In a hurry? My pick for the best ceramic frying pan is the Eppmo Non-Stick Ceramic Frying Pan Set
Ceramic frying pans are among the top choices of many home cooks and chefs – and yours truly. They offer a long-lasting construction, even heat distribution, and optimal heat retention. The ceramic coating provides a non-stick surface that not only makes frying a breeze but also easy to clean.
Furthermore, the best ceramic frying pans offer a reasonably non-stick surface in a safer alternative to pans that can contain harmful chemicals such as PTFE and PFOA. These can cause several health issues that can range from mild to severe.
All in all? Ceramic pans are an excellent choice for your kitchen. Let's dive in and find the right ceramic frying pan for you!
When talking about ceramic pans or cookware, most refer to ceramic-coated cookware, not pans entirely made of ceramic — so what’s the difference?
Solid ceramic cookware is made of clay and water, then hardened in a kiln through multiple processes until it’s hard enough for cooking duties.
Ceramic-coated cookware, on the other hand, is made primarily out of metal — usually aluminum, but sometimes stainless steel. After the metal has been molded, it’s covered in a thinner coating of ceramic.
The non-stick coating on ceramic frying pans is generally made of inorganic minerals — mostly silicon and oxygen. Not only is this better for your health, but it’s also more environmentally friendly.
Whether you’re frying an egg or searing a steak, there’s a chance that what you're cooking might stick to the pan. Usually, that means you overcompensate by adding too much oil to the dish.
Non-stick pans are very popular because food slides off easily, and cleanup is a breeze. However, as I briefly mentioned above, traditional non-stick pans might contain chemicals such as PTFE and PFOA.
If the pan overheats, these chemicals can leach into the food or form fumes. If this is ingested or inhaled, it can lead to flu-like symptoms.
However, as I explained above, ceramic coatings are made of inorganic materials and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Furthermore, ceramic pans have high heat-resistance and can sometimes withstand temperatures of up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison to traditional coating coatings that begin to deteriorate at around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you can cook a wider variety of dishes using different techniques with ceramic cookware.
You can also transfer the pan from the stovetop to the oven to finish off the meat or veggies you’re cooking. Just double-check the instructions to ensure your pan is oven-safe – and at which temperature range.
Although ceramic frying pans are free of PTFE and PFOA, that doesn't mean you do have cooking considerations. There are other concerns to be aware of:
One major concern with ceramic cookware is the manufacturing process. Cheaper pans could contain different compounds such as lead or cadmium in the coating.
Lead is a concern in the United States and it’s commonly found in groundwater in different states, and sometimes even in aging municipal water systems. Lead can cause many health issues, such as cardiovascular problems, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.
When you’re cooking on a surface that contains lead, it can leach into the food. Cadmium exposure can also affect the lungs and kidneys, among other health problems.
One way to avoid these issues is by only buying from reputable companies.
Many cooks and chefs recommend ceramic frying pans; however, homeowners have an array of experiences.
While some swear by the ceramic non-stick coating, others claim that the non-stick properties didn’t last long. Ceramic coatings also require special care (we’ll get more into that in a minute).
However, the durability of the coating also depends on how many layers there are on the pan. Manufacturers generally apply one or two layers — three layers are reserved for more high-end cookware.
To get the most out of your ceramic frying pan, there are a few things to be aware of:
We all like the easy way out and dive straight for the dishwasher — come on... we all do it!
Here are a few maintenance tips to help preserve your ceramic frying pan:
Finding the best ceramic pan requires more thought than simply picking the top-rated product. These are the factors I look for:
Ceramic frying pans come in a variety of sizes to suit each cook and dish. Your choice of size primarily depends on how many people will eat the meal you’re cooking!
I like to go big — I often opt for 12-inch pans. In saying that, anything above 10 inches is an excellent size for couples and small families. Furthermore, 10" still allows you to cook a variety of dishes, such as curries and stir-fries, that often require larger pans.
Another smart option is to buy sets. Most manufacturers sell pans in sets of two, three, or even four pieces. You’ll get different sizes to suit the meal, whether you’re cooking an egg or making marinara.
Aside from the ceramic coating, it’s essential to consider what’s underneath – this is where the magic happens. The base is what sets a good frying pan apart from an excellent pan. Here are a few bases you might come across:
Because aluminum is excellent at heat distribution and retention, it makes a good frying pan. For more durability, opt for an anodized or hard-anodized aluminum pan.
The base has to be good at distributing heat, and the coat has to be durable.
When shopping online, it can be challenging to know the quality of cookware since you can’t hold or feel it. However, I like to look at how well it manages high heat — pans that can withstand a higher temperature are generally made with several layers of coating.
If you do prefer to wash your cookware in the dishwasher, make sure you choose a dishwasher-safe pan.
Hand-washing your pan with is a good way to avoid harsh detergents and prolong its life.
These EPPMO frying pans feature an aluminum base that provides optimal heat distribution and retention. The ceramic coating is free of PFOAs and other harmful chemicals while providing a slick non-stick surface that’s easy to clean.
The pans are safe to use in the oven as well as on any stovetop, including induction. They can withstand oven temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, enabling you to cook a variety of dishes. Additionally, the stainless steel handles provide a sturdy, yet comfortable, grip.
You get three pans in the set — 8, 10, and 12-inch — excellent for any situation. You also get glass lids to suit each pan size.
The pans are dishwasher-safe; however, the manufacturer recommends handwashing when possible.
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This 12-inch pan from TECHEF is made of thick aluminum construction with a fine ceramic non-stick coating. The double-riveted stainless steel handle is secure in place and remains cool to the touch.
The handle is ergonomically designed to make it more comfortable for you to work with when you’re cooking. Additionally, the brushed finish adds a nice touch and texture.
It’s safe to use in the oven at temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as dishwasher-safe.
It offers excellent heat conduction that minimizes the chances of hot spots forming. Thanks to the non-stick coating, you can use less cooking fats for lighter meals.
The durable design makes the pan even more versatile as you can use it on any type of cooktop, including induction.
You also get a glass lid that features a stainless steel handle — the handle will get hot, though, so keep this in mind.
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This 9.5-inch Seekavan frying pan is made of die-cast aluminum that provides you with optimal heat retention and distribution. It consists of five layers on the bottom of the pan, which creates a thick surface to provide an even cook throughout.
The non-stick coating is made of stone-derived materials and is free of PFOAs. The handle is painted wood that provides a non-slip grip — it’s riveted in place and won’t cause the pan to wobble.
You can use this pan on most different cooktops, including induction. However, it isn’t suitable for gas stoves or ovens.
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You get three pans with this set from Cooker King — 8, 10 and 12 inches — so you’re able to cook a variety of dishes for the whole family.
The pans are made of durable aluminum with an anti-warp base to preserve the shape of the pan. This base provides an even heat distribution that’s ideal for frying proteins, such as chicken breasts and fish.
You can use the pans on different types of stovetops, with the exterior being scratch-resistant, and they won’t damage your glass stove.
You can safely transfer these pans from the stovetop to the oven as they can withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they’re dishwasher-safe, so you can take a breather after cooking dinner.
The non-stick coating with these is free of chemicals such as PFOA, PTFE, and cadmium. It provides a slick surface that’s as easy during cleanup as cooking.
You can get a secure and comfortable grip with the stainless steel handles, which are dual-riveted for extra strength and support as you’re frying or searing.
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These pans from GreenLife are constructed of aluminum and feature a Thermolon ceramic non-stick coating. The coating is free of impurities such as lead and cadmium, as well as PFAS and PFOA.
The pans feature a bright blue exterior while the inside remains white, making them visually highly appealing. More particularly, the bakelite handles are soft and provide a non-slip grip.
Note that these pans are safe to use in the oven at temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. They work on all stovetops apart from induction. The manufacturer recommends using a low to medium heat and only nylon or wooden utensils, as well as no cooking sprays.
Take your pick from six vibrant colors that are long-lasting and won’t discolor or stain when used correctly. They’re also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
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This unique pan from Red Copper combines the superior heat distribution of copper and the non-stick properties of ceramic. The pan is resistant to high heat and can safely transition to ovens at 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The non-stick coating is both resistant to scratches and high temperatures, as well as free of chemicals such as PFOA and PTFE. Furthermore, it won’t peel, flake, or chip when cared for properly.
It isn’t dishwasher-safe; however, it’s easy to clean by hand with warm, soapy water — or simply wipe it with a paper towel. Additionally, it must be seasoned before use, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will further help preserve its non-stick properties.
The pan features a stainless steel, dual-riveted handle that provides a secure yet comfortable grip. It won’t overheat on the stove; however, be careful when removing it from the oven as the handle will be hot.
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This Zwilling J.A. Henckels ceramic-coated frying pan is made of three-ply thick aluminum with an aluminum core. It conducts heat evenly and quickly as you’re cooking, even on medium heat.
The non-stick ceramic coating is free of chemicals and won’t release toxic fumes that can harm you and your family.
It features a large stainless steel handle that’s designed to give you superior maneuverability. In addition, the handle stays cool to the touch when cooking on the stove.
Note that this pan is safe to use in the oven at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also compatible with a range of cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction.
You can easily pour liquids from the pan without causing a mess, thanks to the flared rim. Additionally, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy clean-ups after dinner.
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Ceramic-coated frying pans offer a healthier option to non-stick pans by using inorganic materials instead of PTFE and PFOA. As a result, ceramic pans can withstand high temperatures that enable you to cook a variety of dishes compared to PTFE-pans.
From the above, my pick for the best ceramic frying pan is the Eppmo Non-Stick Ceramic Frying Pan Set. It ticks all of the boxes when it comes to excellent ceramic pans with its thick aluminum base and three-layer ceramic coating. Furthermore, it can withstand high heat and is safe to use in the oven.
I’m really impressed with its build quality and the different sizes available — my favorite has to be the 12-inch pan!
