What is the best non-stick cookware available?

When it comes to non-stick cookware, there are a lot of options on the market. Non-stick pans allow you to cook with little to no oil, make cooking and cleaning up easy, and are a must-have for many home cooks. But not all non-stick pans are created equal – the quality can vary widely from brand to brand. This article will go over what to look for when buying non-stick cookware, provide an overview of the most popular non-stick pan brands, and make recommendations for the best non-stick pans for different needs and budgets.

What to Look for in Non-stick Cookware

When evaluating non-stick pans, here are some key factors to consider:

Non-stick coating durability – The non-stick coating should be durable enough to withstand regular cooking and cleaning without flaking or peeling. Quality non-stick coatings like ceramic and titanium are more durable than cheaper Teflon coatings.

Even heating – The pan should heat evenly to prevent hot spots while cooking.
Oven-safe – If you want to be able to transfer a pan from stovetop to oven, look for oven-safe non-stick cookware.
Dishwasher-safe – Pans that can be cleaned in the dishwasher are more convenient.

Comfortable handles – Handles should stay cool on the stovetop and have a comfortable grip.
Weight – Heavier pans tend to be better at heat conduction, but can be more difficult to maneuver.
Brand reputation – Stick to brands known for quality when buying non-stick pans.

Overview of the Most Popular Non-stick Cookware Brands

Here is a quick overview of some of the leading non-stick pan brands:

T-fal

T-fal makes affordable, beginner-friendly non-stick pans. Their non-stick coating is durable and pans distribute heat evenly. T-fal pans can be used on all stovetops including induction. Most are oven safe up to 350°F-400°F. T-fal offers both dishwasher safe and dishwasher safe options.

Calphalon

Calphalon is known for its hard-anodized aluminum non-stick pans which provide excellent heat conduction. Their non-stick coatings are PFOA-free. Most Calphalon pans have tempered glass lids and are oven safe. They are on the heavier side but handle well. Calphalon pans can be pricey but are very durable.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart offers non-stick pans across a wide range of prices. Their affordable chef’s pan line has a ceramic-based non-stick coating reinforced with titanium. Cuisinart’s pricier French style non-stick line is hard anodized and dishwasher safe. Most of their pans are oven safe up to 500°F.

All-Clad

All-Clad is known for its multi-ply bonded stainless steel cookware but also makes high end non-stick pans. Their non-stick cookware has anodized aluminum cores and PFOA-free non-stick coating. All-Clad pans heat evenly, are oven and dishwasher safe, and have a lifetime warranty but come at a luxury price point.

GreenPan

GreenPan makes ceramic non-stick cookware that is free of PFAS chemicals found in traditional Teflon non-stick. Their Thermolon Infinity Pro coating is durable, scratch-resistant, and oven safe up to 600°F. GreenPan pans have stainless steel handles and tempered glass lids. They are more eco-friendly but also expensive.

Scanpan

Scanpan specializes in PFOA-free ceramic titanium non-stick cookware made in Denmark. Their Stratanium non-stick coating is incredibly durable and metal utensil safe. Scanpan pans have anodized aluminum bodies and stainless steel handles. They distribute heat evenly and come with lifetime warranties.

The Best Non-stick Pans

Here are recommendations for the best non-stick pans in different categories:

Best Overall: All-Clad HA1 Non-stick

The All-Clad HA1 line is made with hard-anodized aluminum, has a PFOA-free non-stick coating, and is oven and dishwasher safe. The tri-ply bonded construction promotes even heating. The classic fry pan design has flared sides and is available in 8″ to 14″ sizes. This is one of the most durable and highest performing non-stick pans available.

Best Value: T-fal Professional Non-stick Pan

For an inexpensive but still high quality non-stick pan, the T-fal Professional line is a great choice. These hard anodized aluminum pans come in a variety of sizes and have a scratch-resistant titanium reinforced non-stick interior that heats evenly. The riveted silicone handles stay cool while cooking. Great value for performance.

Best Eco-Friendly: GreenPan Paris Pro

The GreenPan Paris Pro line features a durable ceramic non-stick coating free of PFAS chemicals. The anodized aluminum body allows for excellent heat distribution. Stainless steel handles stay cool while oven safe glass lids lock in heat. GreenPan provides a lifetime warranty against normal wear and tear.

Best Splurge: Scanpan CTX

The Scanpan CTX line features a patented ceramic-titanium surface called Stratanium that can withstand up to 500°F oven temp and searing on induction stovetops. The heavy duty pans heat evenly and have riveted stainless handles. If you want restaurant-grade performance in a non-stick pan, this is a worthwhile splurge.

Best Eco-Friendly Budget: OXO Good Grips Pro

OXO’s Good Grips Pro pans use a PFOA-free ceramic-reinforced coating. The hard anodized aluminum body distributes heat well. The stainless steel handles are contoured for comfort. OXO offers a satisfaction guarantee on their pans which have excellent performance for the reasonable price point.

Best Ceramic: GreenLife Soft Grip

The GreenLife Soft Grip line features the Thermolon Minerals ceramic non-stick coating that is durable and scratch-resistant. These lightweight pans heat fast and evenly. The riveted silicone handles provide a comfortable grip. The glass lids allow for monitoring cooking. An affordable ceramic non-stick option.

Best Set: Cuisinart 66-14 Chef’s Classic Non-stick

This 14-piece set from Cuisinart provides a great starter collection of essential pans. The aluminum pans have a hard anodized exterior, titanium reinforced non-stick interior, and stainless riveted handles. Oven safe to 500°F. The set includes 7″, 8″, and 9.5″ fry pans, 1.5 and 3 quart saucepans with lids, a 3.5 quart sauté pan with lid, and a 6 quart stockpot with lid.

Best Design: Calphalon Premier Space Saving

Calphalon’s Premier Space Saving line is uniquely designed to vertically nest and stack, saving 30% more space than traditional cookware. The hard anodized aluminum has a durable non-stick interior. The flat glass lids double as pans. An ideal set for small kitchens or RV use while still providing premium performance.

Best Electric: Cusibox Electric Induction Cooktop

For electric non-stick performance, the Cusibox portable induction cooktop is a great option. It has adjustable temperature and timer settings. The ceramic glass surface is scratch resistant and easy to clean. Auto-shut off and pan detection provide safety. It works with all induction ready cookware. Compact for easy stowing when not in use.

Best for Eggs: HexClad Hybrid

HexClad makes hybrid cookware that combines a stainless steel exterior with a PFOA-free non-stick interior. The unique hexagon design appears etched into the metal. The tri-ply stainless and aluminum interior provides even heating. Great heat retention and durability make these pans perfect for delicate egg cooking.

Non-stick Cookware Comparison Table

Brand	Line	Non-stick Surface	Composition	Oven Safe?	Dishwasher Safe?	Special Features
All-Clad	HA1	PFOA-free	Hard-anodized aluminum	Yes, to 500°F	Yes	Tri-ply bonded. Excellent heat conduction and durability.
T-fal	Professional	Titanium reinforced	Hard anodized aluminum	Yes, to 400°F	Yes	Budget-friendly. Scratch resistant interior.
GreenPan	Paris Pro	Ceramic Thermolon Infinity	Anodized aluminum	Yes, to 600°F	Yes	Eco-friendly ceramic coating. No PFAS.
Scanpan	CTX	Ceramic titanium Stratanium	Anodized aluminum	Yes, to 500°F	Yes	PFOA-free. Metal utensil safe.
OXO	Good Grips Pro	Ceramic-reinforced	Hard anodized aluminum	Yes, to 400°F	Yes	Reasonable prices. Stay cool handles.
GreenLife	Soft Grip	Thermolon Minerals ceramic	Aluminum	No	Yes	Affordable ceramic coating.
Cuisinart	Chef’s Classic	Titanium reinforced	Hard anodized aluminum	Yes, to 500°F	Yes	Good quality set at reasonable price.
Calphalon	Premier Space Saving	PFOA-free	Hard anodized aluminum	Yes	Yes	Unique space saving vertical nested design.
Cusibox	Portable Induction	N/A	Ceramic glass top	No	Yes	Electric/induction cooktop for non-stick pans.
HexClad	Hybrid	PFOA-free	Stainless steel tri-ply with aluminum core	Yes	Yes	Stainless exterior with non-stick interior. Great for eggs.

Non-stick Pan Care Tips

To get the most out of your non-stick pans and keep them in good condition, follow these care tips:

Use low to medium heat when cooking – This prevents burning or degrading the non-stick coating.
Don’t preheat pans empty – Always add a bit of oil or cooking fat before heating.

Avoid metal utensils – Use wood, silicone or plastic utensils to prevent scratches.
Don’t overcrowd pans – Cook food in batches if needed to avoid overflowing pan.
Let pans cool before washing – Sudden temperature changes can damage non-stick.

Wash by hand or dishwasher – Follow manufacturer instructions.
Store carefully – Avoid stacking non-stick pans directly inside one another.

Conclusion

Choosing the right non-stick pan depends on your cooking needs and priorities. Make sure to consider the coating durability, ease of use and cleaning, heat conduction, and safety. Top rated options include All-Clad HA1 for premium performance, affordable T-fal Professional for beginners, GreenPan Paris Pro for an eco-friendly choice, or Scanpan CTX for restaurant-grade durability. Follow the care tips outlined to get the longest life from your new non-stick cookware.