100 Percent Ceramic Cookware Is An Easy Choice (And It Looks Pretty Good, Too)
There's a reason chefs and home cooks alike swear by ceramic cookware. Versatility aside, the material lends itself to a durable finish that's both stain- and scratch-resistant, making cleanup a virtual breeze. Plus the vessels can easily transition from a stovetop to the oven, then over to the table to double as stylish servingware. And bonus: The eco-friendly makeup of a ceramic dish also happens to be a safe alternative to chemically-treated nonstick pans, and luckily for us there are a host of Direct To Consumer brands taking advantage of that fact with design-forward staples poised to change the culinary game.
But before you spring for that Insta-famous pot, there is one key component to bear in mind: not all of them are created equal. Some are simply flaunting a ceramic coating, masking an aluminum or cast iron base, while others feature a medley of various elements such as stainless steel, enamel, and carbon steel dressed in a thick porcelain glaze. Even though those options may have their own benefits, taking the 100 percent ceramic cookware route (where you won't find even a smidge of metal) is definitely best. Take a peek at a few of our favorites below.
1. Xtrema 10-Inch Traditions Skillet with Lid, $199.99
Xtrema's dishwasher- and microwave-safe products are designed to be free of toxic elements and are all 100 percent ceramic, including this ultra-chic skillet with a matching lid and silicone handle. The highly rated pot may run on the pricier side, but it's a worthwhile investment that's made to last.
2. Kinto Kakomi Rice Cooker, $75
The secret to a perfectly cooked bowl of rice is this ceramic cooker from Kinto. Pop it in the oven or use it directly above an open flame — the versatile ceramic vessel marries form and function with effortless cool.
3. Emile Henry Oval Dutch Oven, $250
A good Dutch oven can last you for years, and it's a culinary essential that no cook should be without. While some are made of enamel-coated cast iron, Emile Henry's version is 100 percent ceramic. According to the brand, the absence of metal here means that you can cook without oxidizing the ingredients, which helps preserve nutrients and vitamins.
4. Crate & Barrel Peach Beige Ramekin, $3.95
Personal ramekins are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with a rich French onion soup or sweet crème brûlée. But this blush-toned ceramic dish is especially eye-catching and will look good traveling from the oven directly to the table.
5. Le Creuset Heritage Oval Casserole, $115
Le Creuset's durable stoneware collection features an array of cookware and bakeware that are primed for all of your culinary adventures. For example, this ceramic casserole dish, with its chic black metallic finish, comes with grooved handles for an easy grip and a nonstick, glazed interior that's resistant to scratches and stains.
6. Staub Ceramics 3-Piece Mini Round Cocotte Set, $59.99
These mini cocottes from Staub boast a porcelain-enamel interior and can go immediately from the freezer into the oven. The 100 percent ceramic cookware not only diffuses heat and helps retain it exceptionally well but it also prevents the absorption of moisture.
7. Sur la Table Glazed Terra Cotta Tagine, $44.50
This glazed terra cotta tagine is inspired by the traditional Moroccan vessel used for cooking over an open fire. Its unique shape allows moisture to rise up to the lid and then gently drip down to the ingredients below, resulting in a tender finish.