Advertisement

9 Ceramic Cookware Sets That Are Worth Your Money

best ceramic cookware
9 Best Ceramic Cookware Sets carawayhome


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."

We updated this article in December 2022 to add more information about each product, based on extensive testing by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Our original top-rated picks mostly remain the same with the addition of new sets.


Ceramic cookware offers a good alternative to traditional nonstick pots and pans that are often coated in Teflon, a material known to release toxins when overheated (500°F is the recommended maximum). When compared to stainless steel, ceramic cookware offers the benefits of high-heat searing and even heating without the heft, along with coveted nonstick properties. Some are made from clay, baked in a kiln and glazed, but the majority are metal glazed with ceramic. The downside to ceramic cookware is its glaze tends to wear quicker than traditional nonsticks and it doesn't compare to good stainless that could last forever.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing ceramic cookware sets for years, in addition to traditional nonstick cookware, stainless steel cookware, Dutch ovens and more. The ceramic pots and pans that stand out have good nonstick properties, are easy to clean and handle, and can stand up to harder tests like browning a steak. Here are our recommendations for the best ceramic cookware sets, a list that includes top-tested picks, as well as popular sets and new releases from brands we've tested over the years and performed well.

Our top picks:

At the end of our list of product recommendations, you can learn more about how we test ceramic cookware and what to look for when shopping. You still have time upgrade your cookware before the holidays—many of these offer one- or two-day shipping.


<p> SearSmart Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$241.99</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B813MD7?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.26078798%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">GreenPan</span>


Our new best overall ceramic cookware set replaces a discontinued set from the same brand. It features many of the same great qualities like a dark interior, sturdy design and glass lids, and it can stand up to high heat — it's oven-safe up to 600ºF, while most ceramic cookware caps out at 400ºF. Even their tempered glass lids are oven-safe up to 425ºF. The pots and pans are strong but easy to move around with thick, stay-cool handles.

In our sear test, steak browned quickly and evenly and quickly formed a nice, flavorful crust. Eggs fried up well with no oil and were easy to release with just a tiny nudge from our spatula. The pans have a rough surface that make them more durable than smooth ones. They seem hard to clean, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that the pans only needed to be rinsed with water after scrambling eggs. The pans also have a wide cooking surface, larger than most of comparable sizes, thanks to the short, sharp edges that aren't as sloped as others.


<p>Initiatives Ceramic Nonstick Cookware</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$90.93</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WM3ID70?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.26078798%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">amazon.com</span>


This cookware set comes with two nylon spoons and two nylon spatulas that can safely be used on the pots and pans without the fear of scratching. (Other materials like wood and silicone can also be used, but metal utensils should be avoided on most nonstick cookware.) The pans are lightweight and heat quickly, and they can be heated up to 570ºF. They have thick handles, which make for a comfortable grasp and oversized, stay cool knobs. The large assortment of pans allows for cooking many dishes at once. All pieces can be put in the dishwasher.



<p>Ceramic Cookware Set</p><p>carawayhome.com</p><p>$395.00</p><p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carawayhome.com%2Fproducts%2Fcookware-sets&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fcooking-tools%2Fa26078798%2Fbest-ceramic-cookware%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">carawayhome.com</span>


These pots and pans will make a statement atop your stove. The four-piece set comes in six different earthy yet bright colors with silver handles and four other colors with gold handles. The slim lids with flat handles are pretty and functional. In our tests, we found them easy to grab and hold although they got hot and collected a lot of condensation. While the lids aren't transparent, they each have a small steam vent that serves as a good indicator of what's happening inside (high steam = rolling boil; low steam = about to boil).

The set comes with a canvas storage sleeve for the lids, as well as magnetic pan racks that proved useful but could be bulky for some homes. In addition to the modern design, we liked that the nonstick surface cooked eggs well with minimal oil and was easy to clean (hand washing is recommended, which is the practice for almost all nonstick cookware). The set is oven-safe up to 650ºF — though you're likely not putting your pans in an oven that hot.


<p>Soft Grip Ceramic Nonstick </p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$89.99</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071X9PTYV?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.26078798%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">amazon.com</span>


This cookware set comes in an assortment of fun colors and is a fun, affordable way to stock your kitchen. It includes the key pieces you need to simply make breakfast for one or larger meals throughout the day. They're lightweight with bigger handles that are designed to stay cool and be easy to grab, alongside oversized knobs on the lids. The clear lids allow you to see inside while you cook, and the included tools also help set you up for success as metal utensils aren't often recommended for nonstick cookware because they can scratch the coating. The steamer basket offers an additional way to cook that typically needs to be bought separately. While we haven't tested this particular set yet, we feel confident recommending it as it's made by a leading ceramic cookware manufacturer.


<p>Valencia Pro </p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$99.99</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089PS1FXP?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.26078798%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">amazon.com</span>

Valencia Pro

amazon.com

$99.99

Shop Now

amazon.com

This ceramic cookware set stands out for being lightweight, but sturdy with a nice variety of pots and pans that you'll use all the time. Plus, the pans are comfortable to hold with their signature handle that protrudes and rests in your palm and large handles on their lids and pots for easy grabbing. The light-colored interior makes it pleasant to look at and resists stains, while the dark exterior hides them completely. During testing, we also noticed that the light interior made it harder to see any scratches on the rim that often occur with coated cookware.

In our tests, eggs released easily with the help of a spatula. Sauce barely stuck to the bottom in our scorch test and it cleaned right up. We particularly like the size and shape of the casserole pot, which has a five-quart capacity. It's large enough to boil pasta and soup, but not overwhelmingly so or heavy. Most of the pieces nest inside of each other with the exception of a few lids, and the included pot protectors allow you to not worry about scratching.


<p>Advantage Ceramica XT Cookware Set</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$99.99</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076H4YDB3?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.26078798%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">amazon.com</span>

Each piece in this seven-piece ceramic cookware set is light yet durable and can achieve a good sear on protein. The pans are also very good at frying crispy eggs with minimal oil. The handles are thick and easy to hold; plus, they're made of silicone so they're non-slip and stay cool during cooking — great for weak and arthritic hands. The lid handles are also wrapped in silicone and stay cool. A steamer basket adds extra versatility and can also be used as a strainer. The pieces are oven safe up to 350ºF and are freezer-safe for easy storage.


<p>Professional 10 Piece Cookware Set</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$399.89</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J5CX3XZ?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.26078798%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">amazon.com</span>

These ceramic cookware pieces from Oxo can stand up to the heat. They have wide bases that sit flush on range tops and sturdy handles that make them easy to maneuver; they can handle searing steaks or quick sautes and they're oven-safe up to 600ºF. Their interior is slick and cleans up easily. Plus, they have flush rivets so food doesn't have anywhere to get trapped. The lids are flat with a large knob, which offer a modern design and allow for stacking when inverted, and the rims are resistant to scratching.


<p>EvenCook Ceramic Cookware Set</p><p>crateandbarrel.com</p><p>$319.96</p><p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crateandbarrel.com%2Fcrate-and-barrel-evencook-ceramic-deep-teal-ceramic-nonstick-8-piece-cookware-set-with-bonus%2Fs151587&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fcooking-tools%2Fa26078798%2Fbest-ceramic-cookware%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">crateandbarrel.com</span>

This ceramic cookware set stands out for its modern design that still delivers on the look, feel and performance of traditional quality cookware. The handles on the lid are large and designed to help stay cool during cooking, while the pan handles are long, wide and sturdy. The frying pans are on the heavier side of ceramic cookware but still feel balanced when holding and are comparable to having the heft of stainless steel. So far, we tested the 12-inch fry pan in this line that could be bought separately, and were impressed with how evenly it heated as well as browned steak. It also made cooking eggs with no grease easy and it cleaned up well. We love the five colors this set comes in, including the pictured teal.


<p>10-Piece Ceramic Pro Cookware Set</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$230.32</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MFS102?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.26078798%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><span class="copyright">amazon.com</span>


The hard-anodized pots and pans will last you a long time, and they come with a 10-year guarantee. They're oven-safe up to 400ºF, so you can use them on the stovetop for everything from eggs to steak, or in the oven to gently finishing cooking seared meat or a braise. The tempered glass lids are sturdy with high handles that help them stay cool. The various sizes make up the perfect starter kit and is ideal for one person making a quick egg in the morning, or even for a larger family looking to cook four chicken thighs at once. Hand washing is recommended. These are not induction ready.


How we test the best ceramic cookware

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've tested more than 100 cookware sets over the years, including stainless steel, traditional nonstick and ceramic. We test each type to see how well they distribute heat, if they can evenly sear a steak, how quickly they can bring water to a boil and how good they are at simmering sauce without burning. We also assess ease of use by evaluating their handles and how much effort is needed to clean them. For nonstick and ceramic pans, we test also their nonstick ability by cooking eggs and pancakes with no grease. The best ceramic cookware can handle all tests.


What to look for when shopping for ceramic cookware

✔️ Material: Ceramic cookware can be made of a variety of materials from ceramic itself that's glazed so it can be nonstick, which can be quite heavy and slow to heat, to coated aluminized steel, which is lighter and quicker to heat, and coated stainless steel, which is heavier and more sturdy. The heavier the pan, the better it'll likely sear and retain heat without overheating, but lighter pans pans are appealingly quick and offer easy maneuverability. (In our tests, we found that ceramic cookware generally heats very quickly, especially compared to stainless steel cookware, so whether your pan is on the heavier or lighter side, you'll want to use lower temps and keep a close eye on it.)

The type of coating determines how nonstick it is and how long it will last, though most will only last a couple of years. Reinforced coatings and multiple coatings, which are often marketed on the packaging, are designed to last longer.

✔️ Cookware set size: Most of the sets on our list have about 10 pieces, including an assortment of fry pans, saucepans and small stock pots. Opt for a set that has the most useable pieces for you. Ten-inch fry pans are great go-to's for breakfast to dinner use, while 12-inch fry pans come in handy for cooking larger meals. A small two- to three-quart sauce pan is helpful for boiling eggs and heating up soups, while larger are good options for boiling pasta.

✔️ Cleanability: Most cookware is touted for being dishwasher-safe, even ceramic cookware, but we recommend hand-washing to extend your cookware's lifespan. High temperatures and abrasive cleaning detergents can cause them to wear quickly and be less nonstick.

✔️ Induction compatibility: If you have an induction cooktop, make sure your ceramic cookware can be used with it by checking the packaging. As a tip, look for sturdier cookware with wider bases that can make better contact with the heating elements for the best results.


Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Nicole Papantoniou is the Kitchen Appliances Lab Director and has been testing cookware for Good Housekeeping for more than three years. She meets with cookware brands regularly to learn about new items and innovations and continues to put them to the test in both her home and at the Lab daily.

You Might Also Like