Tl;dr: Dive into the world of non-stick pans with our Curated Kitchen Expert guide, where we peel back the layers of this cooking staple that will become as indispensable in your kitchen as it is in ours.

Whenever I’m asked what my bare minimal kitchen essentials are, a few things come to mind: a chef’s knife, a silicon spatula, a toaster oven, and a nonstick frying pan. Give me these four tools and some form of heating element (a single burner induction cooktop will do), and I can turn out a three-course meal. When I first started cooking, I used non-stick pans and pots almost exclusively inline with my modest budget and also for fear of ruining a meal with improper heat control. Over the years, I’ve learned a few best practices: avoid spray oils as a residue eventually builds up, never heat the pan empty, don’t use it to deglaze sauces, and don’t chuck it in a dishwasher or you’ll ruin the coating, fast.

While the non-stick pan or nonstick skillet may not be the snazziest of equipment – how often do you see one hanging front and center in an aesthetically pleasing Instagram ad – they are a kitchen’s unsung hero and for beginner chefs, a godsend. Whenever I move to a new home, it’s one of the first few items I order, and even now, it is one of my favorite housewarming gifts. Why do I love them? They’re affordable, they make cooking a no-brainer, they’re a dream to cook eggs on, and because they have a wide base and flared sides, you can execute one-pan meals in them as easily as you would a medium rare steak.

Deciding which nonstick cookware to purchase is a bit more complicated and usually entails asking a few questions about its non-stick coating, which type works on induction stovetops, and whether it can still be used if the coating gets scratched. This comprehensive guide with top picks lays out everything you need to know about this kitchen essential so you add the best nonstick pan for your needs.

What Is A Non-Stick Pan?

Some food enthusiasts may turn their nose up at a non-stick pan, but they would be doing themselves (and their kitchen) a disservice. Whether you’re a beginner chef or an expert home cook, a non-stick pan is a kitchen must-have. It is designed to prevent food from sticking to the surface and makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. Love sauteing, weekend cheesy omelets, and delicate French crepes? A non-stick pan is your friend.

What to Consider When Buying a Non-Stick Pan

Why Choose A Non-Stick Pan?

A combination of durability, availability, value for money, and convenience are the top reasons that make non-stick pans popular. While they’re not forever pieces – like a cast iron skillet might be – they allow you to cook with less oil, execute one-dish meals easily, and don’t require too much maintenance (no seasoning is needed). An 8-inch size is great for single meals like the Caraway Non-Stick 8" Ceramic Fry Pan, Perracotta. For a family of four, the Zwilling Clad CFX 12-Inch, Stainless Steel, Ceramic, Non-Stick, Fry Pan does the job.

What Makes A Non-Stick Pan Not Stick?

The magic behind its nonstick surface lies in the coating made from PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic polymer defined by Science Direct as “nonreactivity, hydrophobicity, a low coefficient of friction, and good insulating properties.” In a cooking setting, this means it resists high heat well (but usually not above 400°F to avoid any release of chemicals), and does not allow food to stick to it easily, which makes it an excellent choice for flipping delicate proteins like fish, cooking with less fat and requires little maintenance (hand washing preferred) to keep it in excellent working condition.

Are Non-Stick Pans Safe?

When it comes to non-stick pans, this is the most commonly debated topic. The good news is manufacturers no longer produce nonstick pans using PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) or PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) the chemical patented by Teflon which made pots and pans nonstick but has also been linked to negative health implications. These days non-stick coating is made of PTFE, which when used correctly (wooden and silicone utensils only) presents no health issues. Regardless, when using a nonstick pan, take care not to preheat it empty, use low-medium heat, and if the non-stick coating is badly scratched and peeling you should replace it. If the non-stick coating is a PTFE-free ceramic material (they’re often advertised as green or eco-friendly) the same considerations apply, however, their non-stick properties may not last as long as those of PTFE-coated pans.

How Much Should You Spend On A Non-Stick Pan?

One of the big pros of a non-stick pan is its affordability. Do keep in mind that traditional non-stick cookware typically does not last more than a few years, so if purchasing, budget accordingly. There are higher-end models like Hestan NanoBond Titanium 12.5" Open Skillet, which cost more, but can last a lifetime. While some pans come with a warranty, this doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, or if you put it in the dishwasher and degrade its nonstick coating. Not sure when to replace your pan? To test the non-stick coating, use a small amount of water and drop it in the center of a thoroughly dry pan. If the water starts to bounce around and roll about the surface, its non-stick coating is intact. If the water spreads out and “sticks” to the pan’s surfaces, it shows the coating has deteriorated.

Different Types of Non-Stick Pans

Non-stick pans come in various shapes (square, round), sizes (8-inch to 12-inch) and materials, including anodized aluminum (Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan), stainless steel (Viking Professional 5-Ply 8", 20.3 cm., Eterna Non-Stick Fry Pan), and even metal bases with ceramic coating (Ballarini Parma Plus 11-Inch, Non-Stick, Grill Pan). Pay attention as well to its specs like 3-Ply and 5-Ply which indicate the layers of metal that help provide exceptional heat distribution and retention.

PTFE Coated Non-Stick Pans

PTFE-coated pans are a classic non-stick option, popularized by the brand Teflon. They contain an aluminum or stainless steel core with a slick PTFE surface that prevents food from sticking. However, due to their sensitive coating, wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils are still preferred.

Benefits:

• Excellent non-stick properties
• Easy to clean
• Available across a wide range of budgets

Be Aware:

• Potential for releasing harmful fumes if overheated above 500°F
• PTFE coatings can begin to degrade if damaged by heat or scratched by utensils
• Generally not dishwasher safe
• Avoid using a metal utensil to cook

Best For: Cooking eggs, pancakes, fish, and other delicate items that tend to stick.

Ceramic Coated Non-Stick Pans

A modern alternative to traditional non-stick pans, ceramic-coated pans are often marketed as a healthier choice, free from PTFE and PFOA. The ceramic coating is typically made from a silica-based gel that is cured onto the metal core, providing a non-stick surface that's free of PTFE and PFOA.

Benefits:

• Typically free of chemicals like PFOA and PFAS
• Ceramic coating withstands higher temperatures than traditional non-stick coating
• Aluminum core pans heat evenly ensuring uniform cooking

Be Aware:

• Less durable non-stick surface which can wear out faster or be prone to chipping or scratching
• Sensitive to sudden temperature changes, avoid overheating to maintain the integrity of the coating
• May not last as long as traditional non-stick pans, some coatings degrade within six months

Best For: Sauteing vegetables, preparing sauces, and cooking foods that require gentle heat.

Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Pans

Anodized aluminum pans are electrochemically treated to create a non-stick, scratch-resistant surface that's also non-reactive. An aluminum core provides excellent heat conductivity, ensuring even heat distribution while preventing hot spots. Some come with non-stick coating so check if it’s free PFTE and PFOA free.

Benefits:

• Durable with good heat conductivity
• Scratch-resistant
• Resistant to acidic degradation

Be Aware:

• Can be heavier than regular aluminum
• May require hand washing
• Wooden and silicon utensils are still preferred

Best For: General frying and sauteing, especially for acidic foods like tomato-based dishes.

Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Pans

These pans undergo an enhanced anodizing process to create an even tougher surface that's non-stick and highly durable. Preferred for its excellent heat conductivity, hard-anodized pans typically heat quickly and evenly, with no hot spots, which is ideal for consistent cooking results. Some come with an additional non-stick coating so check the quality of the PTFE coating.

Benefits:

• Very durable
• Excellent heat distribution
• Resistant to scratching and chipping
• Non-porous, so it doesn't absorb flavors or get stained easily.

Be Aware:

• Usually more expensive
• May not work on an induction stovetop unless a magnetic layer has been added to the base
• Oven-safe, but check manufacturer's specifications for the maximum safe temperature

Best For: Daily use for a variety of cooking methods, from searing to simmering.

Titanium Reinforced Non-Stick Pans

For users looking for a long-lasting non-stick pan that can withstand a bit more abuse, these high-performance pans feature chemically bonded non-stick coatings reinforced with titanium, providing increased durability (400% harder than typical stainless steel) and resistance to wear and tear.

Benefits:

• Extremely durable and can last a lifetime
• Resistant to scratching
• The non-stick coating won’t deteriorate like traditional nonstick coating

Be Aware:

• More expensive than other non-stick pans
• May still be prone to overheating issues
• Can discolor over time

Best For: Protein-rich foods, cheese-based dishes, and pan-seared meals.

Features to Look for When Buying a Non-Stick Pan

When eyeing a non-stick pan, consider the material for heat retention, weight for handling, maintenance for longevity, and price for budget-friendliness.

Material

Stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic nonstick offer different cooking experiences. The cooking surface is another detail to take note of, if you’re cooking using induction heat, be sure to check that your non-stick pan isn’t fully aluminum. It should have a bonded steel or aluminum and stainless steel mix for it to work on an induction cooker.

Weight

Non-stick pans aren’t typically heavy but you should still pay attention to this feature. Lighter aluminum models heat and cool fast while heavier models with more stainless steel take longer to preheat and hold their heat better.

Maintenance

One big downside of non-stick pans is it’s usually advised to hand wash them for fear of breaking down their non-stick coating. On the upside, a sponge, some dish soap, and warm water usually clean it fully. If you need something a little stronger to deal with burnt oil or food residue, baking soda, water, and a non-abrasive sponge should do the job. Just keep in mind to re-season the pan lightly with some oil.

Non-Stick Coating

If you’re determined to avoid PFOA-free products they've since been phased out so this should not be an issue. If you prefer not to have a nonstick pan with a PTFE coating, look also for terms like Dura-Slide, hard anodized aluminum, and T-fal as they’re just PTFE by another name. Another option is ceramic nonstick pans which are silica manufactured through a sol-gel process that’s often considered more green and eco-friendly.

Temperature

High heat is not recommended when using a non-stick pan – the non-stick coating can break down at 500°F – but you should still check the oven-safe guidelines. Some are oven-safe till 300°F (Ballarini Parma Plus 11-Inch, Non-Stick, Grill Pan), but there are some models that are oven-safe up to 500°F like the Viking Professional 5-Ply 8", Eterna Non-Stick Fry Pan.

How To Choose The Best Non-Stick Pan For You

Picking out the right non-stick pan can be overwhelming as there are so many good options available these days. To help the research and buying process these three personas may help you narrow down the choices.

Olivia

A health-conscious home cook, she’s looking for a low-maintenance pan to reduce the amount of oil and butter used in her cooking. She prefers an eco-friendly and PTFE-free model that’s in line with the rest of her lifestyle

Features Olivia Should look for:

• Prioritizes quality and aesthetics but also durability
• A non-stick pan that’s suitable for solo dining
• PTFE-free, non-stick coating that’s also easy to maintain

Non-Stick Pan Examples: Caraway Non-Stick 8" Ceramic Fry Pan, GreenPan Venice Pro 8" & 10" Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan Set, Hestan NanoBond Titanium 12.5" Open Skillet

Kelly

Kelly is a busy single parent who juggles full-time work and having her kids for half the week. She needs cookware that allows her to prepare quick and easy meals on the go and can handle daily use, even by teenagers.

Features Kelly Should Be Looking For:

• Budget-friendly pan in case the kids damage the non-stick coating
• Spacious design big enough for one-pot meals that serve 2-3
• Excellent heat retention properties for easier cooking

Non-Stick Pan Examples: Oxo Grips Non-Stick Pro 12 Inch Frypan, Zwilling Clad CFX 12-Inch Fry Pan, Scanpan Professional Fry Pan

Anthony

An aspiring home chef, Anthony’s eager to try out new recipes that require cookware that offers precise temperature control and a non-stick surface to be able to produce delicate crepes and a variety of sauces to dress up his meals.

Features Anthony Should Be Looking For:

• A professional-grade pan that can withstand the rigors of daily use
• Dishwasher-friendly and oven-safe for easy usage and clean-up
• Cooking-friendly features like “Thermopoint" technology that indicates when the pan is suitably heated up

Non-Stick Pan Examples: Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan, Ballarini Parma Plus 11-Inch, Non-Stick, Grill Pan, All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware, Square Griddle

Find the Best Non-Stick Pan for You

It can be overwhelming to try to find the right choice for your needs, particularly if you don’t have experience with non-stick pans. Ultimately it’ll boil down to personal preferences in terms of cooking style, weight, and even heat conductivity and non-stick durability. If you feel you need more information or advice, reach out to one of our Curated Kitchen Experts! Any of our Kitchen Experts would be more than happy to help you find the perfect grill pan that’s just right for you.