Over the last several years, I’ve made a conscious decision to improve my overall health. Along with exercising regularly, I’ve also discovered a passion for cooking. Cooking delicious and nutritious meals has helped me lose a few pounds and feel better. While there are thousands of recipes out there for you to try, it is always helpful to choose the right tools and that includes the best ceramic frying pan.
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The 5 Best Ceramic Frying Pans
A ceramic frying pan is a great tool to have because food cooks evenly, and the non-stick surface makes cleaning nearly trouble-free. Each of these products will help turn any guy or girl into a chef, and it’s up to you to decide which ceramic frying pan you’ll use in your kitchen.
#1 GreenLife Ceramic Non-Stick Frypan Set – Best Set of Two
GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick 7" and 10" Open Frypan Set, Burgundy -
Features
- Thermolon healthy ceramic non-stick coating manufactured without PFAS and PFOA
- Aluminum reinforced body without lead and cadmium
- Stay-cool Bakelite handle with soft-touch and oven safe up to 350°F
- Dishwasher safe
You don’t have to own a basic black frying pan. There are options. Sometimes, it’s fun to add a pop of color to your cookware collection. The GreenLife Ceramic Non-Stick Frypan set comes in a choice of 7 colors, including black. However, this isn’t the only advantage to this set.
The set of two comes with both a 7” and 10” frying pan. You can effortlessly whip up a meal for one or use both pans for a more complicated dish. The frying pan set contains no lead, cadmium, and other harmful materials, which makes it a perfect match for those who are concerned about their safety.
The non-stick frying pans use recycled aluminum as their main component. The base is reinforced for durability. It also helps to ensure even heating. The Bakelite handles stay cool to the touch and are comfortable to grasp.
Cleaning the frying pans is a piece of cake. Not only are they dishwasher safe. The non-stick ceramic coating prevents grease and baked-on food from adhering to the pans. You’ll also notice the lack of rivets on the pans’ interior. It prevents food buildup for even easier cleaning.
Pros
- Oven safe up to 350˚F
- Soft grip Bakelite handles
- Seven color choices
- Toxin-free composition
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- The non-stick ceramic coating can scrape off if you use anything other than a soft sponge to wipe the frying pans down.
- The frying pans work best on low and medium heat. Higher temperatures can damage the coating.
Here is where you can find this product.
#2 Michelangelo Kitchenware Non-Stick Frying Pan – Long-Lasting Durability
MICHELANGELO Copper Frying Pan Nonstick, 11 Inch Frying Pan with Ultra Nonstick Titanium Coating, Nonstick Copper Skillet 11 Inch, Copper Pan, Ceramic Frying Pan Nonstick - 11 Inch
Features
- MULTIPLE LAYER NON STICK COATING - The superior Ceramic & Titanium interior of this nonstick skillet is ultra-nonstick and scratch resistant that enhances both durability and cooking performance.
- HEATS QUICKLY & EVENLY - Made of professional grade aluminum alloy that conducts heat quickly and evenly with precise temperature control and no hot spot. The copper frying pan is designed for professional multiple cooking use and allows you fry up your favorite breakfast, eggs, veggies, meats and more with less oil for healthy diet.
- CONVENIENT DESIGNED - The frying pan is specially designed with a long stainless steel handle that is nice to grip, easy to maneuver. The hanging loop of the 11 inch frying pan is for convenient for storage.
- OVEN TO STOVE VERSATILITY - The nonstick frying pan is made with a flat bottom which allows it to be placed evenly heat source and suitable for use on all stove tops except induction. Oven safe up to 450°F.
- NON TOXIC - PTFA, PFOA, lead and cadmium free, ideal for healthy cooking. Choose Michelangelo Titanium Frying Pan for greener and safer cooking. Package Includes: 1 x 11 Inch Copper Frying Pan Nonstick
Durability is often a problem with ceramic coated cookware. After a year or so, it’s not uncommon for the coating to start chipping off. When this happens, your frying pan is no longer non-stick, and cleaning it is a pain.
The Michelangelo Non-Stick Frying Pan doesn’t have a problem with durability. The 8” pan boasts a 3-layer ceramic-titanium coating that is almost impossible to scratch or damage. The coating is non-toxic and also helps to distribute heat evenly. And a flat bottom rendition can help you throw away all the worries about over or under-cooking the ingredients.
What I have found helpful in some recipes is the clear glass lid. It seals tightly to the frying pan, so flavor and nutrients are locked in. Since the lid is clear, you can keep an eye on the meal without letting heat escape.
The frying pan’s handle is longer than average, and you’ll appreciate the reasons why. A longer handle means you can stay further back from the stove’s heat. The handle also stays cooler to the touch. I should’ve kept it in mind before that last time I grabbed a hot handle without a potholder, though!
Pros
- 3-layer ceramic coating
- Heats up quickly and evenly
- Glass lid
- Long handle
- Copper composition
Cons
- The frying pan is not dishwasher approved and should be washed by hand.
- Since the stainless steel handle is not wrapped in silicone, it can still get hot to the touch.
Here is where you can find this product.
#3 DaTerra Cucina Ceramic Fry Pan – Best 11” Frying Pan
Professional 11 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid | Italian Made Ceramic Nonstick Pan by DaTerra Cucina | Sauté Pan, Chefs Pan, Non Stick Skillet Pan for Cooking, Sizzling, Searing, Baking and More
Features
- 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.
- Versatile & Easy to Clean: Natural Gas? Electric? Glasstop? Propane? They are all the perfect partners to our PTFE free chefs pan. You can easily cook like a pro no matter where you are! Hate cleaning pots and pans? We do too. Which is why our non stick pan is made with a durable ceramic coating to ensure easy cleaning that will leave your non stick skillet pan looking new for life.
- DaTerra Cucina's Promise: If all other ceramic coated frying pans have failed to deliver the cooking experience you've been searching for, then you’ll feel relieved to know that ours isn't just some gimmick – it’s tried, tested, and proven to cook, sear and sizzle any dish. Welcome to the family!
Sometimes you need a larger frying pan. Even if you don’t need the extra couple of inches for a recipe, it’s helpful to have extra room to mix everything together. The DaTerra frying pan measures 11”, and it’s ideal for electric, gas, and glass top stoves. Whatever appliance you have in your kitchen is safe to use with the ceramic fry pan.
DaTerra frying pans are made without the addition of any harmful chemicals. The fry pan’s 4-layer ceramic coating also ensures long-lasting durability. The pan heats up quickly, and food cooks evenly. It’s also safe to use at higher temperatures.
The pan has recycled aluminum as its main component, so you can feel good about your purchase. Every time you cook, you reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll make delicious and healthy meals with an eco-friendly frying pan.
The pan has a silicone handle lid so you can seal all flavors in. Thanks to the transparent lid, you don’t have to lift it to check on the ingredients’ progress. The lid has come with a convenient raised handle. You can safely lift it without worrying about getting burned by the escaping steam.
Pros
- 4-layer non-stick ceramic coating
- Silicone lid
- 11” circumference
- Durable design
- Non-toxic composition
Cons
- The ceramic coating can start to peel if the pan is used over high heat.
- It is a little harder to clean by hand than other non-stick ceramic pans.
Here is where you can find this product
#4 Tramontina Ceramica Fry Pan – Affordable Price
Tramontina Deluxe Fry Pan Aluminum 10-inch, Metallic Black, 80110/019DS
$49.95 in stock
Features
- PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium-free ceramic nonstick interior for maximum performance, easy release and clean up
- Ergonomically designed soft-grip cast stainless steel handle
- Dishwasher-safe; Oven-safe up to up to 350°F/ 176°C Made in Italy, assembled and packaged in the USA Lifetime Warranty
- Compatible with gas, electric and ceramic glass cooktop
- UPC - 016017079885
New home cooks and experienced ones often need an inexpensive frying pan. The Tramontina Ceramica fry pan is durable, functional, and affordable. You won’t have any issues with stuck-on food because it’s made of aluminum and comes with a ceramic non-stick coating.
The frying pan is free from all harmful chemicals to ensure your health. It’s also dishwasher safe for a quick and easy cleanup. What I’ve also found helpful is that the frying pan can go into the oven. It’s approved for use in temperatures up to 350˚F. Not every recipe calls for a frying pan to be used solely on a stovetop burner.
The 10” frying pan comes with an ergonomic stainless steel handle. It’s slightly lifted away from the pan to give you better control when you’re cooking. The soft-grip wrap is comfortable to grasp and keeps the handle cooler than non-wrapped ones. Best of all, the handle has a convenient hole so you can hang the pan with the rest of your cookware.
Pros
- Stay-cool handle
- 10” circumference
- Lifetime warranty
- Ceramic non-stick coating
- Oven and dishwasher safe
Cons
- The warranty only covers product defects that do not include normal wear and tear.
- The ceramic coated can start to crack and peel after a few months with repeated use.
Here is where you can find this product.
#5. Ozeri Professional Series Earth Ceramic Fry Pan – Best for Beginners
Ozeri 100% Made in Germany and Free of GenX, PFBS, Bisphenols, APEO, PFOS, PFOA, NMP & NEP Professional Series 11" Hand Cast Ceramic Earth Fry Pan, Inch, Black
$50.96 in stock
Features
- Individually hand-cast in Germany and quadruple sealed with a professional ceramic coating that is hardened for scratch resistance and lifetime performance
- Achieves non-stick perfection without risk of exposure to GenX fluorinated chemicals, PFBS, bisphenols (BPS), APEO, PFOS, PFOA, and the lesser known chemicals NMP and NEP
- Boasts an indestructible aluminum core that is 3 times thicker than a typical frying pan, a magnetized AISI 430 layer for use with induction stoves, and a comfortable heat-resistant under-coated handle
- Cleans with coveted ease, and oven-safe to 260 C / 500 F
- 100% Hand-cast and made in Germany
Ozeri Earth Ceramic Fry Pan is a delight to the eyes of cooking amateurs like me. Don’t let its “professional series” name overwhelm you, though. Everybody can have this professional series at their kitchens and employ them with relative ease.
The 10” frying pan comes with a flat bottom. Not only is it tip-proof, but it also helps distribute heat evenly. When you’re new to cooking, it’s not easy to keep the ingredients cooking evenly. The pan also comes with a quadruple sealed ceramic coating. The coating is professionally sealed for added durability.
You don’t have to worry about your first meal sticking to the pan. The coating is non-stick and chemical-free. The pan’s aluminum core is almost indestructible. It also boasts a magnetized AISI 430 layer, so you can safely use the frying pan on an induction stove. It’s also approved for oven use up to 500˚F.
The wrapped handle stays cool to the touch. There’s also a hole at the end for convenient hanging. If storage space is limited, like in my kitchen, the handle easily detaches. It’s just as easy to put the handle back on when you’re ready to use the frying pan.
Pros
- Safe for use with induction stovetops
- Dishwasher safe
- 4-layer ceramic coating
- Flat bottom
- Detachable handle
Cons
- The handle is only attached with one screw that can loosen over time.
- It can take longer to clean since it’s recommended you only wash it after the pan has cooled down.
Here is where you can find this product.
The Best Frying Pan: A Thought
Each of these 5 ceramic frying pans has something to offer beginner and experienced home chefs. However, our top pick is the 11” DaTerra Cucina Ceramic frying pan. It boasts 4-layers of ceramic coating and a convenient silicone handle lid. The handle stays cool, and its raised design helps ensure you’re not accidentally burned when you remove the lid.
It’s durable and non-toxic, and to top it off, it’s eco-friendly.
How to Choose the Best Ceramic Frying Pan
You don’t have to worry about a lack of options when you’re looking for a ceramic frying pan. There are plenty of pans to choose from. However, everything comes with a price and I learned this the hard way with my first set of cookware. Before you grab the first budget-friendly pan, here are a few aspects you should consider.
Type of Material
The frying pan consists of another material since the coating is made of ceramic. Each has its benefits and often comes down to what you need in a pan.
- Aluminum – Durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, heats evenly across the pan.
- Aluminum Coated Stainless Steel – Induction burner safe, good heat conduction properties, resistant to corrosion.
- Hard-coated Anodized Aluminum – Scratch and dent resists, conducts heat evenly.
- Aluminum/Stainless Steel – Induction burner and dishwasher safe, heats evenly, and rust-resistant.
- Copper/Stainless Steel – Excellent heat conduction properties.
- Carbon Steel – durable, heats quickly and evenly, induction burner safe.
If you have an induction stovetop at home, you want to pay attention to the materials. Not all frying pans are safe to use with induction heat. The material must be magnetized since this is how induction cooking works. It uses magnetic energy to heat the cookware instead of the stovetop. It results in faster heating, along with lower energy consumption.
Frying Pan’s Thickness
There are a few reasons why you want to pay attention to a frying pan’s thickness. It affects durability and function. A thin frying pan may heat up too quickly, and before you know it, all of your ingredients are burnt. If it’s too thick, it can take “forever” to heat up. There are also durability issues. Thinner pans will dent and break more easily than thicker ones.
Most home chefs, including myself, prefer a frying pan in-between. You don’t want it so thick that it’s hard to easily lift and takes a long-time to heat up. You might also want to avoid the one that dents easily or heats up too quickly and burns your food.
When you’re looking for the frying pan’s thickness, it’s measured in either gauges or millimeters. Most frying pans are between 10 and 22-gauge. The lower the number, the thicker the pan. It’s the opposite when the thickness is measured in millimeters. Higher numbers reflect a thicker design. I always lift a frying pan and judge how heavy it feels in my hands before bringing it home.
With or Without Rivets
There are pros and cons to frying pans that incorporate rivets. It’s often a personal preference on which one you choose. Personally, I like frying pans without rivets since they’re easier to clean. Moreover, they don’t get food trapped around the rivets and there is no problem with rust or corrosion, either. There is, however, a downside: the handle on the frying pan isn’t as sturdy as those with rivets.
Riveted handles are permanently attached and are incredibly sturdy. You don’t have to worry about the handle snapping when you lift a full frying pan. The downside is the scrapping during cleaning to remove collected food. However, if you plan on using the pan for thick steaks and other heavy ingredients, look for one with a riveted handle.
You can also find frying pans with removable handles. It’s great if you are low on storage space. However, the screws can get loosen up, and the handle can break off.
Types of Frying Pan Handles
You might not think about the handle until the pan’s on the stove, but it does serve an important function. Without a handle, it’s almost impossible to get a hot frying pan off the stove. Stainless steel handles stay cooler than aluminum ones. Stainless steel conducts heat slower than aluminum.
Silicone and other types of “cool” handles ensure you won’t get burned if you forget to use a potholder. Longer handles, away from the burner, also stay cooler than shorter ones. If possible, look for a ceramic frying pan that comes with a removable grip. It’s easier to clean, especially if food splashes around the handle.
How to Use and Care for a Ceramic Frying Pan
It doesn’t matter how much you paid for a ceramic frying pan; you most probably want it to last longer than a few months. This means you have to know how to use and care for the cookware. Reading the manufacturer’s recommendations is always helpful. It will let you know if the pan is dishwasher and oven safe, if it is induction-ready, along with helpful cleaning tips.
When you’re using the frying pan, here are a few essential tips to remember,
- Do not leave an empty ceramic frying pan on a lit burner when not in use.
- Let the pan cool before washing to prevent warping.
- Metal utensils can scratch the ceramic coating. Only use silicone utensils designed for high-temperature use.
- If you stack non-stick pans, always place a liner between the cookware to avoid scratching the ceramic coating.
You also want to make sure you know how to safely clean a ceramic frying pan.
- If you have a copper ceramic coated frying pan, use a polishing paste to clean the outside. The paste will safely remove dirt and food particles without marring the copper finish.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or sponges on the ceramic coating. Only use a soft sponge or cloth, along with a gentle formula dish soap.
- Even dishwasher safe frying pans will last longer with hand washing. The dishwasher’s drying cycle can cause the ceramic coating to crack. When you’re washing the pan, follow the direction of the metal grain. The frying pan will look better, and the coating will last longer.
- If you do decide to save time and put the frying pan in the dishwasher, make sure you’re using a metal-safe detergent.
Carbon steel seasoned frying pans require a little more care. You never want to use dish soap to clean the pan. Instead, use hot water to wipe off the ceramic coating while keeping the seasoning. A little unsalted cooking oil rubbed on the outside will prevent rust and corrosion. You can also use vegetable shortening in place of cooking oil.
How to Season a Ceramic Frying Pan
You’ve probably heard people talking about their favorite seasoned frying pan. Mine was cast iron until I started using a ceramic coated one. The purpose of seasoning a frying pan is to extend its life. It can also add more flavor to your dishes.
Your frying pan seasons itself every time you use it. However, doing it yourself before cooking your first meal will prevent some typical wear and tear problems. It’s not hard to do and only takes a few minutes.
1. Thoroughly clean and dry your frying pan with gentle dish soap. Do not run it through the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer has it listed as safe.
2. Coat the entire surface of the pan with cooking oil. Use your fingers or a paper towel to coat the pan’s edges. You want to use oil instead of butter since it has a higher smoking temperature.
3. Set the stove burner to medium heat. It can take a little bit for the oil to start smoking, typically around 5 – 10 minutes. Do not turn up the heat to speed up the process; you want the oil to have plenty of time to soak into the pan’s surface. If your ceramic frying pan is oven-safe, you can use it in lieu of the stovetop. Set the oven to 300˚F and leave the cookware in for 20 minutes.
4. When the oil starts to smoke, turn the burner or oven off and let the frying pan cool to room temperature. Don’t put it in the fridge or under cold water. The sudden temperature change can damage the ceramic coating beyond repair.
5. When the pan is cool, use a paper towel to wipe off the excess oil. Your pan will feel a little greasy, but it’s normal. It will also ensure food doesn’t stick in your frying pan.
To keep your ceramic frying pan seasoned, you’ll want to repeat these steps every three or four months.
Advantages of Ceramic Frying Pans
There are several advantages to cooking with ceramic frying pans that go beyond the non-stick surface. Though, I do appreciate not having to use butter or cooking oil to ensure my food doesn’t stick to the pan’s surface. It easily slides out of the pan, including eggs. Since I’m trying to eat healthier, reducing fat is a bonus.
Non-toxic
No one wants to think about toxins in their cookware getting into their food, and, luckily, it’s not a problem with ceramic cookware. The ceramic coating is created from sand during manufacturing. You don’t have to worry about lead or cadmium seeping into your food. In addition to that, ceramic cookware is also free from perfluorooctanoic acids (PFAS and PFOAs) that pose a severe health concern.
A Breeze to Clean
Thanks to the non-stick coating, we can clean ceramic frying pans effortlessly. Even burned food wipes off painlessly with a soft sponge and a little dish soap. Even a typically stubborn spot would still be easy to clean. Fill the frying pan with water and bring it to a boil. The dried food will soften and brush away automatically. It also works with handle rivets that are notorious for collecting debris.
Budget-Friendly
Cookware is often expensive, but there are exceptions. Ceramic coated frying pans and pots are available in a range of price points. However, even the higher-priced pans are still budget-friendly compared to other types of cookware.
Various Color Options
Some people could care less about what color their frying pan is. Personally, I think it’s fun to get different colored cookware, and there are plenty of options with ceramic coated ones. The color doesn’t affect how well the frying pan performs, but it might change how you feel about spending time in the kitchen. If you have a frying pan you love, chances are you’ll spend more time cooking.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Frying Pans
Every product has at least one disadvantage, and this applies to ceramic frying pans. The main one is the durability of the ceramic coating. Seasoning a ceramic frying pan will improve its life-span, but only for a few months. Once the coating starts to peel and crack, the non-stick surface is gone.
You Cannot Cook with High-Heat
Some recipes do call for high-heat, and this is a problem with a ceramic frying pan. The cookware is not designed for higher temperatures usage, it’s only designed for low to medium heat. The ceramic compound is too delicate to withstand extreme temperatures and will damage if exposed to them. It does limit a little of what you can cook with a ceramic frying pan.
You May Have to Replace Your Utensils
Wood utensils are okay for use with a ceramic frying pan, but not the best choice. There’s still the risk of scratches if the wood is splintered or broken. You definitely do not want to use metal spoons, forks, spatulas, and ladles. These and similar utensils will ruin the non-stick coating. If you don’t own any silicone utensils, you’ll need to get some. While relatively inexpensive, it’s something you didn’t plan on replacing.
Best Ceramic Frying Pan Final Thought
Ceramic frying pans have been a great addition to my kitchen, even with the few problems that come with the cookware. Nothing beats the non-stick surface. Food slides off the surface, so it’s a breeze to clean. It doesn’t bother me that mine doesn’t go in the dishwasher.
The main drawback to ceramic frying pans is durability. The pans are often lighter than other types of frying pans, usually due to thinner metal. The ceramic coating cracks and chips easily. Some pans only last a few months, even after seasoning. While this is a drawback, the affordable price combined with the other advantages keeps me glad that I’m cooking with a ceramic frying pan.
