If you don’t have time to read the entire article, my top pick is the DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio Ceramic Fry Pan. Beautiful design and great value make this frying pan my personal favorite.
Although I love my old cast iron frying pan, I wanted to add a new lightweight, nonstick pan to the mix. Ever since Teflon fell out of favor because of health concerns, one of the most popular types of cookware that is dominating the scene is ceramic coated cookware. When it comes to the best ceramic frying pan, there are hundreds to choose from but don’t worry I’ve got everything you need to know, as well as some of our top picks below!
Here are the pans I’ll be reviewing:
- GreenPan Paris Non-Stick Ceramic Fry Pan
- Zwilling Clad CFX Stainless Steel Ceramic Fry Pan
- Chantal Induction 21 Steel 11-Inch Fry Pan
- DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio Ceramic Fry Pan
- Scanpan 2 Piece Fry Pan Set
What is Modern Ceramic Cookware?
Let’s take a closer look at what ceramic cookware is and why it has become so popular. Unlike traditional ceramics that are akin to clay pots that are fired in kilns and then glazed for a protective coating, modern ceramics like the pans I will be reviewing today are designed and built a bit differently.
The body of a ceramic pan is made of anodized aluminum or other metals. The interior then gets coated in a porcelain enamel or ceramic layer. This coating is the feature that has propelled the popularity of the cookware because, unlike cast iron (which needs to be seasoned) or stainless steel, modern ceramics have the benefit of being non-stick.
The only downside is that in order to protect the non-stick feature, you will need to maintain it properly. If you don’t, you could damage the surface, and eventually degrade the performance of the pan.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
Part of the reason why ceramic cookware has grown in popularity is that it is safer than other non-stick alternatives. With some types of cookware, toxins can be released during the cooking process. These toxins can get absorbed into your food, or even create harmful fumes if the pan reaches a high enough temperature. Once released, you run the risk of inhaling the fumes as you cook.
Teflon pans, for example, were incredibly popular until the realization that PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoate), which are both toxic synthetic elements, were present in the cookware.
When it comes to ceramics, they are considered healthy cookware options because of the natural material base used to craft them. The coatings are also safe because they are toxin-free and do not emit harmful fumes.
Also, because they offer non-stick capabilities, you will find yourself cooking with less oil resulting in the ability to make healthier, lower-calorie meals.
What to Look for in a Ceramic Frying Pan
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of how ceramic cookware works, let’s take a look at what separates a great ceramic frying pan from a mediocre one.
Multi-Layered Non-Stick Coating
Some coatings last longer than others, because of this, it’s always best to look for non-stick coatings that are multi-layered. The stronger and more reliable the coating, the longer it will last.
Size Matters
Ceramic frying pans typically come in sizes from 8 to 14 inches. It’s important to know how big your frying pan should be and that solely depends on your cooking habits. Some chefs love having a one-stop pan for all their dishes. If this is the case, then a 10 to 12 inch pan should do the job. If you cook eggs every morning, a 10 inch works great. If you cook for a large family or typically prepare food in volume, a 12 inch or bigger pan might be a better option.
Temperature Rating
In addition to the size, you will want to consider the temperature rating of the pan. If you want a pan that can go into the oven, you will want to shop for one that has an oven rating of at least 350°F. The pans reviewed in this article have a rating of at least 450°F and go up to 600°F.
Use the Right Utensils
The first thing you want to make sure of is that you are using the right type of cooking utensils. Stainless steel and other metal utensils can scratch the non-stick coating of your ceramic pan. As you’ll see below, several of the manufacturers claim that their pans can handle the “abuse” of metal utensils (but I would advise against it).
It’s recommended to use only wooden or silicone utensils with ceramic cookware. If you do use silicone utensils, you want to be sure that it’s food-grade silicone and is stovetop safe so that it doesn’t melt while you are cooking with it.
Wash with Care
When you are cleaning up after a meal, it is essential to clean your ceramic cookware with safe and gentle cleaning methods. Never use a harsh cleaning tool like steel wool on the coated non-stick surface. This will scratch and damage the coating. Instead, use a soft sponge and clean in a circular motion with a grease-cutting soap.
Some non-stick, ceramic pans are dishwasher safe while others are not. Be sure to carefully read your pan’s cleaning instructions so that you do not end up damaging it. I suggest hand washing just to be safe.
Related: Our Cookware Buying Guide. How To Find Your Perfect Set.
Let’s Meet The Contenders
Now that you have a better understanding of what a ceramic pan is and how to protect it, you might wonder how you choose from the plentiful options available. Below, I’ll go over my list of five of the best ceramic frying pans. Let’s find out what makes each one a great option!
GreenPan Paris Non-Stick Ceramic Fry Pan
The GreenPan Paris Non-Stick Ceramic Fry Pan is considered by cooks of all skill levels to be a durable and reliable ceramic pan. The main reason is because of its hard-anodized aluminum body. This metal base holds up well against scratching and conducts heat very well.
What I find most impressive about this pan is the high-quality Thermolon non-stick coating. Although the cooking world generally recommends that you don’t use metal utensils while cooking with ceramics, GreenPan feels confident that its unique technology can handle it.
Their non-stick coating is 100% free of PSAS and PFOA synthetic chemicals, as well as lead and cadmium. Essentially, this is a great pair of ceramic frying pans, especially if you’re concerned about healthy cooking.
Pros:
- Free of toxins and harmful chemicals.
- Includes both a 10 inch and 12 inch frying pan
- Excellent heat conductivity
- Oven safe up to 600°F
Cons:
- Cannot be used with induction stovetops
- The pans can be difficult to clean, and rough cleaning can wear away the non-stick coating.
Zwilling Clad CFX Stainless Steel Ceramic Fry Pan
I really like this next pan because it takes the best of both worlds by being constructed out of stainless steel with an aluminum core and pairing it with a next-generation non-stick coating.
The Zwilling Clad CFX pan uses the Ceraforce XTREME ceramic non-stick coating that not only is three times more durable than the Zwilling’s previous frypan, but it also lasts 50% longer. While the brand claims that you can use metal utensils, you can significantly extend the life of these pans by sticking to softer utensils.
I also really like that this frying pan offers a pouring spout and flared rims that let you serve up sauces and liquids without any messy spillage. This ceramic frying pan comes in both a 10 and 12 inch size.
Pros:
- The quality coating extends the life of your pan’s non-stick coating and provides much more durability.
- Oven safe up to 450°F.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Stay-cool, comfortable handles.
- You can use metal utensils while cooking with this pan
- Can be used with all stovetops.
Cons:
- The price point is higher than the average ceramic frying pan, but not by much.
- The design is bland.
Chantal Induction 21 Steel 11-Inch Fry Pan
If you are looking for quality craftsmanship, then the Chantal Fry Pan is another great choice.
The construction is unique Japanese steel that is nickel-free. For excellent conduction of heat, copper is then melted into the steel for even and consistent heating. Finally, I love that this pan takes durability and strength to the next level with the added element of titanium.
Finally, the non-stick coating on the pan is free of harmful synthetic chemicals such as PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE.
Pros:
- The pan’s combination of high-quality metals work together to provide even, consistent heat conduction.
- Oven safe up to 500°F.
- Ergonomic handles that stay cool while cooking.
- Great with all types of stovetops
- Versatile 11-inch size
Cons:
- The quality of this ceramic non-stick pan tips it into a higher price range than the average ceramic non-stick pan.
- Must be hand washed.
DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio Ceramic Fry Pan
What I like best about the DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio Ceramic Fry Pan is the unique Italian design and the generous depth of the pan allowing more cooking volume with fewer spills.
The DaTerra Cucina is crafted with four layers of non-stick coating and a forged volcanic mineral coating and is 9 ½ inch in diameter.
The lightweight aluminum construction and the silicone covered handles make this frying pan easy and comfortable to handle. If you need to bake your dish a bit, you can pop it into the oven thanks to the 450°F oven safety rating.
Overall, I’m pretty impressed with this ceramic non-stick pan as it’s a nice balance between quality, design, and price.
Pros:
- The patented four-layer non-stick coating lasts long and is durable.
- Works great on natural gas, propane, electric, and glass top stoves.
- Oven rated 450°F.
- Comfortable grip handle for safe handling while cooking.
Cons:
- The rubber grip handle can become loose and rotate overtime
- The bottom of the pan can get scratched off if used on cast iron stove top grates.
- Not suitable for induction stovetops
Scanpan 2 Piece Fry Pan Set
If you want a pair of quality non-stick pans that are low maintenance and a great value, then the ScanPan Classic Non-Stick Pan set is a great choice.
This two-pan cookware set comes in an 8 inch and 10 1/4 inch size. The pans are made in Denmark and feature their STRATANIUM® ceramic/titanium non-stick coating that is safe for dishwasher use and is compatible with metal utensils (though personally, I would stick to using softer utensils).
The pans are free of PFOA and PFOS, and the non-stick coating is durable enough to handle searing, browning, and frying. A limited lifetime warranty backs any defects or faults with your pans.
Pros:
- The pans are oven safe up to 500°F.
- PFOA and PFOS free
- Durable and long-lasting with the protection of a limited lifetime warranty.
- Dishwasher safe.
- The handles are fitted with a comfortable grip.
Cons:
- Though the pans are metal utensils safe, metal utensils should be avoided to prolong the coating life.
- These pans are not for use with induction stovetops. There are similar models that are induction friendly.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ceramic Frying Pan
As with everything in life, it’s never “one size fits all”. Even with something as simple as a frying pan, the choices are overwhelming! Cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic coated, etc. Each one has its merits. However, since I’m focusing on lightweight, non-stick pans that are safe and chemical-free, ceramic is the way to go. Each of the 5 items I’ve reviewed are excellent products. But, since I must pick a winner, my personal choice would be the DaTerra Cucina Vesuvio Ceramic Fry Pan. I love the design, and it seems to have everything I’m looking for in a quality, versatile frying pan at a good price. Grab your favorite and let’s get cookin’!
