Best Ceramic Cookware of 2025
Ceramic cookware is a popular choice for a few good reasons. Coated, or glazed, ceramic cookware can be purchased in a number of colors, so it is appealing to the aesthetic-minded chef. Ceramic is also nonstick, and is naturally free of toxic chemicals. It’s also versatile cookware that can be used on a gas or electric stove top, and can even be used in the oven and microwave. If you are considering the purchase of ceramic cookware, read on for details related to the difference between glazed and unglazed ceramic, as well as its function, cost, and durability, among other key points. The information will help you assess whether or not ceramic is the right choice for your kitchen.
Uses of Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware is available in either glazed or unglazed varieties, each with its own ideal purpose. For example, unglazed ceramic cookware is porous, and is ideal for baking foods such as pies and cakes, and keeping other solid foods warm. The porous nature of the ceramic adds moisture to the food via the steam it produces.
Glazed ceramic pots and pans are more versatile, as they are not porous and are naturally nonstick. They can be used to boil, broil, bake, fry, brown, and steam.
Both glazed and unglazed ceramic cookware surfaces are nonreactive, which makes it one of the most versatile cookware surfaces available. What that means is that when cooking with foods containing high acid or alkaline contents, such as onions, beans, blueberries, and greens, nothing from the cookware will leech into the food and change the taste of the finished product. Be cautious when choosing unglazed ceramic, however, because some pots and pans contain lead. The lead will come off and mix into the food, which, of course, is something that should be avoided.
Cost of Ceramic Cookware
The price of ceramic cookware is a downside for many people, as it can get expensive. Unglazed ceramic cookware, surprisingly, can be more expensive than the more versatile glazed version. The price for one new unglazed cooking pot can range from about $50 to well over $200 online. A glazed cooking pot can run between $30 and $200. Even though ceramic cookware is more expensive than other options, however, keep in mind that, when used and cleaned properly, ceramic will outlast cheaper alternatives.
Ideal Consumer for Ceramic Cookware
If you are a cook who enjoys making soups and stews then a ceramic stock pot is the way to go because ceramic cookware is perfect for foods that require long, slow cooking. Ceramic also does well in high heat, though, and does a good job conducting it, too. That’s good news for those who enjoy making casseroles, lasagna, and other dense dishes. Ceramic is one of the most popular materials for bake ware because of its balanced heat conduction.
Ceramic cookware is heavier than some other types of cookware, such as aluminum, so it is not ideal for those who have arthritis or other physical conditions that hamper one’s ability to grasp and lift heavy objects. When researching ceramic cookware, consider not only the weight of the pot, but also think about how heavy it will be with food in it.
Durability of Ceramic Cookware
Glazed ceramic pots and pans tend to be more durable than the unglazed variety. However, when properly handled and maintained, both styles can last years. In order to increase the longevity of your ceramic cookware, use only plastic and wooden utensils when cooking, never use abrasives to clean the pots and pans, and cool them down and heat them up slowly to avoid breakage.
Cleaning Ceramic Cookware
The cleaning method you use will depend on whether or not your ceramic cookware is glazed. Unglazed ceramic requires more careful handling and cleaning than its glazed counterpart.
Since unglazed ceramic cookware is porous, it is highly recommended that you do not put it in the dishwasher, or use soap when cleaning it. Otherwise, your food may taste soapy the next time you cook with your ceramic pans. Instead, fill the unglazed cookware with warm water and add up to five teaspoons of baking soda. If food is stuck to the pan then first let it soak in the water and baking soda mixture for 15 minutes. The baking soda will also serve as a neutralizing agent for any odor that may seep into the pan (onions, fish, etc) due to its porous composition.
Next, clean the pan with a soft sponge or nylon scrubber, avoiding the use of abrasive scrubbers or cleaners. In addition, wait until the pan has cooled down before washing it, as ceramic is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, and may crack.
Glazed ceramic can be put in the dishwasher, but most people opt to clean it by hand in order to keep the glaze from chipping or dulling over time. Since glazed ceramic is not porous, it is okay to use soap to clean it, but baking soda and water work well, too. However, just as with unglazed ceramic, do not use abrasive scrubbers or cleaners because they will scratch the surface, affecting the pan’s appearance and nonstick functionality.
Both glazed and unglazed ceramic cookware is aesthetically pleasing, so it is an ideal choice for those who like to entertain in the kitchen, or for the cook who is looking for a no hassle way to dress up the look of his or her kitchen. But, each type comes with its own list of characteristics. The type of ceramic cookware you purchase will depend on what you enjoy cooking, and how you choose to cook it. Since ceramic is more expensive than other cookware, carefully consider your needs before deciding on the type of ceramic pots and pans to purchase.