Ceramic or stone frying pans offer an alternative to traditional nonstick. With a traditional look, but a potentially healthier non stick coating, they can be very attractive.
There are lots of different pans out there, with a range of different coatings and technologies. In this article I get to the bottom of all this with the following ceramic non stick frying pan reviews:
- MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan With Lid (Best Ceramic Frying Pan)
- GreenPan Chatham 10″ Ceramic Non-Stick Open Frypan (Best Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan for high heat)
- T-Fal -Thermo Spot 10.5 Inch Ceramic Pan (Best Ceramic Coated Frying Pan on a Budget)
- Carote 10-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
- 10″ Stone Earth Frying Pan By Ozeri
If you are in a rush and just want to know which is the best nonstick ceramic frying pan then I recommend the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan. It is easy to use, Teflon-free and reasonably durable for a non-stick pan.
Contents
Finding the Best Non Stick Ceramic Frying Pans
Before getting to the ceramic frying pan reviews let’s look at the ceramic cookware pros and cons.
Really ceramic?
Most ceramic cookware is not actually pure ceramic. It will have layers, including an aluminum layer which spreads the heat.
The manufacturers will normally only claim the cooking surface, and sometimes the outside is ceramic, but even that is often a type of composite. There’s nothing wrong in this as a lot of time it improves cooking performance.
One example of pure ceramic cookware is pizza stones which are made from cordierite, a porous ceramic. Another example is Xtrema cookware which is the main “pure” ceramic cookware on the market.
Ceramic Cookware: Healthy nonstick?
Teflon these days is not toxic, especially if used right. You can find Teflon, or a derivative on most non-stick frying pans. However if you want to avoid those chemicals, you might look at alternatives, like ceramic pans.
If that is your motivation, be careful! A lot of ceramic cookware is advertised as PFOA(Perfluorooctanoic acid) free. PFOA was a potentially carcinogenic chemical used in the manufacture of Teflon and other traditional nonstick. But it hasn’t been used since 2015! (It’s doubtful any significant quantities were ever actually left in the pan).
Modern nonstick, including Teflon, is still made with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). PTFE is safe, as long as you don’t overheat it. The normal advice is not to go above 260 °C (500 °F).
One example of this hybrid is the Emeril Lagasse Forever Cookware, which appears to use both ceramic and PTFE.
If you want to avoid Teflon or similar, then you need ceramic non-stick pans that say they are PTFE free. If it just says something like “PFOA free,” then it may have PTFE. It might still look nicer, or have advantages over other nonstick pans, but don’t kid yourself, it’s still the same active chemical.
I’ve researched whether the fry pan has PTFE or not and where possible given you the information in the review.
What you can use with ceramic frying pans
Ceramic nonstick frying pans won’t work on an induction stove, unless they have certain metals in them. Some are advertised as being suitable for induction stoves due to a special base layer. I’m a bit skeptical of this and most of the ones I’ve seen haven’t worked well on induction stoves. If you want a frying pan for your induction stove, ceramic might not be the best choice. For the best induction cookware, check out my in-depth guide.
However ceramic cookware is great for gas or electric stoves. You might be able to clean them in the dishwasher, again this depends on what the manufacturer says.
You can also use good quality ceramic in the oven. Again, though, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidance.
There are few dangers with ceramic cookware. The main thing is to not use it above the recommended temperature as components could break down.
Lids
When I buy a nonstick frying pan I like it to have a lid. It depends on what you use it for though, if you are just frying you might not need it. I find it helps stop mess (by catching the drops of fat jumping out of the pan) and reduces clean up later. I also find a lid essential when I’m popping corn in the pan – it stops the popcorn going everywhere!
If your ceramic frying pan doesn’t come with a lid, this isn’t a big deal. For a 10 inch frying pan, I recommend the Earth Frying Tempered Glass Lid. It’s see through, which is great to check up on your cooking. It also has an insulated, comfortable Bakelite handle which makes it easy to pick up. Don’t forget to add the lid to the cost of the pan when comparing prices though!
Size
The size of your ceramic frying pan will depend on whether you are cooking for the whole family, or just yourself, on how much space you have and what you are using the pan for. Size is measured as the diameter of the pan, sometimes labelled as the width. It doesn’t include the handle (which is sometimes included in the length).
I find that a 10 inch (25cm) ceramic frying pan is big enough for me when I cook for my family of 4. It’s also doesn’t take too much space. The height has never been an issue for me; all the pans reviewed here are deep enough for normal frying.
Best Ceramic Frying Pan Reviews
MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan with Lid (Best Ceramic Nonstick Pan, Best Ceramic Frying Pan with Lid)
I love this Michelangelo frying pan! It really has the stone look going. It’s genuinely ceramic, and is robust enough to take a bit of punishment. Michelangelo have managed to make a PTFE free ceramic coating that is just as good as other nonstick coatings.
This ceramic frying pan, with lid, covers all the main bases for me.
Although PTFE free, the maximum temperature is 230 °C (450 °F), this is fine for most cooking but lower than PTFE (Teflon). You shouldn’t leave it on a high heat for long, and never without something in the pan. You are fine to put it in the oven as long as it stays below 230 °C (450 °F).
The non-stick coating works well, and the manufacturer recommends using only a minimum of oil. I do recommend using at least some oil though for best food release.
The Aluminum core makes it light and super comfortable to use – this is a great advantage. What’s more the anti-warp base helps prevent the types of deformities seen on other pans, making it a tough pan.
Exceptionally for a ceramic pan, this pan actually works well on induction stoves. There is a in the pan which generates heat from the induction cooker.
It even comes with a lid to help contain any mess you make. It’s always nice to have everything come in one package
Pros
- Genuinely seems to work on induction stoves
- Anti-warp base
- PTFE free
- Durable nonstick
- Super light thanks to Aluminum core = very easy and comfortable to use.
- Comes with a lid
Cons
- Raised centre – I actually find this useful for containing eggs, but purists like a completely flat pan.
- The metal knob on the lid can get hot when cooking
- Max temperature is lower than Teflon / PTFE.
GreenPan Chatham Ceramic Non-Stick Open Frypan (10” Reviewed) (Best High Heat Ceramic Frying Pan)
The GreenPan Chatham is an affordable true ceramic frying pan with a range of sizes.
The high heat resistance (to 600°F, or 316°C) means you can start cooking on the stove top and then pop the pan in the oven or even use for broiling. In theory it is dishwasher and metal utensil safe but you risk it losing its nonstick quality.
It’s a great frying pan as long as you treat it with care. It cooks evenly, is easy to clean and can handle any food.
This is an “every day” pan. Yes it needs handwashing, but it’s so easy to clean that this isn’t a big deal – the most you will have to do is wipe it with a sponge.
The version reviewed, and linked is the 10” but Chatham offer alternatives from 8 -12 “.
Pros:
- True Ceramic (No PTFE)
- High heat resistance – can use for broiling!
- Genuinely nonstick – good food release with very little oil / butter
Cons:
- No lid supplied
- You need to take care of it – it’s a bit of a diva
If not having a lid is a big deal, consider getting the 11” version with a lid.
Or–if you like Green Pan and fancy a full cookware set, check out my Green Pan Reviews page. I look at ceramic cookware sets as well as ceramic frying pans.
The GreenPan Chatham isn’t the only GreenPan ceramic cookware collection, they have few lines. Out of them, I think the best ceramic cookware set is the GreenPan Valencia Pro.
T-Fal -Thermo Spot 10.5 inch Ceramic Pan (Best Ceramic Skillet on a budget)
This PTFE free cookware is a genuine ceramic pan. Like most T-Fal products it’s built to take a lot of punishment, including dishwasher and oven.
One of the coolest features of T-Fal skillets is the thermo spot. It’s the red dot in the middle with black markings on it. Put the pan on the stove and heat. When the black markings turn red then the pan is pre-heated and ready to use (preheating any nonstick helps stop sticking). Although cool, I don’t use the red dot as I just wait until I see small bubbles start to form in the oil. This video (for a different T-Fal frying pan) explains the Thermo Spot:
T-Fal definitely offers one of the strongest ceramic pans, however there is a small hitch – sometimes the pan will arrive a bit warped. Personally, I don’t think this is a big deal as little bit of a slope won’t affect most cooking. If it bothers you though – just send the pan back.
The best way to do this is to examine it before using it. Drizzle some water into the frying pan and see if there are any spots the water either gathers in or flows away from. If there are then the pan is probably warped, it should be returnable if you haven’t used it for cooking.
Pros:
- Genuine Ceramic (PTFE free)
- Great Value
- Dishwasher & oven safe
- T-Fal Thermospot
Cons:
- Sometimes the pan comes a bit warped
- No lid with regular version
If not having a lid is a big deal, consider getting the jumbo version. This super-sized frying pan is almost as good as the regular version, except the handle can become a bit loose.
T-fal also offer a full ceramic cookware set, which you can find here.
Carote 10-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet (Best Ceramic Pan for Eggs)
This is basically an Aluminum skillet with a special ceramic nonstick coating called Granitec and produced by ILAG. The key to this ceramic skillet is that you need to treat it very carefully:
- Wash it (gently) then oil it on first use
- Don’t put it in the dishwasher
- Only use for low to medium heat
It’s great if all you are going to be doing are eggs and you are able to look after it. It should work a treat if you do this, but it is a little bit of work.
Fortunately, it’s not as much work as, say cast iron, though it is more delicate. Whether it contains PTFE (used in Teflon) isn’t very clear. I’ve contacted the manufacturer to confirm but have yet to hear back. This probably means it does contain PTFE, meaning it isn’t the best ceramic skillet.
Summarizing this Carote pan review: It’s an OK pan but not my first choice, especially if avoiding Teflon.
Learn more in my complete Carote Pan review.
Pros
- Interesting technology
- Scratch resistant
- If treated correctly then very good nonstick – minimal cleaning needed.
Cons
- Not very clear but appears to contain PTFE
- Not dishwasher proof
- Needs oiling before use (or after a deep clean)
- Maximum temperature 230°C (450 °F) (less than Teflon)
- Handle deforms / melts easily if overheated
This pan is ideal for eggs, but there are many egg dishes and many pans to cater to them. If you are interested in cooking eggs, consider checking out my egg pan guide.
Ozeri 10″ Stone Earth Frying Pan
This is a great pan but be careful – it isn’t PTFE free. PTFE doesn’t bother me but it is the active compound in Teflon, so if you are trying to avoid traditional nonstick this isn’t the pan for you.
Technically it is also not ceramic but it is a stone frying pan. That said, it is a solid pan that as long as you use it right will last a long time. The nonstick coating is fantastic and so much easier to clean. My main suggestions are the same as for any other PTFE nonstick:
- Don’t use it in a room with pet birds
- Don’t use it above 260 °C (500 °F), this is very high – most cooking is fine.
- Don’t use metal utensils with it
If you want a nonstick pan that looks nice, is high quality and will last then this is the pan for you – as long as you don’t care about PTFE.
Pros
- Great nonstick coating that really lasts
- High quality
- Even heat distribution across the pan
Cons
- Advertised as stone without exposure to controversial chemicals but includes PTFE
- No lid included
- At the time of writing it was quite expensive
FAQs
Are ceramic frying pans healthy?
Yes, ceramic frying pans are healthy. Some ceramic cookware contains PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), the active ingredient of Teflon.
Teflon is safe if used correctly and not overheated. Yet if you want a Teflon-free ceramic frying pan, check if it is PTFE-Free.
Does olive oil damage nonstick ceramic frying pans?
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils to cook with, as long as you don’t overheat it. For most cooking, on a low to medium heat, olive oil is fine and won’t damage your nonstick frying pan.
If overheated, to the point it smokes, olive oil may damage a ceramic nonstick frying pan. The pan will lose some or all of its nonstick properties.
In this case, it may be possible to repair the pan by giving a chemical clean to remove the layer of burnt oil on the surface. I recommend Barkeeper’s Friend. If this doesn’t work, the frying pan is likely damaged beyond repair.
Ceramic vs Nonstick: Is ceramic or nonstick better?
Most ceramic frying pans are actually a type of nonstick pan. What’s more, many, but not all, ceramic pans contain the same active ingredient as Teflon (PTFE).
So when it comes to ceramic vs nonstick it’s more accurate to ask Teflon-free ceramic or Teflon nonstick?
It isn’t possible to say one is better than the other, but if you are looking for a Teflon-free nonstick pan, then a PTFE-free ceramic frying pan is a good choice.
Does ceramic coating on pans wear off?
Over time, all non-stick coatings wear off, this includes ceramic coatings. Ceramic cookware won’t last forever. That’s just the reality.
However, there are two advantages to a ceramic coating: It’s more attractive, and it can be Teflon-free.
Ceramic coatings vary in durability, some are more durable than the typical non-stick coating and some are less.
Conclusion: Best Ceramic Non-stick Frying Pan
If PTFE bothered me, then the pan I would choose is the Michelangelo Frying Pan. It’s a great frying pan, suitable for cooking for the whole family. It is genuinely nonstick and PFTE-free. Plus I love that it comes with a lid, which means I don’t need to buy one separately.
The great thing about the Michelangelo Frying Pan for me is that it doesn’t need babying. Use it to cook, wipe it down and then hang it up to dry. It’s easy and comfortable to use, with a lid containing any mess.
At the time of writing, it is slightly more expensive than some of the other pans. I believe that in the long run you will save money as you won’t have to keep shelling out for replacements. It’s always worthwhile investing in a bit of extra quality. You might even save money in the short term once you factor in the cost of a decent lid.
More Teflon-Free Pans
Often when people are looking for ceramic cookware they actually want Teflon-free non-stick. As you’ve probably seen, this isn’t quite the same thing as some brands include Teflon in their ceramic cookware. Check out my guide to Teflon-free non-stick pans for more information.
More Ceramic Cookware
It’s often more affordable to buy a full ceramic cookware set, rather than one pan at a time. If that’s the case for you, check out my guide to the best ceramic cookware set.
Ceramic and Glass Stoves
Ceramic and glass stoves need special cookware; light and with a smooth bottom to not scratch the stove. If that’s what you are looking for then check out my ceramic and glass stove cookware guide.
