But with countless brands of nonstick cookware on the market, it's difficult to know which ones you'll likely be using serious elbow grease on to clean after a few uses —and which ones will actually stand the test of time. To help you decide, we tested the top nonstick cookware options and evaluated them based on temperature, performance, design, and ease of cleaning. When all was said and done, we put together this comprehensive list of the best nonstick cookware sets to help you decide.
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Whether you're a beginner, an occasional cook, or a professional chef, there's no denying the importance of having nonstick cookware in your kitchen. Not only are nonstick pans key to making the perfect eggs , pancakes, and even simmered sauces and seared meats, but they're also easier to clean and less likely to get discolored than their stainless steel counterparts .
Material: Aluminum with nonstick coating | Oven Safe: No | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher Safe: No | What's Included: 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 2-quart saucepans with lids, 3- and 5-quart casserole pans with lids, and 5-piece utensil set
Though this set isn't dishwasher safe, cleaning the pans by hand was generally easy, though we did have to take extra care around the handle rivets to clean any stuck debris. We think this value-priced set would be great for first apartments, vacation rental homes, RVs, and the like—plenty of bang for your buck while offering pretty decent overall performance.
We were surprised at how evenly these pans distributed heat, turning out evenly cooked fried eggs and fluffy scrambled eggs. We don't love the handles—they don't feel as sturdy as other models we tested—but we like how lightweight and easy to maneuver these pans are. One thing to note before you buy is that these pans are on the smaller side when it comes to capacity, so they're not great for larger households or for cooking big batches.
For those who are just starting out or simply don't want to spend too much on cookware, this comprehensive set from Amazon Basics truly fits the bill. It includes 15 pieces: 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 2-quart saucepans with lids, 3- and 5-quart casserole pans with lids, and a 5-piece utensil set.
These pans are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is recommended. That being said, in all of our tests they have been very easy to wash by hand. This set also comes with a lid holder, magnetic storage separators, and cork trivets. The price is mid-range (under $400), which is worth it for a 12-piece set that lends itself so well to everyday use.
This set has been given perfect scores across the board by our Lab testers, our at-home testers, our long-term testers, and our own editors, cooking each dish without any burning, sticking, or scorching. We've found that although Teflon has been regarded as the best nonstick technology for years, these pans truly outperform Teflon and the ceramic coating retains heat beautifully. Unfortunately, the handles do tend to get hot during use, but that's nothing an oven mitt or kitchen towel can't fix.
This beautiful set is made of an aluminum core with a mineral-based ceramic coating that's free of PTFE/Teflon, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. We love the design of these pieces, which are sturdy and durable and come in a nice array of colors.
One thing we don't love was the excessively tight seal of the lids, which might be great for certain applications (steaming, braising) but they also kept moisture and steam in when we didn't necessarily want it to. That being said, it's perhaps one of the top cookware sets we've tested and we think it's a fantastic set to splurge on if you are looking for lasting, premium cookware.
We really like how effectively these pans distributed heat, preventing hot spots and turning out evenly cooked eggs and uniformly browned onions. The saucepan and stockpot have wider bases than expected, giving you more surface area to cook and maintaining excellent contact with the burner. These pieces are definitely heavy, perhaps making them a challenging option for anyone with limited strength or mobility, but they're also incredibly well-balanced and steady on the cooktop.
Designed with input from professional chefs, Made In has created this 7-piece nonstick set to withstand heavy use. What it lacks in piece count, it makes up for in durability and performance. These hefty pieces are crafted with 5-ply stainless steel and aluminum with a tough nonstick coating, and feature riveted handles for secure transport on and off the stove. Bonus: the included 8-quart stockpot is exclusive to this set and not available for individual purchase.
The design of this set is balanced and lightweight; we noted that the pieces feel cheap, but a full set plus utensils and a baking sheet is a great value. The pieces are easy to clean aside from some food sticking between the rivets and the pans. The whole set is dishwasher-safe, but cleaning by hand is recommended.
Although this Farberware set is inexpensive, it offers great temperature consistency, fantastic nonstick performance, and a good assortment of equipment. We noticed that omelets rolled out of the pans easily, sauces did not stick or scorch, and rice pilaf didn't stick or burn at all. There was a noticeable smell coming off of the pans when they were heated for the first time, and if you're looking for a Teflon-free option, this set is not the one for you.
As we continued to use this set in our test kitchens, it has really proved it was worth the price tag. Every piece was used almost daily for everything from fried eggs to making the perfect caramel . After six months of extreme use, the pans held up, looking as good as new.
We like that this set performed well with even temperature distribution, thanks to that aluminum core. In some of our tests, there was a tiny bit of food sticking to the sides of the pan and rivets, whereas, in other tests, there was no sticking at all. We did notice a slight chemical smell when we took one of the pans out of a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven during the first round of testing, so be aware that that may happen upon first use. The handles warmed up during use but didn't get too hot, and proved comfortable to hold. While the pieces are heavy enough to remain stable on the cooktop, those with limited strength or mobility issues may want to test them out to see if they're manageable.
This simple, durable, classic-looking set from Le Creuset offers great temperature consistency and very minimal sticking. The clean design features nice, thick material made from heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum with a triple-reinforced, scratch-resistant nonstick coating. At first glance, you'd wonder why this is one of our top picks, seeing as it has slightly off sizes like an 11-inch skillet instead of a 10-inch or 12-inch. But this, combined with its durability, is precisely why we like it. An 11-inch pan is more versatile than either, the perfect Goldilocks middle, while the two pots are a great complement to a small collection of stainless-steel pots.
Metal, wood, nylon, and coated utensils are all safe for use with this sturdy cookware. Although all the cookware has extra-long stainless steel handles, the handles do get hot to the touch.
Whether we tested this in the Lab or at home, we were impressed by how the pans in this set heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly, and retain heat well. The pans are heavy-duty with a nice weight and thickness, and are very easy to clean. We also noted a little bit of sticking around the rivets on some of the pans, but overall the set had great nonstick performance.
We've liked this Calphalon set for years and, even though its pricey, it still holds up as one of the best. Like most nonstick cookware, this sturdy set is made of hard-anodized aluminum , which means it's undergone a process that makes it extremely durable before the nonstick coating is applied. The 10-piece set comes with everything you'd need including an 8-quart stockpot and tempered glass lids.
Final Verdict
Our top spot goes to the Calphalon Signature Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set, which all of our testers loved for its beautiful and durable design, ease of cleaning, and incredible performance. For an incredibly well-made, long-lasting set with even better temperature distribution, the Caraway Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set is oven-safe up to 550 degrees.
How We Tested
Over the past two years, we've tested over 40 nonstick cookware sets in our Lab. We initially tested 25 nonstick cookware sets side-by-side in and evaluated their temperature consistency and distribution, nonstick performance, design, and ease of cleaning. Our testers took note of whether or not there was any chemical smell when heating the pans, whether there was major temperature disparity across different spots in each pan, whether there was any sticking while making French omelets, whether there was any scorching or sticking when heating tomato sauce, whether there was any sticking or burning when making rice pilaf, and whether there was any difficulty with cleaning.
We also did an additional round of testing in 2023 with the sets on this list (plus a dozen other popular picks) to evaluate how they performed when cooking scrambled and fried eggs, rice, and sautéeing onions to see if our initial evaluation still held true. We also considered how comfortable these pans were to hold, how easy they are to maneuver, and how the separate pieces affect their overall value.
We also sent several nonstick cookware sets to our editors to test at home, as well as used many sets in our test kitchens to thoroughly test the durability of the nonstick coating.
We Observed
We Rated
About Our Testers
Other Options We Tested
The Spruce Eats / Will Dickey
What to Look for When Buying Nonstick Pans
Material
Nonstick pans can be made out of many types of base material, which 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 cooktops. Stainless steel is another popular choice—these pans tend to be heavier, with more substantial thickness making them less susceptible to dings and dents. Copper is another great option, as this metal has superior heat conductivity, and is also extremely responsive to changes in heat. As for the interior, the coating is mostly either polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) or ceramic, which we'll discuss later.
Number of Pieces
Depending on your cooking style and family size, the number of pieces you need will vary. The most utilized nonstick pan will likely be a skillet, so be sure to choose a set that has at least one. Another essential pan to have is a stockpot, which is great for cooking rice, sauces, and stews. More pieces will give you more versatility but will require more space to store.
Cooktop Compatibility
Most traditional and ceramic-coated nonstick cookware function just fine on gas, electric, and halogen cooktops—always check with the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. The most common material used to make nonstick cookware is aluminum, which is not induction-friendly on its own. If you have an induction cooktop, look for one that has a stainless steel base that specifies it is compatible for use with this type of stove.
Heating Capacity
Nonstick cookware is generally safe for low and medium temperatures, though some of the more modern versions can stand higher heat. Traditional PTFE coatings are generally approved for use up to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ceramic coatings can typically withstand higher temperatures (over 500 degrees with some models), and hard-anodized cookware can fall somewhere between 400 to 500 degrees, depending on the manufacturer. If you often start foods on the stove and finish them in the oven, make sure to check what temperatures the cookware can withstand, so you won’t have to transfer from one pan to another to finish your cooking.
Price
Nonstick cookware is available at a wide variety of price points, the least expensive of which are lightweight aluminum pans with PTFE or ceramic coating. Since medium- and heavyweight pans require more material to construct, they will naturally be a little more expensive. Keep in mind that nonstick cookware generally wears out more quickly than stainless steel, copper, or enameled cast iron pieces and will need to be replaced at some point.
Warranty
Many manufacturers offer some type of limited warranty against defects in material, construction, or workmanship. This warranty typically will not cover damage from thermal shock, improper use, nonstick deterioration, damage from metal/sharp utensils, or damage caused by abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Be sure to double-check the warranty provided by the vendor to ensure it is to your satisfaction.
Maintenance
There are some universal rules for nonstick cookware that will help you prolong its life. Always use the pans within the recommended heat range, as some nonstick coatings do not work well at higher temperatures. Ghee, butter, and oil are recommended for cooking, but nonstick sprays will leave a sticky buildup that can be difficult to remove and will affect the pan's nonstick properties.
Protect your cookware's finish by avoiding sharp or metal cooking utensils, which can cause scratches and gouges that can lead to eventual chipping or flaking. Should you notice that the coating on your nonstick cookware is beginning to crack, it is time to replace it. While some nonstick pans claim to be dishwasher safe, you'll get more wear out of your cookware if you wash them by hand. Since the nonstick surface lets food debris come off easily, washing your pots and pans with a non-abrasive scrubber and mild dish soap is a simple and effective method to clean them.
The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Causey
Types of Nonstick Cookware
Traditional nonstick
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, is what serves as the coating for traditional nonstick cookware. Pans made with PTFE are easy to use and clean, but the coatings do wear away as you use them. The biggest concerns with PTFE mainly have to do with the breakdown of the coating, which begins to happen at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Commonly linked to PTFE, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) was used in the manufacture of traditional nonstick coatings. Since 2006, major companies have voluntarily worked towards eliminating PFOAs from products, though it can still be produced overseas.
Ceramic
Ceramic nonstick cookware is coated in a material that is derived from silica, one of the components of beach sand. This is applied—either dipped or sprayed—to coat the interior surface of the pan, and then it is cured by high-firing in an oven. While most PTFE coatings need at least three coatings, ceramic coatings can require as little as just one layer, reducing the time and energy required to manufacture these types of pans. The drawback of ceramic is that it is more brittle than traditional nonstick coatings, making it more susceptible to developing surface cracks and losing its nonstick property faster.
Hard-anodized aluminum
While PTFE and ceramic coatings are coated onto other metals to make a nonstick layer, hard-anodized aluminum has a nonstick surface that is essentially “baked in.” It is made by electrochemically hardening soft aluminum to make it stronger than stainless steel, and an oxidized top layer that is also nonstick and tougher than traditional nonstick coatings. Hard-anodized aluminum stands up well to high heat, resists scratches, and doesn’t react with acidic foods, and because the nonstick surface is part of the actual pan (versus being bonded onto the metal), it is not prone to chipping or flaking.
The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Causey
Brands
T-Fal
This popular French cookware brand (sometimes known as Tefal) takes its name from the combination of Teflon and aluminum. It has a reputation for high-quality, affordable nonstick cookware that can be used for years. T-Fal's portfolio includes full sets of cookware, single pans, and specialty pieces such as woks and grill pans.
Calphalon
Calphalon invented hard-anodized aluminum cookware using a process adapted from the aerospace industry in the 1960s. This Ohio-based brand is still a leading producer of premium quality cookware, with mid-range price points that make it a popular and attainable brand for avid home cooks.
GreenPan
The GreenPan brand was created by two school friends from Belgium who wanted to find an alternative to traditional nonstick cookware. Its proprietary coating is called Thermolon, a ceramic glaze that does not use PFOA in its manufacturing.
All-Clad
The Pennsylvania-based cookware company All-Clad is beloved by professional and home cooks around the world. It is a premium cookware brand known for its high-quality stainless steel lines but also offers hard-anodized nonstick and stainless steel nonstick options, as well.
The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Causey
FAQs
What heat setting is best for nonstick pans on the stove?
Since nonstick coatings tend to break down at high temperatures, it's advisable to keep your heat settings on medium to medium-low. You can always check with your manufacturer's instructions for specific heating instructions.
Can nonstick pans go in the oven?
It depends on the pan. Many traditional nonstick pans have lower heat thresholds that aren't ideal for putting into the oven, but there are definitely some pans that are built for oven use. Check the manufacturer's specs to see if your nonstick pan can take the heat. If you aren't sure and need to finish a dish in the oven, pick a carbon steel or cast-iron skillet instead.
Can nonstick pans go in the dishwasher?
Most of the time, they can, but the strong water pressure and dish detergents used in a dishwasher can cause your nonstick surface to wear down faster. To prolong the life of your nonstick cookware, hand-washing is recommended.
Do nonstick pans lose their nonstick capabilities?
Over time, the nonstick coating will inevitably wear away, causing food to stick. If you notice that your pan is sticking more than usual, it may be time to replace it.
The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Causey
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
The Spruce Eats writer Madeleine Burry has compiled several kitchen-focused roundups for us, including the top dry food containers, cutting boards, and dinnerware sets.
Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience as a professional chef, and Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content, have both updated this list after extensive testing our Lab and in home kitchens.
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To determine which nonstick cookware sets are worth a spot in your kitchen, we tested over 20 different sets, assessing performance on everything from boiling water to cooking rice, scrambling and frying eggs, to resistance against scratches. Seven nonstick cookware sets stood out from the rest during our tests, so read on to learn more about our top picks and our testing methodology.
From stainless steel to cast iron , there’s lots to choose from when it comes to cookware. And while it won’t last forever (even if you buy the pricey stuff), nonstick cookware is a joy to work with, thanks to its slippery-smooth cooking surface. Whether you’re frying an egg or reheating last night’s tomato sauce , a great nonstick pan will ensure your food releases without hesitation, with the added bonus of easy cleanup.
Since everything can nest inside the pan, the Always Pan 2.0 takes up minimal space in the kitchen, and its variety of colorways means yours can match (or stand out) however you like. We have found this pan is best used for meals that require a true nonstick surface (like fried eggs or batches of rice), while it’s best to use more durable surfaces for higher-heat jobs like searing. This pan is oven-safe, though you’ll want to avoid exposing it to temperatures above 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a little lower than some competitors. That said, the Always Pan 2.0 more than makes up for it with versatility, convenience, and good looks.
We just love the versatility of the Our Place Always Pan 2.0. Not only does it feature an effective nonstick surface, but it also comes with a steamer basket, a colander , and a beechwood spatula that cleverly nests into the handle. This pan can do everything from frying an egg to boiling and straining pasta.
This convenient, multi-purpose pan is great for small spaces and comes in lots of colors.
Pieces included: 1-, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 8-quart stockpot with lid, 7-quart sauté pan with lid | Construction: 3-ply stainless steel with laser-etched hexagon design and nonstick coating | Temperature safe: Up to 500°F | Induction compatible: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
These pots and pans cooked food evenly during our tests, and there were no issues with sticking eggs or rice. What’s also nice is that the HexClad pans aren’t excessively heavy; you can move them around without feeling like you’re in the middle of a workout, but they still feel solidly constructed and high-quality. This cookware is dishwasher-safe but easy to clean by hand, with HexClad even noting that it’s acceptable to use scouring pads to help bring a shine back to the stainless steel bits.
Hybrid cookware is meant to bring together the best of both worlds: stainless steel and nonstick surfaces. This is perhaps an especially great concept for smaller spaces where it may be less practical to amass a varied collection of cookware, but whichever the case, we like HexClad’s performance. These are truly nonstick pans, and their different mix of pans makes them super useful. We use them almost daily.
The set doesn’t include a basic frying pan, and the dark color of the pans can make it hard to see the ingredients.
The hybrid cooking surface really works to combine the heating effectiveness of stainless steel with the convenience of a nonstick coating.
Pieces included: 10.5-inch frypan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, four modular magnetic pan racks, and a canvas lid holder with hooks | Construction: Ceramic, aluminum core, stainless steel handles | Temperature safe: Up to 550°F | Induction compatible: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Yes, though hand-wash recommended
You may also want to add the Caraway Steamer Duo that's compatible with the 3-quart saucepan and 6.5-quart Dutch oven and made with a ceramic non-stick coating for easy heating and cleaning.
With four modular magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder with hooks, Caraway’s consideration for a simple storage solution does not go unnoticed. Like other stackable cookware sets , this one offers a tidy storage option. We also appreciate the price point here; though not as inexpensive as others on this list, its middle-range cost makes the Caraway set an excellent value and a great choice for beginners (or anyone looking for a fresh, new, great-looking, nonstick surface).
These pans are nicely balanced and comfortable to work with, and they’re easy to clean. That said, with thick, straight walls and no rivets on the edges of the pan, this is not the most ideal set for pouring. We did find the surface area to be plenty, with very little issue of overcrowding.
Caraway uses a nonstick ceramic with an aluminum core as their alternative to Teflon, which provides a robust, heat-tolerant, slippery coating. The fry pan turned out excellent eggs during our tests with no signs of sticking or inconsistency with temperature across the cooking surface. In fact, in all tests, it provided some of the cleanest dishes with little to no food residue left behind.
Pieces included: 8-inch fry pan, 11-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 4.25-quart sauté pan with lid | Construction: Hard-anodized aluminum with nonstick coating | Temperature safe: Up to 500°F | Induction compatible: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Thanks to long, easy-grip handles, Le Creuset’s nonstick cookware is comfortable to work with and feels nicely balanced, and the handles remain cool enough on the stovetop to touch with bare hands. We did find this set to be heavier than most, so we would not recommend it to anyone who has trouble maneuvering bulky or heavy objects. Cleanup is easy, though rivets may need additional care to remove any left-behind particles. Overall, this nonstick set is well-made and fairly priced for its quality and performance.
Le Creuset often makes our list of recommendations, and their nonstick set certainly didn't disappoint. Our tests demonstrated that the nonstick coating on these Le Creuset pans is very effective, with absolutely no issues with sticking. Even the fried egg was released with the aid of a spatula, and heating was distributed evenly across the cooking surface with no hot spots detected. Whether we were sauteing, frying, or simmering, the results were consistently amazing.
The six-piece set offers less gear to work with than some competing sets, and the lids can become hot to the touch.
Pieces included: 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid | Construction: 3-ply stainless steel with three layers of nonstick coating | Temperature safe: Up to 500°F | Induction compatible: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: No
The pans have beveled, partially rounded handles so they feel comfortable and balanced in hand, and the stockpot has two handles for easier transferring between stovetop to sink. As is expected from a quality nonstick surface, All-Clad’s pans are easy to clean after use, though you may have to pay closer attention around the rivets, where food particles tended to collect during our tests. But this is far from being a dealbreaker as these pans perform well, are built to last, and are equally suited to professionals and beginners alike.
We can’t help but praise All-Clad’s remarkable nonstick performance. The name-trusted cookware demonstrated its quality in each test. The fried egg slid out without any coaxing at all, there was a nice browning on our chopped onions placed in our rice, and our scrambled eggs cooked evenly with no complaints. Neither eggs nor rice stuck to these well-constructed pans, which conduct heat evenly and reliably across the entire cooking surface. It has incredible nonstick capabilities and works beautifully with little oil. Since it is nonstick, its searing abilities aren't as good as stainless steel, but that is to be expected.
Pieces included: 8-inch omelet pan, 10-inch frying pan, 1-, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 5-quart Dutch oven with lid, spoon, and slotted spatula | Construction: Aluminum with hard titanium-reinforced interior | Temperature safe: Up to 350°F | Induction compatible: No | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Overall, we found the nonstick-coated rivets to be a smart feature and prevent food from sticking, and we like the transparent lids for easy stovetop monitoring. We also found this set very easy to clean, and the deep pans are perfect for cooking large batches for a family or crowd. The sizes of the pans are good, and given the price point, this cookware set offers affordable and exceptional value with good performance.
For a complete set with strong value, we turn to this T-fal set. These lightweight pans scored well in performance, but we don't recommend using them in the oven because of the handles and the low overall safe temperature rating of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a nice feature for less experienced cooks is the indicator showing when the pan is preheated and ready for cooking. During the omelet test, some eggs stuck on the side, yet the omelet rolled out quickly. The 2-quart saucepan cooked sauce and rice well without sticking, scorching, or burning. Pots and pan temperature surface test showed some inconsistency; however, it was marginal.
Temperature is a little inconsistent over the pan surface, and the design is lacking compared to other higher-end brands.
Pieces included: 10-inch frying pan, 4-quart saucepan with lid, 4-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid | Construction: 5-ply stainless steel with two layers of professional-grade nonstick coating | Temperature safe: Up to 500°F | Induction compatible: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: No
Made In’s cookware proved to be heavier than some competitors, but the weight is a worthy tradeoff for the quality and performance of these pots and pans. They’re easy to clean and quick to dry, too. We just threw them in the dishwasher and they were like new.
We like how the sides of the Made In nonstick sauté pan curve gently away from the center, which makes it easy to move food around without anything getting lost along the edges. The beveled lip on all pieces of the set makes for easy pouring with minimal drips or spills, and in general, we found each piece of this set roomier than most, which helps with overcrowding. In addition, we found the handles to be flatter than most other sets, although they aren't uncomfortable to hold. We also appreciate the safety notch that lets you know where you need to stop your hand from burning yourself when using this cookware.
During testing, our fried egg came off the pan with crispy edges and a nicely browned underside, our scrambled eggs were tender and yielding, and our onions browned nicely without a hint of sticking. These pans even passed our rice test without a hitch, offering up lovely crispness with no hot spots or pesky adhesion.
Made In makes some great cookware, and this nonstick set is no exception. With a 5-ply stainless steel construction and internal nonstick coating, this attractive, modern, and well-designed set comes with everything one needs in a basic cookware set, including a perfect-sized fry pan, saucepan, sauté pan, and stock pot. Rest assured, these pans are 100% non-toxic and made without PFOAs.
These pans aced our tests and proved to be a real joy to work with.
Our Favorite Nonstick Cookware Set
The Nonstick Set by Made In is our top pick, thanks to its excellent performance, quality construction, and useful pot and pan sizes. For a value pick, we like the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set for its range of pans, good quality, and impressive nonsticking abilities.
Factors to Consider
Material
When it comes to nonstick cookware, the nonstick coating may seem like the most important factor, but it’s the material underneath that determines how quickly and evenly the pan will heat in the first place.
Stainless steel pans are usually 3-ply, which means aluminum is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. Aluminum heats quickly and effectively, but isn’t food-safe on its own. Stainless steel adds strength, safety, and valuable heat-retention properties. Ceramic pans, meanwhile, tend to take longer to heat up but will retain heat nicely. Ceramic coating is derived from sand and thus has a higher heat tolerance without risk of releasing fumes. Teflon is the coating used on most nonstick cookware, and it’s the brand name of a chemical coating called polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. It’s safe up to temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit; beyond that, it may start to break down and release potentially toxic fumes.
In general, it is advisable to keep nonstick pans on low to medium heat, avoid sharp or metal utensils on the pan's surface, and always follow the brand's care and usage instructions.
Usage and Maneuverability
When shopping for nonstick cookware, it is important to consider how you intend to use the pots or pans you are shopping for. Nonstick skillets are essential tools for delicate ingredients like eggs or fish, pancakes or crepes, and for fast cleanup of easy meals like grilled cheese sandwiches. When choosing the right one, look at how you will most often use the cookware. For example, if you want to be able to sear on the stovetop and finish in the oven, you'll need one with oven-safe handles and finishes. You'll also have to decide if you need lids or not since some nonstick cookware, especially skillets, do not necessarily come with lids.
It’s also important to consider each of the items’ weight and size. Your pans should easily move around the kitchen with you, rather than have you struggle to get a clean pour or turn a pan on its side. If the pans’ weight or bulkiness proves to be a challenge, it may be worth reconsidering.
Maintenance
While some nonstick cookware can be put in the dishwasher, it's best to hand wash them as the high heat can damage the coating, and the racks or other items in the dishwasher can scratch the nonstick interior. Since nonstick does not allow food to adhere, you should only need a soft rag or soft plastic brush and nonabrasive cleanser to keep it clean. If you are working with a nonstick surface that is "seasoned" to make it nonstick, such as carbon steel or cast iron, you will want to wash it gently with warm water and soap and then give it a thin oil coating before storing (much like how you would season a griddle). If you have stuck-on food with one of these surfaces, fill the pan halfway with water and bring it to a boil to loosen; do not use abrasive cleansers or scrubbers, as it will require re-seasoning.
Is nonstick cookware safe?
Yes, with proper care and maintenance. What chemicals and materials are used to make the pans resist stains, oil, and grease might be another consideration when choosing a nonstick cookware set. Popular terms like "healthy, non-toxic, PFOA-free, PFAS-free, and Teflon-free" are often listed as a selling point. Like we mentioned earlier, it's advisable to keep nonstick pans on low to medium heat, avoid sharp or metal utensils on the pan's surface, and always follow the brand's care and usage instructions.
When should I replace my nonstick cookware?
You should replace your nonstick cookware when it stops being nonstick, or if the coating starts to chip or flake away. All nonstick surfaces will eventually wear out with use, but you can preserve their longevity by avoiding exposure to high heat and by choosing to hand-wash instead of putting your pans in the dishwasher.
What is the difference between nonstick and hard-anodized cookware?
Nonstick and hard-anodized cookware are sometimes confused for each other. "Nonstick cookware has a manufacturer's special coating which makes it easy to clean and eliminates scrubbing," says Bev Shaffer, a chef, culinary instructor, recipe and R&D specialist. "Hard-anodized cookware has a bonded surface and traditionally lasts longer than nonstick."
How long does nonstick cookware last?
There is no simple answer to this since no nonstick cookware is forever. "Depends on how good the initial quality of the pan is and how you treat it," cautions Shaffer. "Using wood, silicone, or plastic utensils will extend its life." Still, you should think about replacing your cookware when you start noticing scratching or wear and tear on your surfaces.
Is nonstick cookware dishwasher-safe?
Yes and no, says Shaffer. "If the manufacturer says you can, technically you can, but understand that it will shorten the life of the pan." You will always get a longer life out of your nonstick cookware if you wash it by hand to prevent the high temperatures and harsh detergents from damaging the nonstick surface.
The Nonstick Cookware Tests
FOOD & WINE / WILL DICKEY / JOY KIM / ABBY MILLIGAN
Our team of professional testers subjected over 20 nonstick cookware brands to many rigorous performance tests to determine the best sets. They evaluated temperature consistency and assessed pan design across brands. Using a 5-point rating scale, our team performed an omelet, sauce, and rice pilaf test to determine what cookware performed best as nonstick.
First, we tested how quickly the pans boiled water. We then fried an egg to assess how easily the egg would release from the cooking surface. Next, we scrambled eggs to see how evenly the eggs would scramble and release from the surface. We then prepared rice pilaf to further determine the pans’ nonstick properties over an extended period of cooking. Finally, we scratched the surfaces with a paring knife to assess the durability of the coating. Through all of these tests, we paid special attention to any hot spots, how easy or difficult it was to maneuver, and if there were any design flaws that hindered cooking or cleaning.
While some sets had unique features and qualities that performed well, the stand-out cookware scored highest in these key metrics: surface pan temperature and temperature consistency within the set, nonstick performance, design, ease of cleanup, overall perception of value, and price.
Other Nonstick Cookware Sets We Tested
Strong Contenders
Scanpan Classic 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set (Amazon)
The price makes it less desirable than more affordable brands, and its shallow pan design proved to be messy, causing spattering or spillage.
Cuisinart GreenGourmet 12-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set (Amazon)
While this is a great-priced set with a strong brand name and overall firm performance, there was a noticeable chemical smell when heated. It was unclear if this would persist after multiple uses, and we didn’t want to take the chance.
KitchenAid Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set (Amazon)
While this set is simple and attractive in design, its performance varied drastically, most notably the heat distribution of individual pieces.
Anolon X Hybrid 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set (Amazon)
This is a quality set that performed well. We didn’t notice any uneven heating, and it even proved to be relatively easy to clean. It’s priced on the higher side, which is really the only thing giving us pause.
Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set (Amazon)
We found these pans hard to control when it came to heat, and they even burned most food in our testing.
Nonstick Cookware Sets That Didn’t Make the List
While we loved many of the sets we tested, a few fell short. Beyond our favorite mentioned above, we tested more sets such as Farberware Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, Rachel Ray Cook + Create 11-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set, and Circulon SteelShield Hybrid 10-Piece Cookware Set. Some had design flaws that made maneuverability difficult, weren’t truly nonstick, had non-durable surfaces, or experienced uneven heating.
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