Best Nonstick Saucepan
If you’re a die-hard foodie who is always looking to invent a new sauce or create a better mac and cheese, then you may need to invest in a good non-stick saucepan.
A non-stick saucepan lets you heat and melt different ingredients with an easy release for great results, whether you’re making a delicate hollandaise sauce, melting chocolate for your favorite cupcakes or poaching a couple of eggs.
And while this piece of cookware is super versatile, looking for a non-stick variety takes a level of care. Over the years, non-stick coatings have come under scrutiny because some surfaces quickly lose their non-stick abilities and begin to peel, leaving behind small particles in the food. Happily, many manufacturers have developed materials that are chemical-free and won’t peel off after repeated use.
Below is a list of some of the best non-stick saucepans you can purchase online. Find the one – or two – that best suit your needs.
1. Editor’s Choice: Cuisinart 619-14 Chef’s Classic Non-stick Hard-Anodized 1-Quart Saucepan
Cuisinart is a popular brand favored by many home chefs who value its reputation for producing durable and quality crafted cookware and this one-quart non-stick saucepan is no exception. Perfect for making small quantities of sauces or soups, the saucepan is hard anodized with a graphite exterior finish on the bottom. Nestled in the middle part that isn’t visible to the eye is a layer of aluminum that heats up quickly and evenly distributes that heat for efficient and successful meal prep.
What makes this saucepan a great addition to your non-stick cookware collection is the quantanium interior that is reinforced with titanium, a material responsible for easy food release. Aside from its superior non-stick qualities, the saucepan also has a solid stainless handle that is riveted to the pot and stays cool on the stovetop to provide a safe, solid grip. The tempered-glass lid makes it easy to monitor the progress of what you are preparing. Finally, the saucepan can be put into an oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, although the lid not more than 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros:
- Aluminum layered
- Hard anodized saucepan
- Quantanium interior reinforced with titanium
- Cool-grip handle
Cons:
- No pour spout
- Small capacity
2. Runner Up: Carote 1.5 Quart Small Non-stick Sauce Pot
Our runner-up pick from Carote attracted our interest for a number of reasons. The 1.5-quart non-stick saucepan is slightly larger than our top choice, so that’s a bit of a bonus if you need to prepare slightly larger quantities. But we also really liked its unique look, very different from a typical metal saucepan.
The classic granite color is speckled with white for a vintage vibe and the wood-looking Bakelite handle and knob on the lid offer up a natural look while providing a solid, cool grip. The pan itself is made of an aluminum alloy for rapid heating with a 5mm-thick bottom for even heat distribution. The interior is coated with Swiss-imported granistore ILAG, a multilayer, ceramic reinforced, scratch-resistant non-stick coating perfect for demanding home use.
The tempered glass lid keeps moisture in and allows you to monitor the progress of your food and with the handy spout, you will have precision mess-free pouring when your sauce is done. The flat-bottomed saucepan will sit evenly on all heat sources including induction, gas, ceramic, electric, halogen and solid fuel cookers.
Pros:
- Unique look
- Made of aluminum alloy
- Suitable for all heat sources
- 100 percent PFOA free
Cons:
- Limited induction area, may not work on all induction stovetops
3. Best Versatile: Farberware 21907 Dishwasher Safe Non-stick Saucepan
A non-stick saucepan is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you will have in your kitchen. Aside from using it to make delicate or hearty sauces and ragus, you can also use it to boil water for pasta, warm up milk, melt chocolate and heat up leftovers. We like this one-quart saucepan from Farberware because it takes versatility to another level with some interesting extra features you may appreciate.
The saucepan has a durable aluminum construction for fast and even heating and a non-stick interior. To enhance your cooking experience, this saucepan features not one, but two spouts for accurate and mess-free pouring, plus a shatter-resistant glass lid with straining holes. There’s no need for a colander. Just rotate the lid to align the holes with the spouts to pour out water after boiling potatoes or blanching vegetables, or you can cover the holes to seal in the heat and moisture when preparing a sauce.
A sturdy, double riveted handle will give you peace of mind when handling the hot pot, which is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also put the pan into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Two pouring spouts
- Straining lid
- Double riveted handle
Cons:
- Not suitable for induction stovetop
4. Best 2-Quart: Utopia Kitchen 2-Quart Non-stick Saucepan
For many people, the go-to standard non-stick saucepan has a one-quart capacity, which is great for making small quantities of a special sauce or boiling a few potatoes. But when necessity calls for something bigger, a two-quart size is a good step up.
This non-stick saucepan from Utopia Kitchen has a two-layered, durable non-stick interior that is scratch resistant and contains no PFOA, lead or cadmium for worry-free and healthy cooking. The exterior is constructed from a 3003 aluminum alloy for quick heating and even distribution. The Bakelite handle is riveted to the pan for a comfortable and secure grip while the glass lid keep moisture in and allows you to easily monitor the progress of your food.
The saucepan is suitable for all cooking surfaces including induction. It is not recommended to clean the pan in the dishwasher and instead, it should be hand-washed with a non-abrasive cleansing brush in hot soapy water and air dried.
Pros:
- Riveted Bakelite handle
- Glass lid
- PFOA, lead, and cadmium-free
Cons:
- Non-stick surface works better on lower temperatures
- Not oven safe
5. Best Ceramic Coating: MICHELANGELO 1.5 Non-stick Copper Saucepan
There are many non-stick surfaces out there and some work better and last longer than others. But when it comes to a true superior non-stick performance, ceramic is at the top of the list, giving you effortless food release every time.
The ceramic coating on this 1.5-quart copper saucepan from Michelangelo is not only stunning to look at, but it is made from a blend of ceramic and titanium, making it scratch-resistant and ideal for use on low to medium heat with minimal oil for non-stick success. The base of the pan has three layers of professional-grade aluminum alloy that conducts heat quickly and distributes it evenly with no hot spots. The coating will not chip, peel or flake.
Other features of this non-stick saucepan are a heat-resistant tempered glass lid that seals in flavor and makes viewing easy from start to finish, and a long, ergonomically designed cool-to-the-touch stainless-steel handle. The pan is also PTFA, PFOA, lead and cadmium free, is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for all heat sources except induction.
Pros:
- Ceramic and titanium non-stick coating
- PTFA, PFOA, lead and cadmium free
- Long stainless-steel handle
Cons:
- Not suitable for induction stovetop
- No pour spout
6. Best Large Capacity: T-fal Signature Titanium Non-stick 3 Qt. Saucepan
When it comes to non-stick pots and pans, T-fal has been a main player for decades, refining and perfecting its non-stick coatings to meet various needs. If you need a larger capacity non-stick saucepan to prepare bigger meals for your family, then consider this three-quart model.
The first difference you will notice with this saucepan is its vented tempered glass lid. The vents allow steam to escape during the cooking process while still trapping enough heat and moisture, and the transparent lid allows you to monitor the progress of whatever is in the pot. The second difference is the measurement marks on the inside of the pot. These let you know at a glance the volume you are working with.
When it comes to its non-stick coating, the saucepan has a durable, scratch-resistant and toxin-free hard titanium-reinforced interior that will stand up to frequent use and the rigors of a busy home chef. The heat-resistant handle has been ergonomically designed for a comfortable, secure grip, and the end-hole allows you to hang the pot out of the way when you’re done.
Pros:
- Measurement marks on the inside
- Hard titanium-reinforced interior non-stick coating
- Vented tempered glass lid
Cons:
- Size may be too large for some needs
7. Best Set: GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick, 1QT and 2QT Saucepan Set
If you’re just starting out to equip your kitchen, you may not know which size non-stick saucepan is best for your needs now and down the road. Should you get a one-quart or a two-quart pan? If you think you will evolve into an avid cook, why not get both sizes in an affordable set of two?
These one-quart and two-quart non-stick saucepans by GreenLife will meet your needs now and into the future with their quality craftsmanship and long-lasting non-stick surface. The easy-to-clean ceramic coating is derived from sand and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium for a healthy and worry-free cooking experience. And to fulfill any eco-friendly needs, the pans are made from recycled aluminum and reinforced with a wobble-free base for extra strength and even heating.
Both saucepans have soft-grip Bakelite handles that are designed to stay cool on the stovetop and are oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. And when it’s time to clean up, just pop them into to dishwasher or wash by hand.
Pros:
- Made from recycled aluminum
- Ceramic non-stick coating
- PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium-free
- Available in nine colors
Cons:
- Some people may not want to saucepans
- No pour spout
8. Best Splurge: Le Creuset Toughened Non-stick PRO Saucepan
Sometimes you have to spend a little more to get a little more and other times you have to spend a lot to take it to another level altogether. Fans of the Le Creuset line of kitchen cookware know the quality and craftsmanship that goes into these products and are willing to pay the price for items that are durable and long-lasting.
This two-quart saucepan from Le Creuset’s non-stick PRO collection has a triple-reinforced PFOA-free surface that is four-times stronger than previous models for an uncompromising non-stick cooking experience. Whether you use a small amount of oil or none at all, it will still easily release food and wipe clean. The fully encapsulated aluminum core and induction-ready stainless steel base of the pan distribute heat evenly, no matter the stovetop. The textured interior promotes browning and searing to give you the upmost in versatility in cooking styles.
The pan has a long, stay-cool handle to allow for quick, comfortable movements and is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the tempered glass lid to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use metal utensils with this non-stick saucepan, and it is safe to clean it in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- PFOA-free
- Aluminum core
- Suitable for all stovetops
Cons:
- Expensive
- May be too large for some needs
What to look for when choosing a non-stick saucepan:
Size: Non-stick saucepans come in a variety of sizes from one quart to three quarts and sometimes larger. If you are one person and prepare small quantities of food, a one- or 1.5-quart saucepan will do. These are also more affordable than larger sizes. However, if you are an avid cook, you may require two or three of different sizes to accommodate your different cooking and recipe needs. Before choosing one for yourself, it’s best to determine how much food you would cook in it at a time.
The non-stick coating: We recommend that you look for a non-stick saucepan 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 if you do get a pan with PTFE, read the directions and keep it at a low or medium heat to stay on the safe side.
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, take the time to find a product without it.
Saucepan material: A lot of non-stick saucepans are made from aluminum because it retains heat well and transfers it easily across the whole cooking surface. While these are great pans, they usually do not work on induction cooktops. However, there are some non-stick saucepans that have a metal layer, making them suitable for an induction cooktop. Always read the specs to see if the saucepan you are interested in is compatible with your stovetop.
Handles and pour spouts: You might not think the kind of handle on a non-stick saucepan matters, but when it comes to keeping your hands safe from scorching heat and the pot from detaching from the handle when it’s filled with hot sauce, you’ll quickly realize how important it is. Look for a long handle, one that is made from a heat-resistant material like Bakelite, so you won’t risk burning yourself. As well, a handle that is deeply riveted to the pot instead of screwed on has less of a chance of loosening and falling off at an inopportune time – like when you are carrying the saucepan from the stove to the counter.
Some people don’t care if a saucepan has a spout or not, but one or two spouts can be really handy for mess-free, accurate pouring. When you’re dealing with hot liquids, it can make the difference between a clean pour or a hot mess.