Today we’re looking at some of the best frying pans for induction hob available in the UK in 2021. These frying pans were chosen based on performance, build quality and overall value.
Ceramic frying pans are primarily made of sand and silicone that create a tough, glossy surface that’s similar to glass, they cook food without sticking and are very easy to clean, making them ideal for busy, family life.
Are ceramic frying pans safe?
Ceramic is a safe, non-toxic alternative to the usual coatings found in non-stick frying pans that can release unhealthy toxins into food during use. Ceramic coatings are manufactured using natural minerals, making them a safe choice for everyday use.
Best Ceramic Frying Pans UK
1. Masterclass Eco Ceramic Frying Pan (20cm and 30cm)
This Masterclass set comprises two frying pans with diameters of twenty centimetres and thirty centimetres. Each one is manufactured from heavy-duty aluminium, which is lightweight but extremely hard-wearing.
The layer of cast iron on the base makes it suitable for all types of cooking methods including radiant ring, gas and induction hobs.
The pan can also be used directly in the oven or placed under a grill. The curved handle has a comfortable, ergonomic design and is attached to the pan by two stainless steel rivets.
The handle’s surface is designed to remain cool even when heated. The hard-wearing, grey-blue ceramic coating is non-toxic, ensuring food is healthy and safe. The glossy surface is easy to clean and the pan can be placed in a dishwasher.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Generous depth is ideal for large quantities
- Two versatile sizes
- Fifteen-year guarantee
Cons
- Handle rivets can work loose over time
2. Greenpan Cambridge Ceramic Frying Pan (20cm)
The Cambridge twenty centimetre frying pan has a superior, three-layer Thermalon Infinity ceramic coating. Its advanced formula combines sand and particles of real diamonds to create a high-performance coating that won’t blister and is very easy to clean.
The pan exterior is made of high-quality aluminium. There is a revolutionary coating of Magneto on the base that uses magnets to provide stability on all types of hob. It won’t distort, providing a constant, even heat distribution.
The pan can easily withstand temperatures of up to 180 degrees Centigrade, enabling it to be placed in the oven. The silicone-covered handle is soft and comfortable to use and is welded to the exterior for improved safety.
Pros
- Thermalon Infinity high-performance coating
- Magnetised Magneto base
- Secure handle
- Lightweight 581 grams
Cons
- Coating can chip if the wrong utensils are used
- Requires careful cleaning
3. Ozeri Green Earth Ceramic Frying Pan (12cm)
The thirty centimetre Ozeri ceramic frying pan weighs 1.27 kilograms due to its high-quality construction of die-cast aluminium. The layer of iron on the base has magnetised qualities for improved contact on any hob, including induction.
It produces evenly distributed heat for efficient frying. The curved handle is coated with silicone for a comfortable, secure hold. Inside the bright green pan is a hard-wearing ceramic coating that is fully scratch-proof and completely non-toxic.
Its glossy, black surface has a unique honeycomb texture that provides superior non-stick qualities. The minute air pockets enhance the efficiency of heat distribution, helping the pan to quickly reach its required temperature.
Pros
- Relatively high non-stick qualities
- Fast heat-up time
- Even heat distribution
- Magnetised base
Cons
- Honeycomb surface can be difficult to clean
4. ProCook Professional Ceramic Frying Pan with Lid (28cm)
This twenty-eight centimetre frying pan has a generous depth of thirteen centimetres, making it suitable for the preparation of family-sized meals.
It includes a lid of toughened safety glass, allowing you to use a variety of techniques such as braising or simmering while keeping flavour and moisture locked in.
The frying pan can be directly transferred to the oven and can withstand temperatures of 260 degrees Centigrade. It’s manufactured from 3.8 mm aluminium, which provides even heat distribution. A heavy layer of stainless steel on the base ensures it’s suitable for all hobs.
The stainless steel and silicone handle is comfortable to hold. The sand-based ceramic coating is reinforced with titanium, combining high-performance frying with non-toxic durability.
Pros
- Durable non-stick surface
- Easy to clean
- Lid improves versatility
- Twenty-five year guarantee
Cons
- 1.5 kilograms weight
- Slow to heat up
5. Easy Cook Ceramic Frying Pan (28cm)
The Easy Cook frying pan has an interior surface of white ceramic. The coating has a formula of natural materials including sand and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Its high-gloss, smooth texture makes it reliably non-stick and easy to clean. The twenty-eight centimetre frying pan has a depth of 6.2 cm providing plenty of space for frying bulky ingredients.
Although the pan is manufactured from a heavy-gauge aluminium, it is still relatively lightweight at 930 grams. The exterior has a glossy coating of black enamel and the handle has an ergonomic design with a soft silicone surface for a comfortable hold.
Pros
- Heavy-guage aluminium
- Reliable non-stick surface
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for any hob
Cons
- Surface needs regular seasoning
- Takes a while to reach perfect temperature
Induction Ceramic Frying Pan Buying Guide
Size
Frying pans are usually available in several sizes, providing versatility and efficient use of energy. When choosing the best ceramic frying pan, consider if you’re using it for small quantities or large, family-sized meals.
A popular solution is to buy two different sizes for greater flexibility. Accessories, such as a lid, provide versatile opportunities for cooking a variety of dishes while retaining flavour and moisture.
The right base
Some frying pans aren’t suitable for energy-saving induction hobs that only operate when the element senses a pan is present. If you have an induction hob, look for a pan with a sturdy base of iron or stainless steel that won’t warp when heated.
Some ceramic frying pans have advanced magnetised bases that ensure a reliable contact with the hob at all times.
Exterior metal
Most ceramic pans are made from aluminium, a lightweight metal that’s an excellent conductor of heat. It allows your pan to reach its desired temperature relatively fast and produces an even heat distribution.
Aluminium is a fairly pliable metal, but selecting a thicker gauge generally eliminates the problem of warping.
Different types of ceramic coating
Manufacturers are constantly trying to evolve improved versions to give their ceramic frying pans an advantage over those of their rivals. Additional components usually include minerals that enhance the durability and performance of the coatings.
Diamond dust and titanium both increase the toughness of the coating, providing it with a durable, scratch-resistant surface. While most coatings are smooth and glossy, some have a textured surface to help break the food’s contact with the pan and improve its non-stick qualities.
Handles
Handles are usually ergonomically designed to ensure the frying pans are comfortable to use. The best style is largely down to personal choice. However, handles with visible rivets can occasionally become loose over time.
Those that are welded to the exterior usually provide years of trouble-free service. Stainless steel, with or without a coating of silicone, can be heated in the oven, but beware of plastic as it could melt.
How to season a ceramic frying pan
Seasoning takes only a few minutes and reliably enhances the pan’s non-stick performance by creating an oily surface. When unpacked, wash the frying pan in warm, soapy water then dry it well. Add a small quantity of oil or melted butter and rub it lightly over the ceramic coating.
Place the pan on low heat and occasionally move the pan to keep the oil evenly distributed until you can see that it is beginning to look hazy. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool naturally before wiping away any excess oil with kitchen paper.
When storing your new pan, avoid stacking other items inside it as the surface may become accidentally damaged.
Ceramic Frying Pan FAQ
Which utensils are best for a ceramic frying pan?
Only use utensils that are made of plastic, silicone or wood to prevent accidentally scratching the surface and always transfer food to a plate before cutting with a knife.
What’s the right way to clean a ceramic frying pan?
Always allow the pan to cool completely before washing in warm soapy water, then dry thoroughly before storing. Although ceramic pans are dishwasher proof, many people believe the surface will last longer if you wash it by hand.
Why has my ceramic frying pan lost its non-stick quality after a few weeks?
A ceramic frying pan performs at its best if it’s seasoned at regular intervals to boost its non-stick capabilities.
If any food particles appear to be stubbornly burnt on, boil equal quantities of baking soda, vinegar and water in the pan for around ten minutes. When the pan has cooled wash as usual before seasoning.
What type of cooking oil works best with a ceramic coating?
Vegetable or sunflower oil is ideal along with canola or peanut oil. Avoid coconut oil as it contains a high proportion of trans-fats and olive oil which doesn’t perform well in extreme heat.
How much heat can I apply to a ceramic coating?
Although ceramic coatings can withstand high temperatures, when cooking with them, you’ll achieve better results with a low to medium heat as it cooks food thoroughly and prevents any residue burning and sticking to the surface.
Why are ceramic coatings healthy?
The inorganic ingredients of ceramic coatings don’t contain potentially harmful chemicals such as PTFE and PTOA that are usually present in standard non-stick frying pans.
Ceramic is considered to be non-reactive and unlike regular non-stick surfaces won’t release toxins, even if accidentally heated without anything in the pan.
Its composition remains stable when heated to extremely high temperatures of 450 degrees Celsius. In fact, a reliable ceramic coating needs to be subjected to a temperature of almost 800 degrees Centigrade before it begins to break up.
When used correctly, a ceramic coating’s non-stick properties should only require a minimum amount of oil or butter, making it the perfect choice for a healthy, low-fat diet.
Summing up
The best ceramic frying pan is a healthy, non-stick option that doesn’t release harmful chemicals during use. Choose a model that’s suitable for your particular hob and for the number of portions you’ll mostly be frying.
A heavier aluminium pan will have increased resistance to distortion, while a base of stainless steel or iron can help distribute heat more effectively and help it reach a suitable cooking temperature much faster.
Ceramic is a reliable, high-performance surface especially when properly cared for, but for increased durability, consider a surface-enhanced with titanium or diamonds.
