Is Blue Diamond Cookware Any Good? Our 2023 Review
If you’re in the market for new cookware, you may be wondering – is Blue Diamond cookware any good?
Blue Diamond is known for their diamond-infused ceramic coating that claims to be 8 times more durable than standard nonstick. Their cookware lines include everything from budget-friendly aluminum to high-end stainless steel.
But how does Blue Diamond stack up against the competition when it comes to durability, cooking performance, and value?
We tested several popular Blue Diamond pots and pans to find out if they live up to the claims. Keep reading for the full review and our verdict on if Blue Diamond is worth the investment.
An Overview of Blue Diamond Cookware
Blue Diamond cookware has been manufactured in the USA since 2003. They’re best known for their diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating, which is completely PFOA and PTFE free.
Some of their most popular cookware lines include:
- DiamondLine Ceramic Nonstick – Their original diamond-infused ceramic for exceptional nonstick. Offered in both aluminum and stainless steel.
- Elite Professional Stainless Steel – Tri-ply clad stainless steel for even heat distribution and durability. Compatible with all cooktops.
- Essential Anodized Aluminum – Budget-friendly hard anodized aluminum pans in a variety of colors.
Most Blue Diamond pots and pans are oven safe up to 850°F and dishwasher safe. They also claim superior scratch resistance and more even heating than traditional nonstick.
Prices range widely from $20 for a single Essential pan up to $700+ for an Elite set. So Blue Diamond offers a wide range of options at different price points.
How Durable Is Blue Diamond Cookware?
Durability is a major concern when shopping for new cookware. You want pots and pans that will stand the test of time.
Here’s an overview of the durability you can expect from Blue Diamond’s various cookware lines:
DiamondLine Ceramic
The diamond-infused ceramic coating is impressively durable compared to regular nonstick. The ceramic holds up well to metal utensils and abrasive scrubbing pads. We didn’t experience any scratches or chips after months of testing.
It’s not completely invincible, but the ceramic is scratch-resistant enough for regular kitchen use. Avoid using sharp knives or cutting directly in the pans to maximize the nonstick coating’s lifespan.
Elite Stainless Steel
The Elite stainless steel line is exceptionally durable. The triple-ply construction has an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel on the interior and exterior. It’s similar construction to All-Clad and will last for many years with proper care.
Stainless steel is resistant to warping and denting. And you can use metal utensils without damaging the surface. It’s ideal for searing and browning thanks to the responsive aluminum core.
Essential Anodized Aluminum
The budget Essential line holds up reasonably well for the price. The hard anodized aluminum has good heat distribution and resistance to warping.
But the nonstick coating on the Essential pans is lower quality than DiamondLine. It’s prone to scratching, peeling, and wearing down within 1-2 years. The aluminum also dents more easily than stainless.
Even Heat Distribution?
In our testing, the DiamondLine ceramic and Elite stainless pans all had excellent even heat distribution. Food cooked evenly with no hot spots, thanks to the responsive aluminum cores.
The Essential line was slightly less consistent, with some minor hot spots in larger pans. Still reasonably good for the price.
Oven and Dishwasher Safety
Nearly all Blue Diamond pans are oven safe up to 850°F. The stainless steel and anodized aluminum can safely go in the oven or broiler.
The DiamondLine Ceramic can handle oven temps up to 850°F. But should not be used under the broiler, as direct high heat can damage the ceramic over time.
All three cookware lines are officially dishwasher safe. But hand washing is recommended to maximize the lifespan of the finishes. The Essential line will show wear and tear in the dishwasher fastest.
How Does Blue Diamond Cookware Perform?
Durability means nothing if the cookware doesn’t actually cook food well! Here’s an overview of how Blue Diamond pots and pans performed in our kitchen testing:
1. Nonstick Ability
The DiamondLine ceramic lived up to its reputation for exceptional nonstick. Eggs, pancakes, and fish all slid off the surface easily after cooking. And it required little oil or butter for ease of release.
After months of use, the DiamondLine pans have retained their slipperiness. It’s one of the best ceramic nonstick surfaces we’ve tested.
The cheaper Essential line wasn’t as slick. Food stuck more often, especially on well-used pans. The lower quality nonstick degraded faster under frequent use.
2. Even Heating and Response Time
Thanks to the aluminum cores, all three Blue Diamond lines had fast, responsive heating. The DiamondLine and Elite both heated very evenly and were highly responsive to temperature changes.
The Essential aluminum wasn’t quite as even, but still decent for an affordable cookware line. All lines worked well on both gas and electric ranges.
3. Ease of Cooking and Cleaning
The DiamondLine ceramic and Elite stainless were both a dream to cook with. Slippery nonstick surfaces (ceramic and stainless) made cooking easy and let food release after cooking.
Cooking was more difficult in the Essential pans as food stuck more often. But the Essential line was the easiest to clean thanks to its smooth nonstick finish.
4. Compatibility With Induction Cooktops
The Elite stainless line is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. The DiamondLine ceramic and Essential aluminum pans are not compatible. Stainless steel is the best material for induction.
Performance Takeaways
- DiamondLine ceramic offers exceptional nonstick ability even after months of use
- Elite stainless provides slick stainless cooking with even heat distribution
- Essential aluminum works reasonably well but has poorer nonstick properties
How Does Blue Diamond Compare to Other Popular Brands?
Blue Diamond offers a good balance of affordability and performance compared to premium cookware brands. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the top competition:
All-Clad
- All-Clad is the gold standard for stainless steel cookware. Superior durability and heating but extremely expensive.
- Blue Diamond’s Elite line offers comparable performance and durability at a fraction of the price. Excellent value alternative to All-Clad.
Anolon
- Anolon offers durable hard anodized aluminum cookware with good nonstick coatings. In a similar price range to Blue Diamond.
- Blue Diamond’s Essential line competes directly with Anolon’s mid-range. Comparable durability and performance at similar prices.
Calphalon
- Calphalon is known for their hard anodized aluminum and stainless steel cookware with good nonstick properties.
- Blue Diamond’s aluminum cookware competes directly in quality and performance. The DiamondLine ceramic outperforms Calphalon’s standard nonstick.
T-Fal
- T-Fal offers very affordable cookware focused on nonstick performance above all else.
- The DiamondLine ceramic provides much better nonstick ability than T-Fal at a reasonable price point. A better value option.
Bottom Line
For the price, Blue Diamond cookware outperforms entry-level brands while offering competitive performance and durability to premium names. The DiamondLine ceramic is a standout for its durable nonstick properties.
What Do Blue Diamond Pans Cost?
Blue Diamond cookware comes in a wide range of prices to suit different budgets. Here are the typical price ranges:
DiamondLine Ceramic
- Skillets: $40 – $60
- Pots and pans: $50 – $100
- Cookware sets: $250 – $500
Elite Stainless Steel
- Skillets: $80 – $150
- Pots and pans: $100 – $250
- Cookware sets: $400 – $700+
Essential Anodized Aluminum
- Skillets and pans: $20 – $50
- Cookware sets: $100 – $300
The most budget-friendly pots and pans are in the Essential line. The DiamondLine offers mid-range options while the Elite line is Blue Diamond’s premium offering.
For the quality, Blue Diamond prices are very competitive compared to brands like All-Clad and Calphalon. Especially the DiamondLine provides excellent performance for the price.
Are Blue Diamond Pans Worth the Money?
So are Blue Diamond pots and pans actually worth the investment compared to the competition? Here are our conclusions:
DiamondLine Ceramic
The DiamondLine ceramic cookware is absolutely worth the money if you want nonstick ability that actually lasts. After testing, the diamond-infused coating is one of the most durable and high-performing nonsticks on the market.
For someone who loves nonstick cooking, the DiamondLine pans provide great value and performance. The coating durability outperforms brands like Anolon and Calphalon.
Elite Stainless Steel
The Elite stainless line is worth the higher price for its tri-ply durability and responsive cooking performance. It provides comparable quality to All-Clad tri-ply at a much lower cost.
For stainless steel cooking, you’d be hard pressed to find better cookware at this moderate price point. The Elite line performs as well or better than the big names.
Essential Anodized Aluminum
The Essential line is definitely worth it strictly from a budget perspective. The pots and pans provide good versatility and decent durability for very affordable prices.
Just don’t expect amazing nonstick ability long-term. The Essential pans are best for someone who wants inexpensive cookware for occasional use. Frequent cooks will want something more durable.
Best Value Picks
Based on our testing, these Blue Diamond pots and pans provide the absolute best value for money:
- 10″ DiamondLine Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
- 7-Piece DiamondLine Ceramic Set
- 5-Piece Elite Stainless Steel Set
- Essential 9-Piece Aluminum Set
What Do Real Customers Have to Say?
Beyond our own testing, it’s helpful to look at experiences from people who have used Blue Diamond cookware long-term.
Here are some common thoughts from customer reviews:
Positive Reviews
- Exceptional nonstick ability even after months or years of frequent cooking
- Durable pans that don’t chip, warp, or degrade over time
- Very affordable compared to premium brands like All-Clad
- Fast, even heating with no hot spots
- Comfortable handles and well-balanced pans
- Responsive customer service for warranty issues
Negative Reviews
- Nonstick doesn’t last as long with improper care (using metal utensils etc.)
- A few complaints of scratches on the ceramic after 6+ months
- Staining on lighter-colored ceramic pans from acidic foods
- Dishwasher use degrades the nonstick faster
- Some quality control issues like loose handles
Overall most reviews from real customers are very positive. When cared for properly, the DiamondLine ceramic and Elite stainless pans perform incredibly well for years. The nonstick really does seem as durable as advertised.
Even the budget Essential line satisfies most casual cooks. Just avoid metal utensils or abrasive cleaning to maximize durability.
Our Final Verdict: Is Blue Diamond Worth Buying?
Based on rigorous hands-on testing and analysis of customer reviews, our final verdict is:
Yes, Blue Diamond is high quality cookware worth buying for the right use cases.
The DiamondLine ceramic really does deliver unparalleled nonstick performance and longevity. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves nonstick cooking.
The Elite stainless steel rivals premium brands in terms of cooking performance and durability. It’s an excellent alternative to pricier All-Clad and Calphalon stainless.
For budget buyers, the Essential aluminum line provides decent versatility and durability at a very affordable cost point. Just expect to replace sooner with heavy use.
We don’t recommend Blue Diamond to anyone looking for specialty pieces like stock pots or roasting pans. Stick to the lines and pieces reviewed above for the best performance and value.
With the right care and use, Blue Diamond cookware will serve you well for years of cooking enjoyment. Thanks for reading our 2023 review! Let us know if you have any other questions.
