After years of development, we couldn't have been more excited to launch our first-ever CeramiClad™ Frying Pan in 2024 and have sets join the lineup in early 2025. Together, these cookware pieces bring a high-performance non stick product free from PFAS, BPA, and other harmful chemicals found in conventional non stick cookware. Now, with a rapidly growing market for clean, non-toxic cookware, more and more brands are launching their own ceramic sets, making the shopping process cluttered, confusing, and expensive.
Today, we’re going to make that choice just a little bit easier. From size and cost to base materials and design, these are some of the most important criteria to look for in a set of ceramic cookware to cut through the noise and ensure you’re getting the very best.
Why Choose Ceramic Cookware?
High-quality ceramic cookware offers a host of different benefits—here are just a few.
Superior Non Stick
Ceramic cookware gets its name from the hard, shiny, ceramic-like material used to coat the inside of each pot or pan. This material—made from silicon dioxide, a natural material found in sand—has similar non stick properties to conventional non stick, but free from harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, BPA, lead, and cadmium.
Healthier Cooking
Like conventional non stick, ceramic’s frictionless surface releases food easily, cutting down on the need for excess oil or butter to keep food from sticking. This makes it a boon for those looking to cut down on fat in their diet.
Even Heat Distribution
Ceramic non stick cookware made with a high-quality base—ideally 5-ply stainless, like our CeramiClad™—will distribute heat more evenly than pans with a pure aluminum base. A stainless base also makes for a more responsive pan, giving you more control and precision and mitigating the risk of burnt or overcooked fish, eggs, and sauces.
Durability
As we mentioned, ceramic cookware gets its non stick powers from a layer of silicon dioxide-based, enamel-like coating, which—in addition to being non-toxic—is harder and more scratch-resistant than conventional non stick. While you should still treat your pan gently (using only non-abrasive utensils and hand-washing instead of running through the dishwasher), this makes for a more durable pan that will remain non stick for much longer.
Versatility
Another reason to invest in high-quality ceramic cookware is that it’s typically oven-safe, and can handle higher temperatures without degrading or warping. Our CeramiClad™ is oven-safe up to 550F, making it a versatile addition to your cookware arsenal.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ceramic Cookware Set
There’s one one-size-fits-all “best” cookware set for everyone—it all depends on elements like your kitchen size and how many people you’re typically cooking for. Here are some of the options to weigh when deciding what your best set looks like.
Size and Quantity
If you’ve got a passion for home cooking—and/or lots of storage space—the best option is likely a large (e.g. 10- or 12-piece) ceramic cookware set. This will include most if not all of the pieces you need, from a large stock pot and saucepan to a saute pan, frying pan, and specialty pieces like a saucier.
If you’re just testing the ceramic cookware waters and want to start with a smaller set, a 2- or 3-piece set of a few different frying pan sizes (and maybe a saucepan) is probably more your speed.
Materials
Most ceramic non stick cookware uses a base of either pure aluminum—a highly conductive material—or stainless steel cladded with aluminum. Our CeramiClad™ is made from the latter, with three core layers of aluminum and aluminum alloy for optimal heat distribution and retention. The 5-ply construction also helps protect against warping and cracking.
Handle Types
In addition to feeling comfortable in the hand, cookware handles should be made of heat-resistant materials like stainless steel or silicone. This is especially important if you plan on using your pot or pan in the oven. Ideally, the handle should also be designed to stay cool while on the stove: our CeramiClad™ comes with our signature Stay Cool handle, which features a hollow core to circulate heat away from the handle and back toward the food in the pan.
Oven Safety
Our CeramiClad™ is oven-safe up to 550F, which means that it can be used to finish steaks, frittatas, and other stovetop recipes without worry (note, however, that we don’t recommend exposing ceramic cookware to high heat for prolonged periods).
Not all pans are oven-safe, however, and many can only be heated to around 450F or lower: make sure to check before purchasing.
Price Range
You get what you pay for when it comes to cookware, and ceramic is no different. While you can find 10-piece sets for as little as $100, you’re better off investing in a smaller, 3- or 5-piece set of higher-quality, durable ceramic cookware, then adding on to it piece-by-piece.
Top Features of the Best Ceramic Cookware Sets
While there’s no overall “best” set across the board, high-quality sets should share some of the same characteristics. Here are just a couple.
Excellent Non-Stick Performance
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it: ceramic non stick should be, well, non stick (and stay that way for a while). High-quality ceramic cookware should release food quickly and easily, with minimal oil or butter needed. While no ceramic coating (or any non stick, really) will last forever, it should last well beyond the first couple uses.
Durable Construction
Hard, durable ceramic coating is resistant to scratching and chipping, and will last for years if cared for properly.
Even Heat Distribution
Ceramic cookware made with a stainless clad base will offer more even heat distribution and better heat retention than a pure aluminum base. As an added bonus, ceramic coating is actually a better heat conductor than traditional non stick.
Ergonomic Design
Handles should be sturdy and comfortable to grip, made from heat-resistant materials like stainless steel or silicone. As we mentioned earlier, handles should ideally stay relatively cool while cooking, such as the Stay Cool handles on our CeramiClad.
Stylish Aesthetics
Aside from its natural non stick performance, ceramic cookware’s main selling point is that it’s available in a wide range of attractive colorways and streamlined, minimalist shapes that suit any kitchen.
Ready to Shop?
- CeramiClad™ Non Stick Cookware Set
- 7-Piece
- $599$736Save $137(19% off)
A high-quality cookware set is one of the best investments you can make—both in your future meals, and in your health. With our CeramiClad™ Sets, you get all the benefits of our responsive, fast-heating Stainless Clad, combined with a premium, high-performance non stick surface for cleaner cooking and eating.
