Nonstick cookware is tremendously popular for all sorts of cooking, but many cooks are worried about the potential effects of the materials used in nonstick coatings. Additionally, quality nonstick pans can be expensive, so many shoppers buy cheaper pans and have issues with them holding up, and with the coating peeling off.
Enter ceramic cookware.
Why Ceramic?
Ceramic is an excellent alternative to nonstick pots and pans for a number of reasons, including:
- Affordability
- Health & Safety
- Non-reactive
- Good heat transfer
- Lightweight construction
We’ll talk a bit about what to look for in ceramic cookware later on, but first let’s take a look at our top picks for ceramic cookware.
Best Ceramic Cookware
GreenPan: Most Options + Our Top Pick
If you are looking for individual pieces, or more options for sets, check out GreenPan. From a frying pan set to a full cookware set of 11, GreenPan has a wide range of options for ceramic cooking.
You’ll find this brand to be priced on the higher end, but in exchange you’ll get high-quality construction with riveted stainless steel handles and hard anodized exterior. This cookware is oven and dishwasher safe, and is ready to be used on induction cooktops.
If you’re buying the 11-piece set, you’ll get:
- 8” open frypan
- 9.5” open frypan
- 11” covered saucepan
- 3qt covered saucepan
- 3qt covered sautepan
- 5.5qt covered casserole
GreenPan is the original creator of ceramic cookware, so it’s safe to assume they know what they are doing. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive from reviewing sites and from actual customers alike. If you’re willing to invest a bit into your ceramic cookware, this is an excellent brand to select.
Do take note that these pots and pans are best used at low to medium heat; they do not hold up well with high heat for long periods of time. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that the lids are not that great, and the handles can get warm to the touch.
See the full lineup of GreenPan here.
Vremi: Top Rated
Vremi’s 8-Piece Ceramic Cookware tops many lists for best ceramic cookware, including ours. This set is dishwasher safe and ready for use on induction cooktops. The set, available in green, yellow or blue, includes:
- 1 Small Dutch Oven with Lid
- 1 Large Dutch Oven with Lid
- 1 Shallow Casserole with Lid
- 1 Medium Angled Frying Pan
- 1 Large Angled Frying Pan
This set is ranked consistently high by users who love the versatility of the cookware and its nonstick properties. The design of the frying pans makes flipping food easy and reduces mess. The cookware features a ceramic nonstick marble coating, so it’s safer than traditional nonstick coating but you can get the same results.
These pots and pans are modern and fun in bright colors and with a lovely design. The wooden handles are oven safe, but a few reviewers have experienced issues with the handles in high heat, so do be aware of that beforehand.
The price on the Vremi is about middle of the road, but for the price you get a great set of ceramic cookware.
T-fal: Best Known
T-fal is a well-known kitchen brand offering quality cookware and other products at a reasonable price. The 14-Piece T-fal Initiatives Set is the brand’s offering of ceramic cookware, a highly affordable collection that gets you nearly everything you need to get cooking. This particular set includes:
- 7.5-Inch Fry Pan
- 11-Inch Fry Pan with Lid
- 1-Quart and 2-Quart Sauce Pans with Lids
- 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Lid
- One Egg Wonder
- 4 Nylon Tools
The cookware is oven safe to 350 degrees and it carries a lifetime limited warranty. It is technically dishwasher safe, but hand washing is encouraged.
While there are plenty of positive reviews on T-fal’s ceramic cookware, there are a number of reviewers who have experienced issues with the brand. Additionally, this set is not induction-safe. However, the T-fal set is priced low, so is a good option for those on a budget.
Green Life: Best Price
The GreenLife Soft Grip 16pc Set comes in fun color to liven up your cooking experience. It’s also highly affordable, with the 16 piece set coming in at under $90. It includes:
- 4” mini frypan
- 7” open frypan
- 9.5” open frypan
- 1QT covered saucepan
- 2QT covered saucepan
- 5QT covered stockpot
- 2.5QT covered sauté pan
- 7” stainless steel steamer
- 4 kitchen utensils
This is an excellent option for a college grad or someone building a kitchen set: it has nearly everything needed including four nylon utensils. GreenLife’s cookware has a soft grip handle to help make cooking easier. It’s dishwasher safe and oven safe to 350 degrees. Additionally, it is safe for all cooktops, including induction.
These pots and pans — like the majority of ceramic cookware — do have particular care instructions that can sometimes be annoying (like only heating on low to medium). Many of the negative reviews may possibly be due to misuse, such as using high heat or metal utensils. But also, these may not hold up well for everyone. However, given the price and the number of high reviews, these are worth a look if you’re seeking a budget set of ceramic cookware.
Neoflam: Most Stylish
We had to include Neoflam ceramic cookware on this list simply because they look so cool. These pots and pans have a retro flair and come in popular colors like mint blue and pink. Available in 5-piece sets and single pieces, these are priced a bit on the high side, but they make a lovely addition to an Instagram-worthy kitchen.
Some pieces are oven safe to 475 degrees (though not the lids), but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on each piece. The cookware is not compatible with induction stovetops and should be hand washed.
What to Know Before you Buy
Ceramic cookware is popular with individuals seeking a healthier alternative to nonstick. Ceramic pots and pans tend to be more lightweight than many other cookware types, so there are some precautions to take to help ensure the longevity of the product.
Here are a few general tips about ceramic cookware, but as always, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines!
- For best results, hand wash all cookware pieces
- Heat over low to medium
- Never use metal utensils
- Use oil or butter if needed, not cooking sprays
- Be sure to check if all parts are oven safe before putting it in — many lids are NOT
As you shop, keep in mind that there will be various features that are more appealing to you than others. It’s a good idea to figure those out beforehand to help narrow your options. Some of those features might be length of warranty, compatibility with your cooktop type, specific pieces you need (if you’re buying a set), and so forth.
Want to see other types of cookware? See our full cookware buying guide here.
i used to be often confused about ceramic cookware until i read about this today. thanks