Best Ceramic Cookware Sets in 2021 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
Ceramic cookware isn’t actually made of pure ceramic. Instead, it’s metal cookware with a silica-based coating (also known as sol-gel) on the cooking surfaces.
This special coating is similar to ceramic and doesn’t use substances like PTFE. This means ceramic cookware is a healthier option than its traditional nonstick counterparts. It allows you to avoid using unhealthy cooking oil while still preventing foods from sticking. Even when food sticks, ceramic cookware is often much easier to clean than stainless steel cookware.
Along with being able to cook over high heat, it’s also more versatile than conventional nonstick cookware. Your ceramic pans can get a great sear on meats without emitting hazardous fumes.
Nonstick coating offers several advantages; however, it can degrade over time, which may be sooner or later, depending on how you use and maintain the cookware. And as the nonstick properties start to flake off, it will impair the cookware’s performance.
When it comes to buying the best ceramic cookware set, you don't just look at the price, but several important things like the construction, style, design, and warranty. Whatever brand you’re after, let our picks of the best ceramic cookware sets help you find the perfect option for your culinary needs.
How to Buy the Best Ceramic Cookware Sets
A great ceramic cookware should distribute heat evenly. Besides ensuring easy food release, it also should come preferably with a few advanced features that make it straightforward to use and pleasant to clean.
Here’s some of the most essential features of the best ceramic cookware sets:
1. The Number of Pieces
If you are creating a set from scratch, you’ll need to find a set that includes at least five to seven pieces. A set with a skillet, a stockpot, a saucepan, and interchangeable lids provides just the right amount of items for your daily cooking tasks. Increasing the number of pieces will be determined by your particular set of needs, like how you cook, how many dishes you want to cook at a given time, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Be aware that most manufacturers count a lid as a part of the packaging. This is also the case for cookbooks and kitchen utensils. Plus, most ceramic cookware sets contain lids that will work with more than one pan, so, often there are more pans than lids. This is great in terms of storage, but if you find yourself using many of the same size pots at one time, it might be worth picking a set that has enough lids for the pots included.
2. Handles
Ceramic pots usually have metal or silicon-coated handles. Compared to its metal counterpart, a silicon-coated handle has lower heat resistance and is more prone to discoloration. Because it doesn’t conduct heat as well as a metal handle, it stays cool throughout cooking much better, even when cooking over high temperatures.
While a metal handle looks more aesthetically pleasing and can withstand high heat efficiently, it prevents you from lifting your pans without using a potholder.
3. Rivets
Ideally, you should find a cookware set whose pieces are joined together using high-quality metal rivets. Cookware parts can also be joined by welding or fastening with screws. However, in general, riveted connections are more enduring at high temperatures. Highly durable and resistant to corrosion, they also help to prolong the life of the parts they join together.
4. Lids
Ceramic cookware sets mostly come with tempered glass lids. Because glass lids are transparent, they allow you to follow the cooking process without lifting them up and letting a significant amount of essential moisture escape.
Having a built-in steam vent can help the lid be more handy. Through the steam vent, pressure can easily release, thus preventing the lid from wiggling and shifting in an attempt to let steam escape.
Tempered glass lids surrounded by a metal border are quite durable. Offering high shatter resistance, they’re not easy to break or damage if accidentally dropped or when there is a sudden temperature change. Some glass lids are oven safe up to 350°F, while others are not ovenproof. So, it’s advised that you should check the product packaging for guarantee information.
Reviews of the Best Ceramic Cookware Sets in 2021:
1. GreenPan Lima - Best to Buyin 2021
The GreenPan Lima includes a 5-quart casserole with lid, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, two frypans (8-inch and 9.5-inch), a stainless steel steamer, a 2.75-quart skillet with lid, and three bamboo kitchen utensils (fork, solid turner, and slotted turner). Be aware that the rough edges of these included utensils can easily scratch the cooking surface. That’s why we recommend using silicone utensils for best results.
Inexpensive
Durable ceramic nonstick coating
Ovenproof
Cool-touch handles
Versatility
Tough, hard anodized bodies
Lids don't have steam vents
Useless kitchen utensils included
Durable and Versatile
Constructed of a ceramic nonstick interior and a hard anodized aluminum exterior, the GreenPan Lima cookware is exceptional in its ability to promote even heat distribution.
Oven- and broiler-safe, the stainless steel handles stay perfectly cool to the touch, letting you move the cookware from the stovetop to the oven without being burned. As a nice bonus, the handles are double-riveted for safety and stability, so you can use the cookware to prepare different culinary delights with optimal confidence.
User Friendly
Apart from being reasonably priced, the pots and pans from GreenPan Lima are also very easy to clean thanks to the PFOA-free nonstick coating. They ensure to provide exceptionally tasting food that will easily release without requiring too much added oil.
The tempered glass is another advanced feature you will certainly love. Tight-fitting and transparent, it enables you to keep an eye on the cooking process without interrupting it.
And, by trapping in heat and moisture to promote the fastest possible cooking time, it is absolutely useful when it comes to steaming or boiling. That being said, the lids don't feature steam vents. So, there is a chance you will struggle with boiling over or lid rattling issues.
Verdict
With an extra tough, anti-wrap base, the GreenPan Lima cookware is a perfect choice for moderate-heat cooking tasks. The thick base also offers greater versatility, allowing you to use the cookware on most stovetops, with the exception of induction. If you’re looking for something that is expensive yet practical, look no further than this set
Check Latest Price On Amazon2. GreenLife - Best Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
Besides four basic kitchen utensils, the GreenLife collection also includes three frying pans (4-inch, 7-inch, and 9.5-inch), two covered saucepans (1-quart and 2-quart), a 5-quart covered stockpot, a 2.5-quart covered saute pan, and a 7-inch stainless steel steamer.
User-friendly ceramic coating
Comfortable to grip handles
Dishwasher safe
Durable tempered glass lids
Oven safe
Rivetless interior
Not induction compatible
Solid Construction
GreenLife pots and pans are made from high-quality recycled aluminum and reinforced with a wobble-free base for extra strength and durability. With a solid construction, not only can they endure heavy-duty use, but they're also extremely easy to clean thanks to the PFOA-free ceramic nonstick cooking surface.
If you’ve ever used stainless steel cookware to pan-sear veggies or prepare fried eggs, you already know how challenging it is to flip, stir, or transfer the food to a serving plate. With GreeLife pans, their healthy coating works well and ensures effortless cooking.
Each metal handle is ergonomically designed and coated with a silicone soft grip to provide non-slip contact. It even features a small hole, letting you hang the cookware conveniently on the wall for organized storage.
The GreenLife cookware is dishwasher safe, but we recommend you wash it by hand to prolong the life of the nonstick coating. While it is oven safe up to 350°F, you cannot put it on the induction, or else it will cause permanent damage.
Drawbacks
As claimed by the manufacturers, the rivetless interior aims to prevent snags and food buildup. However, there is a complaint from a user on Amazon, saying that after a year of enjoyable cooking, one of her pan handles popped right off, causing the boiling brine to splatter all around the cooktop. That’s why we always prefer cookware with riveted connections since they help to keep each part from coming out unintendedly, thus ensuring maximum safety.
Verdict
The pots and pans in the GreenLife set do not work any better than our top pick, but they cost less and provide users with a wider variety of colors to choose from. The set even comes with more kitchen utensils to enhance its functionality. For such an inexpensive price, the GreenLife cookware set offers more than you’d expect.
Check Latest Price On Amazon3. Home Hero - Best Value Ceramic Cookware Set
Compatible with all cooktops
Premium copper ceramic coating
Four-layer construction
Easy to clean
Oven safe
Handles can get hot
Poorly constructed muffin tray
Included in the Home Hero collection are 14 cookware pieces and 6 bakeware pieces. Except for the egg pan, all pieces are oven proof and induction compatible. For further convenience, the seteven includes three pan protectors, two cleaning sponges, and two pan scrapers.
Advanced Features
Crafted from natural materials that are 100% free of PFOS and PFOA, Home Hero cookware ensures your daily cooking is always safe and healthy. Its nonstick coating will not peel off as long as you avoid washing it in the dishwasher. Moreover, measuring around 2.8 mm thick, the cookware body is less likely to warp, even under heavy-duty use.
The cookware lids are tight fitting. Unlike the two previous picks, each Home Hero lid comes with the advantage of having a steam vent. This add-on allows the cookware to “breathe”, thus preventing boiling liquid from splattering onto your cooktop.
What Can Be Improved
As advertised by the manufacturers, all cookware and bakeware pieces can withstand oven temperatures up to 500°F. However, we found that when cooked at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, the muffin tray came out slightly warped. While this permanent damage is not really noticeable, it could leave you with a less than desirable result.
Be aware also that when heated between 350°F and 500°F, the riveted stainless steel handles can get hot enough to burn. So, the use of a pot holder to take the cookware out of the oven is highly recommended.
Verdict
Though the Home Hero cookware set is not exceptionally durable, it comes with everything you need to complete your kitchen. With up to 23 pieces, it is among the largest bakeware and cookware sets on the market you can buy at an inexpensive price.
Check Latest Price On Amazon4. Cuisinart - Best Safe Ceramic Cookware Set
With 11 pieces included, the Cuisinart cookware set is able to handle nearly all cooking tasks. You can use a 3-quart covered sauté pan, a 6-quart covered stockpot, a 18-cm steamer insert, two skillets (8-inch and 10-inch), or two covered saucepans (1.5-quart and 2.5qt) to create endless culinary possibilities.
Superior heat distribution
Titanium reinforced ceramic nonstick interior
Reliable
Ultimate Convenience
Versatile Performance
Handles can get hot
Not induction compatible
Excellent Heat Conductors
Each pan features a three-layer construction. While the aluminum core has excellent heat distribution, the protective metallic finish makes the cookware compatible with all types of stoves, with the exception of induction. We also appreciate the ceramic nonstick interior, which is reinforced with titanium to encourage easy food release and hassle-free handwashing.
The riveted silicone handles are specially contoured for a secure grip. Although they are oven safe up to 350°F, they can get extremely hot if cooked for an extended period.
Other advanced features include tight-fitting glass lids with steam vents, tapered rims for mess-free pouring, and a smooth, nonporous cooking surface for effortless cleaning.
Disadvantages
A word of caution: Cuisinart cookware is not as durable as its peers. After about 2-3 years of wonderful service, the nonstick coating starts to chip off, even if you avoid using metal utensils on the cooking surface.
Once this occurs, the aluminum properties can get into the food and be ingested. According to many researchers, accidental ingestion of even a small amount of aluminum could cause toxicity. To prevent this, it’s best to replace your cookware with a new one as soon as you notice any damage on the interior.
Verdict
We found Cuisinart is among the best ceramic cookware sets in this price range. Capable of distributing heat thoroughly from the bottom to the sidewalls, it’s even better than many other higher-end sets on the market. Given the affordable price and moderate durability, it is certainly a perfect choice for college students or anyone on a budget.
Check Latest Price On Amazon5. Gotham Steel - Best Copper Ceramic Cookware
There are 10 pieces in the Gotham Steel hammered collection. They include two covered frying pans (8.5-inch and 10.25-inch), two covered saucepans with lids (1.5-quart and 2.5-quart), a 5-quart stock pot with lid, and a stainless steel steamer.
Oven safe and induction capable
Glass lids have steam vents
Charming design
Outstanding nonstick performance
Rapid heating
Handles can get hot
Special Features
The Gotham Steel cookware features an aluminum core to ensure high thermal response and even heat distribution. The core clad between the decorative copper exterior and the special Granite Stone coating is derived from minerals and reinforced with diamonds.
Beyonds offering a low corrosion rate, excellent thermal conductivity, and an elegant look, this revolutionary new design also helps deliver the ultimate food release.
Furthermore, it also allows the cookware to withstand oven heat up to 550°F and makes the cookware compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
Just keep in mind that when heated in the oven, the riveted stainless steel handles will possibly become hot. So, make sure you always remember to use pot holders.
And because the copper-colored interior is non-reactive with acidic food, you can also use the Gotham Steel pan to prepare tomato sauce or any dishes that contain lemon juice or vinegar.
Disadvantages
For quick and easy cleanup, you can place the cookware in your dishwasher. That being said, the abrasive nature of dishwasher detergents can discolor and dull the shining exterior finishes. Because these effects are not covered under the warranty, it’s best to wash your pans by hand.
Verdict
Solid, yet balanced in weight, this beautiful collection comes in handy for searing meat, steaming veggies, stewing beef, or cooking delicate foods like fish and eggs. If you are in love with nonstick pans but are concerned with its health effects, then go with this ceramic cookware set.
Check Latest Price On AmazonTop-rated Ceramic Cookware Sets Comparison Chart
| Model | Oven Safe | Induction Safe | Dishwasher safe | Warranty (Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GreenPan Lima | 600°F | No | No | Lifetime |
| GreenLife | 350°F | No | Yes | Lifetime |
| Home Hero | 500°F | Yes | Yes | 2 |
| Cuisinart | 350°F | No | No | Lifetime |
| Gotham Steel | 550°F | Yes | Yes | 2 |
Conclusion
Offering an unrivaled combination of price, performance, and durability, the best ceramic cookware set would be a great addition to your kitchen. With a toxic-free, nonstick cooking surface, it will get you excited about eating more healthy dishes. The only downside of the nonstick coating is that it can flake off and become discolored over time. However, as long as you avoid using utensils with sharp edges on the interior and putting your cookware in the dishwasher, you can receive countless years of cooking enjoyment.
