Ceramic frying pans offer a range of benefits, like quick and easy food release and simple cleanup. They feature scratch-resistant surfaces with nonstick coating that’s free of toxins and not harmful to the environment. Contrary to their name, most ceramic frying pans are not actually ceramic; instead they are made out of metal with a silicone coating. Ceramic frying pans provide better heat distribution and retention than traditional nonstick frying pans. Follow this guide to find the best ceramic frying pan to add to your cookware collection.
- BEST OVERALL: Cooking Light Allure Premier Ceramic Non-Stick
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Blue Diamond Cookware Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
- BEST WITH LID: GreenPan Lima 12″ Ceramic Non-Stick Covered Frypan
- BEST LARGE: GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Pan
- BEST SMALL: EPPMO 8 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Ceramic Frying Pan
Ceramic frying pans are available in a variety of sizes with different handle shapes and materials. Some also come with lids for added convenience in the kitchen. From size and material to handle shape and safety considerations, here are some of the most important features to consider when shopping for a ceramic frying pan.
Size
Ceramic frying pans typically range in size from 7 inches to 14 inches in diameter. Choosing the right size pan depends on how many people you are feeding, what type of food you are cooking, and how big your stovetop is. Thickness is another factor to keep in mind when shopping for a ceramic frying pan. Pans with thicker bases are more durable and less prone to sticking.
Handle Shape
If comfort is important to you, look for a ceramic frying pan with an ergonomically designed handle. This will allow you to grip the pan more easily and have more control while handling the pan or transporting the pan from the stovetop to the table. Aside from the shape of the handle, also pay attention to the material. It’s smart to choose a handle that stays cool to the touch.
Material
Some ceramic frying pans have real ceramic interiors, but most contain metal with a silicone coating that creates the nonstick surface. The base material is usually made of aluminum, stainless steel, or a combination of the two. Pans with aluminum bases heat up quickly and cook food evenly, but they can have a tendency to warp. Anodized aluminum pans are more durable but do not work as well on induction cooktops. Pans with stainless steel bases have a long lifespan, but they can cook food unevenly and develop hot spots. Some ceramic pans have multilayered bases, combining the benefits of aluminum and stainless steel pans.
Lid
Some ceramic frying pans come with lids, but lids can also be purchased separately. Lids hold in moisture and retain heat while cooking. When purchasing a ceramic frying pan with a lid, check the maximum temperature threshold for the lid, since it is usually lower than the pan itself.
Oven Safety
Before choosing a ceramic frying pan, decide if you want to use it in the oven. Some ceramic pans are oven safe, and others are not. If the pan is oven safe, make sure you know the maximum temperature it can safely withstand in the oven.
Our Top Picks
With a range of convenient features, like stay-cool handles and durable bases, here are some of the best ceramic frying pans for nonstick cooking. Review this list to find the best option for your cooking style.
Photo: amazon.com
This durable frying pan set includes one 8-inch and one 9.5-inch frying pan with nonstick ceramic coating and stay-cool riveted silicone handles. These pans have stainless steel bases and ceramic interiors designed for easy food release and simple cleanup. They can be used for braising, frying, sautéing, and searing, and are suitable for cooking a variety of foods including eggs, quesadillas, and fish.
Photo: amazon.com
This 8-inch nonstick ceramic frying pan is designed for a variety of cooking techniques, including sautéing, stir frying, searing, frying, and even baking. Featuring a diamond-infused coating, this pan is longer lasting and more durable than pans with a standard nonstick coating. It also has better heat transfer without causing cold or hot spots. This ceramic pan offers easy food release and efficient cleanup. It has a lightweight construction and forged base that prevents warping. This pan can be used on most stovetops, with the exception of induction cooktops. It’s free of toxins, scratch resistant, dishwasher safe, and oven safe up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit.
Photo: amazon.com
If you’d prefer your ceramic frying pan to come with a lid, consider this 12-inch option from GreenPan. Its tempered glass lid allows you to keep an eye on what you’re cooking and is oven safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The nonstick frying pan has a ceramic interior, riveted stainless steel handles, and a scratch-resistant anodized aluminum base. While the lid is oven safe to 425 degrees, the pan can be safely used in the oven and broiler up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also free of harmful toxins. Aside from induction cooktops, this pan is suitable for use on all types of stovetops.
Photo: amazon.com
This 12-inch nonstick frying pan features a toxin-free ceramic coating, a recycled aluminum base for even heating, and a stay-cool soft grip handle. Environmentally friendly, GreenLife’s nonstick coating generates 60 percent less CO2 emissions during the curing phase than traditional nonstick coating. This pan is oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on all types of stovetops, except induction. It’s dishwasher safe, but it can also be easily wiped clean by hand. The 12-inch model is available in turquoise, blue, or pink.
Photo: amazon.com
This 8-inch nonstick frying pan has a scratch-resistant ceramic interior and premium aluminum core that provides quick and even heat distribution. It comes with a sturdy stainless steel handle and glass lid. This durable frying pan is free of toxins and dishwasher safe. It can be safely used in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and is compatible with induction cooktops. It’s available in turquoise and dark blue, adding a pop of color to your cookware collection.
FAQs About Ceramic Frying Pans
As you consider the best ceramic frying pan for your needs, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you get the most out of your new cookware.
Q. Is ceramic cookware safe?
Yes, ceramic cookware is safe because it is free of harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, and lead. Unlike some other types of cookware, ceramic cookware does not give off potentially harmful fumes, even when it is used at high temperatures.
Q. Which is better: ceramic-coated or Teflon?
Ceramic-coated pans are better for you and the environment since they are free of toxins, but they are not as durable as traditional nonstick-coated Teflon pans.
Q. Do you have to pretreat ceramic frying pans?
Most ceramic frying pans do not need to be pretreated, but some manufacturers recommend seasoning before the first use and a couple of times per year to strengthen the ceramic nonstick coating.