It’s true. Your enjoyment of cooking might have something to do with whether or not your food is getting ruined by sticking to cookware, and how much time you spend cleaning those sticky pots and pans. So why not reduce time cleaning dishes and looks at options that feature nonstick surfaces? In this list we’ll take a look at the best nonstick cookware brands and briefly cover some of their best cookware sets for your kitchen.

All Clad

Originally a minting company for coins, All Clad was founded by John Ulam in 1967 after experimenting with making a new skillet for his home kitchen. Since, the company is known worldwide as a great manufacturer of stainless steel and nonstick products. All Clad was traditionally most popular in commercial kitchens for the practical and durable design of their cookware. Now they remain at the top with American-made products that honor the tradition of multi-clad excellence.

All Clad Essentials Nonstick Cookware Set

The All Clad Essentials set is one of the best values for a durable hard anodized aluminum because the three-layer PTFE nonstick coating (polytetrafluoroethylene is used in all conventional nonstick cookware) is rugged, and the aluminum material is a heavy grade that is resistant to warping. The glass lids give an easy way to view the ingredients while they cook while keeping the moisture locked in. The one thing to consider about this set is that it’s not compatible with induction (for that you’ll want to check out the HA1 set) and some people find the handles to be less ergonomic than some of the other available options. While this set is dishwasher-safe, oven proof to 500°F, it’s important to avoid using metal utensils as it can scratch the nonstick coating.

Anolon

Founded in 1989 as the response to home cooks who demanded higher quality cookware, Anolon belongs to the Meyer family of products similar to Circulon and KitchenAid. Anolon sits toward the top of the company as their premiere product line that brings a heavy-duty elegance and professional quality to home chefs. If you’re needing some options with a silicone handle that is comfortable and easy to grip, the Anolon Advanced cookware set is a great mid range option.

Anolon X Hybrid Nonstick Cookware Set

The Anolon X set is a hybrid design similar to Hexclad in that it’s highly durable and safe for use with metal utensils, but the main difference is Anolon X uses a singular piece of hard anodized aluminum as their base material, which keeps the production simple, higher performing (aluminum is better for transferring heat than stainless). Oven-safe to 500°F and compatible with induction cooktops, these skillets and sauce pans are among the best nonstick cookware sets. The main thing to consider is that these pans are more expensive than some other nonstick options and despite having a longer lifespan, they will still need to be replaced in the future like any other nonstick.

Calphalon

One of the pioneers of hard anodized aluminum, Calphalon was founded in 1963 and has maintained their commitment to providing high quality tools for the kitchen. While their earlier innovations made the name, it’s their consistent quality that has kept them in positive regard with home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Cookware Set

The Calphalon Premier Space-Saving set has a stackable design that requires about 30% less storage space than similar options. The stackable design allows the handles to nest on each other (even the sauté pan), protecting the durable MineralShield technology. The ergonomic handles have a wishbone design that dissipates heat and keeps the grip comfortable and cool. Overall this set is rugged, safe for use with metal utensils and it’s good to go in the dishwasher. For the price, it’s a good option and the only thing to keep in mind is that even though they say it’s covered with a lifetime warranty…good luck getting them to back their product.

Caraway

Relatively new to the cookware industry, Caraway was founded in 2018 and has gained a lot of popularity on social media platforms for their colorful and simple design while also implementing a ceramic nonstick coating that is free of harmful chemicals. Their product is very similar to Greenpan in performance, so a Caraway skillet will be great for frying an egg with reduced oil, and their sauté and saucepans are great for pan-frying at medium heat (make sure not to scorch the pan with too high of heat).

Caraway Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set

Caraway’s seven-piece cookware set is perfect for anyone who’s wanting something simple, colorful and elegant because it has a Dutch oven that can handle a wide range of kitchen duties from baking or slow stewing as a stockpot. Just make sure to only use soft-tipped utensils like a spatula or slotted spoon because ceramic nonstick coatings are a little more fragile than standard nonstick coatings. But this is the current trade-off if you want the peace of mind that your cookware doesn’t use PFAS or PTFE. Stylish as it is, this cookware set might be less of a good value compared to the Greenpan Valencia, as they both offer almost the exact same performance and lifespan.

Cuisinart

Founded in 1971 by Carl Sontheimer as a manufacturer of electronic food processors that would be easy to use for anyone with a disability, the company rapidly grew in popularity and has since branched out to cover all needs in the kitchen. While some of their contributions to modern cookware have been average, they have always provided quality options for all budgets.

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Cookware Set

The Chef’s Classic Cookware set is perfect for anyone who’s needing high quality on a budget. It’s hard anodized aluminum coated with their Quantanium nonstick coating that blends alloy with PTFE to deliver a durable product. The stainless steel handles have an ergonomic grip and the steamer insert for the stock pot provides versatility. Overall, this set isn’t going to be the most durable, but it is the best durability for the price.

Greenpan

Founded in 2007 in an effort to respond to the growing (now proven) concerns about the use of PFOA and PFAS chemicals in nonstick cookware, Greenpan set out to offer silicon ceramic nonstick options that offer a high quality nonstick experience that is free of harmful chemicals like PTFE. While the initial product they released was not very durable and prone to chipping, their recent evolutions of the ceramic coating is much more resistant to scratching. As the company evolves and improves their ceramic formulas, we can expect more lifespan from their pots and skillets.

Greenpan Valencia Pro Nonstick Cookware Set

The Valencia Pro Ceramic nonstick cookware set is built for the modern cook as it’s compatible with induction cooktops and made with durable and high-performing hard anodized aluminum. Oven-safe to an above average 600°F, this set is designed to outlast nonstick options that use conventional Teflon (PTFE) coatings. Available in a variety of colors that inspire, great for pancakes the Valencia sits in at a value that is solidly mid-range. The main thing to consider with ceramic cookware is that it does require a very particular set of care instructions to make sure it maintains its life and performance. Good to avoid high heat, metal utensils!

Hexclad

Immediately recognized as one of the most innovative designs in cookware, Hexclad was founded in 2013 by Danny Winer and Cole Mecray who were both trying to survive in their low-paying jobs. After spending some time in cookware sales, they got inspired to make something new and founded the idea for Hexclad. Now seen as the standard for durable hybrid nonstick cookware that combines stainless steel with nonstick to make a surface that is tough, safe for metal utensils, and still a high-performing nonstick.

Hexclad Hybrid Cookware Set

The Hexclad Hybrid set is great for all stovetops with its multilayered construction that blends an aluminum core with a stainless steel exterior and a PTFE nonstick coating is applied to the stainless. Overall with proper care, this set could last for decades and would be perfect for anyone with children who want to help in the kitchen but might not know how to perfectly care for nonstick pans. Some of the drawbacks is that this cookware will eventually wear out and because it has a higher cost, it’s a lot of money for something that is ultimately disposable.

Le Creuset

Founded in 1925 as a manufacturer of French enameled cast iron cookware, Le Creuset is celebrated around the world for their elegant and colorful Dutch ovens. With so much time invested in the industry, the company has expanded into nonstick cookware that sets a bar above the average, featuring a lifetime warranty that covers the nonstick coating.

Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Cookware Set

The Toughened Nonstick set from Le Creuset is made in Spain and is built to outlast other options on the market that use a PTFE nonstick coating (PFOA-free). Oven safe to 500°F (425°F with the tempered glass lids) and metal utensils safe, their nonstick skillets are made with extra-thick hard anodized aluminum and have a magnetic stainless steel insert to make sure they’re compatible with induction cooktops. While these are among the more expensive options in the industry, they’re also back with a stronger warranty and a 90-day trial period that lets you return them hassle-free if you’re not satisfied.

Scanpan

A family company, Scanpan was founded in 1956 in Denmark and has always been known for high-quality nonstick products that use 100% recycled hard anodized aluminum. Their Stratanium nonstick coating blends PTFE with Titanium and is recognized in the industry as one of the most durable nonstick coatings available.

Scanpan Haptiq Cookware Set

The Scanpan Haptiq set is the peak of nonstick design and durability as it’s fully safe for use with metal utensils, oven-proof to 500°F, and has a rugged 5-ply stainless steel construction. The texture of this nonstick coating is similar to a cast-iron skillet in that it’s rough and perfect for searing. This cookware set comes with a lifetime warranty that covers chips, pitting, deep scratches, bubbles, etcetera, and that’s unique because most nonstick companies don’t back their warranties!

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect cookware set can be a headache with the dozens of brands and options to choose from, not knowing what’s going to last long or be safe to use.

Overall, it’s good to remember that all nonstick cookware will eventually fail and need to be replaced, and even if they say it’s chemical-free, there’s still a lot of chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

So, if you’re looking for cookware that will last forever, then a little bit of butter goes a long way with stainless steel cookware, carbon steel, or cast iron skillets! Still need some guidance for your particular budget and needs? You’re invited to connect with one of our Experts in the kitchen department!