The Best Ceramic Cookware Sets - Nonstick Pots & Pans Reviewed

Ceramic cookware uses natural non-toxic materials, and offers a non-stick surface without the use of chemical coatings which makes it much safer for your health and for the environment too.

Being naturally non-stick, healthier, and eco-friendly are not the only great features that make ceramic cookware one of the essential kitchen gadgets for many home cooks. The list goes on... They are easy and fun to cook with, highly affordable and come in beautiful designs and vibrant colors. And the best part? Ceramic cookware is easy to clean, so no endless scrubbing after cooking!

In order to help you make the most informed buying decision, we have carefully put together a curated list of 10 highly rated ceramic cookware sets currently on the market. We have also compiled a ceramic cookware buying guide to help you gain more knowledge in this field and know what information to look for when choosing the best ceramic cookware set for yourself.

Related: Best Ceramic Frying Pans Reviewed

What is Ceramic Cookware?

The term “ceramic” is used quite loosely in the cookware market. Ceramic cookware traditionally refers to pure clay pots and pans that are kiln-baked and specially glazed, which is now more commonly called “solid ceramic cookware".

When we say ceramic cookware these days, it is mostly associated with “ceramic coated cookware”, which is often made from aluminum or some other metal with a ceramic non-stick coating. The aluminum inside is commonly anodized and as such is 100% safe for use.

With traditional solid ceramic cookware, they are a lot heavier so you can “feel” the pan while you cook. As this cookware is baked and glazed from a 100% clay formula, they do not contain any toxin chemicals or metal. However, this also means that they are more prone to chipping and scratch. Detailed care must be taken to avoid dropping or banging the cookware against hard surfaces. Therefore, they generally work best for only baking or serving.  

With ceramic coated cookware, they are much lighter and more versatile. The metal core (normally is aluminum, sometimes is copper or stainless steel) not only makes it very durable and resistant to scratches or chips, also provides even and fast heat circulation. 

Overall, the new age ceramic coated cookware has been very much favored by many home cooks and professional chefs over the last decades. Our recommendation would also be the safe and healthy aluminum or stainless steel based ceramic cookware. 

Now that we know the difference, let’s look at some of the best ceramic cookware sets on the market, shall we?

Ceramic Cookware Sets Reviewed

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Why Use Ceramic Cookware?

There are many benefits of using ceramic cookware in the kitchen, below are a short list of the main reasons.

Healthy and safe (non-toxin)

A toxic chemical called PFOA was previously found in the popular non-stick cookware such Teflon and metal pans such as aluminum and stainless steel can also potentially leach metals into your food. While ceramic cookware uses non-toxic materials to ensure there is no leaching of harmful chemicals into your food.

Furthermore, ceramic cookware is not reactive to acidic foods and the ceramic material or ceramic coating is made from natural minerals such as sand, as a result no toxic fumes will be released even when accidentally exposed to high heat, making this type of cookware safer for your health as well as the health of the environment.

Non-stick surface

The ceramic coating of this cookware creates an incredibly smooth surface on the inside of the pots and pans. With this feature, you will need much less oil or butter than many other cookware such as stainless steel. This is a great help if you are on a healthy and low-fat diet. Ceramic surfaces also heat up fast and evenly for perfect cooking.

Easy to clean

Thanks to the non-stick coating, the food will not stick to the surface when cooking, which makes the best ceramic cookware sets very easy to clean after use. With some of the superior ceramic coating, you can even wipe the surface down with a warm wet cloth or a paper towel. This is true for as long as you follow the recommended cooking techniques which means no higher than medium heat temperature setting. Many of the ceramic cookware sets are also dishwasher compatible.

Lightweight

Ceramic cookware tends to be more lightweight compared to other kinds of cookware, especially those made from heavy and thick metal. It is much easier and safer for you to toss and switch between elements, or in and out of the oven in the kitchen. It also helps when you are handling heavy hot food.

Versatile and durable

Most of the ceramic cookware sets can be used on electric, gas, glass, and ceramic stove tops. Some are also suitable for induction cooktop. They can meet your various kitchen needs and different cooking styles. They are durable and can last for a long time if maintained properly.

Stylish and attractive look

Ceramic cookware comes in so many different shapes, forms and colors on the market. Many brands offer very modern designs and stylish colors on the exterior of their cookware sets, which makes them not only look great for table serving, but also add a touch of vibrancy and aesthetics to your kitchen.

Affordable price

Ceramic cookware is one of the most affordable options to purchase a new cookware set. Although there are exceptions, as there always are, it is rather common to find a high-quality ceramic cookware set with a relatively small price tag. For this reason, ceramic cookware sets are the best kitchen gadgets for new home cooks, students or people on a budget who need to stock their kitchen with new cookware.  

If you would like to read more about the pros and con of ceramic cookware, please click my other article here.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best ceramic cookware set could be a tough and daunting task unless you know what to look out for. Because there are so many models and brands that all advertise themselves as the best there is. We try our best to assist you in finding the perfect cookware to meet your needs by listing out the important factors you should consider:

Budget

The prices range varies depending on the brand and quality of ceramic cookware. Cookware is a long-term investment, so always aim to purchase the best ceramic cookware that your budget allows. There are lots of good quality sets that you can buy on a tight budget.

Materials

A sturdy construction made of quality materials is key in the ceramic cookware set as it will give you exceptional fast and even heat conduction with no hot spots, scorching, or food reactions to change color and taste.

A heavy or thick metal base will be less likely to warp and a flat base is critical. Higher heat resistivity is also better because it’s harder to cause heat-damage to your cookware. Another thing to note is to always cook on medium high heat at a maximum as this will prolong the ceramic cookware life. 

Non-stick coating

Choose the ceramic cookware that offers the best nonstick surface which is not only 100% toxin-free but also durable, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures.

Warranty

Make sure you understand the warranty before you buy since there are usually lots of limiting clauses within the warranty. Buying a warranty product not only guarantees you the quality of the product, but it also assures you of the manufacturer’s commitment to uphold that quality.

Safety

When buying your ceramic cookware, do make sure to check whether the manufacturing material of the ceramic cookware include any harmful chemicals such as PFOA, lead and cadmium and look out in the specs list which confirms that the cookware is non-toxic as these chemicals can be released into the food when the cookware is subjected to high heat.

Oven safe

If you’re going to use the cookware in the oven, make sure that it states that it’s oven safe. It is also worth checking its resistance to high temperatures. Even if you don’t have an oven, you should buy cookware that is oven compatible as you never know what you might need in the future. Your cooking style will also be more versatile as a result.

Dishwasher safe

If you have a dishwasher, a dishwasher friendly cookware set is a plus especially when you have a big family. However, be aware that a large amount of harsh detergent could wear off the coating of the cookware over time so handwash is always recommended. The best ceramic cooking surfaces deserve careful handwashing to make them last longer.

Cooktop compatibility

Most of the ceramic cookware sets can be used on electric, gas, glass, and ceramic stove tops. If you have an induction cooktop, you will not be able to use ceramics with core or bottom metals due to the magnetic energy generated from the stove. You will only be able to use ceramic cookware made specifically for induction stoves. However, there are more and more options on the market for this type of stove.

Handles

The best ceramic cookware handles are heat resistant and safe for all cooking functions and the dishwasher. Insulated handles that can always “stay cool” are not only important for safety but also simplify your experience in the kitchen by making it easy to move between the oven and the cooktop.

The insulation can be done either by coating the handles or making them of pure non-heat conductors. The latter is usually better as it is more long-lasting. For stovetops and ovens, the best handle to avoid burns is a silicone-coated, Bakelite, wood, or a hollow metal handle.

Also, handles with holes for hanging are often more convenient as they make your cookware easy to dry and offer you flexibility of storage. 

Furthermore, it is worth considering how well handles are attached. Handles fixed by welding or fastening with screws can become loose over time, while riveted handles may be stronger but it could cause area of grime build-up and require care in cleaning for hygiene if they are not coated well with the ceramic surface.

Lids

Clear glass lids in general are common in ceramic cookware as they make it easy to monitor and control your cooking without having to lift the lid and release the steam. This is vital in order to conserve the heat and flavor of the dish and get a faster cook time.  Lids with vents also prevent pressure build-up within. It is also better to have either tempered or shatter resistant glass lids so they can last for longer.

Design

The best ceramic cookware come in various sizes, shapes, and every color. Some are more known for their design and style than others. The cookware can be purchased as individual pieces or in small or big sets. Some sets also have nylon cooking utensil included.

Cooking style/needs 

Your cooking methods and needs in the kitchen also play an important part in choosing the quality and type of ceramic cookware. You should ask yourself questions like: what is your cooking style? how often do you cook? what do you mostly cook? Plus, your kitchen size, available storage space, your family size, etc. are also factors to consider before purchasing.

Tips for using ceramic cookware

In order to get the most out of your ceramic cookware sets and take full advantage of those benefits, here are a few tips for ceramic cookware care.

Utensils

Avoid using metal cooking utensils on ceramic cookware when possible. These types of utensils tend to have sharp or rough edges that can damage the non-stick coating.

Never cut food directly in the pan with a knife either! It is also recommended not to use electric hand mixers or rotary beaters in the cookware.

Cooking

To maintain that glossy non-stick ceramic surface, always cook on low-medium heats instead of firing up the stove to full temperature. Your will get much better cooking results too.

Most ceramic cookware stands up to the heat in the kitchen and is safe to use on gas or electric stovetops or in the oven. However, do make sure you check the manual for your specific cookware set to determine the limitations of temperature on use. The lids and handles normally cannot withstand the same temperature as the pots and pans. Do not use them under a broiler.

With natural non-stick ceramic surface, you will not need much oil for cooking but if you do like the flavor of a little oil or butter, try to use only a small amount as a large amount of oil or butter may lead to build-up of grime or grease on the surfaces or exteriors.

Extra virgin olive oil is not usually recommended, as it can leave a thin carbonized layer on the ceramic pan due to the oil’s inability to withstand high temperatures. Try to use butter or other oils for the best cooking results with ceramic.

Cleaning

Always let the pan cool to room temperature before cleaning after each use. Never put the hot ceramic cookware directly into cold water as this may cause warping. You should never put a hot pot or pan into the refrigerator or freezer either; The sudden and significant temperature change can have detrimental effects on your cookware.

Wash the ceramic cookware gently in warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or clean dishcloth to thoroughly remove all food residues. Make sure oil gets cleaned off completely, as it can create a greasy layer which affects the non-stick surface.

Be patient with stuck-on or burnt-on stains and leave them to soak and soften before removing. Avoid using harsh metal brushes or scrubbing pads when cleaning as they deteriorate the surfaces and could be absorbed.

Although “dishwasher safe’ is a common feature of ceramic cookware sets, handwash is always more advisable. It is best to avoid the harsh detergents and any damage from the dishwasher arms to keep your cookware looking the best and lasting the longest.

Storing

Try to store your ceramic pots and pans either individually, or with felt pads beneath them wherever possible to stop them from getting knocked around and scratched when stored.

Ceramic Cookware FAQS

Q1. Is ceramic cookware completely safe?

A: Solid ceramic cookware is made of clay and water, so it is non-reactive to food materials and does not contain any toxin elements. Today’s ceramic cookware mostly uses aluminum as base with a ceramic finish.

With advance technologies, this cooking surface does not contain any PFOAs or use any harmful metals such as lead or cadmium. Some use copper and that’s okay. The only cookware you should avoid that is not safe is old Teflon coated cookware.

 Q2:  Is ceramic cookware durable?

A: The lifespan of ceramic cookware is relatively short when compared to other types of cookware such as stainless steel and cast-iron. Harsh or sharp metal will quickly scratch and chip away these products' nonstick ceramic coating. However, if they are maintained properly and they can be durable and long-lasting.

Q3: Is ceramic cookware better than stainless steel?

Stainless steel and ceramics are both popular materials for modern cookware, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic cooking surface offers the non-stick feature while stainless steel is extremely durable. The best choice for you depends upon what you like to cook and how you like to cook it. Read my article on Stainless steel vs Ceramic Cookware to find out more.

Q4. Which is better ceramic or granite cookware?

Although made of different materials, both granite cookware and ceramic cookware offer great performance, safety, and durability. Ceramic might be winning on the color variations and heat retention slightly. Read my article on Granite cookware vs Ceramic Cookware to find out which one is the right choice for you.

Q5: What temperature can I use my cookware up to in the oven?

A: Each brand has a different temperature limit in the oven. If you need the cookware to withstand higher temperature in the kitchen, make sure you read the instruction manual and reviews before you purchase.

Q6: How do I take care of my ceramic cookware?

A: There are many things required in order to keep the ceramic cookware in its best shape. Read the above “tips for using ceramic cookware” to find out more about it.

Conclusion 

Either because you love the beautiful vibrant colour of these pots and pans or the abundant healthy and safe benefits that come with them, you are definitely thinking on the right track to invest in a new set of ceramic cookware.

I hope our reviews and the buying guide have provided you with useful information and helped you to make an informed decision on the choice of the ceramic cookware for you and your family.  Please feel free to leave your comments below or contact us with your questions or ideas.