Best Nonstick Cookware
Having your food stick to the frying pan may sound like a minor annoyance, but it is one that can have a lingering effect on your day!
There exists a perfect fix to said annoyance in the form of nonstick pans. Nonstick cookware comes equipped with a special coating that prevents food from sticking to it.
Nonstick cookware’s convenience is better realized when you fry breaded or coated items and don’t have to deal with them falling apart.
Besides that, there are several benefits to using nonstick cookware: firstly, it does not require you to add a lot of oil or butter to coat the pan, making your food healthier.
Secondly, it’s great for inexperienced cooks because food doesn’t stick to it, making it less susceptible to burning.
Important Features You Need To Consider When Buying Nonstick Cookware
Not all nonstick cookware delivers the same results. Some may function efficiently while sacrificing longevity; some may be durable but may compromise their nonstick qualities.
There are a few essential features you should consider if you want to purchase nonstick cookware:
Safety
For any food equipment, safety is the most important feature to keep in mind. Even the best nonstick pan in the world is not good enough if it causes a fire.
One concern with nonstick coatings is that they can scrape off with your food. This is only a risk with poor quality pans. Most modern nonstick pans come equipped with a nonstick coating that melds to the surface.
If you were to ingest any part of the nonstick coating, it is not likely to do you harm. Dispose of the pan and try to buy one from a reputable brand: like the ones we’ve mentioned in this review.
When shopping for nonstick cookware, look out for pans made using Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
This chemical breaks down at high temperatures and releases toxic fumes, causing future complications as severe as cancer.
The good news is that most manufacturers have stopped using PFOA in nonstick cookware.
Function
When shopping for cooking equipment, ease-of-use should be a priority. Before purchasing any nonstick cookware, make sure that it will function well for you and your lifestyle.
The cookware should be light, oven-safe, easy to use, and easy to clean.
Nonstick coating is usually applied to aluminum cookware because of its heat distribution properties. However, the thicker the aluminum, the heavier your pan will be.
If you cook in the oven, you will need cookware that is oven safe. Most nonstick cookware is oven safe up to 350°F, but some models go up to 450°F. Even the pans’ handles must be oven safe; otherwise, they can melt in the heat.
Also, not all nonstick cookware is dishwasher safe. Dishwashers can wreak havoc on the pan’s nonstick coating, resulting in a useless pan with no warranty for exchange.
Nonstick cookware is also not particularly good for searing or browning. It’s not advisable to use high heat on nonstick pans. They are fine for cooking omelets but not searing steaks.
Value
When buying something you expect to last a while, it is essential to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth.
When choosing nonstick pots and pans, you do get what you pay for; however, the most expensive isn’t always the best option. You can find a cost-efficient set that fulfills your requirements and then some.
No matter how well you take care of your nonstick pans, they will eventually start to wear off. No cookware is resistant to weathering.
For the best value for your money, choose a brand that costs less but does not compromise on quality.
Retail brands often charge high markups on cookware. It’s better to choose companies that sell directly to customers and offer quality products at lower prices.
Construction
The two common materials for nonstick pans are aluminum and stainless steel ply. Stainless steel with multiple ply cladding provides an even heat distribution.
However, due to the many cladding layers, it will be heavier and costlier.
Aluminum bases heat up rapidly, but their heat distribution is not uniform; they can’t be used on induction stoves either.
Whenever you are cooking on an induction stove, check if the pan is induction compatible. Test it yourself by sticking a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If it sticks, your pan is compatible.
When choosing nonstick cookware, opt for utensils with 5 or 7 ply metal cladding. The metal cladding layers increase durability and prevent uneven heating.
If you’re investing in cookware, it should be long-lasting. Certain types of cookware last longer than others.
Read up on the materials used in your nonstick cookware. Ceramic cookware is known to be fragile, while metal or composite cookware is robust.
Best nonstick cookware
T-fal C561SC Titanium Advanced Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
Best value
T-fal C561SC 12-piece Nonstick set comes at a budget-friendly price and delivers well. The set includes two frypans (an 8-inch fry pan and a 9-inch fry pan), two saucepans (a 1-quart pan and a 2-quart pan), a 3-quart deep sauté pan, a 5-quart Dutch oven, a spatula, and a slotted spoon.
It ranks high for functionality and safety. The handles are riveted for better grip, stay cool while the pan heats, and are oven safe up to a temperature of 350°F.
All the utensils are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe; however, trapped morsels of food can be tricky to clean.
The titanium interior has excellent nonstick qualities that allow you to cook food using minimum oil. The heat distribution is even throughout the pans.
Why Buy This?
It delivers good value for your money. It’s easy to clean, easy to handle, and offers excellent nonstick features.
Pros
- Riveted handles for safe grip
- Easy to clean
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Does not sear meat as well as a stainless set
- Some complaints about durability
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Tight grip with Suregrip handles
This 11-piece set features two covered saucepans (1.5-quart and 3-quart), an 8-quart covered stockpot, a 3 quart covered sauté, an 8-inch French skillet, and a 12-inch covered deep skillet with a helper handle.
The pans are triple-coated in a nonstick finish. The heavy grade anodized aluminum construction is twice as sturdy as the stainless steel variants, and the trademark Suregrip handles offer a comfortable grasp.
These Anodon pans ensure even heat distribution as the entire base of the pan stays at the same temperature, allowing you to cook using lower heat settings.
The skillets come equipped with helper handles to prevent accidents and to make it easier to grasp.
This set is oven-safe for a temperature up to 400°F. It is not dishwasher safe, however, and you will need to clean it by hand.
Its superior build-quality and trademarked features place this option on the expensive side.
Why Buy This?
This pan boasts a sturdy set equipped with a helper handle for better grasp and distributes heat evenly and triple coated for durability.
Its unique features and superior durability make it a great option for users who require longevity.
Pros
- Suregrip handles make for easier grip
- Twice as sturdy as stainless steel
- Equipped with helper handles
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Pricier than other options
- Nonstick surface needs added oil
Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Most innovative
This set of pots and pans from Circulon includes a 1-quart pouring saucepan, two 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, an 8-quart stockpot with lid, and two 8.5-inch and 10-inch frying pans.
The hard-anodized construction is twice as hard as stainless steel and makes this set a longer-lasting option than others.
What sets this nonstick collection apart from others is its system of raised circles, which allow the food to slide right off the pan. The raised circles are a unique Circulon trait and keep the food from sticking to the pan.
The pans are comfortable to handle because of their silicone-coated grips, while the surface of the pan is scratch resistant and is meant to be long-lasting.
These pans are oven-safe up to 400°F and are easy to clean because they are dishwasher safe. They are designed to perform on all stovetops, including induction stoves.
Why Buy This?
The silicone handles of this pan make it easy to maneuver, and its unique system of raised circles keeps the food from sticking, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience!
Pros
- Raised circles keep food from sticking
- Silicone handles that allow for comfortable grasping
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Slow cooking time
Calphalon Signature 10 Piece Set
Best for searing meat
This Calphalon nonstick set includes two 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, two 10-inch and 12-inch omelet pans; a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid.
The signature interior is PFOA free and is considered as tough as stainless steel; this is because of its hard-anodized aluminum construction. The stainless steel handles have a brushed finish and stay cool when the pan is hot.
Also, the glass lids are resistant to damage, tempered, and safe for oven use.
The nonstick surface is as good at searing and browning meat as any stainless steel set on the market. It’s also dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Unlike other variants, it is also safe to use metal utensils on these pans.
Why Buy This?
Unlike other options, this set sears meat well. The interior is also tough enough to bear metal utensils.
The pans boast a tough finish, with brushed stainless steel handles that remain cool to the touch, even when hot. This makes this set a reliable and safe option for your kitchen!
Pros
- Sears meat well
- Safe to use with metal utensils
- Durable
Cons
- Costlier than other varieties
Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set 15 Piece
Best multi-purpose
This Farberware nonstick set includes single 1-quart and 2-quart saucepans with lids, a 5-quart dutch oven with a lid, an 8-inch, and 10-inch frying pan with lids, a medium cookie pan, and five nylon kitchen utensils.
This selection of nonstick cookware heats up rapidly and evenly.
The nonstick interior of the pans prevents any noticeable friction between its surface and the food.
Also, the shatter-resistant glass lids will last you as long as the pans do and will do a good job of keeping the flavors of your food intact.
This cookware is oven-safe up to 350°F, and the bakeware is oven safe up to 450°F, while all the pots, pans, and utensils in this collection are dishwasher safe.
The exterior is stain resistant, and the handles are ergonomically shaped for a more secure grip.
Why Buy This?
This is a multi-purpose nonstick set that caters to all your cooking and baking needs. In addition to the pots and pans, it features a cookie pan for baking and extra nylon utensils for handling.
The exterior is stain resistant and made to last, while the unique handles on each unit make for easy maneuvering and carrying.
Pros
- Includes bakeware and five nylon utensils
- Distinctly shaped handles for easy gripping
- Stain-resistant exterior
Cons
- Not suitable for induction cooking
Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set
Energy efficient
This Cuisinart hard-anodized aluminum cookware set includes twelve separate units, consisting of an 8-inch skillet, a 10-inch, lidded deep frying pan, two 1.5-quart and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart pan with a lid, a 6-quart Dutch oven, and a steamer insert.
Every item in this set features a scratch-resistant ceramic-based surface free of PTFE and PFOA and does not peel off. All the pieces conduct heat well and distribute it evenly.
This set can be considered more energy efficient than the others because of its superior conductivity, while its petroleum-based nonstick ceramic interior helps conserve oil.
Finally, the riveted handles on each pan make for easier gripping and control.
Why Buy This?
This set uses less oil and has a scratch-resistant ceramic interior, making it a robust and efficient addition to your collection of kitchen equipment.
Pros
- Ceramic coating that is hard to scratch
- Free of PTFE and PFOA
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Less durability
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Attractive porcelain exterior
This Rachael Ray Cucina nonstick set consists of 1-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 6-quart stockpot with a lid, 8.5-inch, and 10-inch frying pans, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, a slotted turner, and a spoon.
This set boasts a durable aluminum design and a heavy-duty enamel porcelain exterior. It is deemed PFOA free and includes dual riveted rubber handles. The shatter-resistant glass lids are durable and long-lasting as they effectively conserve the flavor and moisture of your food.
This set is oven safe up to 400°F and works with all stovetops, except for induction stoves.
Why Buy This?
This set features riveted handles and shatter-resistant glass lids for better handling and more durability. The porcelain agave blue exterior makes it stand out.
Pros
- Sturdy enamel exterior coating
- Shatter-resistant glass lids
- Double riveted rubber handles
Cons
- Does not work with induction stovetops
Conclusion
We hope this review brings you up to speed with some of the best nonstick cookware options currently available.
Your choice should depend on your kitchen’s nonstick requirements; however, it’s important to remember that whenever you get around to buying nonstick cookware, choose a brand that manufactures PFOA free utensils.