Ever since the safety of black utensils was questioned, every piece of cookware in my kitchen has been under suspicion. Is my serving spoon really only there to serve things up, or is it up to something nefarious? What about that old-yet-reliable ladle I rarely use? Can it be trusted, or should it go under the microscope?
It’s fair to say, at this point, nothing in my kitchen is safe from the side-eye — especially my cookware. Lately, I've been considering upgrading my traditional nonstick pots and pans with ceramic-coated pieces, but I keep procrastinating due to the fear of the unknown; is ceramic cookware actually safe?
The time has come to stop procrastinating and to start pulling back the veil on ceramic cookware.
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Is ceramic cookware safe?
Before we get into whether or not ceramic cookware is safe, let's chat about what ceramic cookware actually is.
While fully ceramic cookware (i.e. pieces made entirely out of clay) does exist, many pots and pans on the market are designed with metal cores (like aluminum) that have nonstick ceramic coatings.
Dr. Joe Zagorski, a toxicologist at the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University, says, “As for the safety of ceramic-coated cookware, the ceramic coating is generally free of chemicals of concern and is seen as being nontoxic to both humans and the environment.”
In other words, nonstick ceramic cookware doesn't use the chemical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in its coating.
Shawn Luo, a board-certified toxicologist and emergency medicine physician, also tells us, “In my opinion, ceramic cookware is likely safe — probably as safe as anodized aluminum and potentially safer than PTFE cookware."
“But it is hard to know for sure, given not everything is known about them, and the relatively short period they have been on the market,” he adds.
Ceramic cookware vs. Teflon-coated cookware
“While ceramic cookware is generally safe when used as intended, PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene, aka Teflon-coated cookware works by applying to the cooking surface a layer of fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer which is known for its slipperiness,” says Luo.
“The safety of these types of cookware have long been called into question as their coating is essentially one of the ‘forever chemicals’ that can potentially detach from the pan due to scratching or high temperatures, and be ingested. The long-term health effect is still being studied, but reproductive and endocrinology harm have been proposed,” adds Luo.
Plus, research has shown that overheating of PTFE-coated cookware can cause polymer fume fever, a flu-like illness which occurs after inhaling pyrolysis products of the coating.
For those aluminum pan fans out there, here’s a bit of brighter cookware news: “Aluminum are ubiquitous in our environment and are generally considered nontoxic,” says Luo.
But again, risks are limited for nearly most all things if used as intended.
“There are a lot of factors that influence the safety of a product, one of which is intended use. When following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, especially the acceptable heat range, ceramic cookware is a safe choice, as are the other choices on the market,” says Zagorski.
Best ceramic cookware, according to experts and editors
Best for your budget: Beautiful All-in-One 4-Quart Hero Pan with Steam Insert
- Affordable
- Multifunctional
- A bit heavy
Pieces included: 3 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 4 | Dishwasher safe? Yes, but handwashing is recommended
Evan Siegel, an editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this all-in-one pan that helps "save space and cut down on costs in the kitchen." He tells us, "This affordable option comes courtesy of Walmart’s Drew Barrymore line, and can boil, fry, steam and more. In fact, the brand says it boasts 10 functions! I love that it includes a stainless steel steaming basket, and that it’s large enough for knocking out a few days’ meal prep in one go."
No metal core: Xtrema Signature Skillet
- Scratch resistant
- Safe for stovetop and oven
- Handle isn't super ergonomic
Pieces included: 1 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 1 | Dishwasher safe? Yes
Vivien Moon, an editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this fully ceramic skillet. She says, "I'm not a huge cook but when I feel adventurous, this is the pan I turn to especially since it can go from stovetop to the oven which makes me feel secure that it wont damage the pan. The ceramic construction is also something that makes me feel confident because it's made with nontoxic materials and is scratchproof."
Recipe-editor approved: GreenPan Premiere Stainless-Steel Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan Set
- Oven safe
- Great for searing & sautéing
- Durable ceramic coating
- Loses some nonstick with use
Pieces included: 2 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 1 | Dishwasher safe? Yes
Kelly Vaughan, the recipe editor for Shop TODAY and a lifelong home cook and baker, recommends this ceramic-coated set from GreenPan. She says, “I love this set of ceramic nonstick pans, which are suitable for every cooking task from making an omelet to searing salmon. Unlike many nonstick pans, these are oven safe. Another feature I love? The ergonomic, curved handle that’s comfortable to hold.”
Loved by our team: Our Place Always Pan 2.0
- Great nonstick coating
- Heats evenly
- The lid knob gets very hot
Pieces included: 4 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 6 | Dishwasher safe? No
The Our Place Always Pan is recommended by not one... not two... but three editors on the Shop TODAY team.
Shannon Garlin, an associate editor, approves of this multiuse pan. She says, "I've never had fancy cookware until I was sent this Our Place pan from their PR. Since receiving it, I use it all the time and have really gotten into one-pot meals with it. It's really high quality and nothing sticks to it, making it really easy to clean. Not to mention, the style is so sleek, I leave it out on my stove sometimes."
Alexandra Deabler, the deputy editorial director at Shop TODAY, also recommends it. She tells us, "I’ve had the Our Place pan for four years and I always reach for it first; it’s the perfect size (for me) and I like that it has a built-in spoon rest. My sister stayed at my place for a week and she liked it so much because it was lightweight and so versatile that I got her one for her birthday. I will say, however, it isn’t the most nonstick pan I’ve ever used — even when it’s oiled. And the sides are a little high so it’s hard to flip eggs. But, literally, everything else, I cook in it"
Kara Quill, a social media editor on our top, also uses the Only Pan. She says, "The Our Place Always Pan is the only pan I keep in my tiny New York City kitchen because it truly does it all. Don’t even get me started on how easy it is to clean! Cooking residue easily slides off without too much elbow grease on my end — which is an absolute must when you’re washing all your dishes by hand. I’ve also found that the wooden spatula and steamer basket that come with it are useful additions to my kitchen."
Recommended by a chef: GreenPan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
- Various pots and pans included
- Easy to clean
- Splurge item
Pieces included: 10 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 8 | Dishwasher safe? Yes
Ann Ziata, a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education’s New York campus, also calls GreenPan her “favorite ceramic cookware.” She continues, “It’s nonstick, which is great for me, because I cook a lot of fish, eggs and tofu. It’s very durable, too, and resists chipping better than other brands. Plus, the colors are so cute and stylish.”
More ceramic cookware to shop
Removable handles: CAROTE 15pc Ceramic Cookware Set
- Detachable handles
- Can fit in a drawer
- Product has unique specifics
Pieces included: 15 | Nonstick? Yes| Colors available: 5 | Dishwasher safe? Yes
This ceramic cookware set is ideal for the chef who has big culinary dreams — and not so much cooking and storage space (thanks to its click-and-remove handles). It seamlessly jumps from glass, gas, induction and electric cooktops with ease. Free of cadmium, PFOA, PFAS, PFOS and lead, this cookware also contains at least 50% recycled material.
Everything you need: Gotham Steel 18-Piece Detachable Handle Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
- Assorted glass, storage lids
- Oven safe to 500°F
- Hand wash recommended
- Glass lids for stovetop only
Pieces included: 18 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 5 | Dishwasher safe? Yes
When it comes to health and sustainability, Gotham Steel leans in strong. This cookware set is PFOA, PFOS, PTFE, PFAS, lead and cadmium free, and it's made with reinforced titanium. While this set may look too beautiful to touch, it’s very sturdy and up for nearly any cooking challenge. Featuring detachable handles, this cookware is designed for easy storage and versatility.
Buzzy brand: Le Creuset Essential Non-stick Ceramic Fry Pan
- Stainless steel base
- Cool handles
- Pricey for one pan
Pieces included: 1 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 1 | Dishwasher safe? Yes, but handwashing is recommended
Are you a Le Creuset fan? So are we — and this nonstick, ceramic-coated frying pan will help bring your meals to the next level. Not only is this pan made with ergonomic handles that are designed to stay cool in heated situations, but it's also grounded with a stainless steel base that can be places atop various cooking surfaces ranging from gas to electric stovetops.
Easy to clean: Calphalon 12-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set
- Quick Cleaning Technology
- Hand wash recommended
Pieces included: 12 | Nonstick? Yes | Colors available: 1 | Dishwasher safe? Yes
A well known and accessible brand at a cost effective price, the Calphalon 12-piece ceramic cookware set is a great everyday option. This product is PFAS and PTFE free, features the brand's Quick Cleaning Technology and is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequently asked questions
As the experts have said, pans will come to their eventual end. Be on the alert for the tell-tale signs of replacement-ready cookware.
“If the product shows appreciable wear and/or the coating is peeling, flaking or chipping off, it is time to consider purchasing a replacement,” recommends Zagorski.
“All cookware with specifically engineered nonstick cooking surface will see their performance degrade over time,” says Luo.
“You can delay this by avoiding high-temperature cooking and using non-abrasive utensils, but it usually means the user will discard the cookware in about five years to get a new one."
While referring to ceramic cookware, Luo says, “The exact composition or process of their coatings are often proprietary and seem to involve silicone or silica (silicone-oxygen compound) polymers applied like a gel to the inside of a metal pan.”
He continues, “The nonstick properties seem to result from a thin layer of silica or silicone coming off with each cooking.”
How we chose
Shop TODAY gathered insight from toxicologists and asked them about the safety of ceramic cookware. We also took into consideration information provided by verified purchasers of products recommended. Plus, we included editor- and chef-approved pots and pans with ceramic coatings or constructions.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Joe Zagorski, is a toxicologist at the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University.
- Shawn Luo, is a board-certified toxicologist and emergency medicine physician in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Ann Ziata, is a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education’s New York campus.
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