The Ultimate Blue Diamond Pan Review (With Test Results)

You’ve probably seen the commercials for the Blue Diamond pan, the one with millions of tiny diamonds infused into the ceramic non-stick surface.

The makers of the Blue Diamond pan claim it’s five times harder, lasts ten times longer, and transfers heat four times faster than the competition.

To find out if these claims are true, I purchased the 10-inch frying pan and tested it for over a year. 

In this Blue Diamond pan review, I reveal the good, bad, and everything in between.

You’ll learn:

• The key facts about the Blue Diamond pan
• Whether the bold claims in the commercials are true
• What I like and dislike about it
• And more

So, if you’re wondering whether the Blue Diamond pan is as good as stated in the commercials or whether it’s just another “As Seen on TV” gimmick, keep reading.

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Use the links below to navigate the review:

• Blue Diamond Pan Review: Key Takeaways
• The Facts
• The Claims
• Pros and Cons
• FAQs About the Blue Diamond Pan
• Bottom Line: Is the Blue Diamond Pan Any Good?

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Blue Diamond Pan: The Facts

It’s difficult to separate fact from fiction in TV commercials. Makers of many “As Seen on TV” products have been known to exaggerate claims.

While many of the claims are valid, advertisers often hide important details in the fine print. 

Before I address the Blue Diamond pan claims, let’s review the facts.

Parent Company

The Blue Diamond pan is manufactured by The Cookware Company, a global conglomerate that generates over $200 million in revenue per year and claims to be the pioneer of healthy ceramic cookware.

Besides the Blue Diamond pan and the other cookware items under the Blue Diamond brand, The Cookware Company also owns several other popular brands, including GreenPan (see my review), Green Chef, and Green Life (see my review).

The point is: Blue Diamond is not a fly-by-night product. It’s part of a larger company that specializes in manufacturing and distributing cookware.

Size and Options

The Blue Diamond pan comes in several sizes, including 8, 10, and 12 inches.

Besides frying pans, the brand has expanded, adding several pots, pans, and cookware sets. Here’s what Blue Diamond currently offers:

• 10-Inch Grill Pan
• 5-Quart Saute Pan
• 11-Inch Griddle
• Fry Pan Set (10 and 11-Inch)
• Saucepan Set (1 and 2-Quart)
• 4-Piece Set
• 6-Piece Set
• 9-Piece Set
• 10-Piece Set
• 14-Piece Set

You can find all Blue Diamond cookware on amazon (link to pans, link to sets). However, in this review, I focus on the original Blue Diamond pan.

Base Material

As is common with most non-stick cookware, the Blue Diamond base material is aluminum.

Aluminum is a cost-effective metal that conducts heat well. It’s also very durable.

Blue Diamond recently came out with a new collection called Triple Steel.

This collection is made with a two-layer stainless steel exterior and an aluminum core.

Due to the aluminum core, you still get excellent heat transfer, but the steel exterior adds durability, a sleek aesthetic, and makes the pan induction-compatible.

Non-Stick Material

The non-stick material is where Blue Diamond stands out, and it’s the basis of most of the brand’s claims.

The ceramic coating is infused with millions of diamonds, hence the name Blue Diamond. They advertise that it’s durable enough for metal utensils, and all you need to clean it is a paper towel.

In the context of non-stick pans, ceramic is not traditional ceramic.

This ceramic-appearing material is actually a natural silicon derived from sand. This material is called ceramic because of its smooth, glossy, ceramic-like appearance.

This “ceramic” material is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and non-stick. So non-stick, in fact, the company says you no longer need to use butter or oil in your pans (we’ll fact check this claim in a moment).

There are drawbacks to this material. It loses its non-stick properties faster than Teflon and tends to wear down quicker. To learn more, check out my guide on the pros and cons of ceramic non-stick cookware.

Design

The Blue Diamond pan features a hollow handle that disperses heat, allowing it to stay cool on the stove. However, as you’ll learn in the Pros and Cons section of this review, this design isn’t effective — the handle gets hot within a few minutes.

The 12-inch Blue Diamond pan weighs 2.3 pounds, which is less than many competitors such as the Calphalon 12-inch non-stick pan (2.9 pounds) and the Anolon 12-inch non-stick pan (5.4 pounds).

The non-stick surface has a sparkling quality and contrasts with the deep blue color of the exterior. If you look closely, the steel handle also features sparkles.

In my opinion, it’s a bit cheesy, although it might fit the aesthetic of some kitchens.  I will say that the style and design live up to its “diamond” name.

Oven-Safe Temperature

Blue Diamond pans are oven and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The tough, diamond-infused cooking surface allows it to withstand the heat.

In contrast, most non-stick cookware is oven and broiler safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

For much of the competition, baking or broiling non-stick pans above 500 degrees Fahrenheit causes the surface to lose its non-stick qualities and degrade the coating.

With Teflon-coated pans, you need to be extra careful. High heat will cause chemicals to activate and release harmful gasses.

Fortunately, this isn’t a concern with the Blue Diamond pan since it’s designed with a ceramic coating.

Cooktop Compatibility

Blue Diamond pans are compatible with gas or electric cooktop surfaces.

However, they are not compatible with induction ranges (besides the new Triple Steel collection, which is induction-compatible).

Induction cooktops require a magnetic base to work, and because the Blue Diamond pan is aluminum, the base is not magnetic.

If you buy an induction range, you can test whether your current cookware is compatible by sticking a magnet to the base. If the magnet sticks, you have induction compatible cookware.

Where It’s Made

The Cookware Company is an international cookware firm with sales offices all around the world.

They manufacture cookware across all their brands in Europe and Asia, but the Blue Diamond pan is manufactured exclusively in China.

Price

The Blue Diamond pan is one of the cheapest ceramic non-stick pans available on the market.

Why?

One of the reasons is the inexpensive materials. Aluminum is a much cheaper metal than stainless steel or copper. Pricier non-stick pans, like the All-Clad HA1, have a steel-plated base.

Another reason why Blue Diamond is so inexpensive is its manufacturing location. Blue Diamond products are made in China, where the labor and regulator compliance costs are significantly lower than in other parts of the world.

Finally, unlike most cookware sold through retailers, Blue Diamond products are only available through the Blue Diamond website and Amazon. 

By cutting out the middleman, Blue Diamond can offer much more affordable prices than the competition. Of course, the downside of this is that you can’t see or feel the pan before you buy it.

90 Day Money-Back Guarantee

Blue Diamond offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on their products.

If you’re dissatisfied with your Blue Diamond Pan, you will receive your money back minus shipping and handling fees. This guarantee also offers a replacement if your pan is defective.

After the 90 days, the limited lifetime warranty takes effect.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Blue Diamond offers a limited lifetime warranty on their products.

The Blue Diamond limited lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing starting 90 after purchase and lasting until the end of your lifetime.

The warranty does not cover any damage from misuse, abuse, failure to follow instructions, normal wear-and-tear, modifications, loss or damage in transit, or accidents.

With this warranty, Blue Diamond will either replace or repair your defective pan if you send it to them with proof of purchase, a letter detailing the nature of the defect, and an $8.95 check to cover processing and handling.

The unfortunate aspect of this warranty is that it does not cover the pan’s non-stick properties. If your Blue Diamond Pan loses its non-stick properties, you will not receive a replacement, repair, or any other compensation.

Blue Diamond Pan: The Claims

In the television ads, Blue Diamond makes several bold claims about its pan.

The ads show sunny side up eggs sliding smoothly from the pan to the plate, a hand mixer running full blast on the cooking surface without scratching it, and the happy cook cleaning the pan with one paper towel wipe.

Is the Blue Diamond pan really that good? Or are they stretching the truth to sell more pans?

In this section, I put the Blue Diamond Pan to the test to see if their claims are valid.

It’s worth noting, I reached out repeatedly to customer service at Blue Diamond and asked how they came up with each of these claims (did they run 3rd party testing?), but never got a reply, which isn’t a great sign.

5X Harder Non-Stick Coating vs. Traditional Non-Stick Pans

Blue Diamond claims its diamond-infused non-stick coating is five times harder than traditional non-stick.

While diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth, and the coating feels extremely hard to the touch, it’s hard to verify if the surface is actually five times harder.

Although I can’t verify this claim, I’ve been using this pan for over a year and haven’t had any issues with scratches or chipping.

Metal Utensil Safe

I’ve tested dozens of non-stick pans, and I almost always recommend staying away from metal utensils.

But Blue Diamond claims that metal utensils are safe to use with their pans. Naturally, I was skeptical.

I’ve cooked on my Blue Diamond pan with metal utensils for over a year to test this claim.

How did the Blue Diamond pan hold up? I was surprised, but this claim is true. The surface is holding up fine with no noticeable damage.

Non-Stick Coating Lasts 10X Longer vs. Traditional Non-Stick Pans

Blue Diamond claims that its non-stick coating lasts ten times longer than traditional non-stick.

Based on my research and testing, traditional non-stick pans typically last from one to five years, so that means the Blue Diamond coating coat could last ten years or even longer — a bold claim.

The fact is, Blue Diamond hasn’t even been on the market for ten years yet. But I’ve had my Blue Diamond pan for one year, and the coating is still intact.

To dive a bit deeper into this claim, I read through dozens of Amazon reviews and learned that others haven’t been so lucky.

Many reviewers claim that their pan scratched after a few uses. Maybe some of these customers had bad luck, maybe not. Read the reviews and draw your own conclusion.

Though my pan hasn’t scratched, tiny dark spots have formed on the cooking surface. They don’t come off no matter how hard I scrub.

Bottom line: given the dark spots and the multiple poor customer reviews, I think it’s safe to say that this claim is untrue.

Warp-Resistant Base

Overheating and rinsing a hot pan with cold water can cause your favorite pan to warp.

Aluminum is a strong metal, but it’s susceptible to warping. Any pan with an aluminum base can warp.

While Blue Diamond says its pans are warp-resistant, and after a year of use, mine has not warped, Amazon customer reviews paint a different picture. Many customers say their pan warped shortly after purchase.

Though my pan has yet to warp, I believe what other reviewers have claimed. I mark this claim as untrue.

Diamonds Transfer Heat 4X Faster Than Copper

Diamond indeed has a higher thermal conductivity than copper. However, a pan’s heat transfer has little to do with its surface material. The base material, in this case, aluminum, is what impacts a pan’s heat transfer.

This claim is such a head-scratcher that I re-watched the commercial and re-read the website to see if there was a disclaimer or fine print with more details.

After a few minutes, I realized that the marketing copy says, “Diamonds are 4X’s more heat conductive than copper.”

It does not say that the Blue Diamond pan transfers heat 4X faster than copper pans.

Scroll to the bottom of this page on Blue Diamond’s website to see the exact language. Most people won’t notice this important detail.

In my opinion, the way they word this claim is sneaky and misleading.  

Although the Blue Diamond pan may not actually transfer heat four times faster than copper pans, I wanted to see if it transferred heat faster than a traditional non-stick pan.

To test, I poured two cups of cold water in both a Blue Diamond Pan and a Calphalon Contemporary fry pan.

Blue Diamond boiled the water in 2 minutes and 8 seconds while the Calphalon boiled in 2 minutes and 28 seconds.

Although the difference is negligible, the Blue Diamond pan did heat the water faster.

The point is, while diamond has higher thermal conductivity than copper, the tiny diamond flecks on the cooking surface will not make a difference in terms of heat transfer.

This claim is not only untrue, but it’s also misleading.

Even Heating

Blue Diamond claims that it’s pan heats quickly and evenly.

Aluminum is well known for its even heat distribution. I haven’t noticed any hot or cold spots on the pan in my tests over the past year.

The food cooks evenly across the entire surface, and results are consistent.

This claim is true.

Food Slides Off Evenly and Clean Up Is Effortless

One of Blue Diamond’s greatest claims is that food will slide off the cooking surface with ease.

The commercial shows images of a flaky filet of white fish and eggs sliding right off the pan’s surface.

They also melt plastic forks and knives to show that even sticky, melted plastic won’t adhere to the surface.

So, does this claim hold true?

At first, it worked perfectly. Like in the commercial, food skated across the surface, and I could easily clean it with a paper towel.

Unfortunately, this only lasted a few months. Now food sticks to my pan no matter how much oil I use. And I’m not alone.

Clean up has become more difficult as well. After a few uses, I needed to scrub to get the pan clean.

Food sticking is not an uncommon issue for ceramic non-stick pans. In most cases, they work great at first, but rapidly lose their non-stick properties after a few months.

I’m disappointed to report that these claims are untrue.

Blue Diamond Pan: The Pros and Cons

Now that you know the key facts about the Blue Diamond pan and whether its bold claims are true, let’s briefly discuss its pros and cons.

Pro: Durability

Based on my testing, the Blue Diamond Pan has proved to be quite durable. The non-stick surface has yet to scratch despite my use of metal utensils.

Pro: Affordability

This pan is far more cost-effective than other non-stick pans. Its low price is driven by the fact that it’s made in China and sold exclusively online (Amazon).

Pro: Lightweight

For how durable this pan is, it is very light and easy to maneuver.

Pro: Food Doesn’t Stick (At First)

Food doesn’t stick when the pan is new. The first few uses were fantastic and performed just as advertised. 

After a few months of use, some non-stick qualities vanished, though food still sticks less than it would on a stainless steel pan. 

Pro: High Heat Tolerance

Blue Diamond Pans are oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees while most traditional non-stick pans are only safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pro: Safe

All Blue Diamond Pans have a lead- and PFOA-free coating. Even at high heat, there are no health or safety issues.

Con: Food Sticks

After a while, food sticks to the non-stick cooking surface. This makes clean-up difficult; scrubbing is necessary.

Con: Not Induction-Compatible

The Blue Diamond pan is not compatible with induction ranges or cooktops. Blue Diamond does not have the magnetic base required for induction cooking. If you have an induction cooktop, check out Blue Diamond’s new collection, Triple Steel.

Con: Handle Feels Cheap

The hollow handle is open on the end, making it feel cheap and difficult to clean. I’ve noticed grease from pans on neighboring burners sometimes splatters into the hollow handle.

Con: Exterior Stains

The dark blue exterior stains and discolors easily, becoming splotchy the more you use it. It’s not the type of pan you’ll want to use as a serving platter, the way you might with high-end stainless steel or enameled cast iron cookware. 

Con: Sparkly Interior and Handle

The sparkly interior and handle fit in with the brand’s name, but, in my opinion, cheapens the appearance. While some might like this look’s uniqueness, I prefer a classic aesthetic that matches any kitchen décor.

Con: Handle Gets Hot

Despite Blue Diamond’s claims, I’ve noticed that the handle gets hot after a few minutes of cooking. You’ll need an oven mitt or towel to handle the pan safely, especially if you’re cooking on high heat. If you read reviews of verified purchasers on Amazon, you’ll see that “hot handle” is one of the most common complaints.

FAQs About the Blue Diamond Pan

In this section, I answer the most frequently asked questions about Blue Diamond pans.

Why is my Blue Diamond pan sticking?

Blue Diamond’s main selling point is its durable diamond-infused non-stick coating. But like all other non-stick pans, the coating will eventually get scratched, wear down, and lose its non-stick properties.

The following actions are common reasons why the non-stick coating stops working:

• Using metal utensils: Although Blue Diamond claims its coating is metal utensil safe, you shouldn’t. Over time, they will scratch and degrade the coating. Instead, use wood, plastic, or rubber utensils.
• Cutting food in the pan: The sharp knife edge can cut through the coating, causing it to scratch or chip. 
• Using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads: Abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads can scrub off micro layers of the non-stick coating. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth instead. 
• Washing it in the dishwasher: Blue Diamond pans are technically dishwasher safe. However, the high temperature of the water combined with the dish detergent can wear down the coating. If you want your pan to last as long as possible, handwashing is best. 
• Frequent high-heat stove use: Non-stick coatings are heat-sensitive. It’s best to cook on low or medium heat to preserve the coating.
• Manufacturer defects: If you’ve followed all the care instructions and still have issues, you can use Blue Diamond’s limited lifetime warranty. The warranty period begins 90 days after you purchased the pan and covers manufacturing defects. 

I provide more tips on how to make non-stick pans last longer in this guide.

Is Blue Diamond cookware non-toxic?

Yes, Blue Diamond cookware is non-toxic. The non-stick coating is made of natural silicon derived from sand. It’s not made of PTFE (Teflon), so it won’t release toxic fumes if accidentally heated to high temperatures. 

Are Blue Diamond pans oven safe?

Blue Diamond pans are oven-safe up to 600°F, but the lids are only oven-safe up to 425°F.

Are Blue Diamond pans dishwasher safe?

Yes, Blue Diamond pans are dishwasher-safe. However, I always recommend washing by hand. Washing ceramic non-stick pans in the dishwasher causes the coating to wear down faster. Some dish detergent is abrasive, which can degrade the coating over time. In addition, non-stick coatings are heat sensitive and will wear down from the high water temperatures. If you want to ensure your pan lasts as long as possible, wash it by hand. 

How do I clean my Blue Diamond pan?

The best way to clean Blue Diamond pans is to wash them by hand with warm water, gentle dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. I don’t recommend putting it in the dishwasher since doing so can reduce the pan’s lifespan.   

Are Blue Diamond pans induction ready?

Some Blue Diamond pans are induction-ready, but others are not. The collections that work with induction stoves include Blue Diamond Induction, Triple Steel, Gold, and Clad Pro. The Blue Diamond Classic, Hard Anodized Pro, Green Diamond, Red Diamond, and Pink Diamond collections are not compatible with induction stoves. 

What is the Blue Diamond cookware warranty?

Blue Diamond cookware has a limited lifetime warranty for every component except the non-stick coating, which is only covered for two years. Like most cookware warranties, Blue Diamond’s warranty covers defects in materials and craftsmanship. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, normal wear and tear, or damage during transport.

To make a warranty claim, contact Blue Diamond’s customer service department by emailing info@bluediamondpan.com or calling (877) 926-6526. You’ll need to have proof of purchase and photos of the damage ready 

Where can I purchase Blue Diamond pans?

You can buy Blue Diamond pans on the official Blue Diamond website and most major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. 

Bottom Line: Is the Blue Diamond Pan Any Good?

The company behind the Blue Diamond pan makes some bold claims in its commercials.

While many of its claims are true, several are untrue, and some are impossible to substantiate.

The bottom line is that the Blue Diamond pan is affordable, durable, and can handle much higher heat than traditional non-stick pans.

The downsides are that food will eventually stick, it’s not induction-compatible, the exterior stains easily, and the sparkly interior cheapens its appearance.

It’s a decent pan, especially for the price. But it’s hardly the best on the market. 

Would I recommend it over some higher-end, pricier options like Made In and All-Clad? No.

The fact that food sticks to the surface is a deal-breaker. But it’s affordable, and if you are on a tight budget, this pan will do in a pinch. But my advice is to invest a little more and get a pan than will stay non-stick for years, not months.

If you’re interested in Blue Diamond, check the current prices and read dozens of reviews on Amazon.

If you are interested in an alternative non-stick pan, explore other well-known brands like Made In (MadeInCookware.com), Caraway (CarawayHome.com), and All-Clad (Amazon).