Best Ceramic Cookware Sets for 2024 (All Budgets)
Home chefs have safer and healthier options than ever before for cooking materials. Ceramic cookware is one of the most popular options these days and is a great choice! This article reviews the best ceramic cookware sets in terms of value, versatility, appearance, storability, and functionality.
What is Ceramic Cookware?
Ceramic nonstick cookware is exploding in popularity in recent years.
Ceramic nonstick cookware is actually standard metal cookware (usually anodized aluminum) that has been coated with a layer of ceramic material. In some cases, the ceramic layer is then coated with a layer of silicon for additional non-stick functionality.
Ceramic cookware is considered to be quite similar to non-stick cookware in the way that it works. The benefit of using ceramic over traditional nonstick pots and pans is that ceramic is believed to be less toxic.
Most brands of ceramic cookware is dishwasher-safe and can be used in the oven up to a certain temperature (each manufacturer will have different recommendations).
One of the biggest appeals of ceramic cookware are the variety of colors that they come in. They can also be made to have a white cooking surface which offers a nice alternative to the ordinary black cooking surface of regular nonstick options.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
While ceramic cookware is generally touted as a safer option that other coated nonstick pots and pans, there is little research to prove whether it is truly safer, especially if it is damaged or it is used at higher temperatures for a long time.
Because ceramic cookware is not coated with materials like Teflon, it contains no Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Both PFOAs and PTFEs have been found to release toxic fumes at high heat, though there is not enough research to definitively prove it is dangerous for cooking.
Read more about what is the safest cookware.
Benefits
Nonstick cookware, especially ceramic-coated cookware like we’re discussing in this article, can be a great addition to your kitchen for all types of home cooks.
- It’s easy to clean. Due to its nonstick coating similar to traditional nonstick, ceramic cookware is a breeze to clean up. Simply rinse and dry. Most ceramic-coated cookware and ceramic pans are also dishwasher-safe.
- It’s great for healthier cooking. Less oil is needed when cooking with ceramic cookware, which means fewer calories.
- It’s affordable. Avoiding potentially harmful materials like Teflon used to mean shelling out a ton of money for stainless steel or copper cookware. Ceramic cookware contains no Teflon and is a fraction of the price of other materials.
Drawbacks
For all its potential benefits, there are still some drawbacks to ceramic cookware.
- It may not be durable. All nonstick coatings eventually start to fade away, and there is little research to prove that ceramic cookware avoids this potential issue. You’ll need to be careful not to scratch the ceramic coating over time with any kind of metal utensils.
- It may not be non-toxic. Not much research has been conducted on ceramic cookware. Ceramic cookware doesn’t contain potentially harmful PTFEs or PFOAs, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically safer.
- It may not be better for the environment. Despite claims that ceramic cookware is more environmentally-friendly, there is nothing to prove this.
Best Ceramic Cookware Sets
Here are my picks (in no particular order) for the best ceramic cookware sets based on a variety of factors. These are all based on my opinions and none of these reviews are sponsored or paid!
I’ve tried to include options for all budgets and needs.
1. Best Value
GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 16 Piece
Under $100, this 16-piece cookware set comes in 8 different colors and features cool-touch handles.
As a bonus, the cookware is made with recycled aluminum and is lead-free and cadmium-free.
The GreenLife pots and pans are also dishwasher-safe, but they are only oven-safe to 350 degrees F. Overall, though, this set is an excellent value for the money and they come in a variety of really cute colors.
2. Most Versatile
Modeled after traditional hammered copper cookware, this Gotham 10-piece set looks pricier than it is at just over $100.
This set is oven-safe up to 500 degrees F to allow for easy stovetop-to-oven cooking. Be careful of the stainless-steel handles as they will be hot to the touch.
Not only does this set look beautiful, but it is versatile and functional.
3. Best Look
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably see the Caraway ceramic pots and pans featured on social media. They are a favorite among influencers!
I’ve been approached by Caraway several times for a review, but I wanted to remain unbiased so I have yet to accept any free product or payment from the company.
The Caraway pans hold up nicely with repeated wear, but they are not supposed to go in the dishwasher. This will help preserve the nonstick coating, but it means I don’t use it as often as I would like.
Some of the sets also come with a canva lid holder which is convenient for storing the pan sets.
If being on trend is important to you, then a ceramic Caraway set in a color that coordinates with your kitchen is where it’s at!
4. Most Practical for Storage
GreenPan Levels Stackable Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick, Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 11 Piece
Don’t sacrifice quality or looks because you’re short on storage space. This sleek 11-piece set is stackable, to save you space in your kitchen.
The price point is reasonable and this set has an aluminum core.
This GreenPan stackable set is pricey for ceramic cookware, but it’s sure to please.
5. Best Basic Set for Beginner Cooks
Ceramic cookware is perfect for beginners. Easy clean up means more incentive to cook! This 4-piece set has everything a casual cook needs, with bonus cool touch handles.
If you’re shopping for a college student or young adult, this GreenLife Set may be the one to buy. It costs less than $50 and has just the basics for everyday cooking.
6. Best for Everyday Cooks
Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set
Everyday cooks need convenient and reliable cookware. This set offers a variety of sizes along with neat features like tapered rims and tempered glass lids.
It has a ceramic nonstick coating and includes numerous number of pieces including a 3-quart saucepan, 4.5-quart sauté pan, frying pan, and 8-inch skillet.
If you’re looking for a brand name and a set that gives you everything you need, this Cuisinart set is your best bet.
7. Best Set for Advanced & Experienced Cooks
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Spirit Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, 10-pc, Stainless Steel
This 10-piece set combines the beauty and durability of stainless steel with the nonstick of ceramic. The stainless steel handles and look are pretty and have the appearance of stainless steel cookware with the use of traditional nonstick cookware.
Experienced cooks will find it well worth the investment as you get a high-quality product with a trusted brand name.
Ceramic Cookware FAQs
Ceramic cookware has not been widely researched. There is currently no scientific evidence that it is safer or more dangerous than other nonstick options.
Ceramic cookware does not contain PFOAs or PTFEs, which have been linked to potential health issues at high temperatures, so it may put health-conscious consumers at ease.
Titanium is one of the safest materials for cookware. Keep in mind that due to lack of scientific evidence, there is no way to know for sure if ceramic coatings are safe.
When purchasing ceramic cookware, it’s worth making sure the base material is safe. Look for anodized aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel ceramic cookware.
More Cookware Resources You Might Like
Best Ceramic Cookware Conclusions
Ceramic cookware is a newer nonstick technology that does not contain potentially harmful PFOAs or PTFEs. It’s a great option for all home kitchens and makes cooking and clean up easier. With so many different sets to choose from, this article does the work for you.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.
