Ceramic non stick is a pretty recent newcomer to the cookware scene. For that reason, there’s not quite as much information out there on how to choose a high-quality, safe, durable ceramic frying pan—at least when compared to something like cast iron. For that reason, it’s easy to wind up with a cheaply built piece of cookware. To ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck, we put together the following list: here’s everything to look out for, from country of origin to handle design.
Made in Europe or USA
Want to ensure that you’re buying a high-quality, safe, and environmentally-friendly frying pan? Check the country of origin. The USA and Europe have much stricter manufacturing standards and requirements than in other parts of the world, which means that cookware produced in those places is nearly always made using clean, non-toxic materials free of BPA, PFAS, lead, and other chemicals and heavy metals. Made In’s CeramiClad is stamped, coated, and assembled in Wisconsin, using carefully sourced materials from both Italy and the USA.
Fully Cladded
You can’t have a good ceramic frying pan without a solid base—full stop. True to its name, Made In’s CeramiClad cookware is made using the same even-heating, fully clad 5-ply base as their Stainless Clad cookware, coated with two layers of high-performance ceramic non stick. However, not all ceramic cookware is created equally: many manufacturers hide a flimsy aluminum base beneath a colorful ceramic exterior, resulting in a pan that heats unevenly and warps easily yet costs the same as higher-quality brands. What’s more, a fully clad construction more or less guarantees that your pan will be fully induction compatible.
Coated with Durable, Flake-Free Ceramic Coating
While a ceramic frying pan is never going to last as long as, say, an enameled cast iron skillet, it should still last you a solid few years before it starts to warp or lose its non stick properties (when properly cared for, of course). While Made In’s CeramiClad is made using two layers of premium-quality ceramic non stick, cheaper ceramic cookware manufacturers tend to use subpar ceramic that scratches easily and can flake into your food after just a few uses. Since damaged coating cannot be repaired, you’ll likely end up sending your pan to landfill before the year is up—yet another argument for why a cheap pan can actually end up costing you more in the long run.
Sturdy Stainless Steel Rivets
We’ve spoken in the past about why you should choose pans with riveted handles over welded ones, and the same argument applies to ceramic pans. However, you should also make sure to look for stainless steel, not aluminum, rivets: whereas stainless steel is incredibly durable and rust-resistant, aluminum tends to expand and contract when heated, causing the rivets to loosen. This puts the handle at risk of falling off while you’re cooking, which, needless to say, is no bueno.
Rolled Rim for Mess-Free Pouring
You’ve probably noticed that Made In’s CeramiClad pans have a slightly curved—aka rolled—rim. This easy-to-miss detail is actually essential for drip-free pouring, creating a smooth, seamless surface for liquids to travel over. Since adding a rolled rim to a frying pan also requires adding an extra step to the production process, it can also increase the overall cost of a product. Thus, if a ceramic pan is missing a rolled rim, it’s likely a cheaper, mass-produced model.
Hollow Stainless Steel Handle Keeps Hands Safe
Does your pan need a handle that stays cool even over a scorching hot burner? Not necessarily—though we highly recommend having one. Made In’s CeramiClad Frying Pan comes with a stainless steel Stay Cool Handle, a proprietary design with a hollow core to help dissipate heat quickly.
Ready to Shop
If you haven’t invested in a ceramic frying pan yet, make sure to give CeramiClad a try. Made using our chef-tested 5-ply Stainless Clad base and proprietary ceramic coating, Made In’s CeramiClad guarantees cleaner cooking with professional-quality results.
