Ceramic Vs Stainless Steel Cookware: Which Is The Healthiest?

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Here to find the best stainless steel cookware?

Or are you here for the best ceramic cookware?

Healthy cooking goes beyond your ingredients. It extends into what kind of material you’re cooking with or on. You could be sauteing up a heart-healthy salmon, but if your frying pan is leaching harmful chemicals into your dinner — yikes!

Both these materials are seriously awesome when it comes to home cooking. No matter which side you’re on, today we’ll do a quick comparison of the two. 

We’ll look at leading cookware brands and check out specific sets of ceramic vs. stainless steel. We’ll check out their differences, then show you the best options for each to buy.

They say, “If you can’t handle the heat — get out of the kitchen!”

We know you can handle it. Cause if you’re looking for the best cookware it means you’re comfortable in a kitchen. 


In a Rush?

If you just want to know the best cookware set to buy, and don’t want to read through the detailed reviews, this is the section for you!

Get this: Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 14-Piece.

Calphalon is a trusted household name brand, it has amazing versatility, and is backed by a full lifetime warranty.


Comparison Chart of Ceramic VS Stainless Steel Cookware

A quick view before we dive in-depth on these awesome sets. 

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Now, let’s move on to those meaty reviews!


1. WearEver 15-Piece Ceramic Nonstick 

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This WearEver Ceramic Cookware set tops our list for a few reasons. First of all because of its awesome versatility. Fifteen pieces is a lot of pots and pans.  Ever wonder why you need so many differently-sized pieces? Read our article about that very subject here

Don’t let the brilliant white finish of the ceramic coating scare you off! This nonstick cookware resists scratching and boasts superior stain resistance as well. All while being PTFE, PFOA, cadmium, and lead-free. 

The heavy-gauge aluminum keeps the cookware sitting firmly on your cooktop, resulting in even heat distribution. The soft-touch, riveted handles can handle heats up to 350 degrees, so you can pop these pans in the oven to keep a meal warm!

For an easy cleanup after dinner, run your ceramic nonstick through the dishwasher. 

Lastly, it’s backed by a lifetime limited warranty. This set isn’t temporary, it’ll last you years of gourmet cooking to come!

Pros

  • Soft touch handles
  • Free from PTFE, PFOA, cadmium, and lead
  • Stain & scratch resistant
  • Oven safe to 350 degrees
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Not induction-compatible

See what else customers love about this set on Amazon.

 

2. Calphalon Classic 14-Piece Stainless Steel

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The Calphalon Classic 14-Piece Set is a true stunner. With impact-bonded aluminum bases, this cookware can handle any kitchen task you need.

A wide variety of pots and pans, most with long, ergonomic brushed steel handles. They’re double-riveted and stay cool on the stovetop. Letting you maintain a secure grip even when the pans are full of delicious homecooked meals!  Fill lines in each of the pots makes measuring liquids a cinch. The contoured spouts make for drip-free pouring. And the covers come with straining holes eliminating the need for a separate colander to drain water after cooking!

Hate doing dishes? Pop your shiny pots and pans into the dishwasher after a meal for easy cleanup. 

This set is also oven and broiler safe for your cooking convenience. The entire set is covered by a full lifetime warranty, can’t beat that!

Pros

  • Oven and broiler safe
  • Measurement markings
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Pour spouts
  • Full lifetime warranty

Cons

  • A little on the pricey side (but worth it!

Ready to order? Pick up this shiny set on Amazon

 

3. GreenLife Ceramic Nonstick 16-Piece Set

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For our next option we have the 16-piece GreenLife Nonstick Ceramic. What’s neat about this versatile set? It comes with accessories.

That’s right, you get four kitchen utensils with this set! Two spatulas and two spoons (one solid, one with strainer holes). Not to mention the set includes a stainless steel steamer, to take your healthy cooking to the next level!

The best part though is why they’re called GreenLife. These pots and pans are made from recycled aluminum. They cause 60% less Co2 emissions than other nonstick coatings. Their nonstick coating is sand-derived and free from harmful chemicals. 

Pros

  • Comfort grip
  • Oven safe up to 350 degrees
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Cadmium, lead, PFOA, and PFAS-free
  • 4 utensils included

Cons

  • Some users report the ceramic stains*

*Might help to hand wash instead of dishwasher and use a soft sponge so as not to damage the nonstick coating.

See why this set gets a lot of 5 star reviews on Amazon.


4. Farberware 10-Piece Stainless Steel Set

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Another great option for nonstick cookware is the Farberware Millenium Stainless Steel 10-piece set. Effortless food release meets easy cleanup in these pots and pans. 

For stainless steel, this set is reasonably priced and budget-friendly. The high-quality set boasts fully-encapsalated aluminum bases, this makes for fast, even heating. 

The glass lids allow you to keep an eye on food while cooking. But they fit tightly to seal in heat and moisture.

Not only are they nonstick for easy food release, these pots and pans are also dishwasher safe. So cleaning up after meals is a total breeze.

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Oven safe up to 500 degrees
  • Dual-riveted handles
  • Nonstick
  • Induction-compatible

Cons

  • Less versatility than other sets

See what else users are saying about this set on Amazon.

Related Reading: T Fal vs Calphalon: Who Makes Better Cookware?

 

5. T-Fal Ceramic Nonstick 14-Piece Cookware Set

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Why choose the 14-piece T-Fal Initiatives set?

Buckle up. We’re about to spill all the juicy details!

This super budget-friendly cookware set comes with ten pots and pans and four utensils. You’ll be able to craft hundreds of oil-free healthy meals for your family.

The ceramic nonstick coating resists scratching and staining. Plus it’s free from cadmium, lead, and PFOA. 

This cookware is extra durable, so you can run it through a dishwashing cycle after meals. They can handle temperatures up to 570 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Pros

  • Scratch-resistant
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Even heat base
  • Toxic-free nonstick
  • Comes with accessories

Cons

  • Some users report loose handles on pans
  • Not induction-compatible

See what else users are saying about this set on Amazon.

Related Reading: T Fal vs Calphalon: Who Makes Better Cookware?


6. Cook N Home 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

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For our final offering, we have the budget-friendly Cook N Home Stainless Steel 10 piece set.

It’s not only affordable, it’s very attractive with its mirror-polished pots and pans. 

The aluminum base allows for even heat distribution, no hot spots ruining your meals. Also, it makes for even contact with your ceramic glass stovetops — including induction.

The lids are tempered glass with steam vents, allowing you to see inside while cooking. Don’t put them in your oven though!

Pros

  • Induction-compatible
  • Riveted handles
  • Easy to clean
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Glass lids w/ steam vents

Cons

  • Lids aren’t oven safe


Read more 5-star reviews on Amazon.

Also check out: How To Clean Stainless Steel Pans After Cooking.


FAQs

A few more questions to help you decide which you need more in regards to ceramic vs stainless steel.


Is Stainless Steel Better Than Ceramic?

Stainless steel cookware is more appealing to some users over ceramic. 

For one, it’s hard to beat the durability of stainless steel. Secondly, stainless steel looks mighty classy and can really elevate the look of your kitchen!


What is the Safest Type of Cookware?

Evidence suggests ceramic to be a bit safer than stainless steel.

This is because there is a slight chance of heavy metals leaking into your food from stainless steel cookware. A risk you don’t have to consider with clay-based ceramics. 


Is Ceramic Better Than Metal?

It depends what you want to use it for. When it comes to high heat cooking, metal beats ceramic most of the time. 


Is Stainless Steel Safe for Cookware?

Yes. Risk of heavy metals like nickel leaching into your food from stainless steel cookware is low. Especially if you choose quality products from trusted brands. 

For maximum safety, hand wash your pots and pans. Putting them through the dishwasher too much may make them more prone to leaching metals.

You may also be interested in: How to Buy the Best Cookware Set for Your Money.


Conclusion

So there you have it. Stainless steel for longevity, ceramic for superior nonstick and easy cleanups. Decide what’s most important to you in your cookware before buying.

Either material will help you master healthy meals at home. From eggs to chicken to veggies, you’ll be cooking in style!

Let us know in the comments below if you’d be interested in a comparison of ceramic vs. stainless steel knives!

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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