors?
What Choices are Available?
Some best ceramic cookware brands include kitchen utensils to use with the
Some come in a choice of colors and certain brands offer the same design in smaller or larger sets.
You can choose the size of your cookware collection or whether you want the extras or not.
Ceramic Non Stick Pans in Stainless Steel
If you prefer cooking with stainless steel but want a pan that is a healthy non stick choice, then consider this 10-piece set of cookware with two cooking utensils included.
Click for reviews by verified owners on the T-fal Stainless Steel Cookware Set.
100% Natural Ceramic Cookware
If you are looking at ceramics because of the health benefits, don’t forget, there are two main types of ceramic cookware sets to consider.
One is the ceramic coated cookware with nonstick cooking as covered in this guide. The second is the 100% pure ceramic cookware type, for example, the Xtrema ceramic cookware, which is a wholesome and natural way to cook.
FAQs
It is free of hazardous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – qualities that make these preferable to other non-stick cookware.
1. It’s super easy to clean.
2. Ceramic cookware is considered a healthy choice because it is made without
3. Cooking with ceramic nonstick cookware means less fat and oil. The nonstick ceramic surface provides a greener alternative to lowering the intake of dietary fat through cooking = fewer calories and thus lowers cholesterol intake. This benefits weight control and contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
4. Ceramic doesn’t react with acids and so won’t taint your food.
The ceramic in the non stick cookware type is a non-metallic material. In respect to this, the ceramic is made from sand (silica) that is formulated in a gel solution to provide a non-stick surface (see below).
Ceramic nonstick cookware is an eco-friendly and healthy choice for cookware. These pots and pans are PFOA free cookware. They are also PTFE free and are regarded as non-toxic cookware. If you’re wanting a ‘good pots and pans’ set that are nonstick without the leaching of harmful chemicals consider ceramic nonstick. What are the ceramic cookware dangers? Are ceramic pans safe? Is ceramic cookware safe? I cover nonstick ceramic cookware safety in more detail here. I also have an article on ceramic cookware pros and cons.
Ceramic coatings include patented types, like Thermolon, used by GreenPan and GreenLife in their best ceramic nonstick cookware. Thermolon coatings involve a Sol-Gel procedure: “Thermolon is developed from an inorganic, ceramic polymer based on silica that is coated using a sol-gel process. It is a mineral-based coating made primarily out of a combination of silicon and oxygen – the same basic elements found in sand. Thermolon’s inorganic origins allow it to overcome environmental and engineering inefficiencies found in organic non-stick coatings such as PTFE.” (Porcelain Industries 2018) I cover how the ceramic non stick coating is made in more detail here.
While they are rated dishwasher safe, hand washing is best to prolong their life by avoiding knocks and scrapes in the dishwasher. The nonstick ceramic pots and pans are so easy to clean by just a quick wipe with a paper towel in most cases, why would you put them in the dishwasher?
My Tips on Ceramic Pan Care
People might ask, what are your tips on ceramic pan care? Well, here they are — my quick-start tips for using ceramic cooking pots and pans.
First Thing
On receiving your ceramic pots and pans set, remove all labels and packaging materials. Before use, wash cookware with warm, soapy water.
Then rinse and dry using a soft cloth or paper towel. Store by placing paper napkins or pan protectors between cookware to protect surfaces.
Make sure you have silicone, nylon, plastic or wooden utensils to use with your ceramic nonstick cookware rather than those metal ones that will fast deteriorate your nonstick cookware.
How to Care for Ceramic Cookware
Handwashing is best. ‘Dishwasher safe’ cookware is a feature of ceramic cookware sets. But, can ceramic pots and pans go in the dishwasher?
Take it from me, it’s best to avoid the harsh detergents and any damage from the dishwasher arms to keep your cookware looking the best cooking set.
Make sure the ceramic frying pan fits in the sink. Do not soak. Clean once it has cooled down. Don’t use harsh scrubbing pads.
To lengthen the life of ceramic cookware, follow these tips.
These tips are for ceramic cookware but can apply to care for pots and pans in general:
- Hand washing (even though for ceramic cookware, dishwasher safe is a feature) will increase the longevity of use
- Avoid storage damage by placing paper napkins, towels, or pan protectors between cookware when not in use
- Always use a small amount of oil or butter so the coating lasts longer and food does not stick
- Avoid spraying oil or extra virgin olive oil as this may produce a buildup and damage the ceramic surface
- Only use low or medium heat as high heat can damage the ceramic cookware
- Select the proper burner size to avoid heat touching and torching the sides
- Allow the ceramic cookware to cool before washing as cold water on hot cookware can damage the non-stick coating or warp the pan
- Use only silicone, nylon, plastic, or wooden utensils – Metal utensils will scratch the surface
- Ensure it has cooled before washing as adding cold water to a hot pan can damage the non-stick coating. A rapid change of temperature can also cause warping.
- Care for lids: Tempered glass lids are oven safe to 350 ºF Cleaning Ceramic CookwareCeramic cookware is considered dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleaning, but I recommend hand washing for long-term ceramic pan care.
- Avoid storage damage by placing paper napkins, towels, or pan protectors, like these, between cookware when not in use – avoid stacking pots and pans
Most important! Use utensils that won’t harm the surface. You can buy BPA-free utensils that won’t harm the surface, like these here.
Cooking with Your Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
Heating: Preheat on low settings first and allow the oil to heat before adding the food to your ceramic non stick frying pan. This is like most cookware. Best advice about using lids and handles
Is nonstick ceramic cookware good to use on high heat? Use on low or medium heat or only up to temperatures advised by the manufacturer. Low to medium heat works well with ceramic cookware having an aluminum base layer, which quickly conducts heat.
Do not let the cookware burn dry. As well, it is advisable to allow ceramic cookware to cool before washing.
Avoid plunging your hot ceramic pan into cold water, and this could compromise the non-stick qualities of your cookware. Being ceramic, care is needed to avoid it chipping.
Using and Caring for Lids and Handles
In removing lids while cooking, make sure to tilt the lid so that it directs the steam away from you and keep hands and face away from steam vents.
Glass lids with cracks, chips, or scratches should not be used to avoid injuries to users or people nearby. Hot glass lids should not be placed under cold water, as they could break or crack due to the temperature change. Tempered glass lids are oven safe to 350°F (175°C).
To avoid a vacuum seal forming after turning the heat down, leave the lid ajar or the steam-vent open on the pan.
Keep potholders available for use. Keep handles positioned so that they are not over other hot burners. Retighten handles and knobs that are fastened with screws that may loosen over time.
Can ceramic cookware be used in the oven?
Yes, but at what level the heating will depend on the handle types and the lids. It is best to check with the manufacturer as there are wide variations in designs.
As a guide, ceramic cookware with a stainless steel handle is oven safe to 500°F (260°C); phenolic resin (plastic/bakelite) parts to 350°F (175°C); and silicone parts to 400°F (204°C).
In most cases, you won’t be putting your best ceramic non stick pan in an oven set at a very high temperature.
The best ceramic cookware for use in the oven is the 100% natural ceramic type — see my review here — which can withstand the high temperatures.
Is seasoning of the cookware required?
Unlike cast iron, ceramic cookware does not usually require seasoning prior to use.
However, some manufacturers recommend you season their pots and pans before use with a light rubbing of cooking oil after washing in soapy water and rinsing.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the product for warranty reasons.
Ceramic vs Aluminum vs Cast Iron
The below is why ceramic nonstick is better in comparison.
Aluminum Cookware
Aluminum leaches from aluminum cooking vessels and is a considered a neurotoxin, which is a toxin that affects the brain and nervous system.
Aluminum cookware is especially reactive to acidic food with older saucepans leaching more so than newer ones. This is something to consider when cooking popular tomato soups, for example.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware can be a great option for low-fat cooking – see my article on the best cast iron pan here! However, this cookware does leach iron into foods, especially if it is not seasoned correctly.
Iron has benefits for our health, but people who suffer problems with iron build up (e.g. because of hemochromatosis) need to be watchful of this.
Stainless Steel Cookware
A metal alloy product, stainless steel cookware can leach metals such as iron, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, copper, and vanadium into food. Nickel is not needed for our health.
Copper in Cookware
Copper conducts heat well but is reactive to acid and so leaches copper and possibly nickel into foods.
Warranty
Make sure the cookware you choose comes with a warranty in case of unfortunate factory defects that may not be evident at the outset.
Choosing brands and models that guarantee a lifetime warranty will serve you well for peace of mind. Make sure to follow manufacturer instruction to ensure your warranty remains valid.
Check out my guide to warranties here.
Economically priced items are a wise buy when you need to buy or replace a product to see you through a temporary situation and/or to suit a small budget. These buys may or may not have lifetime limited warranties — Always best to have a handle on this so you know what to expect.
Rachael Ray Non Stick Cookware
What is highly popular right now is the Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Porcelain Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set.
See Real Owner Reviews of the Rachael Ray set here.
Just know that while it has a porcelain enamel exterior finish, a check of its specifications shows that it uses PTFE (aka Teflon), not ceramic, in the nonstick cooking surface.
To complement your ceramic cookware, consider buying a set of ceramic knives. These are the sharpest knives to have, will stay sharper for longer, and are easily sharpen.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found value in my non stick cookware reviews. Consider nonstick ceramic pots and pans as top rated cookware sets for healthier meals if you’re looking to limit your use of fat and oils in cooking.
There’s one reason people buy non stick cookware brands involving ceramic surfaces: They have a safe, natural, non-stick coating (no nasty PFAS, PFOA, or PTFE chemicals). They rate high as the top cookware sets in the minds of people seeking safer healthier options.
Looking for the best ceramic frying pan? See my comparison of nonstick ceramic skillets here.
Yours truly,
Crystal
Reference
Shuster KA, Brock KL, Dysko RC, DiRita VJ, Bergin IL. Polytetrafluoroethylene toxicosis in recently hatched chickens (Gallus domesticus). Comp Med. 2012;62(1):49–52.
