This article is a review of the Tramontina Ceramic Cookware set.
I have a love-hate relationship with eggs. They’re an inexpensive form of protein that I can cook for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They also work in a variety of dishes and cuisines.
But they stick. They cling to the pan with a death grip that makes me want to pull out my hair while cleaning.
So for cooking eggs? I prefer a non-stick pan. But some non-stick coatings contain questionable chemicals. For that reason, I’m a fan of ceramic non-stick pans.
I found the Tramontina Ceramic Cookware set to be a safe, quality non-stick cookware set at an affordable price point. But it does require extra caution with cleaning and care.
Is Tramontina Gourmet Ceramica the best option for you? Keep reading to find out.
Contents
What to look for in ceramic non-stick cookware
What’s the difference between ceramic non-stick and Teflon?
When you think of non-stick cookware, you probably think of Teflon. But what about ceramic nonstick? What’s the difference?
Teflon is the brand name for a coating containing PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). PTFE is a polymer used to create that hard, slick coating you find on non-stick pans.
A ceramic coating, on the other hand, doesn’t contain PTFE. Ceramic pans have silica, which is heated to bond to the cookware base.
Why choose a ceramic coating?
The main benefit of a ceramic coating is that it doesn’t contain PTFE or any other questionable chemicals. It’s also lighter weight than cast iron or stainless steel.
How to take care of ceramic nonstick cookware
Here’s the thing about ceramic non-stick: Yes, it’s non-toxic, and that’s great. But that sometimes comes at a cost, and I’m not referring to the price.
Ceramic pans can be higher maintenance and more fragile than a Teflon pan. So be prepared to baby your cookware. If you want to beat up on your pots and pans, you might want to consider an alternative like stainless steel.
Cooking
When cooking with most ceramic cookware, it’s important to use silicone utensils. Metal utensils could damage the cooking surface. Another tip? Don’t cook with high heat. Medium heat settings work best for ceramic cookware.
Also, avoid cooking sprays, unless recommended by the manufacturer. They leave a film on the cooking surface that can build up and lessen the effectiveness of the non-stick. Cooking oil is the best choice.
Cleaning
While some manufacturers advertise their ceramic cookware as dishwasher-safe, it is better to hand wash all ceramic cookware. Is it a bit of a pain? Not really, the food and dirt should just slide off. Plus–it’s worth it to keep your ceramic cookware in good shape.
When handwashing, be sure to use mild soap and a soft sponge. Abrasive cleaners could scratch the exterior or interior coating.
As always, allow the pan to cool before cleaning. Otherwise, the extreme temperature change could cause thermal shock, which can damage cookware.
Storing
If you have the space, it’s best not to stack ceramic cookware. The nonstick coating is more prone to chip otherwise, possible even on the rim and exterior. And chipped pans are infamous for scratching ceramic glass cooktops. Unfortunately, I’ve had personal experience with that.
Use a pot rack or store in a single layer to protect your cookware (and your cooktop).
If you must stack your cookware (because of storage space), then use a piece or two of kitchen paper between the pans. Preventing direct pan to pan contact is normally enough to stop chipping.
Tramontina Ceramica Review
Tramontina is a Brazilian cookware brand that has an international presence. This particular ceramic cookware set is manufactured in Italy. The imported components are then assembled in the U.S.
It comes in a sleek, metallic black exterior with a white, non-stick ceramic interior. This set includes 10 pieces. There’s also an 8-piece option with no skillet. Here is what the 10-piece set of cookware includes:
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) fry pan
- 10-inch (25.4 cm) fry pan
- 11-inch (27.94 cm) covered deep skillet
- 1.5-quart (1.42 liters) covered saucepan
- 3-quart (2.84 liters) covered saucepan
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) covered Dutch oven
I like the pots and pans that come with the Tramotina Ceramica Deluxe set. It would be nice to have a stockpot and a slightly larger Dutch oven, but these pieces can cover most everyday uses.
Performance
The heavy gauge aluminum core means this cookware heats up quickly and has even heat distribution. And shatter-resistant tempered glass lids with stainless steel rims allow you to monitor cooking progress.
The soft-grip cast stainless steel handles are ergonomic, which helps manage the cookware. Some reviewers complained that there was a slight tip to the pans, however.
Many customers were pleased with the non-stick quality, although several still used oil or butter to help release food.
Versatility
This cookware set is compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops. It does not work with induction cooktops. It also is oven safe up to 350°F (176°C). That temperature range is best for keeping dishes warm or reheating food.
These pans are not best for a high heat surface. So if you want to sear steaks or make blackened chicken? You might choose another pan for that. (Check out my high heat cookware guide if you are interested.)
These pans are suitable for a variety of other dishes, however. Users had good results with scrambled eggs, pancakes, macaroni, vegetables, and ground beef.
Durability
If you’re looking for cookware you can pass down to your children; this probably isn’t it. But if you’re looking for solid cookware that can last a while with proper care? Now we’re talking.
Using your cookware at a low to medium cooking temperature, avoiding cooking sprays, and using wooden or silicone tools will help preserve the interior coating.
Pay close attention to the rim of the cookware, which is at risk of flaking and chipping.
Some customers complained of staining after a while. While unsightly, staining will not affect the performance of your Tramontina ceramic cookware.
Of course, gently hand washing with mild soap will also help extend the life of your Tramontina cookware.
Tramontina offers a lifetime warranty with their cookware, which is great. The bad news? Several customers complained of warranty issues and poor customer service.
Price
If you want a good set of ceramic cookware at an affordable price, this is a good set. It will cost you more than the cheap non-stick cookware at the big box stores, but it’s more affordable than stainless steel.
Are there other options?
Tramontina Classic Ceramic Set, 8-piece
This Tramontina ceramic 8-piece set does not include the deep skillet or cover. It comes in three attractive color options: Mediterranean blue, metallic copper, or metallic sand.
This set is the next level down from the Ceramica Deluxe. While it’s more budget-friendly, it doesn’t have the durability of the other Tramontina cookware set. Several Tramontina ceramic cookware reviews noted their cookware only lasting a few months.
Calphalon Classic Oil-Infused Ceramic Cookware
This Calphalon set features hard-anodized cookware with an oil-infused ceramic layer. This set comes in a dark gray exterior.
Its 11 pieces are similar to the Tramontina Ceramica Deluxe set. But it swaps the deep skillet for a sauté and has three fry pans instead of two. Also, the larger covered saucepan is only 2.5 quarts (2.37 liters).
This Calphalon set is comparable to the Tramonitna in terms of performance and price. Customers also had issues with chipping and staining. Others had problems with the lids not fitting well.
The most significant advantage I saw in this set? It’s oven-safe for temps up to 450°F (232°C).
Gotham Steel Hard-Anodized Cookware set
The Gotham Steel set also features a hard-anodized aluminum core with a ceramic and titanium coating. It has a black exterior and copper color cooking surface.
There are 13 pieces in this cookware set. It adds an extra 12.5-inch (31.75 cm) fry pan and swaps out the Dutch oven for a covered 6-quart (5.68 liters) stockpot. It also includes a 3-quart (2.84 liters) chef’s pan.
Gotham advertises this nonstick cookware as dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C). I would still recommend washing these by hand.
These pans are also compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops. These are not for induction cooking.
While these pots and pans have stainless steel cool-touch handles, several users complained that the handles got overheated while cooking.
As for performance, customers raved about these pans. They loved the even heat distribution. However, just like the Tramontina cookware reviews, several people had problems with sticking after a while.
Tramontina Ceramic Cookware Review: My Verdict
When it comes to ceramic cookware reviews, the Tramontina Gourmet Ceramica Deluxe is a great choice. It’s a good value, and you should be able to use it for a few years if you clean and care for it properly.
If you want a larger set or one that can go from stovetop to oven? I would go with the Gotham Steel set. It had solid reviews and performs well. It’s also a more affordable option compared with the Tramontina.
If you like Tramontina, I review other Tramontina cookware here. On the other hand if you are looking for more ceramic cookware, check out my ceramic non-stick cookware roundup.
