We Tested the Best Ceramic Cookware Sets—These 6 Outperformed the Rest

The popularity of ceramic cookware has grown over the years, as it is seen as an alternative to traditional nonstick cookware made with PTFE, also known as Teflon. While we prefer cookware without coatings, such as stainless steel and cast iron, we also understand that cooking with nonstick cookware is easier, as it requires less maintenance and upkeep. Ceramic cookware is finished with a ceramic coating that provides a nonstick surface, helping prevent foods like eggs from sticking. Also, ceramic cookware can typically withstand higher temperatures, which is good for searing and sautéing.

In the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we’ve tested more than 200 cookware sets over the years. From stainless steel and cast iron to carbon steel, we cover it all. When testing nonstick and ceramic cookware, we evaluate performance, which includes nonstick capabilities, browning, simmering, and the ability to boil. We also assess ease of use, which includes cleanability, comfort, and more.

Other ceramic cookware we tested

• GreenPan Stanley Tucci Ceramic 11-Piece Cookware Set: Stanley Tucci collaborated with GreenPan to create this ceramic-coated cookware set. The pans are on the heavy side but well-balanced. Our experts noted that the 10-inch skillet has a wide surface area and, in our tests, produced a nicely browned steak, and eggs were easy to flip without using any oil. The lids are flat and chic, with oversized handles, and are made of transparent glass; the handles can get hot.
• Kilne Cookware Set: This luxury set not only looks pretty but performs well. It received high scores for our egg tests: the eggs didn't slide out of the pan, they were easy to flip, and there was little sticking. The scrambled eggs lifted with ease and left no residue. The set comes with a nice wooden trivet, a canvas hanging lid organizer, a wooden organizer for the pots and pans, and two wooden utensils. While our team thought they were beautiful, the look and style may not be for everyone.
• Made In CeramiClad Non Stick Frying Pan Set: This set from Made In was a stunner with its 5-ply stainless steel body and creamy ceramic coating. It comes in a set of three, or you can purchase the frying pans individually in 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch sizes. During testing, the pans performed well in searing and heat distribution. They were also very easy to clean and, in most instances, could even be wiped clean with a paper towel. While they perform well, we experienced chipping and scratches in the ceramic coating, so be sure to use silicone or wooden utensils when cooking and avoid stacking when storing to prevent scratches.
• OXO Professional 10-Piece Cookware Set: These ceramic cookware pieces from OXO can withstand high heat. They can handle searing steaks or quick sautés, and they're oven-safe up to 600ºF. The wide bases sit flush on range tops, and their interiors are slick and easy to clean. Plus, they have flush rivets so food can't get trapped. We appreciate the sturdy handles that make them easy to maneuver. Just be sure to have an oven mitt handy, as the handles can get hot. The lids are flat with a large knob, offering a modern design and allowing for stacking when inverted, and the rims are resistant to scratching.

How we test ceramic cookware

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've tested more than 200 cookware sets in recent years. We test each set to see how well the pots and pans distribute heat, whether they can evenly sear a steak, how quickly they can bring water to a boil, and how well they simmer sauce without burning it. We also assess ease of use, including handle comfort, balance, and how simple each piece is to clean.

For nonstick and ceramic cookware, we add specific tests to measure food release—for instance, cooking eggs and pancakes without added grease. Top-performing ceramic cookware maintains its nonstick performance across all these tests.

What to look for when shopping for ceramic cookware

✔️ Material: Ceramic cookware can be made from a variety of materials: Ceramic that's glazed to make it nonstick can be quite heavy and slow to heat. Coated aluminized steel is lighter and heats up more quickly, while coated stainless steel is heavier and sturdier. The heavier the pan, the better it will likely sear and retain heat without overheating, but lighter pans are appealingly quick to heat 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. Those with reinforced or multiple coatings, often advertised on packaging, are designed to last longer.

✔️ Cookware set size: Most of the sets on our list come with about 10 pieces, including an assortment of fry pans, saucepans, and small stock pots. Opt for a set with the most usable pieces for you. Ten-inch fry pans are great go-tos for all-day use, while 12-inch fry pans come in handy for cooking larger meals. A small 2- to 3-quart saucepan is suitable for boiling eggs and heating soups, while larger ones are good for making pasta.

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

✔️ Induction compatibility: If you have an induction cooktop, make sure your ceramic cookware is induction-compatible 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.

Is ceramic the healthiest cookware?

Brands often promote ceramic cookware as a "healthier" option because it's free of PFOA and PTFE. Here's what that actually means: PFOA is a type of PFAS chemical that was once used in the production of PTFE—the nonstick material best known by the brand name Teflon.

PFOA chemicals have been linked to some health concerns, and there's growing concern about their prevalence in nature. It's important to know that the use of PFOA has been phased out of the United States' cookware manufacturing process, but keep in mind that "[its replacements] haven't been around long enough for researchers to fully understand if they might have the same (or even different) health effects," according to Cancer.org.

Cookware without nonstick coatings, like stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, copper, and aluminum, don't contain PFOA or PTFE, so, according to the definition above, they're also considered "healthy." If you're looking for nonstick cookware you can feel good about, consider cast iron or carbon steel. At the same time, these materials require more care and maintenance than your typical cookware, but they can naturally develop nonstick properties the more you use them.

How to extend the life of your ceramic cookware

• Avoid nonstick cooking sprays. They'll gunk up the coating and make your pans less nonstick.
• Use lower temps and try not to burn your oil or food. These types of stains will also make your pans less nonstick.
• Use silicone, nylon-tipped, or wooden utensils to help prevent scratches.
• Wash your ceramic cookware by hand, even if it's dishwasher-safe, to help preserve the coating.
• Magic Erasers can be used occasionally to help rub off any buildup. Some ceramic cookware sets even come with them for this exact reason.
• Store your cookware with pan protectors, paper towels, or tea towels in between them to help prevent scratches on the surface and around the rim.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Nicole Papantoniou is the Kitchen Appliances Lab Director and has been testing cookware for Good Housekeeping for nearly five 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.

Raena Loper is a contributing analyst and writer for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Over the years, she has conducted tests on cookware, air fryers, food processors, and more. She reaches for ceramic pans when frying up eggs or making a quick meal.