Best Nonstick Cookware For Your Kitchen

Nonstick pots and pans are a joy to cook with, thanks to their slippery-smooth cooking surface. They are also fuss-free and easy to clean.

When shopping for nonstick cookware, there are two main types to consider: traditional nonstick and ceramic nonstick. Traditional nonstick cookware is often made with PTFE (also known as Teflon), while ceramic nonstick cookware can be made with a ceramic coating or glaze. Traditional nonstick tends to be more nonstick and longer-lasting, but ceramic is preferred by some because it's not usually made with the same chemicals as traditional nonstick cookware.

When it comes to specific brands, All-Clad, OXO, T-Fal, and Le Creuset are popular choices for nonstick cookware. Some people also like to buy individual pieces instead of a set to ensure they get the specific items they need.

Best overall nonstick cookware

When it comes to the best overall nonstick cookware, there are a few standout options that offer a combination of performance, durability, and ease of use. Here are some top recommendations:

• Made In 7-Piece The Non-Stick Set: This set includes a range of pot and pan sizes, with a 5-ply stainless steel construction and an internal nonstick coating. It performed exceptionally well in tests, delivering crispy-edged fried eggs, tender scrambled eggs, and perfectly browned onions without any sticking. The set is also easy to clean and dries quickly.
• Calphalon Classic Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set combines performance and durability, with anodized aluminum construction for strength and even heat distribution. The nonstick coating is highly effective, allowing you to scramble eggs without any oil or butter. The clear lids and long handles make it comfortable to use, and it is oven-safe up to 450°F.
• All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set: This set offers excellent heat distribution and highly effective nonstick coating. The pans have comfortable, partially rounded handles and the stockpot has two handles for easy maneuvering. While they require a bit more attention when cleaning around the rivets, they are built to last and are suitable for professionals and beginners alike.
• Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro Cookware Set: This set from a well-known brand offers easy-to-clean, consistent heating performance. The nonstick coating is highly effective, and the long, easy-grip handles make it comfortable to work with. Keep in mind that this set is on the heavier side, so it may not be ideal for those who have difficulty handling bulky or heavy cookware.
• Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick Aluminum Fry Pan: This nonstick skillet is a great option if you're looking for a balance between affordability and quality. It has a comfortable handle that stays cool, a nice curve to the walls, and a sturdy yet easy-to-lift weight. The surface holds up well over time, even with frequent use. It's oven-safe up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best value nonstick cookware

Nonstick cookware is a joy to work with, thanks to its slippery-smooth cooking surface. It is also fuss-free and easy to clean. However, it won't last forever, even if you buy the pricey stuff. So, when it comes to nonstick cookware, it is best not to splurge. Here are some of the best value nonstick cookware sets and pans:

T-fal Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes a range of pan sizes and is easy to clean with smart, nonstick-coated rivets. It is lightweight and scored well in performance, but it is not suitable for the oven because of the handles and the low overall safe temperature rating of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This set is available at Amazon, Target, and Wayfair for $130.

T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set

This set is great for turning out crepes, frittatas, and other sticky foods. The wide handles stay cool to the touch and include finger grips to help you position your hand for the most comfortable control. They’re lightweight and should be used over low to medium heat. This set is available at Amazon and Walmart for $89 and $118, respectively.

Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology Nonstick Induction Cookware/Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece

These pots and pans were a hit among testers. The skillet showed even heat distribution, and all of the eggs tested in it (without any grease) slid out without any help from a spatula. It also cleaned up easily. The handles are wide and grippy, and they stayed cool during cooking. Testers liked how the pots have pour spouts and built-in strainers in the lid. This set is available at Amazon, Walmart, and JCPenney for $300, $299, and $7,825,766, respectively.

Cook’s Standard Nonstick Hard Anodized Fry Pan

This pan is sturdy but not too heavy, and the sides are sloped, so sautéing is easy. It is available for $40.

Oxo Good Grips Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan

This is one of the two cheaper pans on this list, and as such, it is best to treat it gently, not putting it in the dishwasher or oven. Still, it can withstand heat up to 390 degrees. The standout feature is its weight, the lightest on this list. This pan is available for $30.

Best scratch-resistant nonstick pans

Scratch-resistant non-stick pans are a great addition to your kitchen, especially if you are a beginner. They are typically lighter than stainless steel and cast iron, and can be used with less oil. They are also easier to clean. Here are some of the best scratch-resistant non-stick pans:

Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology Nonstick Induction Cookware/Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece

This set performed well in nonstick egg tests and the handles stay cool during cooking. The ridged design on the pan's surface resisted scratching and the dark interior helps hide any imperfections. The set includes 1-quart and 3-quart saucepans with straining lids and pouring spouts, a 6-quart stockpot with lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and 8.5-inch and 12-inch frying pans.

T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Scratch Resistant Titanium Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator, 12-piece Set

T-fal is a pioneer in non-stick cookware and this set includes an 8- and 10.25-inch frying pan, a 5.6-quart covered Dutch oven, a 1.1-quart, 2.3-quart, and 3.2-quart covered sauce and sauté pans. The set is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F and PFOA-free. The handles are made of silicone and remain cool during the cooking process.

GreenPan Valencia Pro 11 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

This set is easy to clean and has a hard-anodized exterior and a ceramic nonstick interior. The set includes 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch frypans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart skillet with lid, and a 5-quart casserole with lid. The lids are clear and the handles are designed to stay cool.

Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

This set is durable and lightweight. The pots and pans are designed to be scratch-resistant and metal utensil safe. The set includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 10.25-inch fry pan, a 2.5-quart covered saucepan, a 3-quart covered sauté pan, and a 6.5-quart covered stockpot.

Best ceramic nonstick cookware

Ceramic cookware is a popular alternative to traditional non-stick pans. Ceramic pans are coated with a non-stick material made from silicon oxide (also called silica), which is found in quartz and sand. This makes them non-toxic, easy to clean, and durable. Here is a list of some of the best ceramic non-stick cookware sets:

Best Overall: Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

This set includes a 10.5-inch frying pan, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 4.5-quart sauté pan with a lid, a 6.5-quart Dutch oven with a lid, and four magnetic storage racks. The pieces are rather bulky, but the handles stay cool, and the set is both induction-safe and dishwasher-safe. The beautiful, modern design of this cookware set is reliable, well-made, and attractive, making it a favourite among home cooks.

Best Value: Bialetti Ceramic Pro 10-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

The Bialetti Ceramic Pro set includes 8- and 10-inch sauté pans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with a lid, a 3-quart deep sauté pan with a lid, and a 6-quart Dutch oven. The non-stick surface of these hard-anodized pans is unique, with a "Micro Divot surface" that allows for even heat distribution. The set performed well in our tests, with no noticeable hotspots and excellent non-stick capabilities. The only downside is that the stainless steel handles can get extremely hot.

Best Stainless Steel: GreenLife Stainless Pro 10-Piece Cookware Set

The GreenLife Stainless Pro set includes 7- and 9-inch frying pans, a 2.5-quart sauté pan with a lid, a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, a 5-quart stock pot with a lid, and four bamboo utensils. The set is induction-safe and dishwasher-safe, and the pots and pans are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. We noticed some discoloration on the stock pot after boiling water, but overall, the set performed well and is an excellent option for beginners or more experienced cooks.

Best Splurge: GreenPan GP5 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

The GreenPan GP5 set includes 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans, a 3-quart sauté pan, a 5-quart stock pot, and three pan protectors. The set is induction-safe and dishwasher-safe, and the pieces are beautiful, classic, and stylish. The non-stick coating is impressive, with food sliding off and out easily. While the set is meant to last a lifetime, we found that frequent long-term use could affect the quality of the smallest skillet.

Best Newcomer: Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set

The Drew Barrymore Beautiful set includes 8- and 10-inch frying pans, a 3-quart sauté pan, a 2-quart saucepan, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and four pan protectors. The pieces are lightweight and easy to lift and toss, and the skillets and sauce pot have heavy bottoms for consistent, even heating. The set is induction-safe and dishwasher-safe, but some exposed hardware makes it harder to clean. Overall, this set is ideal for newbies or experienced cooks looking for a complete replacement.

Best lightweight nonstick cookware

When shopping for nonstick cookware, it's important to consider the weight of the items. Lightweight cookware is generally easier to handle and manoeuvre, especially when cooking complex recipes. Here are some of the best lightweight nonstick cookware options available:

Farberware EcoAdvantage Ceramic Nonstick Cookware/Pots and Pans Set

This 13-piece set is made from recycled aluminium, making it lightweight and comfortable to hold. It scored highly in a heat distribution test and cooked steak quickly and evenly. Although eggs and sauce stuck to the bottom of the pans a little, the set worked well over lower heat levels. The thin walls of the pans heat up quickly, so it's important to be careful with the temperature. Overall, the testers were surprised by how well the set performed, considering its lightweight design and affordable price point.

Oxo Good Grips Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan

This pan is the lightest on the list, weighing only 1.23 pounds. In the year that one tester has been using it, the surface has held up with no scratches or deterioration. The comfortable silicone grip, combined with the pan's light weight, makes it easy to manoeuvre and flip.

T-fal Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes a range of pan sizes and is easy to clean. Although the temperature is a little inconsistent over the pan's surface, and the design is lacking compared to other higher-end brands, it is still a good value option. The lightweight pans scored well in performance, but it is not recommended to use them in the oven due to the handles and the low maximum temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook’s Standard Nonstick Hard Anodized Fry Pan

This pan has been owned and used daily for about four years, which is a good lifespan for a $40 nonstick pan. It is used for cooking eggs, crisping up leftover rice, toasting nuts, making grilled cheese, and reheating proteins, among other things. The pan has sloped sides, which make sautéing easy.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 7-Piece Cookware Set

This set is perfect for a college student, a first apartment, or a vacation home. It includes all the basics, such as a medium-sized skillet, a small saucepan, and a large stockpot. The dark exterior surface of the set resists stains and hides any that do develop, but hand washing is recommended to prevent the colour from fading. The skillet can be put in the oven at a temperature of up to 500°F for crisping up a topping.

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