Cooking might be a lot of fun, but stuck-on food isn’t. We’ve all struggled with breakfast, whether it’s eggs or potatoes, grilled cheese or something different. Yet there is some good news. Manufacturers have created the greatest nonstick pans to date thanks to advanced technology, innovative surface materials, and distinctive designs. It means no more burned-on food, no more scraping at egg or cheese residue, and less time spent standing at the sink.
Of course, with so many manufacturers, pan designs, and surface technologies to choose from, it may be difficult to discover the best choice for your house, cooking style, and budget. This list of the best ten nonstick pans includes something for everyone, whether you’re a budding gourmet, an experienced home chef, or just getting started in the kitchen.
Contents
- What You Should Know Before Buying the Best Nonstick Pans
- Type, Shape, and Fabrication of Handles
- Top Ten Nonstick Pans
- 1. Tramontina 80114/535DS Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan
- 2. T-fal 2100086427 E93805 Professional Total Nonstick Fry Pan
- 3. Cuisinart 622-36H Chef’s Classic Nonstick Pan
- 4. All-Clad E785S264/E785S263 HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan
- 5. Scanpan Classic 9-1/2 Inch Fry Pan
- 6. Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Fry Pan
- 7. All-Clad 4114 NS R2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Nonstick Fry Pan
- 8. Farberware 39001 Classic Deep Nonstick Frying Pan
- 9. Cuisinart 6422-24 Contour Hard Anodized Open Skillet
- 10. Viking Culinary 4015-1N18S Frying Pan
- Induction Cooktops
- Dishwasher and Oven Safety
- Conclusion
What You Should Know Before Buying the Best Nonstick Pans
Choosing the best nonstick pan for your requirements might be difficult. This is especially true if you are purchasing your first set of cookware.
Is five-ply construction really essential with so many alternatives and catchphrases on the market? What exactly is PFOA? Is stainless steel the best material to use? Why are most aluminum pans incompatible with induction cooktops?
These are just a few of the questions you may have. In this part, we’ll go over everything you need to know before purchasing a nonstick pan to help you make an educated purchase.
Related Articles:
- The 12 Best Stir Fry Pans in 2022
- The 10 Best Ceramic Frying Pans in 2022
- The 10 Best Grill Pans to Buy in 2022
- The 10 Best Muffin Pans in 2022
- The 15 Best Steak Pans in 2022
Types of Coatings
We’ll start with the coating since it’s what makes a pan nonstick. It’s worth noting that all nonstick pans contain some kind of coating on the inside. If the pan is entirely made of stainless steel, it is not nonstick. In such scenario, you’ll need to use a lot of oil or other fat to keep the food from sticking.
Nonstick pans have one of two coatings: PTFE, popularly known as Teflon, or ceramic, which is essentially a gel when applied.
- PTFE – The vast majority of pans on the market today use PTFE as the nonstick coating. Many of the pans on our list feature a PTFE coating. Today’s coatings are safe and do not contain PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid.
- If you have heard about nonstick pans causing cancer, PFOA was the chemical responsible. It was phased out of use many years ago, so all PTFE coatings today are safe for use.
- Ceramic – None of the nonstick pans we reviewed offered a ceramic coating, and this is for good reason. While the surface does ensure an easy release, ceramic coatings do not last as long as PTFE coatings. So, no matter how high quality your pan might be, it will always fail before a PTFE-coated pan.
What Exactly Is Cladding?
Several factors, like the usage of the term cladding, might make shopping for nonstick pans perplexing. Many manufacturers use this to differentiate their goods from competitors, but what does it truly mean?
Cladding, in actuality, has nothing to do with a pan’s nonstick cooking surface. It all comes down to body structure. The amount of layers that go into producing the pan itself is referred to as cladding. Depending on the manufacturer and pan, these layers are then covered with either PTFE or ceramic.
Most manufacturers utilize three layers nowadays, although others, like as Viking, employ more depending on the pan line. Commercial-grade cookware often has more plies, or cladding, than home-use cookware. Since there is greater abuse in a commercial kitchen, cookware must be more sturdy to withstand regular use.
Body Structure and Form
It is critical to understand body architecture, shape, and anatomy in order to make an educated selection about your cookware. All of these elements will have an impact on your culinary experience.
Material for the Outside
Steel, stainless Some pans’ outside bodies are made of stainless steel. They often contain an inner core of aluminum to aid in heat dispersion. The stainless steel exterior is stain resistant, simple to clean, and dishwasher safe.
Steel that has been painted In certain cases, painted steel is employed as the primary external building material. It is robust, light, and inexpensive. It is also stain resistant, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing as stainless steel.
Aluminum Hard-Anodized Several of the above-mentioned pans have a hard-anodized metal inner and exterior. Simply simply, this indicates that the aluminum was hardened by a mechanical method. Since anodized aluminum is tougher than steel, it can withstand greater punishment.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is not magnetic, thus pans without a steel bottom or another conducting metal will not operate with induction cooktops. Further advantages and disadvantages of each material include:
Steel While heavier than aluminum pans, tri-ply or five-ply pans heat up more evenly. Steel is frequently more expensive as well.
Aluminum Aluminum pans heat up faster than steel pans, however thin aluminum does not provide adequate heat dispersion (thicker aluminum used as pan cores does, though). While aluminum is frequently less expensive, it is thinner and may not last as long as thicker steel pans.
Anodized aluminum pans are distinct from other types of aluminum pans. They are thicker, stronger, and tougher, so they give the same heat dispersion as steel and have the same lifetime, which may be 15 years or more with proper maintenance.
Rim Design
The rim of the pan has numerous functions in cooking. It might make pouring from the pan easier or more difficult, and it can effect how easy you can get a utensil into the pan and beneath your meal for turning or removal.
On the market, there are two types of rims: straight and rolling, each of which excels in various areas.
Straight Straight rims are ideal for scenarios where you will throw items in the pan. Since the rim is straight up and down, ingredients are less likely to spread out when throwing.
Rolled Rims with rolled edges flex slightly outward and downward. This is preferable for pouring from the pan because it prevents liquid from flowing down the front of the pan instead of where you want it to go.
Side Dimensions
You’ve undoubtedly noticed that the side heights of the pans we looked at vary a lot. They are more than simply aesthetic concerns; they also have an impact on cooking and performance.
Long Sides Tall sides are preferable for pans that need to simmer a liquid while minimizing evaporation.
Flared Sides Flared sides protrude at an angle from the base and aid in evaporation when cooking.
Base
The base of your pan influences how well it works with your cooktop. If you have a glass-ceramic stove, for example, you’ll want a smooth, flat base. Any sort of foundation will work with a gas stove. If you use an induction cooktop, the base must be magnetic.
Nevertheless, the thickness must also be considered. The more dense the base, the more uniform the heat dispersion. Thicker bases, on the other hand, take longer to heat up. Thinner bases heat up faster, but not as evenly. Pans with thicker bases also last longer than pans with thinner bases, therefore durability is affected.
Type, Shape, and Fabrication of Handles
The handle is quite important in pan use. The appropriate handle will be pleasant, cool while in use (they all warm up a bit), and secure enough for worry-free cooking. Yet, not all pans are equal.
Type
Bolts will begin to loosen and you will need to tighten them on a regular basis. Bolt-In Some handles are attached to the pan’s base via nuts and bolts, or a bolt with a permanently welded nut. They are reasonably priced and commonly accessible. But, after time and typical usage, the nut
That being said, if the handle becomes broken, it is simple to replace. Just unscrew the bolt, remove the old handle, and replace it.
Riveted Riveted handles provide a more fashionable look, but the advantages extend beyond simply aesthetics. Rivets are permanent, so you won’t have to worry about tightening them over time.
Nevertheless, since rivets are permanent, a bent or broken handle cannot be replaced. The whole pan must be replaced.
Material
A brief look at the list of nonstick pans we examined reveals a variety of materials, each with something unique to offer.
Soft-Touch Soft-touch handles are available on several pans. They are intended to make holding the pan more comfortable. They also keep you cool while you’re using them.
Soft-touch materials, on the other hand, are more prone to wear and tear and will not last as long as metal handles. They’re also often not oven-safe, and if they are, they’re generally only safe at moderate temperatures.
Plastic Several of the nonstick pans we tested had handles made of a unique material. It is made to endure the heat of cooking and is even oven safe in certain circumstances. Plastic handles, like soft-touch materials, will not last as long as metal handles.
Steel, stainless Stainless steel handles are seen on many of the nonstick pans we tested. They are really durable, look beautiful, and function well. They are also oven safe at higher temperatures.
While virtually all manufacturers utilize a design that maintains handles safe to touch during stovetop cooking, steel handles do grow warmer than soft-touch or plastic handles during usage.
Shape
Handle form is significant for various reasons, the most important of which is that it influences your ability to hold the handle and operate the pan.
- Contoured – Contoured handles are the easiest to hold. They’re specially designed with an indented top and curved bottom to fit the curvature of your hand, ensuring a strong, firm grip.
- Flat – Flat handles can be easier to hold than some other shapes, but they lack the curvature of contoured handles.
- Ergonomic – Generally made of soft-touch materials or plastic, ergonomic handles are supposed to provide a better grip overall. Usually, these handles are wider or thicker than flat or contoured handles to better fill the palm of your hand.
Lids
Various pans may have a metal or glass cover, or no lid at all. Using a lid may assist you prevent liquid from evaporating, boost cooking heat, prevent oil or grease from splashing, and do a variety of other things. Here’s what you should know:
- Metal – Metal lids can take a beating in the kitchen and still perform well. They’re lighter and require less care when handling, as well.
- Glass – Glass lids let you see the contents of the pan while you’re cooking. They can also be as durable as metal in some instances.
- No Lid – Some of the pans we reviewed do not include a lid at all. Many foods don’t require a lid to cook, or may even burn if you use a lid.
Size
The size of your pan is an important consideration. If it’s too tiny, you won’t be able to fit enough in the pan. It may become unmanageable if it is too huge. Nonetheless, it is typically preferable to choose a pan that is somewhat bigger than what you want rather than one that is too tiny.
But what size do you require? Here are some pointers to help you choose the appropriate size pan for the job:
- 14+ Inches: Pans 14 inches or larger are best suited for large meals for many people. They may be too large for most needs. However, if you need to cook a large amount of food, or to cook a moderate amount of food that needs room, such as a pack of bacon or four chicken breasts, this may be a good size for you.
- 12 Inches: A 12-inch pan is an ideal size for larger meals, and can hold just about anything. They work well for frying, but also browning, sautéing, and other forms of cooking. Even smaller families can benefit from this size pan.
- 10 Inches: A 10-inch pan is one of the most versatile options and is well-suited for many things, including cooking eggs, cooking cutlets, reducing sauces and more.
- 8 Inches: An eight-inch pan is more useful for small families or individuals. You can cook a couple of eggs at a time, brown a single piece of meat, or reduce a small amount of sauce.
Top Ten Nonstick Pans
| Product Name | Grade |
|---|---|
| Tramontina 80114/535DS Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan | A |
| T-fal 2100086427 E93805 Professional Total Nonstick Fry Pan | A |
| Cuisinart 622-36H Chef’s Classic Nonstick Pan | A- |
| All-Clad E785S264/E785S263 HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan | A- |
| Scanpan Classic 9-1/2-Inch Fry Pan | B+ |
| Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Fry Pan | B+ |
| All-Clad 4114 NS R2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Nonstick Fry Pan | A |
| Farberware 39001 Classic Deep Nonstick Frying Pan | B+ |
| Cuisinart 6422-24 Contour Hard Anodized Open Skillet | B+ |
| Viking Culinary 4015-1N18S Frying Pan | A- |
1. Tramontina 80114/535DS Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Characteristics
The 535DS has a strong, robust aluminum base and a tough nonstick surface that will endure for years. The nonstick coating is PFOA-free, and the pan’s smooth outer surface is not only beautiful but also helps to minimize stuck-on food and stains. The Tramontina 80114 was designed for use in industrial kitchens but is also available to home chefs.
The steel handle is riveted directly to the pan’s base. It means no bolts or nuts to come loose on you while you’re using it. It also means years of trouble-free operation. The attached silicone handle cover will protect your hands from heat, but it will also come off if you wish to put the pan in the oven. It should be noted that the pan is oven-safe up to 400 degrees. The whole pan is NSF-Certified and fulfills professional kitchen requirements.
This is a 10-inch frying pan, which will enough for most meals. If you often cook for a big group of people, a larger 12-inch pan with a higher capacity may be preferable.
2. T-fal 2100086427 E93805 Professional Total Nonstick Fry Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Features
T-fal has been a go-to brand for home chefs for decades, and the company’s designs continue to evolve. The T-fal 2100086427 E93805 Professional Complete Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Fry Pan fits right in. The inside is finished with a specifically designed scratch-resistant coating, making it suitable for metal implements such as spatulas. The Thermo Spot heat indicator also alerts you when your pans are hot enough to use.
The base is composed of high-quality steel that distributes heat evenly and resists warping. Despite the cushioned handle, you may use this pan directly from the cooktop to the oven. It’s constructed of oven-safe materials, so you don’t have to take it out. The handle is riveted in place to provide years of trouble-free usage.
It’s worth noting that this is a 10.5-inch frying pan, which is quite big for most dinners. A 12.5-inch frying pan, on the other hand, may be beneficial if you cook for numerous people or create bigger dishes.
3. Cuisinart 622-36H Chef’s Classic Nonstick Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Elements
Cuisinart is one of the most established and well-known companies in the cookware and kitchen appliance sectors. The 622-36H Chefs Classic Hard-Anodized Skillet showcases the company’s decades of knowledge and commitment to accuracy and performance. The inside is very tough, with titanium reinforcement to help prevent wear and tear. Metal utensils are also safe.
The handle is riveted in place for strength and is curved for a more secure grip. Moreover, although the handle is constructed of stainless steel, it is designed to remain cool throughout cooking. Lastly, the pan’s rim is tapered to aid in pouring and to prevent drips and spills.
This 14-inch frying pan can be used on most cooking surfaces, however it cannot be used on induction stovetops owing to the aluminum used in its production.
4. All-Clad E785S264/E785S263 HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Characteristics
E785S263 HA1 is a pair of nonstick cookware that includes an eight-inch and a 10-inch pan. Both are made of hard-anodized aluminum for durability, performance, and heat distribution. Moreover, unlike other anodized aluminum pans on the market, this set features a bonded steel base, allowing it to be used on induction cooktops. The E785S264 All-Clad
In addition, both pans have riveted stainless steel handles. It implies less bother and upkeep over time, but it also enables you to bake the pans if necessary. Both pans have tempered glass lids so you can see what’s cooking.
If the eight and ten-inch pans are too tiny for you, All-Clad now provides a comparable package deal with ten and twelve-inch pans that have the same structure and features.
5. Scanpan Classic 9-1/2 Inch Fry Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Features
Are you unfamiliar with the Scanpan brand? You’re not alone yourself. It is a small artisan pan-manufacturing firm in Denmark committed to producing high-quality cookware for both professional and home chefs.
This is a great option for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it is meant to help you minimize the quantity of oil you use in each dish. You can fry, sear, deglaze, braise, and many other things. Moreover, it is oven safe up to 500 degrees, allowing you to safely practice advanced stove to oven methods.
The inside is nonstick, yet it is also scratch resistant and may be used with metal utensils. It’s also dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this pan cannot be used on induction stovetops. Scanpan, on the other hand, offers an induction-focused approach. It’s also worth noting that the handle isn’t riveted to the body, despite the fact that the material is oven-safe.
6. Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Fry Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Elements
Calphalon is a household name in American homes, and this omelette frying pan is a welcome addition to any kitchen. It’s a 10-inch pan, so there’s plenty of space for most meals, and the triple-layer nonstick surface is engineered not just for easy release of cooked dishes, but also for long-term durability.
It’s oven-safe up to 450°F for stove-top cooking, and the slanted edges make it simpler to reach cooking tools. For added durability, the pan has a brushed stainless steel handle attached to the aluminum body. The body is built of thick anodized metal for excellent heat distribution. It’s also dishwasher safe, making cleaning a pleasure.
For added piece of mind, this pan comes with a lifetime guarantee. Unfortunately, owing of the aluminum structure, it cannot be used with induction cooktops. It is also not intended for use with metal tools; instead, it is intended for use with wood, silicone, or nylon.
7. All-Clad 4114 NS R2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Nonstick Fry Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Characteristics
This 14-inch stainless steel frying pan from All-Clad is big enough to handle even the most demanding dishes. Moreover, the triple-layer PFOA-free nonstick surface offers easy release of almost anything you wish to cook.
The pan is similarly built in three layers, starting with an aluminum core for equal heat distribution. All-Clad wraps extra layers of polished stainless steel around that core for durability and beauty. Lastly, the stainless steel handle is firmly riveted in place, assuring worry-free usage for a lifetime.
This frying pan is oven-safe up to 500°F and compatible with all cooktops, including induction. It also comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. Lastly, since it is dishwasher safe, cleaning is simple. Keep in mind that this pan is not meant to be used with metal utensils, so stick to wood, silicone, and nylon.
8. Farberware 39001 Classic Deep Nonstick Frying Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Features
Farberware has long been recognized for its affordable but long-lasting kitchen equipment. This 10-inch frying pan is no different. It has a polished metal surface that looks excellent while avoiding stains, and the nonstick inside that releases foods swiftly and effortlessly.
The deep sides of this pan make handling and manipulating food simpler and less messy. The handle is riveted in place for worry-free usage, and the body is composed of aluminum for more equal heat distribution. If necessary, the handy ring at the end of the handle enables you to hang the pan for storage.
This frying pan may be used in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and uses very little oil during cooking. Nevertheless, it is not dishwasher safe and should not be used with metal utensils. Instead, the company suggests utilizing wood, silicone, or nylon.
9. Cuisinart 6422-24 Contour Hard Anodized Open Skillet
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Elements
While being a smaller pan than the Cuisinart option previously reviewed, this model nevertheless offers sturdy anodized aluminum for durability and a long life in the kitchen. It’s a tiny pan at eight inches, and it’s best for cooking a few items at a time or making little meals.
This pan is made entirely of aluminum, which ensures equal heat distribution and eliminates hot spots. The inner non-PFOA nonstick interior also readily releases food. The handle is doubly riveted to the body for maximum durability and is curved for improved grip.
This frying pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the attached glass top allows you to keep an eye on your food while it cooks. The pan may also be frozen for food preservation, however it cannot be washed in the dishwasher. Cuisinart suggests handwashing and avoiding using metal utensils. This pan is also incompatible with induction cooktops.
10. Viking Culinary 4015-1N18S Frying Pan
See it on Amazon
Highlighted Characteristics
The lone Viking frying pan on our list, the 4015-1N18S pan is just eight inches but packs a lot into that little area. It is oven, grill, and dishwasher safe for easy cooking and cleaning. It is also built to last a lifetime and is made of five plies.
The inside PFOA-free coating guarantees that even without a lot of oil, food slips smoothly out of the pan. To prevent scratching the surface, Viking suggests using wood, plastic, or silicone cooking utensils. To achieve consistent heat distribution, the pan’s body is built around an aluminum core. The maker then adds many layers of steel and stainless steel. As a consequence, you get a long-lasting, flexible pan that looks as beautiful as it works.
For a better grip, the handle is doubly riveted and curved. It’s also designed to keep cold while cooking, and it comes with a stainless steel cover. It should be noted that this pan is suitable for all kinds of cooktops, including induction.
Induction Cooktops
Do you have an induction range? If this is the case, your options for nonstick pans will be more limited. Induction cooktops use magnetism rather than direct heat application, as do electric, gas, and glass-ceramic stoves.
If you want to use a nonstick pan on your induction cooktop, check the package or product information to ensure that it is suitable. In general, all-aluminum pans are not functional unless they are linked to a conductive metal base.
You can use any pan if you don’t have an induction cooktop. Consider the size of the eyes in relation to the size of the pan bottom. Smaller stoves may struggle to accommodate bigger pans.
Dishwasher and Oven Safety
The nonstick cookware we tested were labeled as oven and dishwasher safe (or not, in some cases). These are also essential factors to consider.
Oven Proof An oven-safe pan may easily migrate from the stovetop to the oven. This makes it easier to transition from stovetop to oven cooking techniques. For example, you may want to sear meat on the stovetop at a high temperature to seal in fluids and produce a lovely crust, but then finish the meat in the oven. Oven safe pans make it possible to do so without changing pans.
Dishwasher Safe Cleaning is perhaps the least interesting aspect of cooking, but it is something you must consider. Dishwasher safe pans may be washed before loading them into the dishwasher with the rest of your items. Nevertheless, not all nonstick pans can be washed in the dishwasher.
Check the package to confirm that the pan you choose can be cleaned in the dishwasher; otherwise, you may end yourself handwashing it. Only all-aluminum pans are often not dishwasher safe.
Conclusion
You should have a solid notion of what to look for in the finest nonstick pans at this time. Whether you’re cooking for a big family, looking for a pan that works with an induction cooktop, worried about moving from the stove to the oven, or anything else, you should be able to discover the proper pan for your requirements.