A good non-stick pan is a must-have item in any Canadian and American kitchen, perfect for making eggs, pancakes, delicate fish, or crepes. The coating doesn’t just help prevent food from sticking. It also makes cleanup easier. To find out which nonstick pots and pans deserve a home in your kitchen, we’ve compiled a ranked list of some of the best nonstick pans on the market.
OXO Good Grips Pro Nonstick Pan
Main feature:
- Cook’s Illustrated Top Rated Nonstick Pans
- Excellent thermal conductivity and scratch resistance
- Three-layer, PFOA-free German-engineered nonstick coating
- Comfortable stainless steel handle
- Up to 430°F (220°C) oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Piping for non-drip pouring
- Compatible with most stove tops, except induction
Overview:
This 10-inch nonstick pro open fry pan is a winner from the start. The long metal handle is smooth and ergonomically designed, making this medium-weight saucepan comfortable to hold and balance.
In terms of performance, the OXO was a success in all of our tests. Fried eggs move freely in the pan, even without any cooking oil. And the angle of the pan’s edges makes flipping over simple eggs effortless with a flick of the wrist. The omelets we made with it were equally impressive. It didn’t stick at all or leave any residue in the pan. We ended up with a dish that we’re proud to serve in restaurants. What’s more, the handle stays cool while in use.
The pan heats up quickly. When we added room-temperature water to the preheated pan, it was one of the only ones that came back to its original temperature within a minute. Our pancake test further evidenced the heat recovery, resulting in a light and fluffy pancake that browned on both sides.
When we put it all together, we had no hesitation in naming this 3-layer PTFE, heavy-gauge anodized aluminum pan the best overall nonstick pan.
All-Clad Stainless Steel 10-Inch Non-Stick Fry Pan
Main feature:
- 3-layer bonded structure
- Easy-to-clean non-stick coating
- Externally compatible with all induction and traditional cooktops
- Must-Have Cookware for Novice or Seasoned Chefs
- Perfect housewarming gift
Overview:
The All-Clad brand is known for producing the highest-performing bonded stainless steel pans. They make our favorite stainless-steel skillets. So we weren’t surprised when they scored excellent on our nonstick tests. This pan features its famous all-clad stainless steel bottom, topped with three layers of PFOA-free nonstick coating. Although we recommend hand washing the nonstick pan, it is also dishwasher and oven safe up to 500°F (260°C).
Functionality aside, the induction-compatible All-Clad earned top marks in all of our tests. Our French omelet glides easily on the nonstick surface, and pancakes come out light and fluffy. Of all the pans in our test group, the All-Clad heated the fastest and most evenly, browning pancakes on both sides.
This is one of the heaviest pans we’ve tested, but the straight handle design creates balance by placing the weight on the pan’s far edge. While it’s a bit too heavy to comfortably flip eggs, the nonstick coating still does its job. The eggs release easily, and we can flick them with a spatula, even though we don’t use any cooking oil, so we have no problem using it to fry eggs.
Mauviel M. Steel, Carbon, Nonstick Fry Pan
Main feature:
- Made of extra-thick black carbon steel. Iron handle.
- Excellent thermal conductivity—ideal for scorching temperatures.
- Commercial-grade durability withstands high temperatures.
- Naturally non-stick. The pan will develop a natural non-stick property and darken over time.
- Can be used on all cooking surfaces. Gas, electric, induction, and halogen cooktops and ovens
- Lifetime warranty against any home manufacturing defects.
Overview:
Unlike other pans on this list, the Mauviel M’Steel 12.5-inch Black Carbon Steel Fry Pan does not contain a nonstick coating. In contrast, carbon steel cookware is seasoned with a layer of oil (similar to what you’d find on a cast iron skillet). This makes the pan naturally nonstick, so it will last longer than coated nonstick pans, although it cannot be cleaned with soapy water.
When we tested the best carbon steel pans, the Mauviel M’Steel exceeded our expectations in nearly every way. This French-made pan is easy to season and gets a nonstick coating in no time. Our fried eggs and French omelets glide easily in the pan without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
In addition to poaching eggs, this skillet heats up quickly and maintains that heat for an even sear on both sides of the steak. It’s also oven-safe, and it excels at cooking stir-fried vegetables. We love that it’s one of the lightest carbon steel pans we’ve tested, weighing in at just over 3 pounds, and the straight 9-inch handle balances the weight perfectly, making it feel like an extension of our arm when we use it.
If we had one complaint, it would be that the handles are a bit uncomfortable and the internal cooking area is a bit smaller than other pans we tested. For perfectly cooked food, that’s a small downside.
GreenPan Ceramic SmartShape Nonstick Pan
Main feature:
- GreenPan’s Thermolon healthy ceramic non-stick coating is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
- Safe for metal utensils, the line’s diamond-enhanced coating is extremely durable.
- SmartShape’s magneto induction base brings effortless searing and browning to all stovetops.
- Oven safe to 320 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- Large, V-shaped fireproof panels keep handles cool.
- The stackable design increases rack space by up to 30%.
- Suitable for all jobs, including induction
Overview:
SmartShape is a smarter way to cook. The skillet is made from double-forged hard-anodized aluminum and has a magneto base, which means it’s incredibly strong and produces incredible results on all cooktops, including induction.
The handles stay cool thanks to the rivetless V-shaped design, which makes these pans easy to store and stack. Finished with our diamond-enhanced ceramic nonstick coating, this pan offers unrivaled performance and effortless cleanup. Dishwasher safe. The oven is safe up to 320 °F.
Nonstick Hestan ProBond Collection Clad Pan
Main feature:
- To prevent dangerous wear and tear, it is encased in stainless steel.
- Chef-inspired flush rivets make Hestan cookware easy to clean by preventing food from building up.
- The exclusive triple-bonded stainless-steel base delivers 35% greater heat conductivity.
- Faster recovery time to stay in control of temperature and timing.
- Hestan’s ProBond Collection is oven- and broiler-safe. heat-resistant up to 600 °F
Overview:
The price of the Hestan ProBond forged stainless steel nonstick pan will blow your mind. However, we can’t deny that this pan does a very good job.
It features the unique titanium non-stick coating, a three-layer PFOA-free non-stick coating reinforced with diamond particles and fixed to the pan with durable titanium plasma technology. The pan is a bit heavy, but the eggs moved freely during testing, and it created one of the best omelets in the group. It also conducts heat very efficiently, heats up quickly, and holds its heat very well. If budget is no object, we have no hesitation in recommending this printer.
Gotham Steel Ti-Cerama 9.5-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan
Main feature:
- The nonstick coating ensures easy food release without the need for oils or butter.
- This frying pan is generously coated three times, ensuring foods and liquids don’t stick to your pan.
- The unique Ti-Cerama finish is completely dishwasher safe and allows for an easy wipe-down after use.
- The pan is designed with a spiralized bottom, quickly distributing heat from end to end.
- The cool-touch stainless steel handle stays cool on and off the stove.
- 100% free of PFOA, PFOS, and other harmful chemicals, including lead and cadmium.
Overview:
We were very impressed with the Gotham Steel 9.5-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan considering its extremely low price tag. It’s one of the lightest pans we’ve tested, and its all-aluminum base helps it heat up quickly.
The Ti-Cerama titanium-enhanced ceramic coating creates a great non-stick surface. Our omelets came out the perfect color and didn’t stick at all. In terms of performance, it’s certainly comparable to more expensive pans, but the handle is very uncomfortable and gets hot after prolonged use.
The pan also has some scratches from normal use, so we don’t expect it to last a lifetime.
Scanpan Classic 9.5-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan
Main feature:
- Black pressure-cast aluminum
- Ceramic-titanium nonstick
- Patented spring-lock handle
- Will not warp, peel, blister, or crack.
- Oven safe up to 500°F
Overview:
This Danish-made nonstick pan features proprietary PFOA-free ceramic titanium, making it unique among the PTFE pans we tested. This type of nonstick coating is said to be safe for use on metal utensils, which is usually a big no-no for nonstick pans.
Sure enough, the Scanpan Classic skillet was one of the only ones to pass our scratch test with honors. After we scrubbed with steel wool and scratched with a metal utensil, visible marks were evident, but no scratches penetrated the surface. However, it was the only pan we tested that deformed when heated and placed in cold water.
The pan felt light in my hands during testing, and its short handle made it easy to handle—although the plastic material of the handle does get hot after prolonged use. This is one of the few pans we tested that doesn’t have a handle attached to the inside of the pan, making it easier to clean. Unfortunately, the bottom of the pan is heavy and takes the longest to warm up.
Easy to clean and scratch-resistant, the Scanpan Classic Fry Pan is an attractive product. This pan will last you a long time, as long as you take care not to expose it to sudden changes in temperature, such as leaving it in the sink while it’s hot.
Tramontina Professional Restaurant 10-Inch Nonstick Skillet
Main feature:
- Heavy-gauge aluminum alloy
- Reinforced nonstick coating
- Cast stainless steel handle with three solid alloy rivets
- NSF Certified, removable silicone grip
- Compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops
- Oven-safe up to 400°F (204°C), dishwasher-safe
Overview:
Tramontina’s PRO line of restaurant skillets is designed and built to withstand the rigors of a professional kitchen and easily adapt to both domestic and non-commercial use.
Perfect for frying, sauteing, and searing your favorite recipes, the skillet’s commercial-grade, heavy-gauge aluminum construction distributes heat quickly and evenly, while the reinforced nonstick interior allows food to release easily from the pan for easy cooking and cleanup. The cast stainless steel handle is riveted for extra support and features a versatile, removable silicone soft grip. This cookware is NSF-certified, compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops, and oven safe up to 400 °F (204 °C).
This cookware is part of the Tramontina Professional collection, designed and crafted to optimize performance in restaurant and gourmet kitchens. Design, materials, finishes, and fixtures have been carefully selected to meet the expectations of professional chefs.
Important Factors to Consider Before Buying a Nonstick Pan
We all know this cooker is considered the second-most important part of the kitchen, after making delicious omelets and French toast. No matter how good your cook is or how fresh your ingredients are, pans can limit the potential of all your meals.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a nonstick pan that meets all your needs and fits your budget. You have so many choices, and the price, brand, material, durability, and features will make your head spin.
But don’t worry; the next time you’re out shopping for a new pan, here are a few things to consider to get the right pan for your needs. 6 important factors to look out for when making your next purchase are:
Security Question
The first point to check before buying a nonstick pan is safety. Because when it comes to food, safety should be your first concern.
It’s not a wise trade-off between your health and safety or the safety of your money when shopping for nonstick pans. Check what the surface of the pan is made of. Depending on how these pans are made, some of them are made using a harmful chemical called PFOA.
So when you’re shopping for a nonstick pan, make sure it’s PFOA-free. You can always check with the manufacturing company to learn more about how their product is made.
Construction of the pan
Aside from safety concerns, it’s also important to understand the materials used to make nonstick pans. As well as the craftsmanship used, this can directly affect the quality of the pan.
When you go out and buy a pan, make sure it’s made with at least five layers of metal cladding. This feature ensures that the pan is made of carefully layered metal for superior performance.
Also, keep an eye out for poor-quality pans. They’ll be cheaper, and most don’t wear clothes. This can lead to decreased pan durability and uneven heating. It might help to remember all the fluffy pancakes you can make with these pans.
How they work
To understand the features of a nonstick pan, they should include durability and even heat distribution. Beyond that, you should also check that the cookware is oven-safe, has an easy-to-clean surface, or has a warranty.
Your cookware should match you and your lifestyle. Since cooking is considered a personal thing and everyone has their way of doing it, this pan has everything you need.
So, before you set out to buy a nonstick pan, it’s best to make sure it’s fit for your purpose.
Pan Durability
When we decide to invest in new cookware, we naturally want it to last. Some nonstick pans tend to last longer than others. For example, ceramic cookware is considered very delicate due to the nature of the material.
So it makes sense to look for pans made with smart manufacturing processes and sturdy materials. These pants will truly stand the ultimate test of time.
Two coatings
In modern times, two different types of nonstick coatings have been used. One of the most commonly used coatings is PTFE, commonly known as Teflon. Teflon is a waterproof synthetic coating. Another type of coating is labeled “ceramic coating,” which is a silicone-based coating.
However, you should know that both coatings do a good job of keeping food from sticking to the pan.
However, pans coated with Teflon are generally considered to be more durable than pans coated with ceramic. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the guidelines, mainly to avoid scratching the surface of your cookware!
What material to use
Now that we’ve talked about coatings, it’s time to discuss the types of materials used to make nonstick pans. Most pans are made of three layers of stainless steel or aluminum.
Stainless steel pans are known to be effective in providing even heat distribution. However, they tend to be not only on the heavier side but also more expensive tools.
Aluminum pans, on the other hand, can heat up quickly, but they’re not ideal for even heat distribution. You also can’t use them on induction burners unless you use a stainless steel plate under them. If you cook on an induction hob, remember to check the packaging to see if the pan is compatible.
Tip: Use a magnet to see if it sticks to the bottom of the pan. If so, then you are good to go!
Final thoughts
All in all, what we’re trying to say is that the factors we’ve discussed here can help you find the nonstick pan of your dreams. Cheap, uneven heating pans are easy scams, but you should be able to tell the difference by now!
Remember, never seek a middle ground when it comes to the health and safety of you and your family. Invest in a pan that doesn’t have a harmful coating, even if it’s a bit more expensive. It will be worth it, as they last a long time too.
