5 best ceramic cookware [updated 2022]: unbiased reviews and buying tips
When you’re searching for new cookware these days, it’s best to gather all the information you can. There’s a plethora of options out there, including those that are low quality and even toxic to your health. Because of the health concerns with popular cookware, many are turning to safer options made from ceramic.
You may be ready to go out and purchase ceramic cookware now that you are aware of the benefits. However, if you’ve never done so before, the process can be taxing. Fortunately, my team and I tested out a few to determine which ceramic cookware stood the test. Below you’ll find five of our top picks and give our choice.
Let’s get started Now!
Our #1 Choice
Rachael Ray 16344 12-Piece Aluminum Cookware Set
From one of America’s favorite chefs, the Rachael Ray set is a head-turner. Many of us are eager to test out the creation of such a revered chef. In this set, you’ll get two saucepans, two skillets, a stockpot, a sauteé pan, a turner, and a spoon. They’re aluminum crafted with porcelain (ceramic) coating for a non-stick surface. The material is lead, cadmium, and PFOA free.
Rubber handles and shatters safe lids make these durable and easy to use. In addition, they are oven safe at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The set comes in seven different fun colors, like lemongrass yellow and agave blue.
Reasons to buy
- Fun colors
- Ergonomic handle
- Reasons to buy
- High heat tolerance
- Free of toxins
Reasons to avoid
- Enamel color may fade over time
- Only compatible with some induction stoves
Our Other Choices
T-fal G917SE64 Initiatives Ceramic Cookware Set
This 14-piece set has some impressive features. To begin, it comes with two saucepans, two frying pans, one dutch oven, utensils, and an egg wonder. The pieces have an aluminum construction with a ceramic interior, making them suitable for use on some induction stoves. Plus, the company guarantees the safety of these items. Rest assured that they are free of lead, PTFE, PFOA, and cadmium.
They’re non-stick and dishwasher safe, making cooking just a tad bit easier. To add, you can cook with even heat distribution. You can even put them in the oven as they withstand up to 570 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose from black, blue or gold colors. To top it off, the company offers a lifetime warranty.
Reasons to buy
- Non-stick
- Free of toxins
- Affordable
- High-temperature tolerance
- Lifetime warranty
Reasons to avoid
- The set is not compatible with all induction stoves
GreenLife Soft Grip 16pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
Next up is the GreenLife Soft Grip set. It includes three frying pans, two saucepans, a stockpot, four utensils, a steamer, and even a sauteé pan. These have an aluminum build with a Thermolon ceramic interior that’s non-stick and easy to clean. There’s a soft grip handle for added comfort, and it’s even safe to use in the oven for up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
The material is free of lead, PFOA, PTFE, and cadmium. Furthermore, the material is dishwasher safe. You may also love that there are eight color options from which to choose.
Reasons to buy
- Toxin-free
- Eight color varieties
- Oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic handle
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid
- May start to chip over time
- Best if not used on high heat
WearEver 15 Piece Cookware Set
Priced higher than the other top picks, this 15-piece set is equipped with three saucepans, a dutch oven, three frying pans, a sauteé pan, and a steamer. It’s made with heavy-duty aluminum and non-stick ceramic. The material is also scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ceramic coating is free of cadmium, lead, PFOA, and PTFE. You might also appreciate the even heat distribution and that a high heat setting is often not necessary. The set is available in gold or red.
Reasons to buy
- Even heat distribution
- Toxin free
- Heavy Duty
- Scratch resistant
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick
- Limited lifetime warranty
Reasons to avoid
- Not that many color options
- Not made for induction stoves
- Pricey
GreenPan Lima Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
This 18- piece set is loaded, equipped with an egg pan, two frying pans, two saucepans, a casserole, a cake pan, two cookie sheets, measuring spoons, a steamer and bamboo utensils.
Made with a durable Thermolon ceramic coating, it’s guaranteed not to blister or peel. The base material is anodized aluminum and ceramic, which is free of PFOA, cadmium, PFAS and lead. Be careful not to use this on an induction stove.
While this pick contains more pieces, other features are pretty standard. Therefore, the somewhat higher price may be unwarranted for some consumers.
Reasons to buy
- Limited life-time warranty
- 18 piece set
- Toxin free
- Durable
Reasons to avoid
- Not to be used on induction stoves
- Only one color option
Why we choose Rachael Ray set
Finding the best ceramic cookware is essentially about affordability, efficacy, and style. So, if we had to choose a winner, we think the best ceramic cookware you can consider is the Rachael Ray set.
Why? When you compare the features of all five sets, it’s clear that they share a lot of similarities. For instance, they are all free of scary toxins, have a ceramic coating and are affordable.
However, the winner outshines in style and reputability. We trust and have a familiarity with the creator of this set as she is a household name. Furthermore, it comes with nicely-crafted ergonomic handles and high-temperature resistance. What stands out the most is the beautiful color options. How nice it is to make a delicious, safe meal and enjoy cookware that brings brightness and life to your kitchen. In sum, the overall quality and added perks made this set the most impressive.
Advantages Of Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware has a smooth look that adds aesthetic appeal to any kitchen. However, we’re not just concerned with visual appeal.
Thankfully, ceramic has many other advantages. It’s safe, clean, durable, cooks your food evenly and is easy to clean.
A few years ago, I was gifted with what I deemed the best pan a girl could ask for. I never had to use oil, and to clean it. I just popped it in the dishwasher. However, when I noticed it starting to peel a little, my research on non-stick cookware led me to a startling discovery.
Some experts were recommending consumers to ditch the non-stick cookware and opt for more natural alternatives, like ceramic, stainless steel and cast iron.
My findings pointed to the chemical responsible for non-stick properties, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is more commonly known as Teflon. According to one National Institute of Health study, the chemical produces toxic gases at normal cooking temperatures. Furthermore, another toxic chemical by the name of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is used during the synthesis of PTFE.
Many users have changed to metals like copper and cast iron. Long term use, however, can lead to metal toxicity since tiny particles of metals from metal cookware end up in the food whenever we use them for cooking.
100 percent ceramic cookware poses no health threat since real ceramic is constructed from clay. There’s no risk of metal toxicity, lead poisoning, or cadmium.
Many ceramic pots and pans are glazed with a sol-gel coating that is similar to sand. This material, often called silica, is organic or a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. As one article mentions, silica is safe and abundant in nature. It’s often used in the dentistry, dermatology and orthopedics fields.
For more information on the potential dangers of some cookware, watch this short video.
Ceramic is a non-porous, non-scratch material. This is great for preventing microbial buildup. Also, there’s no risk of oxidation and rust in the dishwasher. If you’ve ever seen a cast iron pan after a wash in the dishwasher, you know it’s a disaster that must be avoided. In actuality, you can even skip the dishwasher since wiping with a dishcloth is easy and effective on ceramic.
The non-stick quality is another reason to choose ceramic cookware. This is an ideal choice if you’re trying to avoid toxic non-stick cooking tools. It’s also a benefit for anyone trying to cut down on oil intake as the less oil or butter you use, the healthier your food will be.
What’s your favorite color?
You can find ceramic cookware in a wide array of styles and colors. Choose the mother of pearl to add a splash of simplicity and sophistication. Maybe you’d like orange or even a floral vintage design to add character to your kitchen space. The design possibilities are endless with ceramic cookware.
Some Factors to Consider When Purchasing Ceramic Cookware
When choosing ceramic cooking tools, it all boils down to your personal preferences. Some of us are minimalists and just want to fry an egg and head to work. On the other hand, some of us take delight in creating a perfect meal for everyone to enjoy. Of course, we all want something that looks good in the kitchen.
If you tend to cook only on holidays or when the microwave stops working, I’d recommend buying a few pieces. You probably can get by without lids and a matching slow cooker to go with your pots and pans.
Others, like myself, would be more likely to invest in a large, heavy-duty set. Though these tend to be more expensive, they are long-lasting and durable.
Popular stovetops include gas, electric and induction stovetops. Unfortunately, not all ceramic works well with induction stoves, which use a magnetic source for heat. Stainless steel and copper are probably the best types of cookware to use on an induction stove. Fortunately, there is ceramic cookware that contains induction compatible materials, such as a stainless steel disk on the bottom.
Some cookware models have a metal base and are coated with ceramic materials. This type of cookware tends to be more lightweight. However, I wouldn’t recommend using heavy utensils with coated cookware since the topcoat can chip away. You might not want that exposure to the metal underneath.
Solid ceramic is heavier and healthier. There’s virtually no risk of toxicity or chipping. Full, 100 percent ceramic is often more expensive, but the durability and peace of mind are priceless.