If you're looking for new pots and pans, chances are someone has already recommended ceramic cookware. Over the past decade, ceramic cookware has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional nonstick pots. The nonstick cooking surface allows fried eggs and grilled steaks to slide straight onto your plate with virtually no mess. However, traditional coatings have come under intense scrutiny, both because of their tendency to flake off and enter food products, and because of the materials used to make them.
The best ceramic cookware has a smooth coating that prevents food from sticking and is incredibly easy to clean… (+)
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Ceramic cookware, on the other hand, is coated with a nonstick material made from silicon oxide (also known as silica) found in quartz or sand. The smooth coating provides a safe, non-stick surface that is easy to clean and extremely durable. From our top pick, his GreenPan Paris Pro ceramic cookware set, to the best-value AmazonBasics ceramic cookware set, we've rounded up our favorite options that are versatile, well-designed, and easy to clean. Introducing the perfect ceramic cookware for every type of home cook.
Amazon
GreenPan Paris Pro Ceramic Cookware Set
Includes: 8-, 9.5-, and 11-inch frying pans, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and 5.5-quart stockpot with lid | Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic coating | Oven safe: Up to 600 degrees | Induction hob: No | Dishwasher safe: Yes
The rise of ceramic cookware has paralleled the rise of GreenPan, and for good reason. GreenPan cookware is made from durable aluminum and stainless steel, is scratch resistant (safe for metal utensils), coated with nonstick ceramic, and is oven/broiler safe up to 600 degrees. , also dishwasher safe. “I first became interested when I saw the infamous egg, fish, and other stickers effortlessly slipping out of ceramic pots in the test kitchen at work,” says New York Times bestselling cookbook author. says Kristen Miglore. She regularly uses GreenPan cookware for her work and when cooking with her family. Her 11-piece set from GreenPan includes almost everything a home cook needs to outfit their kitchen. One thing to note is that the metal lid and handle are not coated with silicone, so they can get quite hot while cooking.
Strong Points:
Complete cooking set scratch-resistant dishwasher safe
Cons:
The lid and handle may become very hot during use
Includes: 8-inch and 10-inch skillets, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 6-quart casserole with lid, solid spoon, fluted spatula | Material: Ceramic-coated Aluminum | Oven safe: up to 350 degrees | Induction hob: No | Dishwasher safe: Yes
Ceramic cookware is so popular that it's no wonder Amazon sells several affordable starter sets. It may not be as appealing as other options, but the AmazonBasics Ceramic Cookware Set features a durable aluminum core that evenly distributes heat and a nano-ceramic coating that prevents food from sticking. According to users, the cookware heats up quickly and cleans well in the dishwasher. However, this set is only oven safe up to his 350 degrees and is not safe for metal utensils.
Strong Points:
Affordable and comfortable silicone handle Dishwasher safe
Cons:
Metal utensils are not allowed. Can only be used in the oven up to 350 degrees.
Amazon
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
Includes: 10.5-inch skillet, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, pot and lid storage | Materials: Aluminum with silica-based ceramic coating | Oven safe : Up to 550 degrees | IH stove: Yes | Dishwasher safe: No
Caraway is one of the leaders in the ceramic nonstick revolution, and its durable and elegantly designed pots and pans are among the best. Caraway's nonstick cookware set includes a generously sized Dutch oven that's big enough to handle large batches of chili or homemade bone broth. The pots and pans are also oven-safe up to 550 degrees, making them perfect for baking bread or roasting meat. It's also compatible with all stoves, giving Caraway an edge in kitchens with his induction stove. However, the price is relatively high considering that the set only includes four cooking containers and the cookware is not dishwasher safe. But for home cooks looking for something beautiful and practical, this set is worth considering.
Strong Points:
High quality, non-toxic finish. Available in a wide range of colors. Comes with a convenient storage system.
Cons:
most popular
Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware
Includes: 9-inch skillet, 1, 1.5, and 2.5 quart saucepan with lid, and 2 organic cotton potholders | Material: 100% ceramic | Oven safe: Yes | Induction hob: No | Dishwasher safe: Yes
Most cookware brands designated as “ceramic” are more accurately described as “ceramic coated.” In other words, the pot has an aluminum or stainless steel core and is coated with a silica-based non-stick layer. For home cooks who want to go beyond ceramic coatings, Xtrema's Signature Series cookware sets make it happen. Since 100% pure ceramic is used throughout, it achieves even heating and excellent heat retention. Xtrema cookware is triple fired at 2,500 degrees so it can withstand all the heat in your kitchen and can even be placed directly on your backyard grill. Due to the lack of a metal core, Xtrema cookware is not compatible with his induction stove (although it can be used in the microwave). Admittedly, the price is quite high, but considering the impeccable craftsmanship and ease of use, it's worth the splurge.
Strong Points:
High quality, 100% ceramic cookware Microwave, oven, grill, freezer and dishwasher safe Scratch and chip resistant
Cons:
Not compatible with expensive IH stoves
Includes: 9.5-inch skillet, 4.3-quart sauté pan with lid, 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, 4.7-quart casserole with lid, 2 silicone utensils, 4 reusable pot protectors | Material: Ceramic coated Coated aluminum | Oven safe: up to 550 degrees (remove handle and lid) | Induction hob: Yes | Dishwasher safe: No
Sensarte's non-stick ceramic cookware set provides all the basic elements families and individual home cooks need for effective non-stick cooking. Everything from scrambled eggs to baked-on cheese slides off the smooth ceramic surface. Sensarte's ceramic cookware can be used on all stoves, including induction, and the wood-grain handles stay relatively cool, a nice feature when you forget to use potholders.
Strong Points:
Affordable price Equipped with a cold-resistant handle Compatible with all styles of cooktops Glass lid ensures visibility while cooking
Cons:
Includes: 8.5 and 10.5-inch lidded skillets, 2.5 and 5.5-quart lidded pots, steaming basket, 2 beechwood spoons, and 2 beechwood spatulas | Materials: Aluminum with ceramic coating | Oven safe: Up to 450 degrees | Induction hob: Yes | Dishwasher safe: No
Our Place helped bring ceramic cookware to the mainstream with functional and stylish cookware. Our Place Ceramic Cookware Set allows users to experience the brand's two most famous pans: Always Pan 2.0 and Perfect Pot. The pots and pans in this set are built to last, have an aluminum core that evenly distributes heat, and a nonstick ceramic nonstick coating for easy cleaning. With a modern slanted design and a variety of matte colors to choose from, these pots not only stand proudly above your stovetop, but also double as decorative pieces.
Strong Points:
Stylish Easy-to-clean Non-stick ceramic coating Compatible with all styles of cooktops 100-day trial and free returns
Cons:
Why trust Forbes' scrutiny?
Forbes' scrutiny team reviewed a variety of cookware from today's top kitchen brands, including All-Clad, Caraway, Le Creuset, and Lodge. Our writers and editors have spent countless hours directly testing stainless steel, nonstick, cast iron, and carbon steel cookware, as well as testing top-rated pots and pans in their home kitchens. Ta. Simply put, we know cookware. To learn more about choosing the right ceramic set for your kitchen, we also spoke to Kristen Miglore, food writer, cookbook author, and founding editor of Food52.
What to look for in the best ceramic cookware set
There are several factors to consider when purchasing the best ceramic cookware. Here's what to look for:
material
The majority of ceramic cookware is actually aluminum or stainless steel cookware with a non-stick silica-based coating. Silica, or silicon oxide, is a material found in sand and quartz that is a natural alternative to nonstick coatings made from petrochemicals. As with all coatings, silica-based ceramic coatings can wear off over time and with extended use, so be gentle with your pots and pans. Ceramic inside and out (no metal cores) If you prefer 100% ceramic pots and pans, then the Xtrema Ceramic Signature Series Cookware Set is for you.
stove compatibility
Some ceramic cookware sets are “stove-independent” and are compatible with all stoves, including induction burners. However, not all ceramic cookware fits into this category. If you have an induction stove in your home, be sure to find a cookware set for every style of cooktop.
Oven safe
Most modern ceramic cookware brands are oven safe, but some can withstand higher temperatures than others. For example, the AmazonBasics Ceramic Cookware Set is only oven-safe up to 350 degrees, allowing you to make certain low-temperature dishes, but not for high-temperature baking or roasting. If you like baking bread in a pot or finishing frittatas in a hot oven, choose the Sensarte nonstick ceramic cookware set or his GreenPan Paris Pro ceramic cookware set. These are oven safe up to 550 degrees and 600 degrees respectively.
Care
Although some ceramic cookware brands are dishwasher safe (a great feature after hosting a large dinner party, for example), most ceramic cookware will last a long time if you wash it gently by hand. Miglore says that's one of the downsides to ceramic cookware. “It's important to remember to raise your children and make sure everyone in the family knows all the rules, as things like not using the dishwasher or metal utensils can hurt them. I think it’s difficult,” Miglore says. Luckily, the ceramic coating is slippery, so it doesn't take much effort to remove leftover food particles. As a best practice, to keep your cookware in good condition, wait until hot pots and pans have cooled before washing them with a mild detergent and soft scrubber.