Ceramic coated non-stick fry pans are an affordable and healthy choice for the kitchen. ヘルシー セラミック ノンスティック as it is called in Japanese, is an alternative to chemicalized Teflon coated non-stick cookware. Ceramic coating is made from silicone, a sand derivative, and is therefore non-organic, non-metallic, and non-toxic, especially when heated to high temperatures.
Table of Contents
Overview of Best Ceramic Non Stick Pans
セラミックフライパンおすすめ9選 プレビュー
Here is an overview of 9 popular non-stick ceramic coated pans. Choose from the best fry pans, deep pans, wok pans, nabe pans, sauce and milk pans, to tempura pans and non stick ceramic pans for tamago yaki.
Click Here to Go to 2022 Reviews
Best Names in Healthy Ceramic Non Stick Pans
ヘルシーセラミックフライパンのメーカー
Some people worry about whether ceramic coated cookware is really safe. At the end of the day, it depends on two factors – the quality of the ceramic coating, and the nature of the underlying metal that is coated. For this reason, it’s best to go with a name that can be trusted rather than generic undercuts.
GreenPan, GreenChef, GreenLife Ceramic Pans
GreenPan is the original Belgium company that developed ceramic coating in 2007. They acquired Anotech Thermolon™ coating technology in 2008. This led to the formation of the CookWare Company and the launch in 2011 of the brands GreenChef and GreenLife.
GreenPan, GreenLife, GreenChef, and other names such as Blue Diamond and Vita Verde are all brands of the Cookware Company. These are some of the most trusted names and brands in safe and healthy ceramic pans and other cookware.
They have manufacturing facilities in China (Anotech), Korea (Thermolon), and Germany (Merten & Storck). They have an office in Shibuya and their products are readily available in Japan.
FujiHoro – 富士琺瑯工業
If you’re looking for Japanese excellence and assurity, then look no further than FujiHoro. They are often sold online as 富士ホーロー. The word horo or ホーロー / 琺瑯 means enameling.
The company started back in 1947. Otherwise known as Fuji Porcelain Enamel Co., they sell their porcelain and enameled ware under the brand Honey Ware.
Their main factory is in Tsukuba, but they manufacture a lot of their non stick ceramic pans and pots in Thailand under the name Siam Fuji Ware (1988). There is also their Shanghai Porcelain Enamel Trading Co. and Fuji Horo also do OEM manufacturing.
Iris Ohyama – アイリスオーヤマ
Iris Ohyama hardly needs an introduction to a Japanese audience. Founded in 1971, Iris focuses on simple, intuitive, and innovative products for comfortable living. They have some 26 group companies with Iris Ohyama incorporated in the USA, China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and elsewhere.
Iris products range from home appliances, interior, pet care, garden, to food processing and business to business solutions. Their home appliances are popular for excellent cost performance [ コストパー ] and affordability, although they may not always be top of the range.
CB Japan – シービージャパン
CB Japan is another popular name in kitchen and living ware. They oversee design, manufacturing and or distribution of a number of brands. They have kitchen and lifestyle products, and a limited range of appliances.
Copan is their brand for ceramic coated pans. Fleur and Lekue do silicone products especially for microwave cookware. Hachi is their pet care brand and Uca makes unbreakable glassware.
Other Names and Choices in Ceramic Non Stick Cookware
There are many other manufacturers of porcelain enameled or otherwise non stick ceramic coated pans and cookware. Other manufacturers may include Pearl Metal, Kyocera, Plume by Yutaka Horo among others.
More expensive enameled cookware include cocotte or Dutch oven pots — but these offer a different cooking experience particularly for those interested in slow cooking or low temperature cooking.
More about Cocotte and Dutch Oven Pots in Japan
Safety of Non Stick Ceramic Pans
The innovation of ceramic coating technology really just made ceramic ware more affordable. Ceramic coating is non porous therefore it can be used to make non stick pans and cookware.
The enamel coating, however, may chip if not handled carefully and will wear off over time. Ceramic coating generally has a shorter life cycle than Teflon coated or other non stick cookware.
Even with a few chips and scratches over time, good quality enameled ceramic pans will rarely leach dangerous metals or chemicals. The ceramic coating is usually a number of layers thick.
Benefits of Ceramic Coated Pans
- Less oily cooking:
People feel this a key health benefit. - Peace of mind:
Ceramic coating is not a chemicalized coating. - High conductivity:
Ceramic coating conducts heat fast and evenly. - Light weight and affordable:
The coated body is usually an affordable aluminum alloy. - IH compatible:
With high conductivity, while the base can easily be engineered for IH compatibility.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Coated Pans
- Not all ceramic coatings are good quality.
- The pans heat fast and require a learning curve to use.
- Pans can damage if handled roughly.
- White ceramic discolors overtime or relatively quickly.
- They are not suited for high heat intensity cooking.
Helpful Verdict
Non-stick ceramic pans have attractive white interiors and are considered ‘healthy cookware’. They loose their sparkle fairly soon, but this can be remedied with bicarbonate of soda.
They heat quickly and are not the easiest cookware to use. The non-stick properties degrade significantly within 6 months.
Ceramic-coated cookware is cheaper than 100% ceramic cookware. That said, ceramic coated nabe pots, casseroles, milk pans, saucepans, and temprua pans offer good value for the shorter term.
Ceramic Coated Pans vs 100% Ceramic Ware
100% ceramic ware is of course a much higher quality, longer lasting, and altogether safe. For the most part, 100% ceramic ware tends to be tableware, pots, casserole dishes, and baking pans.
Generally, if there is no metal rim finishing, or no metal base for IH compatibility, 100% ceramic pans can be used in a microwave.
If you’re looking for 100% ceramic fry pans, they are available. One of the top international brands for pure ceramic fry pans and other cookware is Xtrema, but they are hard to get in Japan and pretty pricey.
There are, nonetheless, many high quality ceramic manufacturers in Japan. The Kinto brand (store link) also has a small collection of nice ceramic pots also compatible with IH cooktops (therefore not microwaves). Takami Corner (store link) affordable ceramic pots are microwaveable.
How to Care for Ceramic Non Stick Pans
Some enameled or ceramic non-stick coated pans are prone to chip and scratch. Recently technological innovations, however, have made them a lot tougher and more durable. You should, nonetheless, handle them with care.
Tips for Cooking with Ceramic Coated Pans
Don’t use a metal spoon for stirring or serving. Silicone utensils are best or smooth edged wooden spoons.
Avoid large amounts of oil or butter. Ceramic pans are non-stick after all and oily residue may build up on the surface.
Be careful not to let oils or butter burn. Use oils with a high smoke point like refined olive, peanut, or corn oil.
Avoid extra virgin olive oil because this can leave a thin carbonized layer on the ceramic pan.
Spray on oil or greasing is not recommended.
Start with the pan on low and lightly oil all around. Cook only to a medium heat.
If food sticks, add a little water around and the steam will break it free.
Tips for Cleaning
- After use, allow to cool down or soak in warm water.
- Wash gently with a non-abrasive sponge and cleaning agent.
- For stains, soak or gently boil in water with 2 spns of baking soda for 10-min.
- Dry with a tea towel or rest upside down on a tea towel.
- Store gently and lay a tea towel over the pan before resting the lid upside down.
- Don’t stack other pans or heavy objects on top or inside.
Reviews and Best Ceramic Non Stick Pans in Japan
セラミックフライパンのおすすめ9選
Versatile Ceramic Oven and Fry Pans from Green Chef
- 20cm pan 4.3cm deep
- 26cm pan 6cm deep
- Detachable handle 27cm
- Stainless Alloy base
- Aluminum body
- Gas, electric coil, halogen, IH
- Oven safe to 175ºC (350ºF)
- Made in China
These pans use diamond powder in the glaze supposedly making the non-stick ceramic coating extra tough and durable. Their key feature is the detachable handle. The advantage is they are easy to store, look nice for table serving, and can go into a refrigerator.
If you have a countertop convection oven such as the Iris Oyama or the Delonghi Pangourmet, you can use these pans for roasting meats or vegetables. They should not be used, however, as a replacement for standard bakeware because they are not designed for prolonged high oven temperatures.
The pans are dishwasher safe, but not the handle. The pan will discolor and fade a little, but remember to use bicarbonate soda now and then. Some people find the non-stick properties don’t last as long as expected.
Ceramic Shallow Fry Pans by Green Pan
- 20-24-26-28 cm pans
- 590g to 990g
- Resin handle
- Gas, electric coil, halogen, IH
- Lid NOT included
- Made in China
The depth of these pans vary according to the size, so check before you buy. You can buy a glass lid if you don’t already have one, or a local department store may sell compatible sizes.
A number of users found that the coating and non stick property suffers unexpected wear after 6 months or so. These pans are kind of expensive, so you may want to check your warranty options before purchasing.
Deep Sauce Fry Pans by Kyocera
- 22cm and 24cm sizes
- 8.7cm and 10.8cm deep
- Polyphenol resin handle
- Gas, electric coil, halogen, IH
- Made in Vietnam
These deep or ‘sauce’ fry pans have their advantages over shallower ones. They can be less messy with stir fries, but cook smaller quantity.
Ceramic non stick fry pans are never ideal for searing meats. However, these deep pans are a good choice for slow braising meat, and cooking dishes that require some volume of liquid. They can, of course, double up as a convenient sauce pan.
Although not as popular as GreenPan or GreenChef, these pans get some good reviews and appear to be of reasonable to good quality. The design and color, however, is limited. Nonetheless, they’re one of the few more affordable fry pans not made in China, but in Vietnam.
Non Stick Ceramic Wok Pans from GreenPan
- 27cm base
- WDH: 48 x 28.6 x 10.2 cm
- Inner depth 6.2cm
- 1.08 kg
- Wood handle
- High conductivity
- Gas, electric coil, halogen, IH
- Made in China
If you’re really into proper wok style cooking, perhaps a ceramic coated wok pan is not the best choice. They don’t handle high heat very well, and are prone to damage easily if handled roughly. There are not that many non-stick ceramic coated wok pans to choose from, and most are Cookware Company brands.
The VitaVerde woks (price link), as good looking as they are, don’t report well in terms of the durability of their non stick properties and quality of the coating.
GreenPan, recommended here, is the more costly and premium brand. Their large wok pans are generally good quality. They don’t come with a lid, but you can buy one on their homepage or go there for a better size selection.
If you’re looking for more hardy wok, cheaper, and also with non-stick properties that aren’t chemically synthesized, you may be interested in these diamond marble coated wok pans (price link). They’re made in Korea but are not IH compatible.
Tamago Yaki Pans
Both these tamago yaki fry pans are similar. The first one, Vitaverde, is not IH compatible. The IH compatible Green Pan can be also used on a gas stove top. Tamago yaki pans are also useful for small one person fry ups, especially for breakfast.
Best Temprua Nabe Pan from Fuji Horo
- 4 colors
- Base 24cm
- 32 x 26.5 x 10.6 cm
- Suitable oil vol. 1L
- 2.8L / 1.22kg or 2.8 lbs
- Thermometer included
- Gas, electric coil, IH compatible
- Made in Thailand
Generally these deep frying pans are well received. The thermometer is quite versatile, and they can cook for a family of four. They are made by Fuji Horo’s subsidiary in Thailand. Feasibly, these vessels can be used for stews, nabes, or preparations that don’t require a lid.
What people appreciate most about these white ceramic pans is how easy it is to see the contents and the quality of the oil. The white ceramic coating can quickly lose its sparkle, so it’s best to periodically boil up bicarbonate soda water for 10-min to clean the inside.
One drawback is that these pans don’t have an attachable drip rack, and some people are uncertain about the quality of the thermometer. For IH cookers, keep in mind how they cycle heating in an on/off mode, so the oil temperature may not be as stable as using a gas cooker.
Apart from the black and white, you can get these pans in turquoise blue (price link) and also pink and red (price link).
Sauce and Milk Pans by Copan from CBJapan
- Dark green, yellow, or red
- Wood handle
- Stainless alloy base
- Aluminum alloy body
- 1.4 L useable capacity 1 L
- W27 x D15.5 x Inner H 10.5 cm
- 430g
- Made in China
There’s really not much people don’t like about these pans. Most are surprised how big they are as their cuteness is deceptive. Apart from making milk chai, they’re perfect for miso and other soups, cheese fondue, sauces, and reheats. They can hold portions for up to 2 or maybe 3 people.
These pans are not so ideal for deep frying cutlets or tempura. There is no protective ring and the mouth is not so wide. If you do deep fry – be careful as the pan can get really hot and the temperature should not be allowed to rise above 200ºC.
Medium Casserole Pots from Fuji Horo
- 4 colors
- 3 liters / 1.45kg
- WDH: 27.5 x 20.5 x 13.5 cm
- 24 cm base
- Oven safe without lid
- Gas, electric coil, IH compatible
- Made in Thailand
Most people happy with quality of this pot. It has a thick coating and there are no reports of peeling. The size is good for about 3 people. If you use this pot in an oven, you have to remove the lid because the knob is not oven proof. The colors are quite bright and cheerful and the pot is made in Thailand.
Once issue may be with the lid. It fits very tightly and does not make a rattling sound. However, some people have difficulty removing it and have to pry it with a chopstick. Others find the pot doesn’t handle over boiling or seething very well. The issue could be that these pots always do their job much better on a lower heat setting.
Smaller Alternative Selection from Fuji Horo
- Red or grey
- 2.3 liters / 1.09 kg
- WDH: 21 x 26.5 x 13.5 cm
- 18cm base
- Wood knob & Spout
- Oven safe without lid
- Gas, electric coil, IH compatible
- NOT dishwasher safe
- Made in Thailand
These pots belong to the Honey Ware ‘Cotton Series’ also made in Thailand. Their pastel shades are more suited to a Japanese aesthetic, and they look very nice standing out as decorative pots. Two key design features are the cool-to-touch wood knob and the gentle spout for pouring off liquid.
Although top quality, once again, these Fuji Horo pots have tight fitting lids that don’t easily rest at a staggered angle, and may not handle seething very well. They’re perfect for low temperature settings, or near waterless cooking.
* Also available in teal blue, or see their homepage for the full color range.
Ceramic Pan Sets from Iris Oyama
- White or black ceramic
- Wood grip handles
- Wood knobs
- 3–6–10 piece sets
- Waterless nub pot
- NOT oven safe
- Gas, IH, or radiant stove
- Made in China
These Iris Ohyama’s are quite a refreshing design, and it’s not so easy to get black ceramic non-stick pans. The most basic set is just the 26cm fry pan and the 20cm pot.
The pots have special nub designs on the lid similar to Staub cocotte. The tight fit creates a relatively waterless environment, and the nubs distribute condensation more evenly.
The boxing and gifting aspect to this pots is great. The only concern however, is that quite a number of people found that the quality and effectiveness of the non stick coating on the fry pan drops off after 6 months or so.
Typical of many such products made in China, consistency with quality is a problem. If you really want to buy or gift one of these sets, it would be best to check your warranty options.