Best Ceramic Frying Pans: pure and ceramic-coated pans analyzed
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Darrian Wilkins
- Last update: September 20, 2021
Disclaimer: we may receive commissions from purchases made via our links at no cost to you
Xtrema ‘Pure Ceramic’ Skillet
More often than not, people buy ceramic cookware because they want to take better care of their health, and while ceramic coated products are a step up from traditional non-stick frying pans, they’re not irrefutably safe.
Xtrema’s ‘Pure Ceramic’ skillet is made from 100% ceramic and absolutely, positively, will not leach unhealthy toxins into your food. Though it’s costly, fragile, and doesn’t heat evenly, this skillet is the only option for people whose primary focus is their health.
The Almond 'Ceramic Copper' frying pan bridges the gap between price and performance. The non-stick ceramic interior is more effective than most similar products, though it's not as durable as you would hope, which isn't surprising considering the price point.
Almond's pan is a beautiful piece of cookware that's robust, oven-safe, and works on all cooker types (including induction). It's an excellent gateway into ceramic cookware that's value for money despite its limitations.
Are Ceramic Frying Pans Safe?
Yes, they are safe primary because they don’t contain any harmful chemicals and materials like PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. At higher temperatures beyond 500oF, they won’t give off fumes that are bad for our health and the environment. No risk of something leaching into the food either as is the case with PTFE pans.
Is ceramic nonstick coating the best choice?
While a ceramic non-stick coated product is a healthier choice of cookware than traditional non-stick coated frying pans, the effectiveness of the ceramic coating isn’t as impressive as PTFE-based non-stick products. Not to mention, the durability of ceramic coating isn’t as good as most brands would have you believe.
Though, if you prioritize your health over functionality and longevity, ceramic frying pans are worth your consideration.
Our favorite ceramic frying pans
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1. Xtrema Pure Ceramic Skillet
Xtrema has the honor of being the only company on our list that can boast 100% ceramic cookware.
Things to love:
- 100% Ceramic
- Healthy cookware
- Scratch-resistant
- Oven and Microwave safe
- Beautiful
- Decent non-stick coating
What’s not to like:
- Very fragile
- Expensive
- Substantial learning curve
- Not induction compatible
Performance
Because Xtrema is the only company to feature in this article that produces 100% ceramic cookware, they can be rightly crowned as the healthiest brand we’ll look at today. Although a ceramic coating is a better option than a traditional non-stick coating, there remains a risk of delamination and food contamination over time.
Pure ceramic cookware will not leach any toxins or nasty chemicals into your food, and that is the primary selling point of Xtrema’s cookware.
Their skillet’s performance is decent, not any better than their competitors despite the considerable price point. In fact, they perform worse in some cases. The cookware isn’t induction compatible, and there’ll be a noticeable amount of food sticking to the pan with fragile foods such as eggs and fish.
Despite the company’s claims, the cookware doesn’t heat evenly either (and they sneakily recommend cooking your ingredients towards the skillet’s outer edges). Because their product is made entirely from ceramic materials, it’s incredibly fragile and susceptible to breaking when used on high heat.
Cleaning is easy, though, thanks to a scratch-resistant surface, so you can go to town on those stubborn ingredients with some dish soap and whatever cleaning utensil you like.
Handle and Lid
The entire skillet is made out of ceramic, so it will likely get scorching hot when in use. It is also oven and microwave safe, so be careful at high temperatures. Though Xtrema thoughtfully provides silicone handle covers to protect your hands and let you handle the pan without using an oven mitt.
While these skillets don’t come with a lid, you can buy one as an extra for around $20 to help seal in moisture and flavors.
Final Thoughts
On the face of it, Xtrema Pure Ceramic skillets are overpriced pieces of cookware that don’t heat remarkably evenly, have issues with food sticking to the surface, and are brutally fragile, so why would anyone buy their products?
It’s quite simple. There is nothing more important to some people than their health, and even though these pans might break, not cook the best food, and be a pain to cook with, people who use them are safe in the knowledge that their cookware is not compromising their health.
2. Our Place Always Pan
The Our Place ‘Always Pan’ is multifunctional, ethically produced ceramic cookware that’s more than just a pretty face.
Things to love:
- Made from sustainable materials
- Functions as various pans
- Includes spatula and spoon rest
- Super attractive
- Decent non-stick coating
What’s not to like:
- Very expensive
- Not over-safe or useable at high temperatures
- Can only replace one pan
Performance
While this article primarily focuses on frying pans, the Our Place Always pan is built to function as various cookware pieces, like a Swiss Army Knife of the kitchen.
The 10-inch pan with a 2.6-quart capacity is fashioned from cast aluminum, which isn’t the ideal alloy to use for robust cookware. However, it is an excellent conductor of heat, so you can expect your pan to get up to the optimal temperature quickly and evenly.
The ceramic non-stick coating is superb, and the Always Pan has no trouble with ingredients and food sticking to the base; even when cooking fried eggs with no oil, the food moves freely with minimal effort.
The high sides are tall enough so the pan can be used to boil water for pasta or soups, but not so tall as to interfere when you’re cooking steak or flipping eggs or other such ingredients.
Our Place designed the Always Pan to be multifunctional so you can use it as a frying pan, saucepan, saute pan, skillet or steamer. It performs each task equally well and can capably replace any of those pans in your collection.
Though you can use the Always Pan with all types of cooker-tops, that design doesn’t extend to oven use, which is probably one of the most considerable drawbacks of this piece of cookware, especially considering the substantial price point.
Handle and Lid
With a screwed-in handle, the Always Pan is relatively durable; it feels solid in hand. However, the screws are a magnet for dirt and gunk, which can be challenging to clean.
Of all the cool features on this pan, the handle is home to one of our favorites. The built-in spatula and spoon rest are both convenient and useful. More brands should incorporate this idea.
The multi-functionality continues with the pan’s lid. This is not just useful for locking in flavors and moisture, the strategically placed opening works as steam vents and can also be used in conjunction with the pour spout to stem the flow of liquid when pouring out water or ingredients.
Final Thoughts
The Always Pan is a superb piece of cookware that’s not only a healthy option; it’s ridiculously useful too. There are so many things that you can accomplish with this pan that you’d expect it to be our top recommendation. Despite a relatively small number of drawbacks, this pan has a significant one that will stop you in your tracks. The price. At $145 for a single pan, it’s one of the most expensive single items we’ve looked at.
3. Caraway Ceramic Coated Fry Pan
Caraway fry pans are beautiful and ethically produced cookware that are reasonably priced and intelligently designed.
Things to love:
- Eco-friendly
- Heats quickly
- Healthy option
- Relatively affordable
- Beautiful
- Decent non-stick coating
What’s not to like:
- Not effective at high temperatures
- Not oven-safe or useable at high temperatures
- Exterior known to chip
- Poor use with induction appliances
Performance
Caraway cookware frying pans are coated with a decent ceramic material that is excellent to cook with. The interior is slick, and many consumers claim the non-stick is effective with little to no oil during use.
Heating the pan takes very little time unless you’re cooking with an induction appliance. Despite this cookware being marketed as induction compatible, we noticed a massive drop-off in heating efficiency when using induction over every other stovetop or cooker.
The ceramic coating is relatively durable with proper care and attention, though you must be mindful to follow Caraway’s guidelines or risk damaging the pan. While the interior seems pretty durable, multiple consumers have complained that the pan’s exterior is prone to chipping and is easily damaged.
Cleaning the Caraway frying pan is straightforward, though again, be sure to follow the guidelines outlined by the company.
Handle (No Lid)
The riveted handle is super-sturdy and is ergonomically designed. The ergonomics of the handle are only really effective before you start cooking, as once the pan gets hot, you’ll need to use an oven mitt as the handle will become too hot to touch with your bare hand.
Unfortunately, there is no lid included with this pan, and there is no option to buy one as an extra.
Final Thoughts
Caraway places a lot of thought into designing their cookware and value sustainable processes to make their pots and pans. This mid-sized frying pan is not without its drawbacks, but when compared against its competitors, this beautiful, ethical cookware is relatively well priced.
4. Almond Ceramic Copper Frying Pan
- DURABLE NONSTICK COPPER: Easily create delicious eggs, omelets and recipes with Almond's exquisitely designed nonstick copper pans; oven safe to 420 F, you can cook evenly without food sticking
- HEALTHY CERAMIC COATING: The beautiful ceramic coating is PTFE and PFOA free, allowing you to cook your favorite meals safely and without all the extra oil and butter needed for traditional skillets
- EVEN COOKING: Each Almond copper skillet measures a robust 3.0 millimeters for optimum heat control and distribution; evenly cook food for years to come while enjoying comfortable handling
Although Almond isn’t a brand leader in the cookware industry, they still have several quality products under their belts. The 12-Inch ceramic copper frying pan is one of their best pieces of cookware, which strikes a balance between price and performance.
Things we love:
- Oven-safe up to temperatures of 420F
- Works on all cooktops, including induction and grill
- Handle is solid and ergonomically shaped for easy use
- Very durable and has a beautiful finishing as well as design
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
What’s not to like:
- Handle gets hot while cooking
- Shallow depth and the bottom is bowed
- Non-stick property doesn’t last long
- Low-quality glass lid that’s prone to shattering
Performance
The pan’s non-stick interior is initially smooth and effective, though that effectiveness fades over time, leaving unwanted food stuck to your pan while cooking. In its prime, this pan has the most effective non-stick surface of all the pieces of cookware we’ll look at today.
Almond’s pan has a shallow depth, so there’s a potential for spillage if you’re cooking food with low viscosity, while the pan’s base is slightly bowed, which causes fats and oils to accumulate towards the edges.
The Almond ceramic copper frying pan is a superb choice for cooking breakfast foods such as bacon, scrambled eggs, or omelets.
With a 12-inch diameter and functionality on all stove types (including induction), you’ll have few issues cooking all the food you require in this frying pan. Simultaneously, a robust construction and 3mm thick aluminum base make for a solid piece of cookware that’s ideal for daily use, provided you use it only on medium heat.
Handle and Lid
Made from stainless steel, the pan’s handle is durable, but it lacks a stay-cool fitting and can get hot after prolonged use.
The pan’s lid helps with heat and moisture retention, though it’s of low quality. Though the pan is oven-safe to withstand temperatures of up to 420F, many consumers have complained the lid is prone to shattering at that heat.
Final Thoughts
Considering the durable nature of effective non-stick ceramic coking of the Almond ceramic copper frying pan, we think this piece of cookware represents decent value for money. While its longevity isn’t the best, you’ll get your money’s worth with daily use.
5. Almond Ceramic Copper
- Superior Performance: Italian made frying pan nonstick, nontoxic, scratch resistant with cool-touch silicone is oven safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Our 4-layer design allows our non-stick frying pan to heat up rapidly, evenly distribute temperature & will not peel off. Take pride in knowing this pan heats evenly and makes all your food look and taste better. Great for meat, fish, poultry, veal, pork chops, and eggs for omelets.
- Best Nonstick Frying Pan That Lasts: Vesuvio Ceramic Cookware features a revolutionary, proprietary, 5th generation non-stick ceramic coating that is vastly stronger and more durable than previous ceramic coatings on the market. 4x the layers of safe PFOA-free premium nonstick make this pan incredibly durable, easy to cook with, and most importantly, easy to clean for years.
- No Harmful Chemicals: Our nonstick pan contains no PTFE, PFOA, Lead, or Cadmium. DaTerra Cucina flat-bottom frying pans are artisan-made with a patented, all natural, multilayer nonstick coating that will last for years – and an airtight see through glass and silicone lid is included. Dishwasher safe with liquid detergent, hand wash recommended.
Although Almond isn’t a brand leader in the cookware industry, they still have several quality products under their belts. The 12-Inch ceramic copper frying pan is one of their best pieces of cookware, which strikes a balance between price and performance.
Things we love:
- Oven-safe up to temperatures of 420F
- Works on all cooktops, including induction and grill
- Handle is solid and ergonomically shaped for easy use
- Very durable and has a beautiful finishing as well as design
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
What’s not to like:
- Handle gets hot while cooking
- Shallow depth and the bottom is bowed
- Non-stick property doesn’t last long
- Low-quality glass lid that’s prone to shattering
Performance
The pan’s non-stick interior is initially smooth and effective, though that effectiveness fades over time, leaving unwanted food stuck to your pan while cooking. In its prime, this pan has the most effective non-stick surface of all the pieces of cookware we’ll look at today.
Almond’s pan has a shallow depth, so there’s a potential for spillage if you’re cooking food with low viscosity, while the pan’s base is slightly bowed, which causes fats and oils to accumulate towards the edges.
The Almond ceramic copper frying pan is a superb choice for cooking breakfast foods such as bacon, scrambled eggs, or omelets.
With a 12-inch diameter and functionality on all stove types (including induction), you’ll have few issues cooking all the food you require in this frying pan. Simultaneously, a robust construction and 3mm thick aluminum base make for a solid piece of cookware that’s ideal for daily use, provided you use it only on medium heat.
Handle and Lid
Made from stainless steel, the pan’s handle is durable, but it lacks a stay-cool fitting and can get hot after prolonged use.
The pan’s lid helps with heat and moisture retention, though it’s of low quality. Though the pan is oven-safe to withstand temperatures of up to 420F, many consumers have complained the lid is prone to shattering at that heat.
Final Thoughts
Considering the durable nature of effective non-stick ceramic coking of the Almond ceramic copper frying pan, we think this piece of cookware represents decent value for money. While its longevity isn’t the best, you’ll get your money’s worth with daily use.
6. DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio
- Superior Performance: Italian made frying pan nonstick, nontoxic, scratch resistant with cool-touch silicone is oven safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Our 4-layer design allows our non-stick frying pan to heat up rapidly, evenly distribute temperature & will not peel off. Take pride in knowing this pan heats evenly and makes all your food look and taste better. Great for meat, fish, poultry, veal, pork chops, and eggs for omelets.
- Best Nonstick Frying Pan That Lasts: Vesuvio Ceramic Cookware features a revolutionary, proprietary, 5th generation non-stick ceramic coating that is vastly stronger and more durable than previous ceramic coatings on the market. 4x the layers of safe PFOA-free premium nonstick make this pan incredibly durable, easy to cook with, and most importantly, easy to clean for years.
- No Harmful Chemicals: Our nonstick pan contains no PTFE, PFOA, Lead, or Cadmium. DaTerra Cucina flat-bottom frying pans are artisan-made with a patented, all natural, multilayer nonstick coating that will last for years – and an airtight see through glass and silicone lid is included. Dishwasher safe with liquid detergent, hand wash recommended.
An Italian-made ceramic non-stick frying pan that excels in durability and non-stick effectiveness.
Things we love:
- Strong and durable, holds up to frequent use
- Good quality glass lid with silicone rim and handle
- Non-stick capability can last over a year
- Generous cooking space and depth
- Handle stays cool when cooking on a moderate heat level
- Backed by a one-year warranty
What’s not to like:
- Requires constant use of oil or butter for good non-stick results
- Not suitable for use on induction cooktops
- Handle gets hot at higher temperatures
- The silicone stay-cool loosens over time
Performance
With a four-layered construction, which includes a 3.7mm sandblasted aluminum base, this DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio ceramic coated frying pan is built to last, even under sustained use.
However, there’s a price to be paid for that durability as the thick alloy takes time to reach optimal temperature. But once hot, the heat distribution is even, which is conducive to perfectly cooked food.
While the ceramic coating isn’t as durable as cast iron or stainless steel, the non-stick effectiveness will last approximately one year before it begins to deteriorate. That’s not too terrible from a pan of this nature, though once it begins to fade, you’ll need to use more fats or oils to prevent food sticking.
An 11-inch diameter and 2.5-inch depth are large enough to prepare sauces and stews for couples and small families with relative ease. The pan’s flat bottom and sloped sides are perfect for flipping and tossing your food.
Despite the thick profile, the DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio pan is relatively lightweight (it weighs 2.2lbs) thanks to the aluminum base.
Handle and Lid
The handle is comfortable to hold and is cool to touch provided you’re cooking at a medium temperature or lower. While a silicone handle cover is provided, it offers little protection when cooking on high heat and has been known to come loose over time, making it challenging to hold the pan.
A good quality tempered glass lid is included with this frying pan. It’s robust and oven-safe up to temperatures of 350F. Fitted with a silicone rim, you can place the hot lid directly onto your work surfaces without the risk of damage.
Final Thoughts
The DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio ceramic coated frying pan has a sturdy, durable construction. While the ceramic non-stick coating isn’t as robust as the pan itself, it’s still a long-lasting piece of cookware and represents good value for money.
7. GreenPan Lima
- GreenPan’s Thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so it will never release toxic fumes, even if it’s accidentally overheated
- Tough Hard Anodized body is scratch-resistant and designed to stand up to daily demands
- Oven and broiler safe up to 600°F
As one of the pioneers of ceramic-coated non-stick cookware, GreenPan is an instantly recognizable name in the cookware industry. The GreenPan Lima fry pan is an excellent choice for people looking for a sizable pan to cook large quantities of food.
Things we love:
- Durable hard-anodized aluminum base
- Large cooking surface for making lots of food
- Suitable for oven use up to 600oF
- Sturdy handle with a comfortable grip
What’s not to like:
- Non-stick property lasts only up to 6 months
- Handle gets hot on high heat
- Heavy and has a shallow depth
- Hand wash only
- Not compatible with induction cookers
Performance
The GreenPan Lima is our large frying pan of choice. With a 12-inch cooking surface, this pan can comfortably cook whole chicken sears or a couple of hefty steaks. It’s ideal for cooking large family meals.
Having a large cooking surface doesn’t come without a downside, however, as with an increased size also comes an increase in weight. Weighing in at 4.21lbs, this beastly pan can be a challenge to move around on the stove, especially when it’s full of food.
Operating best at low to medium heat, the GreenPan lima is a cinch to wipe clean, which is handy as this pan is not dishwasher safe. The company recommends against using high temperatures with their cookware as it’s known to cause food to stick to the pan’s base and the Thermolon ceramic coating becomes less effective.
While the pan is durable and built to last, the ceramic coating will begin to lose its effectiveness after approximately six months, after which time you’ll need to use more fats or oils to stop food sticking.
Handle and Lid
The pan has a riveted stainless steel handle. It’s sturdy and contoured to provide a comfortable grip. It has no stay-cool fitting and, as a result, can get hot when cooking on high heat. The handle stays cool to the touch when cooking at medium heat.
GreenPan has included a transparent tempered glass lid, which is oven-safe up to 420F. The lid’s handle is a bit large, and you can’t flip the lid to store it upside down in the pan.
A gap between the metal rim and the lid’s glass allows dirt to get inside, challenging to clean.
Final Thoughts
The GreenPan Lima ceramic frying pan is an excellent large capacity pan suitable for cooking meals, both large and small. Though the non-stick coating doesn’t have the best longevity, the pan’s overall usefulness is decent. While the potential defects are hugely concerning, a lack of customer service within the company (should you encounter any problems) is even more problematic.
8. Tramontina Ceramica
- Cream-colored ceramic cooking surface is PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium-free
- Ergonomically designed, stay-cool, & soft-grip cast stainless steel handle with a convenient hang-hole to store on pot racks
- Compatible with gas, electric and ceramic glass cook tops Made in Italy, assembled and packaged in the USA; Lifetime Warranty
The Tramontina Ceramica fry pan is a reliable non-stick pan that’s both functional and durable. It’s a basic piece of cookware that provides good value for money.
Things to love:
- Reliable non-stick coating
- Sturdy and durable construction with a heavy bottom
- Relatively high sloped sidewalls for ease of use
- Oven-safe up to 350F
- Very lightweight
What’s not to like:
- Not suitable for high heat cooking
- Not designed for use on induction cooktops
- Non-stick surface needs seasoning for a long-lasting effect
- No lid
Performance
The non-stick surface of the Tramontina frying pan is super effective and on a par with that of Almond cookware. This pan cooks optimally at low to medium temperatures, and the heat distribution is uniform.
Though the coating’s effectiveness begins to wane after around eight months, consumers have found light seasoning and oil can further prolong the non-stick coating. If only for a short while.
With a flat bottom and tall, angular sides, this pan provides a perfect balance between flipping and stirring cooking techniques.
This cookware is constructed from heavy-gauge aluminum, which stops the pan from warping during use. It’s oven-safe for increased versatility, though you can not use this pan in induction appliances.
With proper care and attention (don’t use it at high temperatures, and ensure to hand wash only), you can expect this pan to be effective for over a year.
Though the Tramontina Ceramica fry pan comes with a ‘lifetime warranty,’ it doesn’t cover warping, chipping, or loss of non-stick effectiveness, which Tramontina considers ‘wear and tear.’ If you think your pan is defective, you’ll need to return it (at your own cost) to determine if you’re eligible for a refund.
Handle (No Lid)
The handle is sturdy and offers a soft grip, but we’re baffled as to why the handle is fitted with a stay-cool silicone grip, which leaves a metal tab exposed at the end, which gets hot during use.
Final Thoughts
In general, ceramic coated cookware doesn’t last a very long time, but Tramontina has created a pan that can survive longer than most with a little due care and attention. It’s a solid, reliable frying pan that gets the job done. We think it’s worth the price point.
9. WaxonWare Granite
- PREMIUM NONSTICK COATING - Our ceramic coating is made from the highest quality materials, ensuring that you can cook without the hassle. With our toxin free, nonstick frying pan, you'll never have to worry about food sticking again!
- SCRATCH RESISTANT - The aluminum alloy body is scratch resistant so your frying pan will look new for years. If you're not satisfied with the Nonstick Frying Pan or any of our other non stick pans simply let us know & we'll make it right immediately.
- EASY CLEAN UP - With a frying pan nonstick surface, this skillet ensures that your food doesn't stick and makes cleanup a breeze. No more scrubbing or using harsh chemicals - simply wipe the nonstick pan down with a damp cloth and you're done.
WaxonWare Granite Ceramic pans are unlike conventional ceramic cookware; while the non-stick coating isn’t as robust as some competitors, the overall durability is very impressive.
Things to love:
- Rigid and durable product with a warp-resistant base
- Electromagnetic induction bottom safe for all stovetops
- Includes a table mat for placing the hot pan on a table.
What’s not to like:
- Non-stick coating has poor longevity
- Not over-safe or useable at high temperatures
- No lid
- Poor warranty service.
Performance
Though WaxonWare frying pans are marketed as ‘ceramic non-stick,’ it’s not the primary focus of this cookware, and it seems like a bit of an afterthought. While the ceramic coating performs well initially, there is a substantial drop-off after only three to six months, which the company acknowledges.
To slow the already rapid degradation of the non-stick coating, you’ll need to use the frying pan on low-to-medium heats only. If an excellent non-stick coating is non-negotiable for you, your money would be better spent on one of our other recommendations.
However, if you’re looking for a robust and long-lasting pan and can work with sub-par stickiness, then this pan is worth your consideration.
It has a rigid construction consisting of 5-layers of ceramic/granite coating and a hardened 3003 aluminum alloy base that’s further reinforced by an electromagnetic induction bottom.
Its reliable design is impervious to scratches and is compatible with all types of stoves and cookers. This pan is not oven-safe.
WaxonWare provides a table mat with the ‘Granite Ceramic Frying Pan’ so you can pop it on the table without causing any damage when it’s hot.
Handle (No Lid)
The handle is firmly riveted to the pan and has a secure, comfortable grip. It’s fitted with a silicone layer to keep it cool, though it’s not as effective as you would hope. It’s likely to melt when exposed to high temperatures.
No lid is supplied with this product.
Final Thoughts
While the WaxonWare Granite Ceramic frying pan has a place in the market, this product is aimed at customers looking for longevity over functionality. While the pan can last for many years, the effectiveness of the non-stick coating most certainly will not.
Though the frying pan comes with a three-year limited warranty, WaxonWare seems reluctant to honor it and has turned down several seemingly genuine complaints.
10. GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Fry Pan Set
- SET INCLUDES: 7” frying pan and 10” frying pan
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK: Our healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick coating is derived from sand and delivers effortless release with quick cleanup
- TOXIN-FREE: Our coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium so you can make every meal healthier
The GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic fry pan set is affordable cookware and consists of a 7-inch ceramic coated frying pan and a 10-inch ceramic coated frying pan.
Things to love:
- Even heat distribution
- Durable construction that doesn’t warp easily
- Oven-safe up to 350F
- Two pans offered at a great price
- Lifetime warranty with good customer service
What’s not to like:
- Non-stick surface wears with use
- Takes a while to heat up
- Rubberized grip that mars easily on high heat
- Not induction compatible
- No lids
Performance
The non-stick ceramic surface functions well when cooking at low to medium temperatures; the pan is slick and releases food easily.
In general, a ceramic non-stick coating doesn’t have good longevity, and GreenLife cookware suffers from the same affliction. Their pan’s effectiveness will start to decline at the three-to-six months mark.
While heat distribution and retention are relatively good, this pan set takes a while to heat up compared to rival brands. While heating restrictions are not conducive to cooking a perfect steak, this pan set can still whip up some mean omelets or pancakes.
The hard anodized base is robust and is unlikely to warp over time, though several consumers have complained that their pan set has suffered from some discoloration.
These GreenLife pans perform well on most cooker types, though they’re incompatible with induction appliances.
Handles (No Lids)
The handles on these GreenLife pans are their weakest link. Having a rubberized grip for comfort and ease of use is a good idea, in theory. But Greenlife used a poor design and sub-par rubber, so the handles are likely to become discolored and melt if you’re not careful.
No lids are supplied with this set.
Final Thoughts
This affordable pan set might not be the highest quality cookware on the market, but the frying pans are functional. Perfect for a small family or a couple beginning their journey together.
Despite a couple of drawbacks, we think they represent decent value for money, and GreenLife has excellent customer service to deal with your problems should they arise.
11. Gotham Steel 5-Piece Ceramic Coated Pots and Pan Set
- Gotham Steel Cookware, With Over 30 Million Happy Customers, Gotham Steel Has Revolutionized Kitchens Across The World With The Introduction Of The Nonstick Ceramic Copper Cookware. New For 2021, Our Award-Winning Frying Pans Have Improved In Every Area Including The Nonstick Coating, Stay Cool Handles, Exterior Finish And Durability, Including Infusing Diamond-Like Particles To The Surface To Ensure The Pan Doesn’T Scratch. We’Re Excited To Welcome To You and Yours To The Gotham Steel Family
- Ultimate Ceramic Nonstick, The Gotham Steel Nonstick Cooking Surface Is Coated Three Times And Then Reinforced With Diamonds To Deliver The Ultimate Food Release. No Seasoning Or Even Oil Or Butter Needed, Makes For Healthier Eating, And Provides For Hassle Free, 1-2-3 Cleanup
- Ideal Cookware Set, This Set Includes Everything You Need To Get Started Right Out Of The Box Including - 8. 5 Round Skillet, 10. 25 Round Frying Pan With Tempered Glass Lid, 2-Quart Pot, Break Resistant Tempered Glass Lid For 2-Quart Stock Pot
Gotham Steel’s excellent non-stick ceramic cookware could be a perfect choice if you have an induction cooker.
Things to love:
- Effective non-stick surface
- Performs well on induction cooktops with even heat distribution
- Relatively thick and robust construction that can last for years
- Safe for use on oven up to 500F
- Heavy-duty lid
- 10-year limited warranty.
What’s not to like:
- Non-stick coating requires oil/fat for increased effectiveness
- Handles are challenging to hold and known to get hot
Performance
While this cookware set’s general versatility has been universally well-received, the effectiveness of the ceramic non-stick coating appears to be hit-and-miss and has garnered mixed reactions from consumers.
With a lifespan of approximately eight months, the non-stick coating is about average, though you can better maintain it by using a little oil or butter when cooking.
The frying pans and saucepan provide large capacities that can meet a medium-sized family’s everyday cooking needs. All the pans are relatively deep and provide plenty of space for flipping and stirring your ingredients.
Gotham Steel cookware is advertised as induction compatible, and unlike many other brands, these pans and pots function as you would hope.
While consumers might disagree about the performance of the non-stick coating, most agree that heat distribution and retention are pretty darn good thanks to the substantial aluminum base and stainless steel induction plate.
The entire set is oven-safe up to a maximum of 500F.
While Gotham Steel says their cookware set is dishwasher safe, it’s probably a good idea to handwash it only to maintain the non-stick coating for as long as possible.
Handles and Lids
Neither the handles nor lids on this cookware set are ‘stay-cool.’ Gotham Steel made no attempt to negate high temperatures, and even cooking on a medium setting can cause the handles and lids to become too hot to touch with your bare hand.
Handles and lids are both extremely robust and will easily stand up to everyday use.
Final Thoughts
The Gotham Steel cookware set’s overall quality is impressive and has the potential to last years if you treat it appropriately. There’s a decent amount of versatility with these pots and pans, but we’re most excited about how competently they perform in conjunction with induction appliances.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Ceramic Frying Pan
The Non-stick Surface
Ceramic non-stick coating is not built to last. Even the most expensive cookware in this genre won’t have effective non-stick capabilities for more than twelve months. Look for pans with three layers of coating for maximum durability.
The Base Material
While the ceramic coating is used on the cookware’s interior, it’s equally important to consider the pan’s base metal if you’re looking for durable and functional cookware.
Pans with an aluminum base will heat quickly and efficiently and cook your food evenly. These pans are excellent heat conductors and are lightweight, though they aren’t robust and are prone to warping. Anodized aluminum cookware is more durable but less effective on induction appliances.
A stainless steel base will lend itself better to longevity and durability, though this type of cookware is susceptible to hotspots and uneven cooking.
For a balance between functionality and longevity, consider multilayered cookware that offers the best of both worlds, though it is likely to be more expensive.
Pan Thickness
We recommend choosing a pan that’s at least two to three millimeters thick. Thinner pans are more likely to suffer from degradation of the non-stick coating and food sticking to the pan. Moreover, a pan with a thicker base will have increased durability.
Size and Depth
Your choice when it comes to pan size will solely depend on your family size as well as what you intend to cook. The size of ceramic pans often ranges from 7 to 14 inches.
If you are cooking for 4 to 5 people, a 12 or 14-inch pan is ideal. For a family of two, a 10 or 11-inch pan would be a good fit, and if you live alone, the small 9 or 7-inch pan is ideal.
Look for a pan with high, flared sidewalls as these help with pouring, stirring, flipping, and general ease of use.
The Handle
A frying pan must have a secure handle. This ensures your safety when using the pan. Therefore, look out for handles that have the anti-heat feature as they are safer. Wood handles are a better choice since they are easy to grip and safe to touch. A stainless steel handle with a stay-cool fitting is a good choice too.
The Lid
While not essential for a frying pan, a lid is a useful tool that helps the pan retain heat and lock in flavors and moisture. While many pans don’t come with a lid, opt for cookware that does where possible.
Compatibility
Ensure you buy the right pan for the stove/cooker you own. While most cookware these days is multi-appliance compatible, very few ceramic coated products are effective with induction cookers. Make sure you choose wisely based on your current and any future needs.
Warranty
No product is perfect, and try as they might; every company will suffer from unit failure at some point. Make sure you buy from a brand that has good customer service and honor their warranties. Do your research.
