The 5 Best Nonstick Pans of 2023
For good reason, nonstick pans have become a necessity for cooks of all skill levels. A nonstick pan is a multipurpose kitchen need that may be used to make fluffy scrambled eggs, golden handmade pancakes, or crispy fried rice. You can cook with less oil when using this kind of pan, and the nonstick surface makes cleanup simple because food glides right off.
Given the wide range of products on the market, selecting the ideal nonstick pan might be intimidating. Nonetheless, we’ve got you covered with some advice to assist you in making the best decision.
Then, think about the material that the pan is composed of. Teflon or ceramic are typically used to make nonstick cookware. Teflon is a well-liked alternative because it is robust and scratch-resistant, while ceramic is a more recent, environmentally friendly alternative that is devoid of PFOA and PTFE.
The coating of the pan should then be considered. While some nonstick pans have numerous layers of coating, others have just one. The pan will be more robust the more layers there are. Be sure the coating is produced from safe, non-toxic components as well.
The size and form of the pan should also be taken into account. Choose a pan that fits comfortably on your stove and is appropriate for the sort of cooking you’ll be performing. Making meals for a big family is best done in a larger pan, whereas cooking for one or two people is best done in a smaller pan.
Finally, think about the pan’s structure and handle. Make sure the pan is well-made and has an uniform heat distribution. Look for a pan with a robust handle that is pleasant to hold.
Finally, a nonstick pan is a useful and necessary piece of equipment for any cook. To make sure you acquire the ideal pan for your cooking needs, take into account the material, coating, size, shape, handle, and construction when selecting a nonstick pan. You can easily prepare tasty dishes and take advantage of the convenience of quick cleanup with the correct nonstick pan.
Best OverallAll-Clad Hard Anodized E785S264/E785S263 Set of 2 Fry Pans
The All-Clad Hard Anodized E785S264/E785S263 Set of 2 Fry Pans is a great choice to take into consideration if you’re looking for a tough and effective nonstick frying pan. You’ll always have the appropriate pan for the task thanks to the inclusion of both an 8-inch and a 10-inch frying pan in this set.
These pans, which are made of hard-anodized aluminum and are superior to less expensive nonstick pans, provide uniform heating and a durable nonstick surface. The nonstick surface is first-rate and continues to function well even after extended use. The pans are suited for use on induction cooktops since the stainless steel base prevents warping.
These pans are exceptionally solid and well-made, according to our reviewer. They also include stainless steel handles that are easy to hold and firmly riveted onto the pan. Although hand washing is advised, the pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The set’s absence of a large-diameter pan and its steep edges, which make flipping difficult, are its sole drawbacks.
These pans cost more than some others on the market, but they deliver excellent performance, therefore the cost is well worth it. With this set, you’ll get a dependable, long-lasting, easy-to-clean nonstick frying pan that delivers superior results.
In conclusion, the finest nonstick fry pan set for your kitchen is the All-Clad Hard Anodized E785S264/E785S263 Set of 2 Fry Pans. These pans will quickly become a mainstay in your collection of cooking utensils because to their sturdy design, superb nonstick performance, and simplicity of cleaning.
Best Professional-GradeTramontina 12 Inch Professional Fry Pans
Whether you’re a professional chef or serious home cook who requires a robust and effective nonstick pan that can take everyday usage, the Tramontina 12 Inch Professional Fry Pans are a great alternative. Constructed of heavy-gauge aluminum, these pans are thicker and heavier than typical nonstick frying pans of similar size, making them exceptionally durable and offering equal heat distribution.
These pans’ extremely effective nonstick coating prevents even thick sauces from sticking or burning, making cooking a breeze. The pan is available in a variety of sizes (8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch) to meet your needs, with the 12-inch version offering a flexible cooking surface. The pan is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the red silicone sleeve on the handle is touchably cold.
These pans cost more than some other alternatives, but they function well and are worth the money because of their strength. The main drawbacks are their weight and susceptibility to scratching. In order to retain the nonstick coating, the manufacturer also advises against using cooking spray or heating the pan over high, which may not be convenient for individuals who like to cook on a high heat.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking for the best nonstick pans for professional-grade cooking, the Tramontina 12 Inch Professional Fry Pans are a wonderful choice. These pans are made to withstand the rigors of regular use and deliver outstanding results because to their sturdy construction, efficient nonstick coating, and varied cooking surface. Although they are pricey and hefty, the investment is worthwhile due to their performance and durability over the long run.
Best High-EndHexClad 12-Inch Hybrid Pan
The HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Pan is the ultimate kitchen essential for high-end cooking. This nonstick frying pan boasts a unique cooking surface with a grid of laser-etched stainless steel and nonstick coating that easily releases food and allows quick and simple cleanup. The wide flat base and low profile with flared sides make it perfect for sautéing, flipping foods in the pan, or reducing sauce.
Our home tester regularly uses this pan for tasks like searing steaks and cooking omelets, and enjoys how easy it is to maneuver. She also found that it heats up quicker than traditional nonstick skillets, which is something to be aware of when cooking eggs. However, the HexClad pan can be used at high heat to crisp foods in oil or to sear meats for the best flavor.
This piece of cookware is built to last, with solid construction that stands up to metal utensils. The stay-cool handle is comfortable to hold and is securely riveted onto the pan. The pan is oven and broiler safe to 600 degrees and can be used on any cooking surface, including induction. Due to its unique surface, it’s also incredibly easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
Although the HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Pan comes with a hefty price tag, it is backed by a lifetime warranty, making it a worthy investment for serious home cooks and professionals alike.
Price at time of publish: $230
Material: Aluminum | Finish: Stainless steel, ceramic | Oven Safe: 600 degrees | Sizes Available: 8, 10, and 12 inches
In summary, if you’re looking for a high-end, durable, and versatile nonstick frying pan that can handle high heat, the HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Pan is the one for you.
Best BudgetT-fal Specialty 3-Piece Fry Pan
The T-fal Specialty Nonstick 3-Piece Fry Pan Set is a great choice if you’re searching for a set of nonstick cookware that is reasonably priced. It comes with three skillets, an 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and an 11-inch skillet, all of which are ideal for cooking anything from eggs to pancakes. These pans are especially perfect for novice cooks who are just starting out.
These pans heat up fast and uniformly thanks to their sturdy aluminum structure. The nonstick surface guarantees simple food release, which simplifies cleanup after cooking. With the eggs slipping off the pans with no sticking, they passed the “egg test” with flying colors.
These pans have the disadvantage of being lightweight and less sturdy than more costly choices. These are oven safe up to 350 degrees and do have stay-cool handles. This means that they are great for finishing a steak or keeping your side dishes warm.
These pots may be put in the dishwasher and are simple to clean. They are available in a variety of colors to fit your kitchen’s decor but do not come with lids.
Price as of publication: $38
Conventional nonstick finish; oven safe at 350 degrees; and 8, 9.5, and 11-inch sizes (included in the set)
HexClad 10 Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Presenting the top-of-the-line non-stick pan with a patented laser-etched hexagonal pattern, the HexClad 10 Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Frying Pan. With a dual surface like this, your non-stick pan can sear food with less fat like butter, oil, and grease. For cooks who wish to cook with less fat and are concerned about their health, this makes it the ideal option.
HexClad is constructed from premium materials that will last a lifetime. A layer of magnetic stainless steel, an aluminum layer in the middle that serves as a heating source, and a third layer of steel make up the tri-ply structure. Even heating is guaranteed by this combination, which also makes magnetic induction cooktops compatible.
The pan’s surface is scratch-resistant and won’t scuff or wear down with the usage of metal utensils. Over time, this feature makes cleaning and maintaining it simpler. The pan may also be put in the dishwasher, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your dinner rather than cleaning up.
The frying pan from HexClad is also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for baking tasty foods to perfection. It is simple to transfer the pan from the cooktop to the oven thanks to the stay-cool handles, which offer a quality cooking experience.
All of HexClad’s non-stick cookware is covered by a lifetime warranty as proof of the high caliber of their goods. As a result, you may cook with assurance knowing that your pan is durable. The 10-inch dimension is great for frying eggs, omelets, or a single chicken breast.
In conclusion, HexClad’s proprietary laser-etched hexagon design and tri-ply construction make it an ideal choice if you’re searching for a long-lasting, scratch-resistant, and adaptable non-stick frying pan.
Testing Cookware: How We Decide the Best-Performing Pans
Choosing the perfect cookware may make all the difference in the kitchen. Our editors are always looking for popular goods that get great evaluations from both home and professional cooks to help consumers get the best-performing pans. We gathered a list of probable contenders and put these frying pans to the test to see which ones actually merit the title of best.
To perform our testing, we sent some of the pans to our lab for rigorous examination, while others were sent to house testers for evaluation in real-life scenarios. Each skillet underwent many cooking cycles, including searing meats, preparing rice pilaf, and frying omelets. In order to select the best pans, we carefully considered each one’s design, coating, features, and simplicity of washing.
The proper cookware may improve your culinary creativity, whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef. We want to arm consumers with the knowledge they need to select the best-performing cookware for their requirements by meticulously evaluating popular pans.
How to Choose a Nonstick Pan
There are a few crucial elements to take into account when choosing a nonstick pan. The performance and durability of the pan will be significantly influenced by its material. For a variety of cooktops, aluminum is a lightweight material of choice with high heat conductivity. Nonetheless, it is preferable to opt for an aluminum pan with a stainless steel base for people who have induction cooktops. Stainless steel pans are another a popular alternative, although they tend to be heavier and more resistant to damage. Because of its higher heat conductivity and reactivity to temperature fluctuations, copper pans are yet another fantastic option. The interior of the pan might be constructed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), hard-anodized aluminum, or ceramic.
Another crucial factor in selecting a nonstick pan is size. A tiny skillet or saucepan will be fine if you are cooking for only one or two people and will save up storage space. A 10-inch skillet is a wonderful place to start because it is spacious yet also portable. Another crucial nonstick pan that is ideal for making cleaning simple while cooking rice or stews is a 6-quart stockpot. By evaluating the material and size of the nonstick pan, you may pick the appropriate one for your cooking needs.
Types of Nonstick Cookware: A Comprehensive Guide
Nonstick cookware is a kitchen staple for many home cooks. It makes cooking and cleaning up a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meals without worrying about food sticking to the pan. But with so many different types of nonstick cookware on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll explore the three most common types of nonstick cookware and their pros and cons.
- Traditional Nonstick
The most popular type of traditional nonstick cookware is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon. Pans coated with PTFE are easy to use and clean, but the coating eventually wears away with use. The primary issue with PTFE is the deterioration of the coating, which starts to happen at 450 degrees. At high temperatures, PTFE releases fumes, so it is not recommended to use traditional nonstick pans for high-heat cooking.
- Ceramic
Ceramic nonstick cookware is coated with a layer of silica, a component of beach sand. The pan’s interior is either sprayed or dip-coated, then cured by high-firing in an oven. While traditional nonstick pans need at least three coatings, ceramic coatings can require as little as just one layer, saving time and energy during the manufacturing process. Ceramic cookware sold in the U.S. and Europe must also adhere to regulations that prohibit lead or cadmium. The biggest drawback of ceramic is that it is more susceptible to developing surface cracks and losing its nonstick property faster due to its brittleness in comparison to PTFE.
- Hard-Anodized Aluminum
Hard-anodized aluminum cookware has a nonstick surface that differs from PTFE and ceramic surfaces in that it is actually part of the pan, not layered on as a coating. It is made by an electrochemical process that hardens soft aluminum, making it stronger than stainless steel, and giving it an oxidized top layer. This top layer is nonstick and tougher than applied nonstick coatings. Hard-anodized aluminum can stand up to higher temperatures and resists scratches from metal utensils, and won’t react with acidic foods. It is the most durable type of nonstick surface since it is not prone to chipping or flaking.
When it comes to choosing nonstick cookware, it’s essential to consider the type of material, size, and usage to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Traditional nonstick pans are best for low-heat cooking, while ceramic pans are great for occasional use but require more delicate care. Hard-anodized aluminum is the most durable and versatile option for everyday cooking. Regardless of the type you choose, nonstick cookware can be a valuable addition to any home cook’s kitchen.
Questions About Nonstick Cookware
Because to its quick food release and simple cleaning, nonstick cookware has established itself as a standard in many kitchens. Yet, it can be difficult to know how to use and maintain nonstick cookware due to the wide variety of nonstick coatings available. Here are some of the most prevalent queries regarding nonstick cookware.
Nonstick coating: what is it?
Inadvertently, in 1938, the first nonstick coating, PTFE or Teflon, was found. Since then, PTFE has been replaced as a nonstick coating by others, including ceramic coating and hard-anodized aluminum. These finishes are made to keep food from clinging to the pan and make it simpler to clean.
How should a nonstick pan be seasoned?
The majority of nonstick cookware doesn’t need to be season before use, but over time, you might need to re-season it to regain its nonstick qualities. To do so, heat some canola oil in the pan on the burner, turn it off, let the pan cool, and wipe away the excess oil with a paper towel. Cooking sprays can lead to buildup that can make your food cling, but ghee and butter can also be used to re-season your pan.
Can you put a nonstick pan in the oven?
Although while nonstick cookware is typically suitable for low and medium heat, certain contemporary models can tolerate greater heat. Ceramic coatings usually sustain higher temperatures than traditional PTFE coatings, which are safe up to roughly 400 degrees (over 500 degrees with some models). Depending on the manufacturer, hard-anodized cookware may withstand temperatures between 400 and 500 degrees. Never use anything in the oven without first reading the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can you use nonstick cookware on an induction or gas stove?
The majority of nonstick cookware works well on halogen, gas, and electric cooktops. But, if you have an induction cooktop, search for nonstick cookware that is appropriate for use with this kind of stove and has a stainless steel base.
Can nonstick cookware be washed in the dishwasher?
Despite the fact that many nonstick pans are dishwasher safe, manual washing is usually preferable. Cleaning them ought to be simple using a soft dishwashing solution and non-abrasive scrubber.
How durable are nonstick frying pans?
Depending on the type of coating and how well they are cared for, nonstick pans can last up to five years. Avoid overheating them to increase their lifespan, and prevent scratching the interior with metal or sharp objects. Replace them if you see any cracking or peeling. To find out what is covered and for how long, consult the manufacturer’s warranty.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
The product evaluations on The Spruce Eats are performed by seasoned writers and chefs, making it a reliable source of information for home cooks. Donna Currie, a cookbook author, has evaluated over 90 kitchen goods for The Spruce Eats, while Bernadette Machard de Gramont specializes in global food and wine content and has personally owned and tested various nonstick cookware alternatives.
