There are lots of different types of cookware out on the market today. Whether you are just starting out or you are a professional chef, there are some things to consider when choosing the best ceramic cookware that fits your needs and fits your budget.
Of the different types of cookware available, you have stainless steel, aluminum, non-stick, cast iron, tin, carbon steel, copper, and stoneware or ceramic.
Before you start becoming overwhelmed at just the thought of picking out which type of cookware is best for you, I will focus on one type of product. You can always research which option is best for you, but I find looking at one specific type or brand first makes things a little easier to handle.
Today we are going to focus on Ceramic Cookware.
This type of cookware is probably one of the most versatile and is available in stores and even online today.
What is great about Ceramic Cookware is that they are able to endure high heat, whereas a stainless steel pan would melt.
You can also use this type of cookware to store food in the refrigerator and freezer. If you have leftovers from the night before that you want to heat up in the microwave, you can do so because it is not metal and won’t melt or ruin your microwave.
They also make excellent serving dishes as they are easy to maintain and clean.
All you need to do is wash away the food with a sponge or wash rag as it will come right off.
You do not need to bother using a steel wool pad as this will only cause your pan to scratch. For burnt on food, simply soak the pan in warm water to help loosen the stuck on food. After a while, it will begin to break up and you will be able to clean it up with a sponge.
If you properly take care of your pots and pans, you will have them looking new forever.
When it comes to this type of cookware, people are still confused on what brand is the best to choose from as there are many different brands out there. Most people are just looking for what they can afford and what will work for them.
They might have the knowledge of the different types of cookware out on the market today, but people might not know which to choose from and still end up buying the wrong products.
They can become overwhelmed with the amount of different types and brands that are out there.
Here are our top five choices and you can read more about them below.
The Best Ceramic Cookware Reviews
First off, we have the Cuisinart 59-10R Elements 10-Piece Cookware Set.
This is just one of the best brands out there today. It might be a little expensive, but it is worth looking into. Cuisinart is a brand you can trust and get behind. I personally use this brand and have had no problems with it whatsoever. This set is PTFE/PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) free and petroleum-free, making this a “green” brand.
This cookware can be heated in a conventional oven for up to 350 degrees. The easy grip silicone handles make it comfortable to hold without burning your hands.
This set might look heavy, but it is very light to hold. This 10-piece set also comes with light-weight glass covers, so you are able to see the progress of your cooking.
What is great about this set is that it comes in a variety of different sizes. This set includes a 1 ½ quart and 2 ½ quart saucepan with cover, a 3-quart saucepan with helper handle and cover, an 8-quart stockpot with cover, an 8 inch skillet, and a 10 inch skillet.
If you just want to heat up a can of soup, you can use one of the smaller pots.
If you want to heat up some pasta, you have the option to use one of the bigger pots.
It really depends on what you are cooking and what size pot or pan you will need to use. The enamel coating on this set has a great non-stick surface and is able to distribute heat evenly.
This set also comes in a red color, making it perfect if you want to add some color to your kitchen and cookware.
While there are a lot of great benefits to say about this product, you also have to look at the cons. The color of this set is great, but the paint seems to chip off of them right away, making them look old and worn. It only comes in one color, so if you are looking for another color, this is not the cookware set for you.
Even though the description says this is dishwasher safe, in the end it is not dishwasher safe. Also, you have to be very careful on how you take care of this set. It might be a little difficult to keep the enamel from scratching or chipping, so this is something to consider if you decide to purchase this set.
Another brand to look at is the SilverStone Ceramic Non-Stick Aluminum 12 piece Cookware Set
This set comes in three different colors: Marine Blue, Chili Red and Mango Yellow. This set includes a 1 ½ quart and 3 quart covered saucepan, 6 quart covered stockpot, 8 inch and 10-inch open deep skillet with Cushion Smart technology, 3 quart covered sauté pan, two Prestige Nylon tools (slotted turner and a slotted spoon).
This set also features glass lids to help keep your cooking visible while still holding in moisture and heat. The handles provide a solid, comfortable grip that won’t be too hot to hold. It is also PFOA free.
There are some things to consider when purchasing this brand.
The rivets on the handles are not non-stick, so you will have to clean these a little more vigorously to get them squeaky clean. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but you do want to be aware that because of the thin aluminum on this set, the pots and pans seem to heat up fairly quickly.
You do not want to burn your food, so you will have to keep a close eye when using this cookware.
Clean up is a breeze as the food remnants practically slide out with a quick wipe of the sponge or wash rag.
Even though this is a 12 piece, you are getting this at a good price, and can even choose from three different colors as well.
This next brand is probably one of the most budget-friendly options out there. This brand is the Cook N Home Non-Stick Ceramic Coating 10 Piece Cookware Set.
This set comes in either red or green. Included in this set, you will get an 8-inch frying pan, 9 ½ inch frying pan, 1 quart and 2 quart covered saucepan, 3 quart covered casserole pot, and a 5 quart covered Dutch oven. It is PTFE/PFOA free as well as cadmium and lead free.
The handles are anti-slip and provide a comfortable, soft feeling that won’t get hot while cooking. Again, because of the ceramic, these pots and pans are easy to clean as they are non-stick. The glass lids fit perfectly and feature a built-in steam hole. These are heavy-duty pots and pans, but don’t have the heavy-duty weight to them.
When using this product, you do not want to use any silverware or metal utensils as this will only ruin the ceramic finish by scratching it up. The best type of utensil to use with ceramic is wood or hard plastic to keep it from chipping. Another thing to keep in mind is that you cannot put this product in the oven (because of the handles) or the microwave (because of the steel).
Another budget-friendly brand to look into is the T-Fal Initiatives Ceramic Non-Stick 14 piece Cookware Set.
This set comes in black or gold. You can also choose which size set you would like as this comes in a 6, 10, 14, or 16 piece set. Please be aware that the price and color choice will vary depending on the amount of pieces you want in your set. If you decide to go with the 14 piece set, you will receive a 7 ½ inch frying pan, 11 inch frying pan with lid, 1 quart and 2 quart sauce pan with lids, a 5 quart Dutch oven with lid, one Egg Wonder, and 4 Nylon Tools.
Like the other brands, you do not necessarily have to put these in the dishwasher to wash them. You can simply clean them with warm water and a sponge. Putting them in the dishwasher, even if they are dishwasher safe, can potentially ruin them, which is something you want to avoid.
To help maintain the ceramic, I would recommend using either wooden or hard plastic utensils. Using metal utensils will only cause the ceramic coating to scratch and chip. Something to consider, however, when purchasing this set is that the skillets can be a little on the smaller size.
While this is considered a non-stick set, you will have to season the pans every single time you cook, otherwise the food will stick. If you do not want to season your pan every time, this might be a brand to avoid. This brand, like the others mention, recommend using these products on medium heat, so you don’t ruin the pot or pan.
Again, the pans heat up quickly and will distribute heat evenly every time.
The Bialetti Aeternum Signature 10 Piece Cookware Set is another brand to consider.
You can either buy this in a complete set or you can purchase each of these pieces individually.
This set comes in one color, black. Please keep in mind that if you decide to purchase the individual pieces instead, the prices will vary.
This set comes with an 8 inch and 10 inch sauté pan, 2 quart covered saucepan, 2 1/2 quart covered saucepan, 3 quart covered deep sauté pan, and a 6 quart covered Dutch oven.
This brand is an Italian brand, where cooking is more of a passion and invitation for a get together. The interior of this product is non-stick and is made of white ceramic. When heat is applied, this product distributes heats up evenly.
Each handle is riveted, which makes it extra durable. While this is a good thing, you will have to remember that these are non-stick and will need extra care in order to keep them clean and looking brand new.
This product is PFOA/PTFE free as well as cadmium free. You are able to use this product on gas, electric, glass, and induction stove tops and can put it in the oven up to 400 degrees. Since this product comes in multiple sizes, cooking will be a breeze as you will find what you need and have everything included in this set.
When considering purchasing this brand, you have to be aware that this can scratch easily.
You do not want to use steel wool pads as this will only make matters worse.
You want to also stick with wooden or hard plastic utensils as well to make this product last longer. If you heat these pots and pans too high, food will stick to it and it will be very difficult to get the burnt food off of them.
The heat distribution is not the greatest as well, so that is something to keep in mind.
These are also not dishwasher safe, so you will have to hand wash all of these products.
One final brand to look at is the WearEver Pure Living Non-Stick Ceramic 10 piece Cookware Set.
This set comes in either gold or red. Included in this set, you will get a 3 ½ quart covered skillet, 5 quart covered Dutch oven, 3 quart covered saucepan, 8 inch sauté pan, 10 ½ inch sauté pan, and two Nylon Tools.
This cookware set is very light-weight and easy to clean.
However, be aware that this cookware will scratch easily, even though it is advertised that this set will not scratch easily. Even if you use a wooden spoon, the inside of the pots and pans will begin to scratch, which is something you want to consider before purchasing this set.
Another con about this product is that this does stain easily compared to the other ones we’ve reviewed here.
If you use hot oils, they will burn and it will be almost impossible to try and get the stain off. You can try soaking this in warm water or try scrubbing the stain, but in the end the stain will remain.
These pieces have weighted aluminum bottoms, which mean this helps the pots and pans to stay warmer longer and helps to distribute heat evenly. The handles have a soft grip to them, and this set can even be used in the oven, unlike other non-stick cookware. This set has a PFOA coating, which makes them more of a “green” brand.
The bottom line with all of these products is that they are very easy to clean and maintain and do not require you to put them in the dishwasher.
They are all PFOA free, which means no harmful chemicals are used on these products. It is recommended that you use wooden or hard plastic utensils to avoid scratching or chipping the pots and pans.
It also seems like the clear lids are becoming more and more popular with these sets as well.
This helps to keep your food visible, so you know if your food is done cooking or if you need to keep it in the pan a little bit longer.
When most people think of ceramic, they think of heavy pots and pans.
That is not the case with these products as they are very light-weight, but durable.
If they are taken care of properly, they can last several years.
Of course there are going to be pros and cons of every product, so you will have to look at all your options and decide which product is best for you.
When looking at these different options, it is really up to you to decide. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to cookware, so do not let other people influence you on this decision.
Do not look at these sets just because they come in a color you like. That should only be a bonus.
Instead, look more for the quality of the item that fits your budget. That will be the product that will work best for you.
Depending on what you want and what you need, each of these ceramic brands comes in different colors, sizes, and quantities at different prices, depending on which is best suited for you.
What is Ceramic Cookware?
Ceramic cookware is cookware that is made from kiln baked ceramic that is then finished with nano-glaze to prevent food particles and bacteria from sticking to the cookware. The glaze will also prevent staining of the cookware from the food that you are preparing and it will prevent odors from sticking to your ceramic cookware.
This cookware is also made without the chemicals perfluorooctanic acid, or PFOA, and polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. These chemicals are used in traditional cookware for the non-stick coating of the cookware. If you are looking for the durability of stainless steel with your ceramic cookware, this is possible.
There are many companies that manufacture ceramic coated pots and pans that are reinforced with stainless steel or another type of material.
Benefits of Ceramic Cookware
- No Chemicals: There are many different benefits to cooking with ceramic cookware. The biggest reason is the fact that you are eliminating harmful chemicals from entering the body through the food that you are serving to your family.
- Healthy Cooking: Another great reason is that you are able to cook healthy using your ceramic cookware. When you cook with your ceramic cookware, you will need to use little to no oils and fats for the foods that you love to make. The ceramic cookware will ensure that you are able to cook without these ingredients and it will cook your food evenly every time.
- Versatility:You can also use your ceramic cookware on a variety of stovetops. This cookware is so versatile that no matter what you are cooking on, you will be able to prepare your food perfectly. In addition to being able cook on a variety of stovetops, you can also use your cookware to serve the food. You are able to take the cookware from the stove and place it on the table when the food is finished, leaving less dishes for you to wash. Also, if there are leftovers, you can simply put a lid on the cookware and use your cookware as a container as well.
Ceramic Cookware vs. Traditional Cookware Materials
Ceramic Cookware vs. Stainless Steel: When you put a ceramic pan next to a stainless steel pan, you automatically think of the durability of the pan and not the health factors that are associated with each.
When you look at a ceramic pan, you should imagine these features: a pan with soft touch silicone handles for comfort and safety when handling the pan; PTFE-Free and PFOA-free, Cadmium-free and recyclable; aluminum base to provide for even heat distribution across the pan; cooking surface is able to reach 700 degrees and oven safe to 350 degrees; dishwasher safe. Now look at the stainless steel pan, this is what you can expect from this cookware: aluminum-encapsulated base for conductivity; stay-cool, stainless steel riveted handle; oven safe up to 550 degrees.
When you first look at these two different materials, you will want the one that will last longer than the other; however, if you are thinking about the health of your family, you will look more in depth with what each cookware product offers to you and what cookware can prevent harmful chemicals from being released into your body and blood stream.
Ceramic Cookware vs. Teflon: When you put a Teflon pan next to a ceramic pan, again you will automatically think that the Teflon cookware will last much longer than the ceramic. However, you must also think about what you are putting into your food which will then make its way into your body.
Ceramic cookware is PTFE and PFOA-free; Teflon cannot say that. The coating that is used in Teflon uses these chemicals to make the cookware non-stick. This is great when you are cleaning the cookware; however, these chemicals are leaked into your food each time you use the cookware.
As the cookware becomes older and starts to chip, even more chemicals are released into the food that you then serve to your family. These chemicals are harmful and can even be linked to cancer and other bodily illnesses and diseases.
It is said that Teflon can be found in the blood of the greater population. Whoever has eaten food that was prepared using Teflon cookware has been exposed to these chemicals. Prolonged exposure and consumption of these chemicals can lead to health issues later on.
What to Consider When Purchasing Best Cookware
There are a few things to consider when choosing which cookware is best for you. First and foremost is your budget. You might not have the biggest budget, but a tip to remember is to buy the best cookware set that you can afford. Purchasing cookware is an investment as you will most likely use these products on a daily basis.
You want to make sure that what you purchase will last several years.
The second most important thing to consider is the material the cookware is made with.
You want to make sure the material does not react with food and that it is a good conductor of heat. This means you want to find something that will distribute heat evenly so there are not hot spots.
You want to make sure that the material is not made out of any harmful chemicals that can react poorly with food and end up getting you sick. Depending on your personality, people will choose cookware based on whether they love to cook or not. If someone loves cooking, they are willing to pay for higher quality cookware. If not, people will choose what is the most convenient and budget-friendly.
People who also love to cook will most likely look into getting more pieces in the set, so they have different options to choose from. In this case, a 14 or 16 piece set might be just what you are looking for. If you do not like to cook, an 8 or 10 piece set would work just fine as you will have just what you need and nothing more.
Keep in mind that most of these pieces are also available for individual purchase.
In order to get the most bang for your buck, I am going to discuss some of the best ceramic cookware sets to choose from.
Tips When Using Your Ceramic Cookware
When using your ceramic cookware, you want to ensure that you are cleaning and storing the cookware as suggested by the brand and company. Along with this, it is important that you season your ceramic cookware if needed and as often as the instructions inform you of seasoning the cookware.
It is also important to remember that ceramic cookware heats up very quickly so you want to use a lower heat than you are used to with your traditional material cookware. Be sure that you are able to keep an eye on your food until you know how the cookware heats up and how hot your cookware gets on certain stovetops.
When you are using your ceramic cookware, it is also important that you use the proper utensils when you are cooking. If you use utensils that are too rough or hard for the ceramic, you can damage the glaze on the cookware or you can even chip the ceramic itself.
Conclusion
In the end, there are many options out there to choose from. It is up to you to decide what the best ceramic cookware set fits for you with your price range, quality, and what you are looking for in a product.
There is truly no right or wrong answer when it comes to these products.
That is why they make so many of them, so you have the choice to pick the one that suits you best.
With all of this research, reviews, and information, you have plenty of information at your disposal.
This allows you to make an informed decision on what is going to ultimately make you happy instead of just picking the first product you see.
You can take the reviews into consideration, but look at what other people are saying.
Ultimately, you have to know what you want, what you are willing to pay, and how far you are willing to go to get it. If you are happy with the product, that is what matters most at the end of the day.
And now, it is easier than ever to find the set that is perfect for your kitchen.
Take your time, decide, and enjoy your product!