Looking for the right cookware set for your home kitchen? Finding the right set can become overwhelming as there are a lot of designs on the market, each with a specific benefit. If you’re seeking a ‘healthy’ design, meaning low-fat non-toxic cooking, the following covers what to look for and reviews some of the best ceramic cookware in this popular range.
What makes the ceramic cookware nonstick? The non-stick ceramic cookware design is a metal pan with an ultra-dense and ultra-hard, glass-like, ceramic coating as the cooking surface. This ultra-smooth coating has no microscopic pores onto which food particles can adhere and this is what makes the cookware nonstick.
When talking about ceramic cookware, there are two types. One has the nonstick coating over a metal base and the other is wholly made of ceramic.
This article covers the ceramic non stick cookware range. It deals with what to look for when choosing a design for cooking with a reduced amount of fat or oil.
– Top non stick ceramic cookware – Induction ready 12-pce by Kenmore.
– Best 100% ceramic cookware – Xtrema Ceramic Cookware – Click for current deals!.
If you’re interested in the best pots and pans in solid ceramic, made entirely of non-toxic ceramic, see my reviews of the Xtrema cookware set designs – a 100 ceramic cookware brand (the 100 stands for 100% ceramic).
Why buy ceramic non stick cookware?
The main reason to buy ceramic nonstick cookware is that it is a healthy, lightweight design that’s easy to clean. Being nonstick, you’ll consume less fat and oil in meals prepared in this cookware. With the coating made from silica (sand), ceramic nonstick is considered non-toxic, an improvement on the traditional nonstick versions.
The conventional nonstick cookware types use Teflon, which contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a compound known to emit harmful fumes when heated at sufficiently high temperatures 1 (see also my article on ceramic pan vs Teflon vs PFTE).
What’s so good about ceramic? Why is ceramic cookware the best nonstick?
- Ceramic nonstick is super easy to clean.
- It is considered a healthy choice because it is made without harmful PFTEs and PFOAs. This is the advantage of ceramic cookware over the earlier traditional nonstick cooking pans using PTFE and PFOA, which have been implicated in human and environmental health risks.
- As well, cooking with ceramic nonstick cookware means less fat and oil, and this benefits weight control because of fewer calories, reduces cholesterol intake, and overall contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
- Ceramic is considered non-toxic and more eco-friendly than a lot of other cookware materials. Thus, the nonstick ceramic surface provides a greener alternative to lowering the intake of dietary fat through cooking.
- Ceramic doesn’t react with acids and so you can cook tomatoes, citrus, and other acidic food in ceramic without the cookware tainting the flavor of your food (as you find with a lot of metal cookware).
You can read about the pros and cons of the different cookware materials in my article on choosing the healthiest cookware.
Best Nonstick ceramic cookware reviews
So, apart from being lightweight, the nonstick ceramic pans are popular with home cooks for a bunch of reasons.
The main reasons cooks choose nonstick ceramic cookware…
The following reviews some best brands and designs that are popular right now in the ceramic coated range…
1. Bialetti nonstick ceramic cookware reviews
If you are looking for ceramic pans with an Italian style, you might appreciate the pans by Bialetti, a brand made famous in Italy. The nonstick ceramic sets are cadmium-, PFOA-, and PTFE-free and are in an attractive easy to clean design. The heavy gauge construction of these Bialetti pots and pans means a sturdy design that heats rapidly and evenly.
Price: You’ll find Bialetti sets are in the mid-price range. >> I cover the latest designs in more detail in my reviews 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.
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.
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 and so they’re not suitable if you want cookware to put in the oven as well as on the stovetop.
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 — Set 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.
Included are the following: 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.
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?
It also has a saute pan with lid and a fair-sized stockpot (casserole). This GreenPan Rio set mightn’t 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.
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
5. 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.
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.
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
6. Vremi ceramic cookware review
I love the look of this Vremi cookware in fresh green.
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).
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
Ceramic Cookware Buying Guide
If you’re looking to buy ceramic cookware, it’s best to start with an idea of what cookware you need in your kitchen.
Type of cookware
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.
Do you want something that heats rapidly or something that is slower and holds the heat, or both?
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.
Do you want a set with a griddle pan for making pancakes or are you happy with using a skillet?
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.
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.
How to choose the best nonstick ceramic set
All the best cookware reviews will tell you that performance and design are what matters the most. And, let’s be real, the price you pay plays an important part in this decision.
But… there’s also your cooking style. And, are you one for convenience, less mess? Less fat in the cooking? Then, a ceramic nonstick design may be your thing.
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 an aluminum core that conducts heat and distributes it fast and even.
Watch! Cookware with a thin base will burn your food too easily. You want a heavy or thick metal base, which is less likely to warp. A flat base is critical, or one slightly concave (like the bottom of a wine bottle) as it will flatten on heating. You don’t want one curving or bulging out as this results in a hot spot in the middle.
Ease of cleaning
For easy cleanup, a nonstick cookware is superb. The nonstick ceramic coating means a simple wipe is often all that is needed.
Durable 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, the best handle to avoid burns is a silicone-coated, Bakelite, wood, or a hollow metal handle.
Clear view lids vs lids you can use in the oven
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. But then, lids made of the same material as the pot itself can mean the unit is oven-safe.
Things to consider…
Lids with vents prevent pressure build-up in the saucepan.
Versatility can save storage space. Some sets have lids that work on other pots or pans in the set.
- Remember to recycle your old cookware. You can find out how here.
Oven safe
If you want to use your item in the oven, look for oven-safe materials in the parts, particularly the handles and knobs and the lids. I explain this in my run-down on the pans you can and can’t put in the oven.
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.
Regarding whether ceramic pans can go in the oven, the following is a guide:
- 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
Type of cooktop
Are ceramic pans good to go on all cooktops? Just about all ceramic non-stick cookware is suitable for gas, ceramic, and electric
- 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. You’ll find most of the latest ceramic nonstick pots and pans are induction-ready. I have listed some above. You’ll find most induction cookware is more expensive than standard pots and pans.
How much does nonstick 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).
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?
- Do you have an induction cooktop or likely to get one in the future?
Options in ceramic cookware sets
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.
And lastly, there are designs that work on induction cooktops.
FAQs
What are the ceramics in the non stick cookware?
The ceramic in the non stick cookware type has a coating made from sand (silica) and applied in a gel solution to provide a non-stick surface.
Is ceramic non stick environmentally safe?
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 is nonstick without the leaching of harmful chemicals then consider using ceramic nonstick.
How is the non stick coating of ceramic pans formulated?
Ceramic coatings include patented types, like Thermolon, used by GreenPan and GreenLife. The Thermolon coating is similar to others and involves a Sol-Gel procedure. In this, it incorporates an inorganic ceramic polymer with silica (sand) as the base. “Thermolon’s inorganic origins allow it to overcome environmental and engineering inefficiencies found in organic non-stick coatings such as PTFE.” (Porcelain Industries 2018). For more info, see my article covering how the ceramic non stick coating is made.
Can ceramic go in the dishwasher?
Yes, most are dishwasher safe, but refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific brand. While most are rated dishwasher safe, hand washing will 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?
Is ceramic safe for your health?
For health safety, ceramic cookware sold in the USA must abide by rulings that go beyond ceramic cookware made here to cover what’s sold here as well. Although most of the best nonstick cookware are designed in the USA, you’ll find many (if not all) are manufactured overseas. The nonstick ceramic cooking surfaces must be free of PTFE and PFOA and heavy metals. What are the ceramic cookware dangers? Are ceramic pans safe? Is ceramic cookware safe? For more details, see my article covering nonstick ceramic cookware safety.
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.
The following is an overview. For more details, see my full guide on how to use, care and store nonstick cookware.
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.
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.
I’ve crafted a full guide on using, caring and storing nonstick cookware to lengthen the life of your nonstick ceramic cookware. You’ll find it here.
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.
Final thoughts
Cookware is an everyday item that you will want to last and enjoy for a reasonable amount of time.
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
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.
Info sources
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.
