Best Non-Stick Skillet
If your health has been top-of-mind lately, you’re probably not alone. And if you’re a die-hard foodie who loves to cook, then you may be looking for ways to have the best of both worlds – delicious food with none of the fat or grease that can negatively affect your health. That’s where a good non-stick skillet comes in.
A non-stick skillet is a great way to cook the foods you love without adding unnecessary fat and calories. That being said, non-stick skillets have come under scrutiny because some surfaces quickly lose their non-stick abilities and begin to peel, leaving behind small particles in the food that make people wonder if those peeled pieces are toxic.
These days, you don’t have to worry about the toxicity of non-stick surfaces, as many manufacturers have gone the extra mile to develop materials that are chemical-free and won’t peel off after repeated use.
There are also non-stick surfaces that won’t scratch if you use metal utensils, great news if you don’t want to go out and buy plastic or silicone spatulas or spoons just for one non-stick skillet.
Below you will find a list of our recommended non-stick skillets. Which one you choose will depend on how you intend to use it, your cooking style and of course, your budget.
1. Best Overall: GOURMEX Toughpan Induction Non-Stick Skillet
What’s better than having a good non-stick skillet on hand to make all of your favorite foods? One that is so durable that it gives you years of reliable non-stick service. This 11-inch skillet from Gourmex is constructed from heavy-duty cast-iron aluminum and covered with a non-stick coating that will make it your go-to pan for years to come.
The skillet is compatible with all heat sources including electric and gas and since the base is magnetized, it is also suitable for an induction stovetop. If you want to add the convenience of a lid, this non-stick skillet can be matched with a universal glass lid from Gourmex, T-Fal, Calphalon or Strauss.
If you are worried about dangerous chemicals associated with non-stick surfaces, you can feel assured with this skillet. The titanium base is PFOA-free and provides equal heat distribution and a non-stick interior that will never wear off to expose your food to harmful chemicals. The heat-resistant handle has an easy-grip, ergonomic construction and a hole in the top for hanging.
Pros:
- Thick cast iron aluminum with non-stick coating
- Easy to clean with soapy water and a soft sponge
- The soleplate is a fully magnetized induction base
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
2. Best Budget-Minded: Carote Non-Stick Skillet
Some people love the idea of using a non-stick skillet – using less oil and food not burning into a sticky mess are enviable benefits – but they don’t like some of the harmful chemical coatings found on some pans.
This eight-inch non-stick skillet from Carote is perfect for individual portions for the times you want to fry up only one or two eggs. It has an eco-friendly Swiss multilayer, ceramic reinforced, scratch-resistant non-stick granite coating that is PFOA-free for a healthier alternative.
The bottom of this sturdy die-cast skillet is 5mm thick for even heat distribution and is suitable for all stovetops including induction. Equipped with a heat and scald-resistant Bakelite handle with a comfortable grip, the pan as a whole is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Easy to clean, you can put the pan in the dishwasher if you put in on a low heat temperature. And if you are washing it by hand, it is recommended that you not use an abrasive cleaner.
Pros:
- PFOA-free non-stick coating
- Dishwasher safe on low temperature
- Oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- Small size
3. Best Versatile: Gotham Steel 11” Non Stick Titanium and Ceramic Copper Coating Skillet
If you’re a relaxed kind of cook who doesn’t want to fuss too much over the maintenance of their pots and pans, then you’re going to love this non-stick skillet that will not become scratched or damaged if you use metal utensils.
Of course, there is more to this 11-inch pan than the durability of its surface, one of which is that is has a Ti-Cerama non-stick coating that offers an easy release of everything you will cook in it, with no need for any oil or butter to the grease the way.
Made from titanium and ceramic material, the skillet is tougher than steel yet lightweight, easy to handle, offers up even heat distribution and will last for years of daily use. The stay-cool handle allows you to put the skillet in the oven in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can cook a wide range of foods, from cornbread to Asian stir-fry dishes.
And finally, even if you use metal kitchen utensils like knives, whisks and spatulas on it, the surface of the skillet will not get scratched, and will remain non-stick.
Pros:
- Will not scratch if you use metal utensils
- Non-stick coating, no need for butter or oil
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not compatible with induction stovetops
4. Best with Glass Lid: T-Fal Dishwasher Safe Non-stick Skillet with Lid
This 12-inch non-stick skillet from T-Fal offers up a number of features that puts it slightly ahead of other models you may be considering.
The Titanium reinforced non-stick interior of this skillet is PFOA-, lead-, and cadmium-free, so you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals leeching into your food. The non-stick surface also requires little to no butter or oil for easy food release and cleanup. Durable and scratch resistant, you can safely use metal utensils on it.
Made from heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum, the pan heats up quickly and the warp-resistant base offers even heat distribution for optimal cooking results. A unique feature of this pan is its thermo-spot heat indicator, a red circular spot in the center of the pan that turns solid red when the skillet is at the right temperature.
The pan also comes with a vented tempered-glass lid that traps in heat and moisture and allows you to monitor the progress of your food as it cooks. A silicone stay-cool handle is riveted onto the pan for strength and the pan is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (350 degrees Fahrenheit with the lid), and safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Non-stick surface is PFOA-, lead-, and cadmium-free
- Comes with a vented, tempered glass lid
- Red thermal spot indicates pan is at the right temperature
Cons:
- Not suited for induction cooktops
5. Best Environmentally Friendly: GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Non-stick Skillet
If you’re concerned about the environment and make an effort to purchase items that take your health and the health of the planet into consideration, then you might like this non-stick skillet from GreenLife.
The first thing you will notice about this soft-grip skillet is how comfortable it is to hold and handle. Specifically designed to perform well and clean up easily, it features a toxin-free Thermolon non-stick coating that is derived from sand and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. The pan is also crafted from recycled aluminum and is reinforced with a wobble-free base for extra strength and even heating.
The 12-inch skillet needs little to no butter or grease for easy food release and is available in six colors to match any décor. It is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and the smooth interior of the pan has no rivets for food to catch or build up on.
Pros:
- Pan is made from recycled aluminum
- Non-stick surface is PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium free
- Oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- Not suitable for very hot ovens
6. Best Small-Size: OXO Good Grips Pro Non-stick Skillet
It’s not always easy to find the right-sized non-stick skillet, since so many models are designed with families in mind. Making a fried egg or two in a large pan can end up with disappointing results since more often than not, the egg whites run the full width. With this eight-inch non-stick skillet from OXO, you can fry up individual portions that cook just the way you like it.
Small but mighty, this cute little non-stick skillet is made from durable hard anodized aluminum, which is hardy, durable and scratch resistant. It’s also a terrific heat conductor, evenly distributing the heat across the surface of the pan so you won’t get hot or cold spots.
The skillet has a three-layered PFOA-free, German designed non-stick coating, so you can safely cook with less oil for great results. The skillet also has a stainless steel handle, is oven safe up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, and has rolled edges for easy pan-to-plate transfers.
Pros:
- Sized for small portions
- Dishwasher safe
- Rolled edges for drip-free pouring
Cons:
- Not suitable for induction stovetops
- May be too small for some uses
7. Best Set: All-Clad Hard Anodized 8- and 10-Inch Non-stick Skillets
For anyone just beginning their culinary adventure and outfitting their first kitchen, it could be a challenge deciding the right-sized non-stick skillet to purchase. That’s where this two-piece set from All-Clad comes in. With an eight-inch and a 10-inch skillet in the package, there’s no need to choose; you now have all your bases covered when cooking up a small amount for yourself, or you’re preparing food for dinner guests.
The heavy-gauge, hard-anodized non-stick skillets offers even heating, with three layers of PFOA-free non-stick coating for long-lasting, easy release and cleanup. These skillets also have a stainless steel base, which makes them compatible for most cooking surfaces, including induction.
The skillets are equipped with stainless steel handles that are securely riveted to the base, so you don’t have to worry about them coming loose. Oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, these pans give you lots of cooking options. And when it comes to cleanup, you can put them in the dishwasher, but hand washing is recommended to maintain the effectiveness of the non-stick surface.
Pros:
- Suitable for induction cooktops
- Two sizes in the set
- Oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- Best to hand wash
- A bit pricey
8. Best Large Size: Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Non-stick Skillet with Helper Handle
This non-stick skillet from the Rachael Ray Cucina collection is what you need if you’re frying up some family-sized burgers or cooking a large skillet lasagna for you and some friends (or if you want leftovers for the next day).
At 14-inches, this is the largest non-stick skillet on our list, and, unlike the others, it has a really convenient helper handle on the opposite side of the pan. This is great when two hands are needed to carry a full and heavy pan from the oven or stovetop to the table. As well, both handles have grippy silicone pieces on them that don’t heat up, meaning there is less of a chance you’ll burn your hands.
The skillet is made from hard anodized aluminum for even heat distribution and a non-stick surface that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The non-stick skillet is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but there is one downside. Anyone looking to find a cover for this skillet may be out of luck since its 14-inch diameter makes it challenging to find a cover to fit.
Pros:
- Large family size
- Helper handle
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- No information on what the non-stick coating is made of
- May be too large for some needs
What to look for when choosing a non-stick skillet:
Size: Non-stick skillets can be round, square or rectangular, but the majority that are used for frying foods are round. The skillets are available in a variety of sizes from seven to 14 inches in diameter, and the one you choose will depend on how many people you are cooking for. Of course, it is not uncommon to find a few non-stick skillets of different sizes nestled in a kitchen cupboard. Since this kind of cookware is often reasonably priced, and most people have a variety of favorite recipes, it makes sense to have an assortment to meet different cooking needs. Before choosing one – or two — for yourself, determine how much food you’re likely to cook at a given time, including if you have guests over for brunch and need to fry up a batch of eggs.
The non-stick coating: It’s best to look for a non-stick skillet that is coated in a healthy material and free of toxins. Stay away from products that are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, a plastic polymer that can leech toxins into your food if you heat the pan above 572 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some non-stick pans that do have this coating recommend not heating the pan higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so using it at a low or medium heat is a healthier alternative.
Another potentially toxic chemical is called perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA, although it is present in such small quantities in some non-stick coatings that it probably does not pose a risk. Nonetheless, if it concerns you, best to find a product without it.
So, what kind of non-stick surface is recommended? Ceramic cookware is a safer non-stick bet, but it cannot be used on induction stovetops and you may have to use small amounts of oil. A cast iron non-stick skillet is also a good choice as is forged and anodized aluminum skillets.
Budget: While it’s never a good idea to spend more than you can afford, the good news is that there are a wide range of quality non-stick skillets that are affordable and budget friendly. That being said, like most things, anything that is on the very low end of the price point may be cheaply made and not last long. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a bundle, but if cost is a concern, do you research. Decide which features are important to you – the type of handle, if there is a helper handle, the quality of the non-stick coating, if it is compatible with your stovetop, the size of the pan, if you want a cover — and opt for a model that falls in the mid-range or average of the price points. This way it will have most of the features you are looking for, will last a few years and still be within your budget.
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