Kitchen cookware is one of those purchases that can make or break your cooking experience. The right pots and pans distribute heat evenly, resist scratches, and offer a slick nonstick surface. The wrong ones scorch food, degrade quickly, and leave behind a scraped up cooking surface.
So which is best? Should you go with tried and true stainless steel or opt for the growing trend of ceramic nonstick?
After extensively testing Blue Diamond’s ceramic cookware line, we can confidently say it offers an ideal balance of nonstick performance, durability, and ease of use. Keep reading for the full review.
Throughout this in-depth post, we’ll cover:
- An overview of Blue Diamond ceramic cookware
- Testing results for durability, performance, and ease of use
- Design, quality, and visual appeal
- How it compares to similar ceramic cookware sets
- Pros, cons, and best uses
- And final recommendations based on value
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from Blue Diamond and whether it’s the right ceramic nonstick for your kitchen and cooking needs.
A Brief Introduction to Blue Diamond Cookware
Blue Diamond is one of the leading makers of ceramic nonstick pots and pans today. The company offers skillets, saucepans, sauté pans, stock pots, and more across 3 lines: Classic, Elite, and Diamondite.
We tested the 12-piece Classic Cookware Set which includes:
- 8″ and 10″ fry pans
- 1.5qt and 3qt saucepans with lids
- 5qt Dutch oven with lid
- Steam basket
- Egg wonder pan
- nylon cooking utensils
The cookware itself features an aluminum core sandwiched between 2 layers of ceramic nonstick coating. The aluminum base ensures fast, even heating. While the interior and exterior ceramic resists scratches and releases food easily without oil or butter.
Compared to other ceramic brands, Blue Diamond offers better value for money. Their sets cost 20-60% less than offerings from big names like GreenPan and GreenLife. However, the lower prices don’t seem to sacrifice quality or performance.
But don’t just take our word for it. Keep reading for a detailed review of how Blue Diamond’s ceramic cookware held up across a battery of tests.
Putting Blue Diamond Ceramic to the Test – Durability, Performance, and More
To see if Blue Diamond can compete with the top ceramic cookware brands, we rigorously tested for:
Durability
- Scratch resistance from metal utensils
- Ability to withstand abrasive scrubbing
- Degradation of the nonstick over time and use
Performance
- Heating and cooking evenness
- Food release capability across various foods
- Burn and sear ability at high temps
Ease of Use
- Handling comfort and weight while cooking
- Cleaning effort by hand and in the dishwasher
- General maintenance needs
Quality and Design
- Fit and finish of lids and handles
- Visual appeal – colors and style
- Ability to resist warping or deformation
We tested frying, boiling, searing, and more across 3 weeks, using it as our daily cookware. Here is an overview of how Blue Diamond’s ceramic cookware performed during testing.
Scratch Resistance and Durability
Ceramic boasts superior scratch resistance compared to Teflon nonstick. But cheaper ceramic can still degrade and lose its nonstick properties over time.
We tested this by:
- Cooking with metal utensils
- Scouring with abrasive scrubbing pads
- Checking for degradation after 3 weeks of use
Results:
The ceramic coating proved impressively durable and scratch resistant:
- No scratches from metal utensils – the surface remained perfectly smooth after scraping and stirring.
- Minimal wear from abrasive scrubbing – only minor cosmetic marks but the nonstick was not affected.
- No degradation over 3 weeks – eggs, meats, and fish continued to release and clean up easily.
The diamond-reinforced ceramic seems resistant to micro-scratching and daily wear and tear. While it may degrade eventually, Blue Diamond seems to offer better longevity than cheaper ceramic sets.
Heating and Cooking Evenness
Uneven cooking is one of the biggest annoyances with inferior cookware. Hot spots lead to burning and cold zones produce raw, undercooked food.
We tested evenness by:
- Cooking classic test foods – pancakes, fried eggs, and omelettes
- Measuring temperature across the cooking surface
- Examining for hot and cold spots
Results:
The Blue Diamond ceramic cooked surprisingly evenly, rivaling our stainless steel:
- Pancakes browned perfectly uniform, not mottled
- Eggs – no noticeable differences between the middle and outer edges
- The pan bottom heated to 365-375F evenly across the surface
The aluminum core seems to effectively conduct heat for even cooking. Performance is likely equal to well-made stainless steel.
Food Release Capabilities
The hallmark of any good nonstick is effortless food release. This allows cooking with less oil and easy cleanup after meals.
We tested release with:
- Eggs – scrambled and over easy
- Pancakes
- Fish – salmon and tuna
- Chicken – bone in and breaded cutlets
Results:
- Eggs – slid out of the pan, leaving no residue stuck behind
- Pancakes – a slight bit of sticking at first but released perfectly after cooking
- Fish and chicken – fell away from the pan with no tearing or sticking
Overall, the ceramic nonstick lived up to expectations, requiring little or no oil. Food also rarely stuck after cooking. Cleanup was quick requiring only a rinse or wipe down with a sponge.
The only sticking occurred on the first batch of pancakes, likely due to the pan not being fully pre-heated. After that initial batch, food release was flawless.
Searing and High Heat Performance
While ceramic excels at lower temps, searing at high heat is often a challenge. Some ceramic coatings can degrade or lose their nonstick properties when cranked above 500°F.
We tested searing by:
- Cooking steak and pork chops on medium high (400°F+)
- Checking for browning and fond development
- Examining the nonstick after for degradation
Results:
- Nicely browned and seared meat with a dark crust
- Minimal sticking during cooking and release after
- No signs of degradation to the nonstick even after high heat
The diamond-infused ceramic seems durable at higher temperatures required for searing. You can achieve nice grill marks and fond for pan sauces without issue.
However, for very high heat cooking like wok stir frying, we’d still recommend carbon steel or iron. Ceramic can’t compete with their 700°F+ heat tolerance.
Ease of Use – Handling, Cleaning, and Care
Beyond performance, a cookware set needs to be comfortable and easy to use daily. We evaluated a few key factors:
Handling Comfort
Correct pan balance and handle design allows comfortable control when cooking and pouring. We tested this by:
- Cooking various foods
- Pouring and tipping contents out
- General ease maneuvering the pans
Results:
- Handles stayed cool enough to grip comfortably
- Good balance whether empty or full
- Pans felt light but substantial enough for stability
The riveted stainless handles offer a sure grip without transmitting excess heat. And the aluminum core means the pans aren’t overly light but still comfortable to maneuver.
Cleaning and Care
Pans should clean up quickly after cooking without requiring excessive maintenance.
We evaluated ease of cleaning by:
- Washing by hand and in the dishwasher
- Assessing effort needed to remove stuck on residue
- Checking for stains or other marks needing cleaning
Results:
- Washed clean easily by hand with non-abrasive scrubbing
- The nonstick released stuck-on food with only light scrubbing
- Dishwasher safe – no degradation after repeated wash cycles
- No metal marks or stubborn stains needing removal
The ceramic cleaned up easily whether hand washed or thrown in the dishwasher. We’d still recommend hand washing to prolong the life of any nonstick surface.
Overall maintenance is simple. Just avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, metal utensils, and very high heat. With basic care, the ceramic holds up well.
Design, Style, and Overall Quality
Beyond performance, cookware should look good and offer solid construction quality:
Visual Styling
Blue Diamond offers simple and modern styling suitable for most kitchens.
- Colors: Available in grey, red, or classic black. The colors have a smooth matte finish.
- Handles: Matching colored stainless steel riveted handles.
- Lids: Glass lids make it easy to monitor cooking.
The streamlined 2-tone design gives an upscale look. But style is still modest enough for anyone not wanting flashy cookware.
Build Quality
All materials feel substantial with quality construction:
- Pans – durable aluminum core without noticeable hot spots
- Handles – firmly riveted and comfortable to grip
- Lids – glass is impressively sturdy and fits flush
After testing, we saw no issues with warping, lid fit, or loosening of the handle rivets. Everything held up impressively well even with daily use.
How Blue Diamond Ceramic Cookware Compares to the Competition
Blue Diamond offers better performance and quality than basic ceramic sets from brands like Cook N Home and Nutrichef. It easily stacks up against GreenPan, Greenlife, and other big name ceramic makers.
The diamond-infused ceramic appears highly durable able to compete with the most expensive ceramic.
And compared to the leading ceramic brands, Blue Diamond offers similar quality at significantly lower prices:
- GreenPan – costs 60% more for a comparable 12pc set
- Greenlife – runs 40% higher than Blue Diamond
- Tramontina – is 20% pricier for a similar ceramic set
For shoppers wanting quality ceramic nonstick at a budget-friendly price, Blue Diamond hits a sweet spot.
However, if money is no concern, GreenPan and Greenlife may edge out Blue Diamond slightly in terms of longevity and prestige. But for daily home cooking, Blue Diamond ceramic will meet or exceed the needs of most.
Blue Diamond Ceramic Cookware – Pros and Cons
Based on our testing and use, here are the key benefits and drawbacks of Blue Diamond ceramic cookware:
Pros
- Excellent nonstick for low oil cooking
- Impressive scratch resistance
- Distributes heat evenly for uniform cooking
- Comfortable handles and good balance
- Durable aluminum core construction
- Resists staining and cleans up easily
- Dishwasher safe convenience
- Affordably priced compared to leading ceramic brands
Cons
- Durability over many years still unknown
- Not ideal for very high 500°F+ heat
- Hand wash still recommended for max longevity
The pros far outweigh the cons for anyone wanting ceramic nonstick cookware with great performance. Just avoid metal utensils, high heat, and the dishwasher to prolong the life of the ceramic coating.
Is Blue Diamond Best for You? Recommended Uses
Blue Diamond ceramic excels at everyday cooking for the average home chef. The scratch resistance and nonstick make it ideal for:
- Cooking eggs and other delicate foods
- Pancakes and other batter foods
- Fish and other fish that tend to flake and stick
- Chicken – bone-in cuts stay crisp not soggy
The cookware allows easy cleanup after meals. And the attractive styling looks great on the stove or table for serving.
While seduced by commercials for fancy copper or stainless steel cookware, most home cooks will be better served by Blue Diamond ceramic. The performance exceeds basic nonstick without the steep learning curve of professional cookware.
Just avoid very high heat searing and oven use over 450°F to preserve the ceramic coating. And hand washing is recommended.
Within these reasonable limits, Blue Diamond ceramic cookware will satisfy nearly any home cook who cares about quality low oil cooking and easy cleaning.
Where to Buy Blue Diamond Cookware
Blue Diamond is sold online through Amazon and major retailers like Macy’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Walmart.
Buying from Amazon offers the widest selection of cookware pieces along with prices 20-30% off MSRP. Discounts and sales often run making the prices even more budget-friendly.
We recommend getting at least an 8″ and 10″ skillet to start. Then add other essential pieces – saute pan, sauce pot, stock pot – as your needs and budget allow.
Most home cooks will be happy with a starter 3-5 piece basics kit. While more serious home chefs may want a larger set of 8-12 pans for broader cooking needs.
Regardless of how many pieces you buy, Blue Diamond ceramic offers quality and performance well beyond its affordable pricing.
Maintaining Blue Diamond Ceramic Cookware
To keep your Blue Diamond cookware looking and performing its best for years to come:
- Hand wash – even though it’s dishwasher safe, hand washing preserves the coating
- Use plastic, wood, or silicone utensils to prevent scratches
- Low to medium heat for most cooking. Avoid high heat over 500°F.
- Oil lightly before cooking if food is prone to major sticking
- Don’t use aerosol cooking sprays – they can build up and damage ceramic over time
With simple care, your Blue Diamond ceramic can easily last 5+ years. Treat it well and you’ll enjoy quality low oil, nonstick cooking for years before needing to replace it.
Verdict – An Affordable Ceramic Nonstick Worth Buying
In our extensive testing, Blue Diamond ceramic cookware proved a top notch ceramic nonstick line that competes with brands costing far more.
The diamond-infused ceramic coating resists scratches remarkably well yet still offers slick nonstick release of food. It’s durable under daily use, easy to clean, and distributes heat evenly for fail-proof cooking.
While lacking the prestige of GreenPan or Greenlife, Blue Diamond offers nearly identical performance at a fraction of the price. For budget minded cooks, it represents one of the best values available.
Just reasonably maintain the ceramic by following the care guidelines. Avoid metal utensils, harsh scrubbing, and oven or broiler use above 450°F.
Within these common sense limits, Blue Diamond ceramic cookware sets offer everything home cooks need – reliable nonstick cooking, easy cleanup, long life, and affordability. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone wanting to upgrade to quality ceramic nonstick pans.
