Updated on Oct. 18, 2024
The best ceramic cookware offers showstopping nonstick qualities without toxic coatings or large quantities of oil. Our Product Testing Team tried 17 different brands to see which options are truly worth splurging on.
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Here at Taste of Home, we’ve tested dozens of skillets and pans, including celebrity cookware like the Pioneer Woman collection and luxe options like Le Creuset. While traditional nonstick pans are convenient, many use toxic “forever chemicals” like PTFE for their coating. Fortunately, ceramic cookware offers a safer, effective nonstick alternative.
Ceramic pans use a non-toxic, thin ceramic coating to create a nonstick surface, unlike brands like Hexclad and All-Clad that combine stainless steel and PTFE. Though ceramic requires a bit more care, it’s no harder to maintain than other nonstick options and avoids risks like PTFE flakes from metal utensils. After testing 17 different ceramic-coated pans across eight rigorous tests, we’re confident these are the best picks for any kitchen, budget or cooking style.
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According to our extensive testing, GreenPan produces the overall best ceramic cookware. The GreenPan Valencia pan has a silky ceramic coating that keeps everything from crepes to eggs sliding smoothly across the surface. In addition to earning its place as the best ceramic frying pan thanks to its performance, GreenPan’s ceramic offerings work on every cooking surface, including induction.
Because it comes from sturdy, heavy-duty aluminum, we expect it to last through years of use with proper care. That shouldn’t be a problem for most, especially since it’s one of the only options we tested that’s metal utensil safe. In addition, a scratch- and chip-resistant surface makes the slightly higher price tag a little easier to swallow. Like the featured pan in our GreenPan review, this ceramic cookware also comes in various fun shades. Colors include green, pink, blue, mint, yellow, purple, burgundy and coral, among many other options.
“If you’re looking for a quality pan that sears like a dream, the GreenPan Valencia is a solid option with an effective non-stick finish and induction-compatible magnetic base,” says Product Testing Team Member Dylan Fischer. In our tests of the pan, we noted that it offers some of the most even results in our searing test. The chicken turned the perfect shade of bronze, with a slightly browner center. Plus, the pan itself is lightweight and easy to maneuver for fancy egg flips.
Even after our tests, the bottom of the pan remained pristine—there was no charring or scratching! Plus, GreenPan backs its cookware with a two-year warranty for the ceramic coating and a lifetime warranty that covers defects. While the pan has no lid, easy cleanup and perfect nonstick performance make it worth the splurge.
Oven safe: Up to 600˚F | Induction ready: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes
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We’re already obsessed with Walmart’s budget-friendly Beautiful by Drew collection, so we simply had to try the brand’s ceramic-coated cookware to see if it lives up to the hype. After weighing all the options, the Beautiful ceramic pan placed as the best ceramic frying pan for those on a budget, though that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. In fact, far from it—this top performer boasts similar nonstick properties to our top pick, making it an excellent value for the price.
Apart from its shockingly low price point—under $20—the Beautiful pan is, well, beautiful. It comes in various colors: black, sky blue, sage green and white. At one and a half pounds, it’s also tied for the lightest of all the pans we tested, making it a good option for those with limited wrist strength. It also performs surprisingly well, searing up chicken faster than the other pans.
Tester Sheri is impressed with the pan’s overall performance. “Wow! This pan cooked the breasts faster than the others, so I pulled them off one minute earlier,” she says. The sear was really nice and even, too. Nice job, Beautiful!”
Dylan echoes this sentiment, adding that it’s lightweight, maneuverable, and high-performing. “We recommend The Beautiful Pan for any chefs out there looking to get great bang for their buck,” he says.
While the bottom is significantly discolored after using it just a few times, we find this a worthy tradeoff for the excellent performance and even better value. Those seeking a similar option with a few extra bells and whistles should also check out the Hero Pan from the same brand.
Oven safe: Up to 500˚F | Induction ready: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes
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We can’t talk about the best ceramic pans without mentioning our favorite pretty pans from Caraway. While it’s the star of the show when it comes to color options, the Caraway ceramic frying pan doesn’t just look lovely. It also performs like a dream during most kitchen tasks. Each frying pan arrives in a gift-ready box with a cleaning eraser, a Caraway branded card and a pamphlet with care instructions.
Choose from eight stylish color options: Cream, navy, grey, yellow marigold, sage green and pink. If you’re looking for something more elegant, there are also black and gold or white and gold options from the Iconics line. Right off the bat, our testing team notes that the pans are “high quality, heavy but not too heavy, a beautiful color and sturdy.” These pans are also induction-compatible and oven-safe up to 550 degrees.
In our cooking tests, the Caraway pan browned up the chicken nicely after four minutes on each side and three teaspoons of oil. It’s worth noting that these pans, like most ceramic pans, cannot be used with spray oils. That’s not a big issue, as everything from eggs to crepes freely slid along the nonstick surface. Nothing stuck to the pan, and the handle stayed cool for the duration of testing.
During the crepe test, our team noted that the surface was rather uneven after flipping, though there was still no sticking. While it doesn’t cook as evenly as GreenPan, the batter dispersed smoothly in the pan, creating a perfect circle. It’s also a bit heftier than other options, though a divot under the hand makes it much more comfortable to hold. Overall, we found this to be a very stylish option that performs well in most conditions.
Interested in our take on other products from the brand? Read our full Caraway review for more on these pretty pans.
Oven safe: Up to 550˚F | Induction ready: Yes | Dishwasher safe: No
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The best ceramic non-stick pan doesn’t normally call perfectly steamed veggies or complex paella to mind. Not so with the viral Our Place Always Pan, which offers a slew of thoughtful touches that take it to the next level. In addition to the nonstick qualities of a traditional ceramic pan, it also offers a convenient pour spout, steam basket, lid and wooden spoon that rests right on the handle.
Even before using the pan, our Testing Team was floored by its packaging. Everything comes nestled inside the beautiful branded box within its own cardboard organizer. This is a lovely gift option, especially since the pan comes in various colors that fit almost any kitchen decor. Shades include black, cream, lavender, sage green, blue, pink, yellow and another green color for good measure.
“I like how much it can hold and that the sides are nice and high. I like how many accessories it comes with — the spoon with its designated resting spot, the basket for boiling, the steamer, and even the free steamer liner sheets,” says Associate Recipe Editor Margaret Knoebel, who owns the pan. “It’s so easy to clean. You can always skip the dish washer by just cleaning with a soapy sponge. I think the price is great for how long it will last in the house.”
Testers note how impressed they are with the nice crispy areas the pan produces on chicken tenderloins. In addition, it rocked out during the egg test, producing a solid sliding egg with no particles left behind. There are also no rivets on the handle, making it so much easier to clean than some of the other options we tested. Plus, the included steam basket is a nice touch for those who enjoy healthy veggie meals or perfect pork bao buns.
“If you’re looking for a versatile frying pan with a lid and a large capacity, the Our Place Pan includes great features, like a steamer basket, that can multi-task for almost any type of meal,” says Product Tester Sheri Kaz. While there are a few drawbacks—namely, the pan is rather heavy and the square handle can be uncomfortable—it’s a great option for those seeking an all-in-one solution for smaller kitchens.
Oven safe: Up to 450˚F | Induction ready: Yes | Dishwasher safe: No
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We can’t cover the best ceramic cookware without including Xtrema and their fully ceramic cookware. The brand’s Signature Skillet looks and feels more like a cast iron pan than a ceramic-coated pan, and for good reason. Fully ceramic cookware is a whole different ball game than ceramic-coated options.
“Fully ceramic cookware (which doesn’t contain any ‘forever chemicals’) is scratch-resistant and, when used properly, can last for years and years. Because it retains heat longer than ceramic-coated cookware, I’d use it for soups and any number of stovetop recipes where I want to maintain the temperature,” says Culinary Director Sarah Farmer. In addition, Xtrema’s ceramic cookware is heavy-duty (with emphasis on heavy), free of any gunk-collecting rivets and ready to cook up meals almost anywhere. An unfortunate note: it’s not nonstick (and doesn’t claim to be). That said, this is the pan to snag if you’re seeking a versatile pan that will withstand the test of time.
“I love the versatility of fully ceramic cookware,” says Sarah. “It’s compatible with all heating sources (except for induction since there’s no metal for heat transfer). It’s even okay to put it under the broiler. Heck, you can set this right on the grill if you’d like! Sounds sort of like a cast iron skillet, right? There are some similarities, but the fully ceramic cookware is not as heavy, which I think is a plus for many cooks.”
While it might not be nonstick like its counterparts and doesn’t crisp as well as others, it will last much longer, as fully ceramic pans don’t chip or lose their nonstick qualities over time. “If you’re looking for non-stick ceramic cookware, this isn’t your best choice. But if you want to be assured you’re purchasing a non-toxic pan, Xtrema is worth checking out,” says tester Dylan.
Oven safe: Up to 500˚F | Induction ready: No | Dishwasher safe: Yes
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Sur la Table offers an assortment of nonstick pans, including the top brands we love. But their Sur La Table-branded ceramic pan was what impressed enough to secure a place on this list of the best ceramic cookware. Their set of two pans comes with an eight-inch and 10-inch skillet. Both impressed testers with their high heat resistance, claiming to be oven-safe up to 600 degrees. They’re also compatible with all stovetops, making both inclusions a perfect fit for any kitchen.
In addition to being very wieldy and lightweight for its size, the larger pan also didn’t perform poorly in our searing tests. However, there were a few other options that offered a better end result. A decent sear was forming as we tested it on chicken, but it never got much further than that. A little longer on both sides would have done the tenderloin some good, but as is, tester Dylan thinks this pan is sitting very firmly in the average range.
That said, it did impress the team with its performance during the egg and crepe tests. The team notes that it offers nice, consistent heating that produces a golden finish without any sticking. It’s as if it was made to make crepes! Additionally, the underside of the pan is a matte black that hides any potential blemishes or discoloration.
“We loved how the Sur La Table performed—you’ll feel like a pro when using this set. Plus, it’s built to last,” says Sheri of this pricier option. While it takes a little extra time to cultivate a good sear, we find it worth the price, especially given Sur La Table’s pristine brand reputation and the high-quality construction of the pan.
Oven safe: Up to 600˚F | Induction ready: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes
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When looking for the best ceramic cookware that’s also lightweight, consider snagging this set of two Kenmore frying pans. While the pans come as a set of two, we tested the larger version for this piece. Heavy-gauge forged aluminum, a nonstick ceramic coating and a stay-cool handle bolster the pan’s performance, earning it a spot as the best lightweight option on the list.
According to Sheri and Dylan, it’s also incredibly stylish with its metallic color options and generous handle. It also gave our test chicken a nice golden brown sear and quickly cooked it up to temperature. Our testing team took the pan off the hot plate a minute early because the chicken strip was clearly done, so this is a great option for impatient cooks. It’s also one of the larger options we tested while still remaining incredibly lightweight and easy to move from burner to table.
While we appreciate its lightweight build, it comes at a cost—the pan is only oven safe up to 300 degrees. Our team also noticed chips and scratches on the second day of testing. This is one pan you’ll want to baby to keep it looking like new over time. However, if you use proper pan storage or stacking pan protectors, this won’t be much of an issue.
“We love the looks of this pan, with its stylish handle and sparkling finish,” says Sheri. The metallic coating on the exterior easily glams up dull kitchens, making it well worth the mid-tier price point for those who prefer a stylish look.
Oven safe: Up to 300˚F | Induction ready: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes
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When it comes to the best cookware for your kitchen, some folks assume ceramic just can’t offer the same crispy, crunchy finish as stainless steel pans. Not so! The OXO frying pan comes from one of our favorite kitchen brands and offers a professional look, sturdy build and an ultra-tough diamond-reinforced coating for extra scratch resistance.
“This looks like a Sur la Table knock-off and performs just as well in our testing,” notes Sheri, referencing the professional black finish and heavy induction base. Like the Sur La Table version, it’s also oven-safe up to 600 degrees—hello, braised pork!
While it rivals pricier pans in looks, it’s also deceptively heavier than the Sur La Table pan and weighs in at more than two pounds. Some may see this as an indication of quality, but it’s worth considering if you prefer a more lightweight option. It’s certainly incredibly solid, which we attribute to the addition of diamond reinforcement.
The distinctive materials also lend themselves well to searing, making this one our top pick for browning up batches of hashbrowns. That said, it also takes a bit longer to get up to temperature, so it’s not the best option for impatient cooks.
It’s around the same cost as each pan in Sur La Table’s two-pack, at around half the bundle’s price. Try this one instead if you want crunchy, crispy edges and golden brown salmon and Sur La Table’s version if you prefer a branded option backed by a lifetime warranty.
Oven safe: Up to 600˚F | Induction ready: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes
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The best ceramic cookware for beginners should be easy to maintain, lightweight and affordable. That’s exactly what the Green Life soft grip frying pan offers. Apart from the array of appealing color options (including a gorgeous, tempting turquoise), it’s some of the best Walmart cookware available. Yup — that means it’s also super affordable, even for a set of two!
No interior rivets and a dishwasher-safe design streamline cleaning, making it easy to remove errant oil spots or crumbs. Maintenance is incredibly simple—just don’t reach for any cooking sprays! Similar to Xtrema, this option is not induction-compatible. However, we chose to excuse that since most beginner cooks won’t have access to an induction cooktop anyway.
A soft-grip handle makes it simple to maneuver the pan without experiencing hand cramps. It also cooks very well for a budget option, offering a pretty good sear during our chicken test. Like the other ceramic-coated options on this list, the nonstick aspect performed flawlessly, helping the eggs slide around without any effort.
While we don’t expect this one to last as long as our pricier top performers, it’s the perfect marriage of budget and quality for a kitchen newbie. If you’re considering experimenting with ceramic-coated pans for the first time and don’t want to invest in an expensive version, this is a great starter option that offers the convenience of nonstick at a very fair price point.
Oven safe: Up to 350˚F | Induction ready: No | Dishwasher safe: Yes
Ceramic cookware comes in dozens of different styles and sets, each with its own pros and cons. Consider your needs when shopping for the best ceramic cookware for your kitchen. Those with a smaller kitchen and less storage should look at all-in-one solutions, like the Always Pan, which comes with a lid, steamer basket and wooden spoon. Those seeking something more durable will likely prefer something like GreenPan, which is compatible with metal utensils and a scratch-resistant surface.
“Ceramic-coated cookware comprises a metal base (usually aluminum) with a layer of non-stick ceramic coating. It’s marvelously non-stick and eggs will fling freely from it,” says Culinary Director Sarah Farmer. “Ceramic cookware generally offers good heat distribution with no hot spots. It also retains heat well, which is a plus for maintaining consistent cooking temperatures.”
Sarah also recommends considering how you’ll be using your pan. “If you want the ability to transfer your ceramic cookware from the stovetop to the oven for ‘oven-finishing’ your recipe, be sure to look for oven-safe markings or symbols on the cookware,” she says. “Also, note the temperature limits. Some ceramic cookware is oven-safe up only up to 400 while other brands may go up to 500 degrees.”
Emily Way is a former associate shopping editor at Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman and Taste of Home as well as a former sales and deals editor. In these roles she has found, reviewed and tested hundreds of products ranging from outdoor gear, food and recipes and travel gadgets and tools. Given her experience testing so much lifestyle and kitchen gear, she is well-equipped to provide advice on the best ceramic cookware.
Sheri Kaz reviews dozens of home and lifestyle products each month for Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, and Taste of Home. As a dedicated product tester, she has first-hand experience trying out numerous kitchen gadgets and tools, making her a reliable source of information when picking the best ceramic cookware.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
We started by researching the top ceramic cookware brands to find the best ceramic cookware. Our Product Testing Team looked at user reviews, specs and brand reputation. We included a range of options for every budget and cooking style in order to test the widest possible range of options.
Our team used an induction cooktop and a regular hot plate for these tests and remained as consistent as possible throughout the different test cases, using the same heat settings and timing for each option. The team only used induction-compatible cookware on the induction cooktop.
In total, our team tested 17 different pans, collected about 675 data points and performed roughly eight tests on each pan. For performance, we cooked up a chicken tenderloin, flipped over easy eggs and whipped up a mean crepe on each pan. In our tests for the best ceramic cookware, we looked at the following test categories:
The best ceramic cookware is totally safe to cook with. Unlike other non-stick pans, it has no “forever chemicals” like PFTE that can flake off and cause health concerns.
Ceramic-coated cookware is entirely nonstick, requiring little to no oil for sticky foods like eggs and crepes. Many of the options we tested offered such good nonstick qualities that foods slid around without any degree of sticking. On the other hand, fully ceramic cookware doesn’t offer the same nonstick qualities without some degree of prep. However, it does last longer than its ceramic-coated counterparts, which eventually lose their ceramic coating due to age or misuse.
Culinary Director Sarah Farmer notes that, in time, the magic will wear off most ceramic-coated pans. That said, prolong your cookware as much as possible by using non-metal utensils to avoid chipping or cracking, avoiding too much high-heat cooking and hand-washing (with non-abrasive cleaning tools) instead of popping it in the dishwasher.
Be sure to also thoughtfully store your cookware to limit scratches and dings. Ensure your ceramic cookware stays in optimal condition by splurging on a pots and pans organizer or a few pots and pan protectors to place between pans when stacking.
“The main difference between the two is that pure ceramic cookware doesn’t contain any metal,” says Culinary Director Sarah Farmer. “It’s made solely from clay and other elements from the earth. This type of cookware, which is one solid piece of material, is formed, fired in a kiln (baked in a super-hot oven) and finished with a glaze that gives it a smooth, non-porous and somewhat naturally non-stick surface. On the other hand, ceramic-coated cookware comprises a metal base (usually aluminum) with a layer of non-stick ceramic coating.”
