The best non-stick cookware sets tested in our lab (2023)

Whether you're a beginner, casual cook, or a professional chef, there's no denying the importance of nonstick cookware in your kitchen. Non-stick pans aren't just the key to making themperfect Owner, pancakes, and even cooked sauces and fried meats, but they're also easier to clean and less likely to stain than their stainless steel counterparts.

But with so many brands of nonstick cookware on the market, it's difficult to know which ones you're likely to use heavy fat onclean after a few uses– and which ones will actually stand the test of time. To help you decide, we havecheckedWe selected the best nonstick cookware options in our lab and ranked them based on temperature, performance, design, and ease of cleaning. We also sent several sets to our editors to test at home. Finally, we have compiled this comprehensive list of the best nonstick cookware sets to help you decide.

As we tested

We tested 25 nonstick cookware sets side by sideour laboratoryand rated their temperature consistency and distribution, non-stick performance, design, and ease of cleaning. Our testers noted if there was a chemical odor as the pans heated, if there were large temperature differences at different points in each pan, and if there was any sticking during cookingFrench omeletswhether scorching or scorching occurred when heating the tomato sauce, whether scorching or scorching occurred when preparing rice pilaf, and whether there were any difficulties with cleaning up.

We also sent our editors several nonstick cookware sets to test at home and used many sets in our test kitchens to thoroughly test the durability of the nonstick coating.

When we test next

In the first half of 2023 we will be testing more non-stick cookware sets, both the established and the newer models. Each set is tested for its heating and non-stick properties, including even heating, comfort of cooking, durability, and how each piece affects the overall value.

Other options we tested

• Rachael Ray Cucina 12 Piece Hard Anodized Non-Stick Cookware Set Includes Pots and Pans: Our lab testers found that the temperature consistency of this set wasn't bad, but the nonstick performance was nothing special. This set was also one of the most difficult to clean, and while the pans felt sturdy and high quality, there was a chemical smell when they came out of the oven.
  
• Ninja C39800 Foodi NeverStick Premium 12 Piece Cookware Set: We liked the design of these pieces and the fact that they nested together, but our testers found that more food stuck to the pans than other sets - tomato sauce stuck to the pan and had to be wiped off. This set also received relatively low ratings for temperature consistency.

What to look out for when buying non-stick pans

VonBernadette Machard de Gramont

Material

Non-stick pans can be made from many types of base materials. This will help determine how well your pan conducts, maintains, and responds to heat. The lightest and most popular of these is aluminum, which conducts heat well and can be used on a variety of hobs. Stainless steel is another popular choice - these pans tend to be heavier and less prone to denting and denting due to their greater thickness. Copper is another great option as this metal has excellent thermal conductivity and is also extremely sensitive to heat changes. As for the interior, most of the coating is either polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) or ceramic, which we'll discuss later.

quantity, number of pieces

Depending on your cooking style and family size, the number of pieces needed will vary. The most commonly used non-stick pan will probably be a frying pan. Therefore, be sure to choose a set with at least one pan. Another must-have pot is a stock pot, which is great for cooking rice, sauces, and stews. More pieces give you more versatility but require more storage space.

Compatibility with hobs

Most non-stick cookware will work fine on gas, electric and halogen hobs - always check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure. The most common material used to make non-stick cookware is aluminum, which alone is not suitable for induction cooktops. If you have an induction cooktop, look for a stainless steel bottom cooktop that is suitable for use with this type of cooker.

heating capacity

Non-stick cookware is generally suitable for low and medium temperatures, but some of the more modern versions can handle higher temperatures. Traditional PTFE coatings are generally rated for use up to around 400 degrees, ceramic coatings typically withstand higher temperatures (in excess of 500 degrees on some models), and hard-anodized cookware can be anywhere from 400 to 500 degrees, depending on the manufacturer.If you frequently cook food on the stovetop and finish it in the oven, be sure to check what temperatures the cookware can withstand so you don't have to switch pans to finish cooking.

Preis

Non-stick coated cookware is available in a wide variety of price ranges. Lightweight aluminum pans with a PTFE or ceramic coating are the cheapest.Of course, since medium and heavy pans require more material to make, they are slightly more expensive. Keep in mind that non-stick cookware generally wears out quicker than stainless steel, copper, or enameled cast iron and will eventually need to be replaced.

Guarantee

Many manufacturers offer a limited warranty against defects in material, design, or workmanship. This warranty generally does not cover damage caused by thermal shock, misuse, wear and tear of the non-stick coating, metal/sharps damage, or damage caused by abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Be sure to check the warranty provided by the seller to ensure it is to your satisfaction.

maintenance

There are some general rules for non-stick cookware that will help you extend its life. Always use pans within the recommended heat range as some non-stick coatings do not work well at higher temperatures. Ghee, butter and oil are recommended for cooking. However, non-stick sprays leave a sticky residue that is difficult to remove and affects the non-stick properties of the pan.

Protect the surface of your cookware by avoiding sharp or metallic cooking utensils that can create scratches and gouges that can eventually lead to chipping or flaking. If you notice your non-stick cookware's coating cracking, it's time to replace it. While some non-stick pans claim to be dishwasher safe, hand washing will cause your cookware to wear out more. Since food residues easily come off the non-stick surface, washing your pots and pans with a non-abrasive scrubber and mild dish soap is a simple and effective way to clean them.

Accesories

Some cookware sets also include extras like non-stick spatulas, spoons, and other non-cookware items. If you are furnishing a brand new kitchen, these items would be a nice addition. However, if you already have a good stash of tools, look for a set that only includes cookware.

Types of non-stick cookware

Traditional non-stick coating

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, is used as a coating for conventional non-stick cookware. PTFE pans are easy to use and clean, but the coatings will wear down with use. The biggest concern with PTFE has to do with the degradation of the coating, which starts at 450 degrees.

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is commonly associated with PTFE and is used in the manufacture of traditional non-stick coatings.Since 2006, major companies have voluntarily worked to eliminate PFOA from their products, although PFOA can still be manufactured abroad.

ceramics

Non-stick ceramic cookware is coated with a material derived from silica, one of the components of beach sand. This is either dipped or sprayed to coat the inside surface of the pan and is then cured by firing up in an oven. While most PTFE coatings require a minimum of three coats, ceramic coatings may only require one coat, reducing the time and energy required to manufacture these types of pans. The disadvantage of ceramic is that it is more brittle than traditional non-stick coatings, making it more prone to surface cracking and losing its non-stick properties more quickly.

Hard anodized aluminum

While PTFE and ceramic coatings are applied to other metals to form a non-stick layer, hard anodized aluminum has a non-stick surface that is essentially "baked on". It's made by electrochemically hardening soft aluminum to make it stronger than stainless steel and features an oxidized finish that's also non-stick and more resilient than traditional non-stick coatings. Hard-anodized aluminum withstands high heat well, is scratch-resistant and does not react with acidic foods. Because the non-stick surface is part of the actual pan (and not bonded to the metal), it's not prone to chipping or flaking.

The ground

T-Fal

This popular French cookware brand (sometimes known as Tefal) takes its name from the combination of Teflon and aluminum. It has a solid reputation for quality, affordable non-stick cookware that can be used for years. T-Fal's portfolio includes complete cookware sets, single pans and specialty items such as woks and grill pans.

Calphalon

Calphalon invented hard-anodized aluminum cookware using a process borrowed from the aerospace industry in the 1960s. This Ohio-based brand continues to be a leading manufacturer of premium quality, mid-range cookware that makes it a popular and affordable brand for avid home cooks.

GreenPan

The GreenPan brand was founded by two school friends from Belgium who wanted to find an alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. The proprietary coating is called Thermolon, a ceramic glaze that uses no PFOA in its manufacture.

Fully clothed

Pennsylvania-based cookware company All-Clad is loved by professional and home cooks around the world. It's a premium cookware brand known for its premium stainless steel lines, but also offers hard-anodized non-stick coatings and stainless steel non-stick coatings.

FAQs

What heat setting is best for non-stick pans on the stovetop?

Because non-stick coatings tend to degrade at high temperatures, it's a good idea to keep the heat settings on medium to medium. You can always check your manufacturer's instructions for specific heating instructions.

Can coated pans go in the oven?

It depends on the pan. Many traditional non-stick pans have lower heat thresholds that aren't ideal for popping in the oven, but there are definitely some pans that are built for oven use. Use the manufacturer's instructions to check whether your coated pan can withstand the heat. If you're unsure and need to finish a dish in the oven, choose a carbon steel or cast iron skillet instead.

Can coated pans go in the dishwasher?

In most cases this is possible, but the heavy water pressure and dishwashing detergents used in a dishwasher can cause your nonstick surface to wear out more quickly. To prolong the life of your non-stick cookware, hand washing is recommended.

Do non-stick pans lose their non-stick properties?

Over time, the non-stick coating will inevitably wear off, causing food to stick. If you notice your pan sticking more than usual, it may be time to replace it.

Why should you trust The Spruce Eats?

The Spruce Eats authorMadeleine Burryhas compiled several kitchen-focused roundups for us, including the best dry food containers, cutting boards, and dinnerware sets.

This piece was edited byKatya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef, andBernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer specializing in global food and wine content.