Over the past few years, ceramic pots and pans have become a regular feature on the shelves of kitchen stores and the pages of cookware catalogs.
Manufacturers advertise these products as nonstick, easy to clean, healthy, scratch-resistant, and affordable. Yet I’ve also heard stories of flimsy, easily scratched ceramic cookware that was not up to the job!
While some cheap, low-quality nonstick ceramic can give this cookware a bad name, there are also well-made robust sets.
The Wearever Pure Living cookware set is attractive, well-made, and contains all the pots and pans for you to get started. If you are buying ceramic cookware, this is a decent choice.
Yet it’s rarely actually available. This is why I recommend the Green Pan Valencia Cookware set.
Read on to find out about both ceramic cookware sets, and some nice alternatives.
Contents
What to consider when choosing ceramic cookware
Ceramic cookware has a metal core (usually heavy gauge or hard-anodized aluminum) and is finished with a ceramic coating. It is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens worldwide, thanks mainly to its non-stick properties.
The pots and pans featured in most nonstick cookware sets are dishwasher safe, have excellent heat distribution, and are stain and scratch-resistant.
While ceramic nonstick cookware may not be quite rugged enough for a restaurant kitchen or a professional chef, it is an ideal choice for the home cook.
In some cases, ceramic cookware can be a little more expensive than its stainless steel equivalent. Yet, I think that good quality ceramic is an investment.
As long as you look after your ceramic nonstick cookware set by keeping it clean, dry, and well-stacked in the cupboard, it will look after you for many years to come!
Wearever Ceramic Cookware Review
The Wearever Pure Living non-stick ceramic cookware set is marketed as ‘the only cookware you’ll ever need,’ which is a bold claim!
I’m reviewing the 10 piece set, but a 15 piece set is also available. (Update: At the time of this update, both sets are no long available.)
On initial inspection, the set certainly looks the part. The ceramic nonstick cookware is finished in a luxurious cherry red glaze, with heat-resistant silicone handles and grips to match.
It ticks several of my cooking set ‘must-haves’:
- Glass lids; great for reducing the splatter and allowing me to check the food without lifting the lid.
- Wide, open handles that enable me to hang pieces for easy storage.
- Four out of five of the essential items I look for in a cookware set:
- a Dutch oven with a lid,
- a sauce pan,
- a frying pan, and
- a sauté pan.
- The fifth, the trusty steamer, is unfortunately only available in the 15 piece set!
Delighted customers have left positive online reviews of this colorful Pure Living Ceramic cookware.
People have found their Wearever nonstick cookware pans easy to clean. They have been impressed with their sturdy, soft-touch silicone handles. Many have commented on the even sear that they get when cooking meat.
What’s more, several people have remarked on the even heat distribution that these lovely red pots and pans achieve. Also, despite my reservations, several people have even praised the durability of the cookware! So far, so good!
So, let’s warm up the stove and put this Wearever Pure Living non-stick ceramic cookware set through its paces!
Appearance
The Wearever Ceramic Cookware set is available in red and gold colors.
Both colors are attractive, as is the white interior of the pans. Be warned though–white interiors are more likely to stain. For cookware, some Bar Keeper’s Friend often helps remove the stains.
A safe, non-toxic coating
In the past, traditional non-stick coatings such as Teflon were manufactured using potentially harmful chemicals. As a result, many people today are still a little wary of using it.
While I believe that modern Teflon is entirely food-safe, I fully understand that some people prefer to use an alternative.
If you are in the market for such a substitute, these nonstick ceramic coating pieces are a good solution. They do not contain PTFE (the active ingredient of Teflon) and are advertised as both healthy and environmentally friendly.
This means you do not need to worry about lead or cadmium leaching into your food at high temperatures.
An innovative storage solution
Many of my friends who try to avoid using Teflon pieces for cooking also prefer not to store their leftovers in plastic containers.
Some lower-quality plastic containers can affect the taste of the food over time. Also, storing food in glass and stainless steel is a much better long-term choice for the environment.
Ceramic cookware is an alternative way to store any remaining food for the following day. Its natural nonstick ceramic coating means no unwanted metals or toxins leaching into your food.
Just remember to make sure that the pan is completely cool before putting it in the refrigerator!
Yet, I don’t recommend using any cookware (ceramic or otherwise) for food storage. Keep it as a last resort, but try to use glass or stainless steel containers if you can.
Healthy
Cooking on ceramic is a very healthy way to prepare food. Not only does the non-stick coating prevent food sticking, but the slick coating means you will need to use very little (if any) oil when you are cooking.
Simply drizzle a drop or two of oil onto the ceramic coating and wipe it around the frying pan using a piece of kitchen roll.
Non-stick ceramic is a perfect cooking surface for preparing delicate foods such as fish or chicken, not to mention the occasional pancake or piece of French toast. (After all, when you have been so sparing with your oil, you can afford to indulge yourself a little!)
Easy to clean
Unlike cast iron or stainless steel cookware, these non-stick cookware pieces are a breeze to clean. The non-stick surfaces can usually be wiped clean using only warm soapy water.
On the (no doubt) very rare occasion that you overcook food in the pan, a little boiling water will quickly remove the burnt-on debris. And, thankfully, no-one will ever need to know!
For really stubborn, dried-on food, have a look at this handy trick:
(plus one or two other tips to help you maintain your ceramic pans)
Some users report their pans’ surfaces losing some of their non-stick properties over time, but I am yet to experience this.
If this does happen to you, it could be because of microscopic food particles building up over the non-stick. Try cleaning your pans with Barkeeper’s Friend, or baking soda to see if it restores the non-stick.
Dishwasher safe
Wearever ceramic cookware set is marketed as dishwasher safe, making my list of the best dishwasher-safe cookware. However, one or two reviewers have mentioned that cleaning their pieces in the dishwasher has severely shortened their life span.
I do recommend handwashing non-stick cookware generally. Yet if you are in a rush, feel free to occasionally throw these pans in the dishwasher. Just make sure the inner ceramic nonstick surface isn’t touching anything.
Wearever Cookware Downsides
Having read through this comprehensive list of benefits, you might have concluded that the Wearever Pure Living cookware set genuinely is ‘the only set you’ll ever need.’
Not so fast! Before you immediately decide to ditch all of your stainless steel and cast iron cookware, there are a few other things that you should know.
Induction Hobs
If you have an induction oven, then Wearever ceramic cookware is not for you! It works very well on all other cooking surfaces, but sadly not on induction cookers.
Scratch-resistant?
In my opinion, ceramic cookware and metal utensils do not mix. Metal tools scratch the cooking surfaces and could potentially cause some ceramic to come off into the food.
Wearever markets the ceramic coating on these pans as stain and scratch-resistant. However, some reviewers have mentioned that using metal stirrers and spoons has damaged their cookware. (Also, the spoon and slotted spoon supplied with the set are plastic, which only serves to underline my initial thought!)
If, like me, you have an extensive collection of wooden spoons and plastic spatulas to hand, I would advise always using these for ceramic cookware.
If, however, you have not spent years building up an overflowing utensil draw, then you might have to consider the additional cost of upgrading some of your tools!
Lightweight
I was a little torn as to where to position this particular feature.
On the one hand, I love that the ceramic is so light that it allows me to quickly and easily move my pans around the kitchen using the cool touch silicone handles.
On the other, some reviewers have mentioned that their thin, lightweight ceramic frying pans can’t stand the heat (in many cases quite literally!) There are several reports of the aluminum construction warping on the stove under intense heat. While I have not experienced this with my set, it is worth bearing in mind.
Oven-safe?
While the Wearever Pure Living ceramic is an oven-safe cookware set, it is essential to note that it is only oven-safe to 350°F (175°C).
This may well be enough for your needs, but I often cook dishes that require cooking at higher temperatures.
Of course, I have other cookware that I can use for this, but it’s something to consider if this will be your only set.
On the plus side, these pans are heat resistant up to 570°F (300°C) on the stovetop.
Alternatives to the Wearever cookware set
T-fal Ceramic Cookware 14-piece set
This 14-piece, scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe set at a slightly higher price, is certainly worth considering.
The two extra cooking utensils and a delightful little one-egg nonstick ceramic pan are all welcome additions.
The PTFE-free T-fal pans also feature helpful Thermo-Spot technology. A red disc in the center of the pan indicates the point at which the pan has reached optimum cooking temperature.
The pans are, supposedly, safe to use with metal utensils and designed to resist stains and scratches. Yet in reality metal utensils are a bad idea with non-stick cookware.
I particularly like the fry pans in this cookware set. Each has a heavy gauge aluminum base which allows for even heat distribution.
If you are interested in this cookware set, then check out my in depth T-fal Initiatives ceramic Cookware Set Review.
GreenPan Valencia
If you are looking to splash out, this Green Pan nonstick cookware set is a quality choice. It features all of the pros associated with ceramic cookware and leaves out a couple of big cons!
Not only can you use it on induction hobs, but it is also oven safe to 600°F (315°C).
Bear in mind, however, that you will be paying a premium price for these premium benefits.
Coating
The interior of the Valencia collection has diamond-infused Thermalon, making it scratch-resistant.
The ceramic coating in the Valencia pans is advertised as safe for metal utensils. Yet I would advise not using metal implements on this cookware. All non-stick cookware can still scratch and chip.
Cleaning and Performance
The Valencia collection is one of the few GreenPan sets that is induction-compatible. (Need induction cookware? I’ve also reviewed other induction-compatible pans.)
These pans are advertised dishwasher safe but in reality using the dishwasher will wear them down more quickly. Hand washing, when possible, is better. If you, occasionally throw them in the dishwasher, make sure the interior ceramic surface doesn’t touch anything.
They aren’t the cheapest pots and pans on the market, but if you can afford it, this cookware set is worth it.
Pros
- Dishwasher and metal utensil safe
- Compatible with all stove types, including induction
- Pan body and handle are oven and broiler safe up to 315°C (600°F)
- Glass lids safe up to 218°C (425°F) in the oven
- 3 fry pan sizes
Cons
- Interior becomes hard to clean if food burns
- Interior can chip easily if using metal utensils as advertised
Want to find out more about Green Pan? Then check out my Green Pan Reviews page, where I review the Valencia, as well as other cookware sets.
Other Ceramic Cookware
For more ceramic cookware, check out my ceramic cookware guide or visit my complete review of the safest non-toxic cookware.
Wearever Cookware Review: The Verdict
In my opinion, the Wearever Pure Living non-stick Ceramic Cookware Set is dependable ceramic cookware set at a good price.
Easy to clean, great-looking, dishwasher safe, affordable, and non-toxic, it certainly offers an impressive list of features!
Whether you are slow-cooking, searing, whipping up a quick omelet, or pan-frying a T-Bone, there will be a pan in this nonstick cookware set to suit.
(And, if you go all out and invest in the 15-piece Wearever pots and pans set, you can even steam a few vegetables to go on the side!)
I’d be happy to use the Wearever cookware set daily. Yet, I do actually slightly prefer the Green Pan Valencia set, which will usually cost more but is slightly higher quality.
Or, perhaps you want to know about alternatives? Then check out my non-Teflon non-stick pan guide.
