Straight to the point
The best ceramic non-stick frying pan is from cumin. It is super soft and scratch resistant. I also liked the sturdy, thick-bottomed pan The crucible.
Today’s non-stick coatings are safer than their predecessors and are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, although PTFE is initially inert, it can release gas if heated at high temperatures, which can cause polymer smoke fever.– A rare condition that presents with flu-like symptoms.
With proper care (and pulling nonstick pans when damaged), traditional nonstick materials are thought to be safe for general use. But for those who want to avoid that, there are ceramic cookware. Its coating is derived from silica, Which is found in organic materials such as beach sand and granite. This surface will still deteriorate over time, but there is no risk of outgassing.
To find the best ceramic cookware, I reviewed nearly forty egg cookers and rated 11 frying pans.
Winners, at a glance
Caraway’s sloping walls are tall enough to accommodate a sautéed or slow-cooked dinner, and they’re oven-safe up to 550°F. The nonstick surface released food easily and didn’t scratch during my tests.
This thick bottom pan performed very well. Eggs and crepes slid off the nonstick surface and its coating was durable and didn’t scratch in our durability test. This pan was heavy enough to be large but light enough to maneuver with one hand. It is oven safe up to 550°F.
The Kyocera frying pan features deep walls and a scratch-resistant non-stick coating. The pan’s slanted sides hold food well, and its rounded handle is comfortable to hold.
Tests
- Fried egg test: I fried a sunny side up egg in each pan to test the pan’s nonstick properties. I preheated each pan and cracked the egg directly into the pan without using any oil or butter. Once the white color was set, I used Non-stick spoon Remove the egg from the pan and make sure it sticks.
- Omelette test: I used each pan to prepare three eggs Omeletteevaluate the pan’s non-stick ability and how easy it is to remove the omelet.
- Durability test: To test the durability, I used metal Fish spoon And even apply pressure to scrape the surface of each pan 10 times. Next, I checked for any scratches or marks.
- Crepe test: I made three Crepes in both top pans to test performance and ease of use. I looked for even cooking and evaluated comfort and handling.
- Cleaning test: I washed the pans according to their manufacturer’s instructions after each test, to check for corrosion.
What we learned
The color of the pans’ coating did not matter
Ceramic coatings come in a range of colours. I tested white, cream, copper, light gray, and black pans. At first, I thought the lighter pans would show faster wear, but my durability testing revealed no connection between color and scratch resistance. I also didn’t notice any difference in cooking time while preparing fried eggs, omelettes, or crepes. I looked into it and learned that the paint color is related to it Consumer perception. Ceramic cookware manufacturers may choose lighter coatings to differentiate their pans from traditional nonstick pans, which are always black.
Scratches and dings were deal breakers
Things were looking pretty good after the first two tests, with fried eggs and omelettes sliding right off the new nonstick surface of each pan. The pans started showing their true colors when I took them out Fish spoon. It should be noted that most manufacturers do not recommend using metal utensils on non-stick surfaces. I chose a stiff tool as a stress test to see how it would hold up after repeated use. Although ceramic nonstick pans are made without traditional nonstick materials, they still need to be stopped once they start to crack or degrade. Non-stick pans have a really short shelf life, and ceramic coatings tend to be more brittle than their chemical counterparts.
Only three pans – the winners – appeared without any wear. the cumin, The crucibleand Kyocera The surfaces did not scratch or crack, even after repeated scratches. He was the worst offender Green Life Diamond Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Panwhich was immediately scratched and ended up with long lines showing the path of the spoon. Overall, the durability test results indicated a link between price and quality. the cumin, The crucibleand Kyocera It represents three of the most expensive pans I tested. (Editor’s note: However, we still recommend the cheap one, Traditional non-stick pans(The expensive versions of these are just as durable as the budget versions.)
I preferred the round handles
A handle can make or break your cookware. Some of the pans I tested, e.g Red brass lamp head and Gotham SteelIt had flat handles. These were less comfortable to hold, as the thin edges dug into my palm as I lifted and moved the pan. Larger, rounded handles distribute weight more evenly. Pans like Tramontina Deluxe The caraway felt comfortable in the hand and was easy to work with. The Tramontina’s handle includes a silicone pad for added comfort and the Caraway’s hollow, rounded design stayed reasonably cool on the stove.
The shape of the wall is affected by its versatility
Pan size is often described by diameter, with 8-, 10- and 12-inch pans all being standard. A 10-inch pan should have enough room to comfortably fry two or three eggs without crowding. During testing, I found that the wall design affected capacity.
I preferred pans with long, round walls, which increase capacity, but are still easier to work with. The steep walls (as in Kyocera) meant that more dexterity was necessary to turn and remove food.
Criteria: What to look for in ceramic cookware
My favorite ceramic pans had smooth, slippery surfaces where nothing stuck. It also features comfortable, rounded handles and excellent durability. Since ceramic cookware is more fragile than non-stick, I prioritized scratch-resistant pans.
Our top picks for ceramic cookware
What we liked: I loved the deep, round shape of the caraway pan. The walls were high, but it was still easy to get a spoon under the edge of a crepe. The smooth, non-stick surface released everything you cooked on it and didn’t scratch during our durability testing. This pan comes in eight colors and matching lids are available separately.
What we didn’t like: At five pounds, this was the heaviest model I tested. I thought the pan was well balanced and manageable, but this may be too heavy for some cooks.
Key specifications
- weight: 5 pounds
- Material: Aluminum and ceramic
- Care: Handwash only; Avoid metal utensils
- Maximum oven temperature: 550°F
- Induction compatible: Yes
What we liked: The surface of the Le Creuset pan was smooth but tough. Eggs, crepes and omelettes lift cleanly from the surface and the coating resists scratching. This pan had a sturdy, thick bottom but was light enough to toss and shake with one hand.
What we didn’t like: The Le Creuset fryer is shallower than the Caraway and Kyocera fryers. It’s perfect for eggs and crepes but may not be wide enough for sauces, large portions, or sautéed vegetables. At $110, this is the most expensive bowl I’ve tested.
Key specifications
- weight: 2 pounds, 10 oz
- Material: Ceramic, aluminum and stainless steel
- Care: Dishwasher safe; Hand wash recommended
- Maximum oven temperature: 550°F
- Inductance compatible: Yes
What we liked: Kyocera delivers quality at a lower price. It was the cheapest pan to pass the durability test. The nonstick coating did not crack or scratch after repeated passes with the metal fish spatula. During the test, the eggs scurried around the smooth surface. This medium-weight pan was easy to lift and shake but is heavy enough to feel sturdy.
What we didn’t like: Compared to the Caraway’s rounded design, it was difficult to maneuver around the steep walls of this pan. Getting the spoon under the crepe requires more dexterity.
Key specifications
- weight: 1 pound
- Material: Ceramic, aluminum and stainless steel
- Care: Handwash only
- Maximum oven temperature: 400°F
- Inductance compatible: Yes
Competition
Frequently asked questions
Is ceramic cookware safe?
Some studies suggest that cooking with scratched or worn ceramic nonstick surfaces poses a risk Nanoparticle migration, But the health risks associated with exactly Ceramic nanoparticles Unknown.
Is ceramic cookware non-toxic?
Ceramic cookware contains no PFAs or PTFEs –Potentially harmful chemicals Previously or currently found in traditional non-stick cookware.
How do you clean ceramic cookware?
Gentle cleaning techniques extend the life of ceramic coatings, as even small scratches reduce the effectiveness of non-stick surfaces. Most manufacturers recommend hand washing nonstick cookware. For best results, avoid using abrasive tools, such as the rough side of a sponge.
How long does ceramic cookware last?
Nonstick ceramic cookware lasts from one to five years depending on quality, care and use. Proper care will extend the life of the pan. For best results, avoid using metal utensils and refrain from stacking other dishes on top of the nonstick surface during storage. Use gentle hand washing techniques to protect the ceramic coating.
Why we are the experts
- Madeleine is a comforter He has over 10 years of experience as a food writer and recipe tester.
- She has been testing and reviewing kitchen products for over five years and has eliminated traditional nonstick cookware from her kitchen.
- In this review, it tested 11 ceramic non-stick pans, to evaluate their performance and durability.