The 7 Ceramic Cookware Sets That Are Worth Your Money

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New cookware sets aren’t just for wedding registries and housewarming gifts: Did you know you’re supposed to regularly replace your non-stainless steel cookware? Ceramic pots and pans are sure to fit well in any kitchen—and not just because they offer way more bright, trendy color options to match your kitchen decor. Typically made from clay or materials like stainless steel and aluminum and then glazed, ceramic pots and pans are prized for being safe to use—especially at high temperatures since Teflon-coated nonstick kitchenware can release toxins if used over 500°.

Ceramic cookware sets also have a glossy, slick coating that makes it easy to flip your fried eggs and seamlessly sear scallops. You can just wipe them down after even the most rigorous cooking session, which requires less time and effort compared to other cookware options, like cast iron. Some ceramic cookware is even safe to use in the oven and on induction cooktops for optimal versatility.

Whether you’re looking to prepare some tasty meals or just want some nonstick pots and pans that are budget-friendly, we think these expert-approved picks for the seven best ceramic sets will be just what you’ll need to simplify your cooking experience.

How we picked these products

To find the best ceramic cookware sets, we tapped chef, entrepreneur, and cookbook author Agatha Achindu and Delish assistant food editor Francesca Zani for their top picks. We also consulted Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab director Nicole Papantoniou and her team of on-staff experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—who rigorously put everyday products to the test (and then more and more tests) in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust. The team evaluated ceramic cookware sets on how easy they are to handle and clean, as well as on performance factors like how well they distribute heat, if they can evenly sear a steak, and how quickly they can bring water to a boil. After consulting the above experts, we’ve determined that these are the best ceramic cookware sets you can shop in 2023.

10-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Ceramic Set

Looking for some great everyday pots and pans? Achindu recommends this GreenLife ceramic set because it’s budget-friendly and comes with pieces you’ll actually want to use. Their stainless steel exterior makes them a slightly more affordable alternative to copper or nickel sets, yet they're still super durable. The pots and pans have two sturdy stainless steel layers and an aluminum core that’s made for quick heating. The cookware is oven-safe up to 600˚F, and the lids are oven-safe up to 425°F.

Achindu uses the stainless steel ceramic fry pan “religiously” on medium heat to cook up delicate foods like pancakes, scallops, flaky fish, and sunny side eggs. She says this set stands out for its even heating, "eliminating unnecessary burning." Since stainless steel can scratch somewhat easily, she recommends cleaning these pieces with warm, soapy water and a nonabrasive sponge to prevent damage.

• Materials: Nonstick ceramic coating, stainless steel, aluminum core

• Number of pieces included: 10

• What's included: 8-inch and 9.5-inch frying pans, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, and 5-quart stock pot with lid

• Induction-safe: Yes

• Temperature range: 600˚F

11-Piece Valencia Pro Hard Ceramic Set

There are plenty of heavy tools that end up filling our kitchens, but that doesn’t have to be the case with your ceramic cookware! The GreenPan Valencia set is Papantoniou’s “favorite cookware line” from the brand, thanks to its “super versatile” and “lightweight” pieces. She’s a fan of this set’s assortment of different sized pots and pans, as well as its brasier that’s “a good entry way to teaching someone how to braise” or “helpful for making a small serving of food, like chicken thighs.” The pots and pans are oven and broiler safe up to 600°F, and the glass lids are oven-safe up to 425°F.

This set features the brand’s signature, protruding handle that Papantoniou and the Good Housekeeping Institute team say is “comfortable” and easily “rests in your palm.” The cookware has a light-colored, stain-resistant interior and dark exterior that “hides” stains altogether.

During testing, the team found that the light interior made it “harder to see any scratches on the rim," which is the norm when using coated cookware. However, eggs "released easily" with a spatula and sauce "barely stuck" to the bottom and was easy to clean afterwards.

• Materials: Nonstick ceramic coating, hard anodized aluminum, stainless steel handles

• Number of pieces included: 11

• What's included: 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch frying pans, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 5-quart stockpot with lid, and three pan protectors.

• Induction-safe: Yes

• Temperature range: 600°F

Advantage Ceramica XT 11-Piece Cookware Set

Sure, plenty of ceramic cookware is lightweight, yet sturdy, and comes in multiple color options, but the truly advantageous feature of the Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT Set is the included steamer basket, which can also serve as a strainer. These pots and pans bring a lot to the table, literally—the Good Housekeeping Institute’s lab panel sang its praises for “properly sear[ing] proteins” and “frying crispy eggs with minimal oil.”

We also loved the thick ergonomic handles, which are made of silicone, so they’re easy to grip and stay cool to the touch while you’re cooking on your stovetop. Though they’re only oven-safe up to 350º and can’t be used with metal utensils, each piece is dishwasher- and freezer-safe, so you can significantly reduce clean-up time and easily store leftovers without dirtying up any extra dishes.

• Materials: Ceramic, aluminum core, silicone handles

• Number of pieces included: 11

• What's included: 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 6-quart stockpot with lid, 8-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet, and 7-inch steamer insert

• Induction-safe: N/A

• Temperature range: 350°F

Initiatives Ceramic Nonstick 14-Piece Cookware Set

Boiling on a budget? The T-fal Initiatives Ceramic Nonstick Cookware is here to serve with its oven-safe (up to 350°) pans and lids, nonstick rivets, and solid performance—you even get two spoons and two spatulas to prevent scratches! These lightweight pots and pans have everything you want in ceramic cookware: They can maintain a steady simmer, evenly distribute heat on electric ranges, and easily release foods without the need for fat or oil to keep it from sticking. Even the lids and thick plastic handles stayed cool to the touch during cooking for the ultimate user-friendly experience.

That being said, you do get what you pay for, so there are some sacrifices to be made for the T-fal Initiatives set’s affordability: The Good Housekeeping Institute warns this cookware “need[s] to be more closely watched during cooking to avoid overheating,” noting it scorched spaghetti sauce during testing. Still, we think it’s a solid option if you’re in the market for quality ceramic cookware that won’t break the bank. It comes in multiple colors, is dishwasher-safe, and has a stain-resistant exterior.

• Materials: Aluminum construction, ceramic interior

• Number of pieces included: 14

• What's included: 8.5-inch frying pan, 10.5-inch frying pan, 11-inch covered frying pan, 1-quart covered saucepan, 2-quart covered saucepan, 5-quart covered Dutch oven, and four nylon cooking utensils

• Induction-safe: No

• Temperature range: 350°F

CTX 10-Piece Deluxe Set

You don’t have to be a MasterChef to cook like one—just pick up the Scanpan CTX 10-Piece Deluxe Set, which is by Scanpan, one of Gordon Ramsay’s preferred kitchen gear brands. This ceramic-titanium nonstick cookware has all the amenities you could want—like handles that stay cool to the touch while you cook and a slim profile that allows for easy storage, while still having enough cooking space to feed a crowd. It’s induction-safe, oven-safe up to 500°F, and compatible with metal utensils.

The Good Housekeeping Institute said each piece “distributes heat well on gas range” and “food releases easily from [the] nonstick surface,” but warns that they worked “very poorly on electric ranges.” Furthermore, though the heavy-duty Scanpan CTX pots and pans are dishwasher-safe, you’re better off washing them by hand because their rivets can be a bit tricky to clean. That being said, this beautiful set strikes the perfect balance between the sleek outer look of brushed stainless steel and the convenience of nonstick-lined cookware.

• Materials: Stainless steel, cast aluminum

• Number of pieces included: 10

• What's included: Two frying pans, two covered sauce pans, covered sauté pan, and covered Dutch oven

• Induction-safe: Yes

• Temperature range: 500°F

Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

With a diamond-infused ceramic coating, a forged base, and stainless steel handles, the Blue Diamond 10-Piece Cookware Set will have you belting “Hit me with your best pot, fire away!” Free of PFAs, PFOAs, lead, cadmium, and other toxins, this fan-favorite cookware brand ensures its pots and pans are safe for you and your family while also offering a ceramic coating that is five times harder, ten times longer-lasting, and four times better at transferring heat than other models.

It’s good to note that it’s not as effective as other options at releasing cooked food, but the nonstick rivets, slightly flared sides, and a large, slick surface area make it an all-around pleasant cooking experience.

Though the handles are comfortable to grab, the Good Housekeeping Institute found that, “In our tests we were able to confirm that [the handles are] hollow and do get hot… Using a low to medium flame helps, as well as centering the pans on the burner.” In addition to being compatible with all burner types (even induction!), this lightweight-yet-sturdy set is also dishwasher-safe, metal-utensil-safe, and oven- and broiler-safe.

• Materials: Diamond-infused nonstick ceramic coating, aluminum

• Number of pieces included: 10

• What's included: 7-inch and 9-inch frying pans, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 2.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 5-quart stock pot with lid, and two nylon cooking utensils

• Induction-safe: No

• Temperature range: 425°F

Classic 5 pc. Cookware Set - (10508000) Black

Sure, we love some ramen, but who says college students can’t cook gourmet meals too? Whether dining hall food’s got you down or you have a small kitchen that doesn’t offer much storage space, the Scanpan Classic 5-Piece Cookware Set has all you need to get cooking with gas—seriously, it works like a dream on gas ranges! You can simmer and sear sauces and steaks with ease thanks to the nonstick ceramic finish, which the Good Housekeeping Institute said “easily released foods without fat/oil.”

They especially liked that this basic set is oven-safe up to 500°F, but the handles and lids remained cool to the touch while cooking on the stovetop. But that’s not all: Unlike other budget-friendly options, the Scanpan Classic Set features a stain-resistant exterior and is entirely dishwasher-safe, so it will be a staple in your kitchen for years to come. Take note that the small pans can only cook enough food for 1 to 2 people at a time.

• Materials: Pressure-cast aluminum body, ceramic titanium nonstick

• Number of pieces included: 5

• What's included: Frying pan, saucepan with lid, and Dutch oven with lid

• Induction-safe: No

• Temperature range: 500°F

SearSmart Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

Some ceramic cookware can’t take the heat, but that definitely isn’t the case for the GreenPan SearSmart 10-Piece Set, which includes a casserole, sauté pan, two frying pans, and two saucepans that can withstand temperatures up to 600º. (Even the included tempered glass lids are oven-safe up to 425º!) As part of their durable design, these pots and pans feature thick, stay-cool handles and offer ample room on their cooking surfaces thanks to their short edges, which aren’t as sloped as other options.

At first glance—not to mention touch—this cookware has a rough surface that is unlike the smooth, slick texture of other ceramic-lined options, but this proved to be no issue during testing. In fact, the Good Housekeeping Institute said this unique feature “makes them more durable than smooth ones,” and pointed out “We were pleasantly surprised to see that the pans only needed to be rinsed with water after making scrambled eggs.”

10-Piece Ceramic Pro Cookware Set

No, you can’t keep your ceramic cookware forever, but there’s a lot of benefits to giving it a longer lifespan, including saving money (of course) and helping the environment by not dumping your cookware castoffs into a landfill after a few years of use. Enter the Bialetti Ceramic Pro Cookware Set, which is so durable that it even comes with a 10-year guarantee!

These hard-anodized aluminum pots and pans boast tempered glass lids and stainless steel handles that remain cool to the touch while you’re cooking. They may not be induction- or dishwasher-safe, but you can stick them in ovens up to 400° for some added convenience. Featuring a unique matte gray exterior, this set comes equipped with multiple pots and pans, as well as a sauté pan, making it a perfect option for home chefs who are new to cooking or those just starting out on their own.

• Materials: Hard anodized aluminum, stainless steel

• Number of pieces included: 10

• What's included: 8-inch and 10-inch sauté pans, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lid, 3-quart deep sauté with lid, 6-quart Dutch oven with lid

• Induction-safe: No

• Temperature range: 400°F

Cookware Set

Who says your cookware can’t look great while putting dinner on the table? The Caraway 7-piece Cookware Set has a sleek design that’s available in a wide range of earthy colors. Zani specifically recommends this set, calling it durable and noting that it has a smooth, easy-to-clean surface and "universal usage across induction, eclectic, and gas."

The Good Housekeeping Institute team found these pots and pans can fry up an egg or steam broccoli using their vented (though not transparent) lids, and are easy to handle and grab. However, the experts did note that “care needs to be taken in terms of maintaining the temperature because these pieces heat up very quickly,” causing the stainless steel handles to get hot to the touch during use. The set is also oven-safe up to 650ºF—although most traditional at-home ovens don't get that hot anyway.

Additionally, keep in mind hand-washing is recommended.

• Materials: Nonstick ceramic coating, aluminum core, stainless steel handles

• Number of pieces included: 7

• What's included: 10.5-inch frying pan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, and 6.5-quart Dutch oven

• Induction-safe: Yes

• Temperature range: 650ºF

Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

As beautiful as it is functional, you’re sure to slay all day with the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set, which will put in all the work while maintaining the sleek design of its dark gray interior and exterior. Not only does this 12-piece kit come with a Dutch oven with lid, two fry pans, and three saucepans with lids, it also includes a spoon and slotted spatula to complete your kitchen gear collection.

On top of its thoughtful features, like tempered glass lids and thin, silicone-wrapped handles, this ceramic cookware is even dishwasher-safe—cue the happy dance! The Good Housekeeping Institute was equally impressed, pointing out that “a steam vent helps prevent food from getting too hot and boiling over”.

• Materials: Hard anodized aluminum, metal, silicone

• Number of pieces included: 12

• What's included: 8-inch and 10-inch frying pans, 1-quart saucepan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 5-quart Dutch oven with lid, solid spoon, and slotted spatula

• Induction-safe: No

• Temperature range: 400ºF

Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?

Yes! While Teflon-coated nonstick cookware is known to release toxins when heated to over 500°, ceramic cookware provides a natural surface that can safely be heated to higher temperatures, such as when broiling or cooking in the oven.

Still, there are pros and cons to both ceramic and nonstick cookware, and deciding which cookware is better for you all depends on what you value most. Both ceramic and nonstick cookware are less heavy (and, not to mention, less expensive) than stainless steel cookware. They also don’t require a lot of oil for cooking, but neither should be used with metal utensils or put in the dishwasher unless otherwise permitted by their manufacturer. Keep in mind ceramic-glazed cookware also has a much shorter lifespan than traditional nonstick or stainless steel. If cared for properly, you can get a good three years out of your ceramic cooking gear before its coating starts to wear.

Do Ceramic Pans Really Work?

Not only does ceramic cookware really work, but it works really well. As the ultimate combination of affordability and versatility, these sets heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly. If you think ceramic may be right for you, here are some factors to look out for while searching for the perfect set:

Pieces: Your first inclination when buying a ceramic cookware set may be to just go with whichever offers the largest assortment of pieces, but that’s not necessarily going to be the option that fits best with your lifestyle. If it’s just you cooking or your kitchen is low on storage space, you’re better off sticking to the basics—a decent-size skillet, pot, and Dutch oven. From there, you can tack on any additional essentials, like sauté pans, sauce pans, and so on. Some sets even include cooking utensils, which can come in handy not just while cooking, but also when maintaining your set, as you can be sure they won’t affect the integrity of the ceramic coating.

Convenience: Ceramic cookware is pretty convenient overall for its smooth, durable surface. However, be sure to confirm which pieces in your set are and aren't oven-safe, as many lids don’t fall under this category.

What To Look For When Shopping For Ceramic Cookware Sets

Materials: Ceramic cookware sets are made with pure ceramic or coated metals. Choosing between materials largely depends on your budget and how you'll be using your cookware. “If you plan on using your ceramic pots and pans for stovetop cooking only, then anodized aluminum, stainless steel, or copper-clad aluminum would be a better investment than pure ceramic, which is more expensive,” says Achindu. “On the other hand, if you are going to use your cookware for stove-to-oven baking or broiling, then you will want to invest in a pure ceramic option.”

The Good Housekeeping Institute notes that pure ceramic cookware is usually “heavy” and “slow to heat,” while coated aluminized steel is “lighter” and “quicker to heat,” and coated stainless steel is “heavier” yet sturdier than aluminized steel versions. Remember, heavier pans are best for searing and retaining heat without overheating, but lighter pans allow for greater maneuverability.

Features: While more expensive, Achindu recommends looking for ceramic cookware that's made of one solid piece of metal (including the handle), since this makes the set more durable. If the handle isn’t made of metal, she says silicone is another good material to “maximize the cookware’s stovetop-to-oven properties.”

Cleanability: Ceramic cookware is often marketed as being dishwasher-safe, but the Good Housekeeping Institute suggests hand-washing these pieces to preserve their quality. High temperatures and abrasive detergents can wear them down and minimize their nonstick properties.

If your ceramic cookware is not made of one solid piece of metal, Achindu also says to avoid soaking soak your pots and pans in water for long periods of time, as this can lead to "the possibility of water seeping in and corroding" them.

Induction compatibility: If you have an induction cooktop, check the manufacturer instructions to ensure your ceramic cookware is compatible with it. As a general rule of thumb, the Good Housekeeping Institute suggests looking for “sturdier cookware with wider bases” that can make “better contact” with the heating elements.

How To Care For Ceramic Cookware

Avoid nonstick cooking sprays: Papantoniou says that the sprays will “gunk up” the coating and cause the pans to become less nonstick over time.

Use gentle cookware utensils: Wooden, nylon-tipped, and silicone utensils are best for ceramic cookware to help preserve the coating, notes Papantoniou.

Cook on lower heat: If you use high heat, food is more likely to burn on the cookware and produce stains that’ll make the pieces less nonstick, the Good Housekeeping Institute says.

Hand-wash: Papantoniou recommends washing your ceramic cookware with warm, soapy water to help break down the oil and grease molecules gently. Again, cleaning pots and pans in the dishwasher can make the coating wear faster from the harsh detergents.

Try magic erasers: These are great for rubbing off cookware buildup, and Papantoniou says that some sets even come readily available with magic erasers “for this exact reason.”

Use pan protectors: Something as simple as a tea towel or paper towel is helpful to place in between cookware to help avoid scratches on the surface and around the rim, Papantoniou shares.

Meet The Experts

Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab.

Agatha Achindu is a chef, entrepreneur, and author of Bountiful Cooking: Wholesome Everyday Meals to Nourish You and Your Family.

Francesca Zani is the assistant food editor at Delish.

Why Trust Delish

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed chefs and food experts to learn about top trends in the culinary world. For this story, she spoke with a Delish staffer, a Good Housekeeping Institute expert, and a professional chef to find the seven best ceramic cookware sets that have been tested to be the best of the best.

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