Having at least one nonstick pan is essential in every cook's kitchen, from the most professional to the very beginners. It's almost impossible to make eggs without one, they make pan searing fish a lot easier, and they keep pancakes from tearing apart in the pan. Our favorite nonstick pans were the ones that could do it all, from cooking an egg with no oil, to searing a steak and being able to pop it in the dishwasher after. Below are our favorite nonstick pans, including top-tested picks, editor favorites, and new releases with innovative features that make cooking easy.
Best Overall Nonstick Cookware
Made of anodized aluminum (with a nonstick finish that's Teflon-free), this line combines unbeatable performance with durability. The dishwasher-safe pieces with stay-cool handles and lids stack easily to free up storage space. We were blown away by the pieces’ outstanding heat distribution, quick boiling and even searing. The nonstick coating was so effective that we could scramble eggs or sauté veggies without oil or butter — they slid right off the pan!
Best Value Nonstick Cookware
The Teflon-free nonstick coating on T-Fal’s pots and pans makes them foolproof when it comes to turning out crepes, frittatas, and other sticky foods. Their ergonomic handles stay cool to the touch, so they’re extra comfortable to use when cooking. In our tests, scrambled eggs and pancakes cooked evenly with zero sticking, and marinara sauce simmered steadily even if we didn’t stir it. Whether you hand-wash or use the dishwasher, these pieces clean up beautifully thanks to their dark nonstick finish inside and out.
Most Space-Efficient Nonstick Cookware
We’re all about pots and pans that stack, mostly because we hate rummaging for the correct fitting lid. Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick Set (that are Teflon-free) nest inside each other, which makes life that much easier. The pans are lightweight, but balanced, with thick, stay cool handles that lock into each other for storage–no more competing for storage space with unruly handles that twist and turn.
Most Durable Nonstick Cookware
We're all about pots and pans that look chic, but get the job done. Faberware's Hard Anodized Nonstick Set features high-performing pots and pans that'll cook your food quickly and evenly. The pans have sturdy stainless steel handles that'll make moving them from the stove to the oven (they're oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) easy as pie.
Best Nonstick Cookware for Even Heating
In previous tests, we were very impressed with Anolon’s ability to distribute heat evenly, maintain a steady simmer, and make scrambled eggs without oil. We also liked how their silicone-covered stainless steel handles stayed cool to the touch during cooking. Since we reviewed the Anolon 82693 Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, the set was changed a little to include updated shapes — the small sauce pan with pour spout is a favorite! We continue to like how the handles feel in our hand and how easy the pots and pans are to move around. We also like the large sauteé pan with rounded edges, which gives a lot of surface area for browning and makes a good pot for simmering. The set is Teflon-free.
Most Versatile Nonstick Cookware
The All Clad NS1 Nonstick Cookware Set was a top performer in our cookware tests. It heated evenly, prevented food from sticking, and browned meat very well. Now, trusty All Clad released a new nonstick line that could also go in the oven up to 500°F. We’re fans of sets like these that include small and medium sauteé pans, both of which fit into the larger pan for storage. We also like that each pan has a helper handle, which allows for easy movability. The 13-inch square pan is a unique size, ideal for browning and then braising or baking; it can be stored under the large skillet, while the pots can be stored on top of the in a compact fashion. The entire set is dishwasher safe and Teflon-free.
Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
With the Scanpan CTQ line, you can have the beauty of stainless steel and the convenience of a nonstick finish without the use of Teflon. Unlike many nonstick pans, these can be used for high-heat searing, plus they're oven safe up to 500°F (!) and super easy to clean. The handles are comfortable to hold and each piece is relatively lightweight.
Best Nonstick Cookware for Beginners
The Rachael Ray Hard Anodized pans (made without Teflon) landed high scores in our tests for heat distribution and staining. They also scored high for easy release and browning. The two small pots are great for boiling eggs and heating soups, and the silicone-grip handles make moving them around easy. They’re a popular seller on Amazon with colors like red, light blue, and orange. The slotted spoon and fish spatula are a useful bonus.
Best Aluminum Nonstick Cookware
Zwilling's Forté line is here to challenge the notion that nonstick cookware is flimsy. The aluminum pans have five layers of Teflon-fee nonstick coating. The five layers make them super durable and resistant to peeling, scratching, or corrosion. They're also induction friendly. In our tests, they won top scores for cleaning and maintaining cool handles during cooking.
Best Hybrid Nonstick Cookware
Even professional chefs rely on nonstick skillets to cook tricky items like eggs and fish. It’s evident that HexClad knows that from looking at their product line, which only includes skillets and one wok. Unlike traditional nonstick pans, they’re designed to withstand high temperatures in order to achieve a good sear. They can also go in the oven up to 500°F and can be used with metal utensils. We use our 8-inch pan to fry crispy eggs in olive oil all the time. We also use it to make fluffy scrambled eggs with butter. HexClad pans boast a patented hexagon design that’s laser etched onto the inside and outside of the pan. This layer provides the nonstick attribute, while still allowing the pan to get very hot and cook evenly thanks to its stainless steel base and aluminum middle layer. The design on the outside helps prevent staining and allows for easier cleanup. Hex Clad pans are Teflon-free.
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Betty Gold is the former Senior Editor & Product Analyst of the Kitchen Appliances Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluated and wrote about every type of cooking tool and food-related item on the market.
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