Non-stick pans are a useful addition to any kitchen, allowing you to cook sticky foods with ease and making cleaning a cinch. However, with this ease comes concerns about potential health risks associated with some non-stick pans, specifically those made with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), also known as Teflon. PTFE is linked to a class of chemicals called PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) which can pose potential health risks and linger in the environment. While some manufacturers claim their PTFE-coated pans are PFAS-free, tests have shown that these claims may not always be reliable. If you want to avoid PTFE but value a non-stick surface, consider a pan with a ceramic coating. When choosing a non-stick pan, it is also important to consider the type of stove you have, as not all pans are compatible with all types of stoves. For example, if you have a gas stove, look for pans made with copper core or aluminum alloy bottoms, but with non-stick interiors. On the other hand, if you have an electric stove, a flat-bottomed pan that won't scratch the smooth glass surface is essential. Additionally, the size of your stove and the number of people you typically cook for should also be considered when selecting a non-stick pan.
What You'll Learn
Best non-stick burner pans for gas stoves
Gas stoves deliver immediate and intense heat, so not all cookware is designed to withstand the direct flame. Non-stick pans are a popular choice for gas stoves as they are lightweight, easy to work with, and provide easy clean-up. Here is a list of the best non-stick pans for gas stoves:
Carote 12-Inch Pan
This pan is designed with four layers of granite coating and an aluminium core for even heat distribution. It has a sturdy design, a stainless steel plate welded at the bottom for induction compatibility, and a wood-grain handle that stays cool even over a gas flame. It is perfect for cooking eggs and meals for the whole family.
Calphalon Classic
This twin set of 8 and 10-inch pans is fashioned with 2 layers of PFOA-free non-stick coating and an aluminium core. The hard-anodized interior provides a robust and tough surface, and the pans heat up uniformly. The fork-like handles are made of brushed stainless steel and bolted with dual rivets. The pans are oven-safe up to 450°F.
Oxo Good Grips Pro
The Oxo Good Grips Pro is a 10-inch pan with a German-engineered tri-ply construction. It has a comfortable grip handle, is dishwasher and oven-safe, and has an excellent non-stick coating. The rolled edges prevent oil spillages, and it is compatible with all stovetops.
Sensarte
The Sensarte non-stick pan is lightweight, affordable, and efficient. It is designed with multi-layered granite coating and a robust stainless steel base for even and rapid heating. The 11-inch pan has a bakelite handle with a wood-grain finish that stays cool during cooking. The deep and steep side walls prevent oil splattering, and the pan is scratch, warp, and dent resistant.
Tramontina Professional
The Tramontina Professional is a 10-inch "restaurant-grade" pan with high-gauge aluminium. It has flared edges and rolled corners, and a detachable silicone sheath on the handle. The pan has excellent non-stick performance and is oven-safe up to 400°F.
AmazonBasics
The AmazonBasics skillet set comes in 8, 10, and 12-inch sizes. The pans have a PFOA-free non-stick coating and are compatible with all stovetops except induction. They have excellent non-stick performance, and the bakelite handles stay cool during cooking.
Calphalon Signature
The Calphalon Signature is a 10-inch pan with a three-layer inner coating, making it more resilient and long-lasting. It has a fork-style stainless steel handle and is oven-safe up to 500°F. The non-stick surface is scratch and ding resistant.
Koch System CS
The Koch System CS is a twin set of 10 and 12-inch pans with clear glass lids. The pans are reinforced with titanium and have a copper-coloured ceramic coating. They are oven-safe up to 450°F and compatible with all stovetops, including induction. The pans have excellent non-stick performance and are lightweight and sturdy.
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Best non-stick burner pans for electric stoves
Electric stoves have been gaining popularity as a healthier and more environmentally-friendly alternative to gas ranges. When choosing a non-stick pan for an electric stove, it is important to consider the shape and size of the cookware. The cookware should have a flat bottom that sits flush with the burner for efficient heat transfer. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using rough materials like unfinished cast iron on glass-topped electric stoves as they can scratch the surface.
OXO Good Grip
The OXO Good Grip 8 and 10-inch pans are excellent choices for electric stoves. They have a smooth surface that sits flush with the stovetop, and their weight is ideal for sliding across the electric cooktop without causing scratches. The German-engineered tri-ply construction ensures durability, and the aluminium construction distributes heat evenly. The soft-grip handles with a silicone sheath make them comfortable to hold and stay cool during cooking. However, they are not compatible with induction cooktops.
Calphalon Classic
The Calphalon Classic 12-inch pan is a durable option with a dual-layered non-stick coating. It has a flat bottom and an aluminium centre for even heat distribution, making it ideal for electric stoves. The gently sloped sides and curved edges make it suitable for sauteing and searing. The brushed stainless steel handle has a concave curve for easy holding, but it can get hot during cooking. The pan is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and includes a tempered glass lid.
Ozeri Stone Earth Frying Pan
The Ozeri Stone Earth frying pan is composed of a German-derived stone coating that is PFOA-free and free of other harmful chemicals. It has a flat interior surface and an aluminium core for rapid heat transfer and uniform distribution. The silicone-coated handle stays cool during cooking and is screwed in with three rivets for stability. The pan is available in various eye-catching colours. However, the outer black edges may start to peel off over time.
Blue Diamond Ceramic Frying Pan
The Blue Diamond non-stick pan features a famous "Thermolon" non-stick coating infused with industrial-grade diamond dust, which improves its durability and non-stick performance. The aluminium core ensures even heat distribution, and the pan heats up quickly. The stainless steel handle is comfortable to hold and balanced, but it is not heat-resistant. The pan is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is not safe for induction cooktops.
Carote Essential Woody Collection
The Carote Essential Woody Collection pan resembles the Sensarte pan in shape, coating, and handle design. It has a stone-derived five-layered Swiss coating that is PFOA-free. The Bakelite handle stays cool during cooking and is comfortable to grip. The lightweight construction and flat bottom make it ideal for electric stoves. The steep sidewalls provide more capacity and prevent splattering. However, it is not oven or dishwasher-safe, and high-temperature cooking is not recommended.
Sensarte Non-Stick Pan
The Sensarte non-stick pan is lightweight, affordable, and easy to manoeuvre. It has a multi-layered granite coating with a stainless steel base for even heat distribution on electric stoves. The flat bottom and deep sidewalls provide ample cooking capacity. The Bakelite handle with a wood-grain finish stays cool during cooking but cannot withstand high oven temperatures. The pan is labelled as dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended for longevity.
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Best non-stick burner pans for induction cooktops
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to generate heat, which means that only magnetic-based pots and pans are compatible with them. This makes finding the right non-stick pan for your induction cooktop a little tricky, as most non-stick pans are made with a non-magnetic aluminium base.
Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan
This heavy-bottomed pan is a good choice for induction cooktops as it heats up quickly and evenly. It has a smooth, hollow, stainless steel handle that stays cool and is comfortable to hold. It also has a superslick surface.
All-Clad HA1 Nonstick Fry Pan Set
This set of 8- and 10-inch skillets is thick, slick, and suitable for all cooktops, including induction. They have aluminium bodies, bent lips, and riveted cast stainless steel handles. They are dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 500°F.
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
This set is made from ceramic-coated aluminium and is free of PTFE, cadmium, and lead. It features securely riveted stainless steel handles and is oven-safe up to 550°F. It works well with induction stoves and conducts heat very well.
T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans
This induction-safe, nonstick cookware set includes a steamer insert and a small "one-egg wonder" frying pan. It has a nonstick interior with a Thermo-Spot indicator that changes colour when the pan is preheated. It is oven-safe up to 400°F.
OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Cookware Set
This set is constructed from hard-anodized aluminium and coated with a durable ceramic coating. It stands up well to metal utensils and includes a 10-inch fry pan, 12-inch fry pan, 2.3-quart saucepan with lid, 3.3-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and 5.2-quart casserole with lid. It is oven-safe up to 600°F without the lids and 425°F with the lids.
Made In Non-Stick Frying Pan
This pan features a 5-ply (five bonded layers) construction, with a stainless steel, triple-layer aluminium core, and a steel cooking surface coated with a non-stick material. It has excellent heat conduction and retention and a long-lasting non-stick coating.
Misen Non-Stick Cookware
This is a good budget option, with a durable multi-layer PTFE non-stick coating and an aluminium body with a steel induction plate. It has a classic design with a black ceramic exterior and comfortable, rounded handles. It is oven-safe up to 450°F.
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Best non-stick burner pans for ceramic cooktops
When it comes to non-stick pans, ceramic-coated pans are a great option. They are non-toxic, easy to clean, and food slides right out. Here are some of the best non-stick burner pans for ceramic cooktops:
Caraway Ceramic-Coated Non-Stick Pan
This pan is a popular internet brand that performs well. Fried eggs easily slide out, and the surface heats evenly with no hot spots. The handle is sturdy and stays cool while cooking. The ceramic non-stick coating is made without PTFE and stood up well in durability tests. It is also induction-compatible.
GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick
This pan has a ceramic non-stick coating made from sand, which means it can be used over high heat and with metal utensils. The hard anodized aluminum construction has a base that sits perfectly flat on glass ceramic cooktops, providing even heating. The dark grey exterior, non-stick interior, and dishwasher safety make this cookware easy to clean. It can be used in the oven up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tramontina Professional Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan
The Tramontina Professional series pans look and feel like those found in a professional kitchen. They have a heavier weight and a long handle, giving them a durable, restaurant-style feel. They are PFOA-free, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. They are compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops and come with a silicone handle guard for a secure, burn-free grip.
Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO
This non-stick frying pan is known for its colorful cast-iron cookware. It has impressive cooking abilities, with even heating and excellent food release. The durable, sturdy handle stays cool to the touch during cooking. Made of hard-anodized aluminum on a stainless steel base with a traditional non-stick coating, this frying pan is also induction-friendly.
Oxo Ceramic Professional Non-Stick
The Oxo Ceramic Professional Non-Stick pan heats evenly and releases food easily. The handle is sturdy and stays cool while cooking. The ceramic non-stick coating is made without PTFE and held up well in durability tests. It can also be used on an induction cooktop.
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Best non-stick burner pans for glass cooktops
Glass cooktops are a great addition to modern kitchens, thanks to their sleek aesthetic, ease of cleaning, and even heat distribution. However, they are more prone to scratches and cracks than traditional gas stoves, so it's important to choose the right type of cookware to use on them. Here are some of the best non-stick burner pans for glass cooktops:
Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan:
This pan is superbly non-stick, with a slick coating and a comfortable handle. It has a classic flared-lip shape, which makes it easy to flip food and pour off excess liquids. The thick, cast-aluminum construction ensures even heat distribution, resulting in fewer hot spots and better heat control. It is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and comes in four sizes (8, 10, 12, and 14 inches) to accommodate different cooking needs.
All-Clad NS Pro Nonstick Cookware, 10-Piece Set:
This line of non-stick cookware has a classic professional styling with a few upgrades. The rims are flared for better pouring, and the handles are more rounded for a comfier grip. The pots and pans are made of anodized aluminum with stainless-steel bases, ensuring good contact with the glass cooktop and even browning. The dark grey exterior finish doesn't show stains or discolour, and the set includes a variety of pieces such as fry pans, saucepans, and a stockpot.
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set:
This set includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart lidded saucepan, a 4.5-quart lidded sauté pan, and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven, as well as a magnetic storage rack and a canvas lid sleeve. The cookware has an aluminium core with a mineral-based ceramic coating, allowing for responsive and even heating. The non-stick surface works like a dream, and the set is free of PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. The stainless-steel handles are riveted for security, and the set works on almost all cooktops, including induction.
OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Cookware Set:
This set includes a variety of sizes, with glass lids so you can see what's happening inside. The hard-anodized aluminium base is coated with a durable ceramic coating, and the stainless-steel knobs and trim are echoed in the brushed stainless-steel handles. The pans are oven-safe up to an impressive 600 degrees Fahrenheit (although the lids can only handle up to 425 degrees). They heat fairly evenly and perform exceptionally well, although heat distribution could be improved around the edges of the skillet.
Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized:
These hard-anodized aluminium pots and pans with flat bottoms are real workhorses. The skillets give absolutely perfect browning, whether you're making pancakes or steaks. The non-stick finish does exactly what it's supposed to, and the riveted handles have silicone grips that are comfortable to hold and stay cool during stovetop cooking. The set includes saucepans, a stockpot, frying pans, and a sauté pan, and it is dishwasher-safe.
When choosing non-stick burner pans for glass cooktops, it is important to select those with smooth, flat bottoms to prevent scratching the surface. Additionally, ensure that the cookware is made from materials that are compatible with glass cooktops, such as stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or ceramic.
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Frequently asked questions
The best non-stick pans for gas stoves are skillets and pans made with copper core or aluminium alloy bottoms, but with non-stick interiors. Not only are these metals the best at conducting heat, but a non-stick interior will reduce the amount of residue stuck to your pan and make cleaning easier.
Some recommendations include:
- Carote 12-Inch Pan
- Calphalon Classic
- Oxo Good Grips Pro
- Sensarte
- MICHELANGELO
- Utopia Kitchen
- Tramontina Professional
- AmazonBasics
- Calphalon Signature
- Koch System CS
The best non-stick pans for electric stoves have a smooth and flat texture-less bottom, so it doesn't scratch your stove surface. The best options include:
- Oxo Good Grip
- Calphalon Classic
- Ozeri
- Blue Diamond
- Carote
- Sensarte
- Gourmex
- Utopia
- Shineuri
- All-Clad Essential
If you cook on an induction cooktop, you'll want a non-stick skillet with an encapsulated disk—a thick, tri-ply, steel, and aluminium plate—welded to the bottom of the pan. The best options include:
- Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan
- Misen’s Nonstick Pan
- All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set
- Ozeri 10-Inch Stainless Steel Pan with Nonstick Coating
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Pro 10-Inch Nonstick Pan