Ceramic cookware is actually metal cookware that’s coated in a ceramic glaze, which provides its defining non-stick cooking surface. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for new ceramic pots and pans.

Just like any other cookware, ceramic cookware comes in a slew of dimensions, from petite omelette pans to large stock pots. One thing to note: even the biggest ceramic pieces weigh less than their stainless steel or cast-iron counterparts, which makes them more manageable for a lot of folks.

This is an entirely personal choice based on need, space, and budget. Consider what you already have in your kitchen, and what sorts of pots and pans you’re missing from your collection. Opting for a cookware set instead of à la carte cookware items can be cost effective, since the price per piece is typically lower when bundled together. But if you already have versions of those pans that you like, individual purchases may be the way to go. Check out our guide to the essential pots and pans any kitchen should have for advice.

Some ceramic cookware lids are oven-safe (up to a certain temperature), and others aren’t. Other things to note: whether they’re dishwasher safe, and if the handle stays cool while cooking.

While handles are a totally personal choice, be mindful of how the handle connects to the pot or pan; if it’s attached with rivets, know that food loves finding its way into those nooks and crannies, so you’ll want to be extra diligent when cleaning. 

Some useful pointers to remember when picking out a ceramic cookware set, whatever your budget, aesthetics, or cooking needs may be.

These 10 standout sets are some of the best ceramic cookware options on the market, from extensive kits with a dozen-plus pieces, to two-piece sets for those who want to dip in a toe. 

Bialetti’s Ceramic Pro set is made from heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum for added durability. These pieces need to be hand-washed, but they come with a 10-year guarantee. All 10 pieces (two sautée pans, two sauce pans with lids, one deep sautée pan, and a Dutch oven with lid) have stainless steel handles and are oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

This highly rated set features GreenPan’s signature Thermalon ceramic coating, which is easy to clean, safe to use with metal utensils, and are oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit (the glass lids, however, can only handle temps up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit). Note that these also can’t be used on induction ranges.

This expansive set comes with a 5-quart Dutch oven with cover, a 2-quart lidded saucepan, an 11.5-inch lidded skillet, as well as 5-inch, 8 ½-inch, and 10-inch skillets (without lids). Constructed from aluminum in fun shades like this bright aqua option, the set has white stain-resistant, ceramic-coated interiors, plus shatterproof glass lids. The dishwasher-safe set  is only oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than other ceramic options. The set also comes with a trio of nylon tools (a slotted spoon, a solid spoon, and one slotted turner). 

GreenPan’s Revolution line is one of its newer, fancier tiers of nontoxic ceramic pots and pans. This collection features an upgraded version of the brand’s signature Thermalon Mineral finish (which is safe for use with metal utensils), as well as its new “DuraCore” technology, which aids in durability and heat conduction. This 10-piece set, a Williams Sonoma exclusive, is all pans and lids (no tools), so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to upgrade all your cookware. 

Skillets or frying pans are a good place to start if you’re trying out ceramic pieces for the first time. GreenPan’s stylish, pale pink duo sports matte gold stainless steel handles, scratch-resistant hard-anodized aluminum exteriors, and ceramic interiors. They’re oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

This skillet duo from direct-to-consumer cookware startup Great Jones is aptly named the “Fry Family” and it includes the 10 ¼-inch Large Fry and the 8 ¼-inch Small Fry. The pans are made from stainless steel bonded with aluminum with a ceramic surface, and their rivet-free handles make for quick clean-up. 

This GreenPan stackable set is great for kitchens with limited storage. It’s dishwasher and oven safe (pans to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, lids to 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Each piece features hard-anodized exteriors with the brand’s most durable type of coating, Thermolon Diamond Advanced, which boasts "diamond-infused layers." Bonus: You can continue to build out your set with a number of à la carte pieces designed to stack with this set, or you can go big right off the bat with the 11-piece set for $400. 

This multicolored set of nesting ceramic-coated aluminum pots and pans has a couple unique features that shrink its size: Instead of each piece having its own handle, a detachable handle  is secured to each pot or pan as needed. We admit that a detachable handle takes some getting used to, and that it may make cooking with multiple pots and pans cumbersome, but it’s great for those who are truly tight on space. The set’s two stockpots come with both glass and plastic lids; use the former while cooking, and the latter to store leftovers.

A newer name in the cookware space, Caraway’s ceramic-coated set focuses on quality and versatility over sheer quantity. The set’s two pots and two pans can be used on gas, electric, or induction stovetops, and they’re oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. While they don’t stack, the set comes with space-saving storage racks for the pots and pans as well as the lids. In addition to the stylishly designed lid holders and handles, the colorways are chic, too—we’re really into the dusty peach Perracotta hue. 

From pans that won’t strain your wrists to easy cleaning, there’s a lot to like about ceramic cookware, including the following factors. 

Is ceramic cookware dishwasher-safe? 

Some sets are dishwasher-safe, but not all, so be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions. Also, some ceramic cookware is technically safe to pop in the machine, but the coating might wear off more quickly over time versus cleaning by hand. 

How long does ceramic cookware last? 

The typical lifespan is around five years, though without proper care, ceramic cookware might only last a year or so. Overall, it isn’t as durable as other materials; unlike stainless steel or cast iron, it won’t last you decades, and ceramic finishes usually wear down faster than nonstick coatings.