A guide to buying non-stick cookware in the united states

Non-stick cookware is the most commonly used cooking utensil in every household’s kitchen. Their most significant advantages are that they are easy to clean and fuel-efficient. Especially for novices in cooking, non-stick pans can almost turn them into master chefs in seconds.

There are various brands and prices of non-stick cookware on the US market. This article will help you understand and choose a pot that works well for you.

Types of Nonstick Coatings

Non-stick frying pans are non-stick because of a special coating on the surface that allows the food to easily separate from the surface of the pan, even with no or very little oil.

There are three types of mainstream non-stick coatings on the market today:

• Teflon coating
• Medical stone, diamond coating
• Ceramic coating

The following is the specific introduction:

1. Polytetrafluoroethylene ( PTFE ) coating

This coating is used in most nonstick pans, it has an ultra-low coefficient of friction and high corrosion resistance, and it hardly reacts with any chemicals. It is difficult for other substances to adhere to their surface.

• Advantages: Strong non-stick, corrosion-resistant, insoluble in any solvent, and will not be decomposed by strong acid and alkali, can be used safely for a long time below 260°C (500°F).

• Disadvantages: PTFE may decompose and produce toxic gases when non-stick pans are left empty for extended periods to temperatures above 350°C (660°F).

The most well-known PTFE coating is Teflon, whose main producer is Chemours, a spin-off from DuPont. Another PTFE producer is Whitford, whose non-stick coating is called QuanTanium.

Is Teflon coating safe?

Many people still think Teflon is toxic, mainly because of the use of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), an adjuvant (emulsifier) ​​used in the production of PTFE coatings, in the early years of making nonstick pans.

PFOA is widely considered to be harmful to humans and can cause health problems including:

• Thyroid disease, testicular cancer, liver disease, infertility, birth defects, chronic kidney disease

However, the Teflon cookware listed after 2012 no longer uses PFOA, especially those big brand non-stick pans, which can be used with confidence.

2. Medical stone, diamond coating

This type of coating is mainly healthy and durable and requires high technology. For example, Swiss diamond nano-coating is the best technology of this kind at present.

This kind of coating is not easy to fall off, will not harm health, and will not cause environmental pollution, but must choose a big brand to ensure quality.

The first company to make Maifan stone pot was South Korea, but Ozeri from Germany did a better job, and also has a high market share.

The United States has strict access standards for medical stone and diamond-coated pots and will detect various indicators such as heavy metal content. So you can rest assured to buy such pots in the United States.

• Advantages: healthy and environmentally friendly, durable, the coating is not easy to fall off
• Cons: almost none

3. Ceramic coating

Ceramic coating is a coating prepared by sol-gel technology. Many of its properties are similar to ceramics, so it is called ceramic coating.

The most famous is Thermolon, which was jointly developed by South Korea and the United States.

• Advantages: high hardness, wear resistance, high-temperature resistance, and high appearance.
• Disadvantages: the longer it is used, the worse the non-stickiness, the shorter the service life, and the more expensive.

Read another article about Eco-Friendly Cookware Brand 

How to choose a nonstick pan

Aside from the coating, here are a few things to look out for when choosing a nonstick pan:

1. The material and thickness of the pot body

The body of the non-stick pan should not be too thin, at least the bottom of the pan should not be too thin, and a certain thickness can ensure that the heating is relatively uniform.

Coated non-stick pans have very high requirements on temperature. Therefore, the material of the pan body should preferably be heated evenly, so that there will be no local overheating of the bottom of the pan during heating, and it will be possible to further extend its life.

There are two main types of non-stick pans on the market:

• Aluminum alloy: there is a thick layer of aluminum oxide on the surface, high hardness, and wear resistance

• Stainless steel: There is a layer of chromium oxide on the surface, which has strong corrosion resistance

Many high-quality nonstick pans use anodizing, a process that hardens aluminum.

Anodized pots are chemically stable, do not decompose and release toxins, are extremely durable, are twice as hard as stainless steel, have a long life, are very resistant to corrosion and wear, and are not affected by extreme temperatures. damage.

2. Buy non-stick pans from big companies

Big brand non-stick coatings are more guaranteed in terms of quality and safety than no-name or small company coatings.

Beware that substandard non-stick coating may contain harmful PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), or the coating may peel off more easily.

3. Price

Both the coating type and the process will affect the price of a nonstick pan, and you can choose according to your needs.

The best nonstick cookware brands

There are many brands of non-stick cookware on the market, we have selected several reputable company brands, and their most popular non-stick cookware, both in terms of product quality and customer service can be guaranteed.

1. All-Clad

All-Clad is a very well-known brand of cookware and kitchen utensils in the United States, and their products are known for their sturdiness and durability.

The Company was born in 1967 during the American steel age, the founder John Ulam was an outstanding metallurgist. It started as a small metallurgical company specializing in formulating and bonding metals for a variety of industries.

Headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, All-Clad is known for innovative high-performance cookware.

DEachpot is inspected by hand to ensure quality. during the production process

From cookware to knives to accessories and more, every All-Clad product is meticulously crafted to exacting standards to ensure cookware performance and durability. View Items on Amazon

2. Calphalon 

Calphalon is also a big brand in the United States. The company was established in 1963. It mainly produces various kitchen utensils and small appliances. It is the most cost-effective among mid-to-high-end brands and has a good reputation.

His non-stick cookware adopts anodizing process, which has high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and long service life.

The non-stick coating uses a relatively advanced Teflon coating technology, mostly Platinum, Platinum Pro, and even Autograph levels. View Items on Amazon

3. Cuisinart 

Cuisinart was originally a French company. It was introduced to the United States in 1973 by American engineer Carl Sontheimer. After that, it rose to become a famous kitchenware brand in the United States, mainly designing and producing mid-to-high-end professional cooking utensils.

Since its establishment, the company has been in the top 3 kitchen appliances for a long time. Today, Cuisinart has firmly occupied the leading position in small kitchen appliances and cooking utensils in the United States.

The products have been featured in the New York Times, and many food bloggers have recommended his products, which are sold in more than 60 countries and regions.

Cuisinart products are complete and functional, whether preparing breakfast, lunch, or dinner or making desserts, Cuisinart kitchenware has almost all the kitchen utensils you need. View Items on Amazon

4. Ozeri 

Ozeri is a German company whose products are mainly divided into two series, “Modern Household Products” and “Healthy Living Products”. This is found in holiday homes worldwide whether it’s a majestic European mansion, a luxurious desert spa resort, or a private tropical resort.

Ozeri has a longstanding commitment to innovative design, high quality, durability, and lasting customer satisfaction. Their products have won many international awards.

Kitchen utensils mainly focus on middle and high-end medical stone non-stick pans, which are sold all over the world.

Unlike other brands, their final product price does not come with traditional advertising and marketing costs, so the price is relatively close to the people. View Items on Amazon

5. T-fal

This is a French brand, founded in 1954, and has now become the world’s leading kitchenware manufacturer, and enjoys world leadership in pressure cookers, small appliances for fire-free cooking, etc. T-fal is most famous for its flaming red dot patented technology, which is adopted by the Chinese kitchenware brand Supor.

When the heating reaches a certain temperature, the red dot will disappear, and the ingredients can be added to cook at this time. This function is very helpful for cooking beginners who are not good at mastering heat.

The coating of the T-fal non-stick pan is free of harmful substances such as PFOA, LEAD/PLUMB, CADMIUM, etc. It is safe and reliable. View Items on Amazon

6. Rachael Ray

This is a kitchenware brand authorized by Rachael Ray, a well-known American cooking show host. Rachael Ray is known as the queen of American TV cooking and has considerable appeal in the TV cooking show industry in the United States. Whether it is a housewife or a cook, she has watched her shows more or less.

Rachael Ray’s brand kitchenware is also endorsed by herself. It has a good aesthetic sense in design and has a very high-cost performance advantage. View Items on Amazon

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The Best Non-Stick Pans and Cookware Sets in Europe and America

1. All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick 8-Inch and 10-Inch Set

This set of nonstick pans includes an 8-inch and a 10-inch pan that will meet most home cooking needs, especially for scrambled eggs, roasts, or stir-fries.

The pot body is made of hard anodized aluminum, which is harder and more durable, and also makes the food heat more evenly. The scratch-resistant non-stick coating is PFOA-free, wear-resistant, and high-temperature resistant, and can be used in a 500°F (260°C) oven, which is unmatched by most other nonstick pans.

The handle is made of stainless steel, which is comfortable to hold and is fixed to the pot with stainless steel rivets, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off.

The bottom of the pan is stamped stainless steel to prevent warping, a common problem with aluminum frying pans, especially at high temperatures. It is also easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher, but the manufacturer still recommends hand washing.

2. Calphalon Classic All Purpose Nonstick 12-Inch Pan with Lid

This universal non-stick pan is specially designed for everyday cooking, suitable for all kinds of frying, sauteing, cooking, frying, and stewing. It’s made with a double-layer non-stick coating and durable hard-anodized aluminum for fast, even heating and easy cleaning.

Cast with two circular stainless steel handles, it replaces the traditional long handle, which keeps it cool during cooking and is easier to put in the oven. It is heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).

3. Calphalon hard anodized aluminum nonstick cookware set of 10

This set of nonstick pans includes an 8-inch frying pan, a 10-inch frying pan, a 1-liter stockpot with a lid, a 2-liter stockpot with a lid, a 3-liter stockpot with a lid, and a 6-liter wok with a lid.

Not dishwasher safe.

4. Cuisinart Chef Classic Quantum Peptide Nonstick 12-Inch with Lid

This is the most classic non-stick pan from Cuisinart. The pot body adopts a hard anodized quantum structure, does not contain aluminum, and the surface is reinforced with titanium, which is harder than stainless steel and has great wear resistance, durability, and professional performance. increase and the heating rate is faster and the heating is more uniform.

Read another article about Non-stick frying pans

The maximum heat-resistant temperature for use in an oven is 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). The product description mentions that a metal spatula can be used, but I think it is better to use a wooden or silicone spatula to be on the safe side.

5. Cuisinart hard anodized aluminum nonstick cookware set of 13

This set of nonstick cookware includes a 1.5-liter saucepan with lid, 2.5-liter saucepan with lid, 3-liter saucepan with lid, 4-liter Dutch Oven with lid, 8-liter stock pot with lid, steamer, 8-inch frying pan, 10-inch frying pan. It can meet all kinds of daily cooking needs.

6. Ozeri Maifan Stone Pan

Although the Teflon coating produced today is very safe, the medical stone non-stick pan that has become popular in recent years may be more reassuring.

This medical stone frying pan from Ozeri is very popular in the market, it has a German custom-hardened stone-derived paint, which has perfect anti-sticking and abrasion resistance.

The pot body is made of die-cast aluminum with a magnetized base, which can conduct heat quickly and make the heating more uniform.

The biggest advantage is that the coating is 100% free of chemical components such as APEO, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, and PFOA, and can be used with complete confidence.

7. T-fal Hard Anodized Aluminum Nonstick 12-Inch Pan with Lid

T-fal non-stick pans are well-received at home and abroad, and you can find a lot of user experiences on Amazon. The pot I’m presenting here sells very well on Amazon, and the quality, durability, and customer service are pretty solid.

The pot body is a hard-anodized aluminum structure, which not only speeds up cooking, but also provides better heat retention, is resistant to corrosion and scratches, and does not react with acidic foods.

With a long handle and a ring handle, it is easier to move the pan. The unique red dot indication technology can help you easily master the cooking heat and make the food more flavorful.

Some netizens commented on Zhihu, “T-fal non-stick pan is very good, very non-stick”, and “Even after more than 2 years of use, you can still fry eggs without oil, and it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.”

PFOA-free, lead-free, cadmium-free, healthy, and harmless. Suitable for all types of cooktops except induction cooktops. The maximum safe temperature in the oven is 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and the safe temperature for glass lids is 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

8. T-fal Tefal Red Dot Non-Stick Cookware 12-Piece Set

This set of non-stick cookware includes a 1-liter saucepan with lid, 2-liter saucepan with lid, 5-liter double ear saucepan with lid, 7.75″ frying pan, 10″ frying pan, 10.25″ square frying pan, spatula, spoon, slotted spatula.

All pots and pans are dishwashers safe.

9. Rachael Ray Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set of 12

This non-stick set includes a 1-liter stockpot with lid, 3-liter stockpot with lid, 3-liter saucepan with lid, 6-liter saucepan with lid, 8.5-inch frying pan, 10-inch frying pan, lo mein spoon, and spatula with the slot.

All pots are made of anodized aluminum technology, twice as hard as stainless steel, wear-resistant, and scratch-resistant, and heat up quickly and evenly.

Read another article about Rachael Ray Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set

Rachael Ray’s series of pot sets are all beautiful and have simple glaze on the outside. This set of pots has a lake-blue body and handle. It is very small and fresh and can add more beauty and a little literary atmosphere to the family.

How to open a non-stick pan

The biggest annoyance and trouble for many people when using non-stick pans is that the coating starts to fall off after a while, and the fried fish and eggs will stick to the pan.

The following introduces a simple method of opening and raising a pot. As long as once a month, you can make your pot more and more useful.

1. Wash the newly purchased non-stick pan with clean water first.

2. Fill the pot with 8/8 full of water and bring it to a boil.

3. Drain the water and wipe the inside and outside of the pot with kitchen paper.

4. Spread a thin layer of cooking oil in the pot.

Only need these four steps to complete the pot, and then repeat it once a month.

Read another article about 5 things you should know before buying your kitchen cookware

How to Extend the Life of Nonstick Pans

Proper use of the pan is also required to prolong the life of nonstick pans (especially coatings).

• Cook food on medium-low heat. If you need to cook on high heat, it should also be preheated to a simmer. Do not let the pan overheat. The high temperature will damage the non-stick coating.

• Never dry at a high temperature for a long time. When the temperature exceeds 350 degrees, the PTFE coating will begin to decompose and deteriorate.

• Never use non-stick cooking spray in non-stick pans, as over time a buildup can form on the surface of the pan that is difficult to remove.

• Don’t use a nonstick pan for acidic foods, or it will ruin the coating.

• Use a silicone, plastic, or wooden spatula, and avoid metal or sharp utensils to avoid scratching the coating.

• After use, wait for a bit of cooling before washing, and avoid immediate contact with cold water.

• When cleaning, use a soft cleaning cloth (such as a sponge or loofah) and mild detergent, never uses a rough scouring pad or wire ball.

• Even though some brands claim that their pans are dishwasher safe, try to hand wash them as much as possible, the high heat and pressure of the dishwasher can passivate and damage the coating of the pan.
• If you need to stack several pans to save space, place a rag or paper towel between the pans to protect the nonstick coating.