The Best Non-Stick Coating For Pans: Where To Buy?

Non-stick pans are a common kitchen staple, used for their convenience and ease of use. The non-stick coating is engineered to prevent food from sticking to the pan, making cooking and cleaning easier. While there are various types of non-stick coatings available, the most common and well-known is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), often referred to by the brand name Teflon. PTFE was invented in 1938 and has been a popular choice for non-stick cookware since the early 1960s. However, there are alternative options available, such as ceramic coatings, which offer their own advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing non-stick coatings for pans, it is important to consider factors such as durability, heat resistance, and potential health concerns associated with certain coatings.

Teflon non-stick coating

Teflon is a strong and durable material, but it has its drawbacks. One of the main concerns is that at high temperatures (around 260°C and above), the PTFE coating can break down and release toxic fumes, including PFOA, which has been linked to various health problems. However, it is important to note that PFOA has been banned from use in products since 2015, and all modern Teflon products are PFOA-free.

To maintain the non-stick properties of Teflon-coated pans, it is recommended to use silicone or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the surface. Handwashing is also preferable to extend the life of the coating, although some pans with Teflon coating can be dishwasher-safe. With proper care, a Teflon-coated pan can last for years.

When buying a Teflon-coated pan, it is important to consider the quality of the coating. Better-quality coatings are more durable and less likely to peel or flake, maintaining their non-stick properties for longer. The number and thickness of the PTFE layers, as well as the quality of the material, determine the overall quality of the coating.

Ceramic non-stick coating

Ceramic cookware is known for its designer colours and sleek, minimalist shapes. The name comes from the coating's enamel-like appearance. The inside of a ceramic pot or pan is coated with a naturally derived, water- and oil-resistant coating on top of a metal base (usually stainless steel or aluminium). Ceramic cookware is often marketed as a more sustainable alternative to traditional non-stick cookware as it is made without PFAS and heavy metals like lead and cadmium.

Where to Buy Ceramic Non-Stick Coating for Pans

You can buy ceramic non-stick coating for pans from a variety of online retailers, including:

• Amazon
• Caraway
• Calphalon
• Made In
• The Independent

Advantages of Ceramic Cookware

The advantages of ceramic cookware are similar to those of traditional non-stick cookware. The smooth non-stick finish makes for easier cleanup, and requires less oil or cooking fat to keep things from sticking. The coating on the inside of a ceramic pot or pan functions similarly to that of non-stick cookware, providing a frictionless surface for cooking eggs, fish, and other delicate, stick-prone foods. Ceramic cookware can be a solid option for those trying to cook with less fat, since you won’t need as much oil or butter to keep food from sticking.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Cookware

Like other pans, ceramic cookware has a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it has a shorter lifespan than other options. The coating on a ceramic pot or pan tends to be more fragile than other types of coatings, which means it can be more susceptible to scratches and other forms of wear and tear. This applies to high-heat cooking, as well. Ceramic cookware is also typically more expensive than traditional non-stick cookware.

Enamelled non-stick coating

Enamel is a protective layer of glass on your pan. It gives a durable and glossy finish and is highly resistant to scratches and stains. Although it is a durable choice, pans with an enamelled non-stick coating can crack on thermal shock. So avoid sudden temperature changes.

Enamel cookware is mostly porcelain or vitreous enamel, where glass is heated to coat a metal base, usually steel, cast iron or aluminium. This blend has the benefits of marrying the heat conduction properties of the metal with the non-stick properties of the porcelain.

Enamel-coated cookware is also very durable, with higher-quality brands lasting a lifetime and even being passed down through generations. Enamel cast iron cookware holds heat well, making it suitable for transferring to and from the oven. However, cast iron enamel cookware takes longer to heat through. By comparison, steel enamel cookware heats more quickly.

Compared to most stainless steel cookware, enamelled cookware is still expensive. However, this partly reflects both its popularity and its longevity. Enamel can also be an environmentally friendly alternative to many other non-stick options such as Teflon or silicone.

There are a number of things to keep in mind in terms of enamel-coated cookware safety. Firstly, because the coating is made largely of glass, there is a risk of chipping or damaging the coating if you hit or drop it or change the temperature too quickly. For this reason, it is important not to run a hot pan under a cold tap. It is also advised not to use metal implements on enamel, such as cutlery for stirring or wire wool for cleaning, as this could scratch the surface.

Natural non-stick coating

Cast iron pans are renowned for their durability, even heat distribution, and heat retention. They are highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Cast iron pans are also versatile and can be used on various cooktops, including gas, electric, induction, and even campfires and grills. However, they are heavy, take time to heat up, and require regular maintenance and specific cleaning.

Carbon steel pans, on the other hand, are lighter than cast iron and heat up quickly and evenly. They are also durable and can handle high-temperature cooking. Carbon steel pans require special cleaning and maintenance to maintain their natural seasoning. Additionally, they are reactive to acidic foods, which can strip away the seasoning.

When purchasing a natural non-stick coating pan, it is important to consider your needs and preferences. Cast iron pans are ideal for low and slow cooking, while carbon steel pans are better suited for high-temperature cooking. Both types of pans require seasoning to maintain their non-stick properties and should be handled with care to ensure their longevity.

Non-stick coating without PTFE

Non-stick coatings without PTFE are available, but they may not perform as well as PTFE coatings. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is the material used to create the non-stick coating Teflon. PTFE has been under scrutiny for its use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", which have been linked to various health issues.

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coatings are silica-based and are often touted as a greener alternative to PTFE. However, there is little evidence to support these claims, and ceramic coatings tend to have shorter lifespans than PTFE coatings. Ceramic coatings can handle high heat (up to 600°F) and are dishwasher-safe, but they are not compatible with microwaves and can be easily scratched.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is similar to cast iron but is thinner and lighter, making it easier to manoeuvre and clean. Like cast iron, carbon steel has a seasoning layer that makes it naturally non-stick. It is not microwave or dishwasher-safe, but it is affordable and durable.

3-Ply Construction

The safest and most long-lasting non-stick pans are made with two layers of stainless steel over an aluminium core, covered with a non-toxic ceramic coating. This construction resists warping, cracking, and bumps, and even if the ceramic surface wears away, the stainless steel itself is non-toxic.

Anodized Aluminium

Anodized aluminium is a type of non-stick coating that does not contain PTFE. However, it is important to note that uncoated aluminium is highly reactive to acidic foods and may leach aluminium into your food.

Enamelled Cast Iron

Enamelled cast iron is cast iron coated with enamel, which gives it a non-stick surface without the need for seasoning. It is metal utensil-safe, scratch-resistant, and can be heated to very high temperatures. However, it is heavier and more expensive than other options.

When choosing a non-stick coating without PTFE, it is important to consider the performance, durability, and safety of the coating. While there are alternatives to PTFE coatings, they may not perform as well or last as long. It is also important to follow basic safety precautions when using non-stick cookware, such as avoiding high heat and using wooden or silicone utensils to prevent scratching the coating.

Frequently asked questions