What company makes the best non stick cookware?

What’s more, a PTFE coating that says it’s PFOA-free could very well use one of the thousands of lesser-known PFAS chemicals currently unreviewed by regulators in its place, and they don’t have to disclose it to the public because it’s considered trade-secret information. Neat, huh?

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Because PTFE coatings have acquired the reputation they have, manufacturers use various names to obscure the fact that their pans contain PTFE. Terms and brands like T-fal, hard-anodized aluminum, Dura-Slide, DuPont Platinum—the list goes on—are all PTFE by another name.

The exception is ceramic nonstick, which comes from silica manufactured through something called a sol-gel process that creates a nontoxic nonstick cooking surface. The downside to ceramic nonstick is that it typically only lasts one to three years before losing its nonstick properties.

We mention all this not to be alarmist, but just to reinforce the point that you should be careful with your nonstick pan: Don’t subject it to the highest heat, don’t do anything that could scratch the coating like using metal, and do replace it every five years or so.

If all of this dissuades you from wanting a nonstick pan, that’s okay too. A nonstick pan is convenient, but it is not an irreplaceable piece of cookware. Sometimes, the best nonstick frying pan out there is a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or carbon-steel pan. In the right hands (and with proper technique) a stainless-steel skillet can do pretty much everything you need a pan to do as well. Check out our reviews for the best cast-iron, carbon-steel, and stainless-steel pans for more information.

How we tested

To assess the merits of each nonstick frying pan, first we cooked pancakes in them—no butter or oil allowed—to see how easily the pancakes pulled away from the surface and how evenly they browned. Then we fried an egg in each pan, again without using fat. Finally, we made scrambled eggs in a dry pan to check for even heating and to note how much food residue would get left behind. We also took into consideration the weight of the pans, how quickly they heated up and cooled down, and how easy they were to clean.

What we looked for

How effective is the nonstick coating right out of the box?

This was a simple one: If we couldn’t flip a pancake, fry an egg, or make scrambled eggs without a cooking fat when it was brand-new, the pan wasn’t worth our time.

What material is the nonstick coating made of?

We split the nonstick pans into two camps—ceramic and traditional PTFE-based nonstick. We paid attention to the longevity claims regarding the surface and made note of any warranty information provided by each brand that could be used to back those claims up.

How quickly does it heat up? Is the heat evenly distributed?

We put about two tablespoons of water in each pan before turning on the burner. We timed how long it took for the water to boil or start “dancing around the pan.” We took note of the pans that were remarkably fast or insanely slow to heat up. We also checked if the pan conducted heat evenly across the surface. When we flipped our pancakes, we looked for areas that were lighter and darker, which would indicate cool spots and hot spots, respectively. We also gave props to pans that were induction cooktop friendly, but as most pans are actually induction compatible, that did not make or break any decisions.

How easy is the pan to handle, clean and store?

Outside of function, we considered how much work we had to put into caring for the pan. Was it easy to clean? Did it take up a lot of space due to an extra-long handle? Was it uncomfortably heavy to use with one hand? Did it come with a removable silicone handle? We stuck to pans in the 10- to 12-inch range to keep cooking surface consistent, but differences in weight and handle shape and length abounded.

Does the nonstick coating last?

Last but not least, we researched durability, and specifically how the nonstick coating fared over time. This involved interviewing Epi team members who own these pans themselves. We also scoured online reviews for mentions of wear and longevity, though we gave these less weight than our experienced staff's notes. Ultimately any complaint about nonstick pan's lifespan from someone who has owned more than a couple of years should be taken with a grain of salt. As mentioned earlier, no ceramic or PFAS-based nonstick coating will last forever.

Other ceramic nonstick pans we tested

Caraway Fry Pan

The Caraway Fry Pan is ceramic-coated and comes in an array of pleasant colors and can withstand high temperatures. It is ceramic and oven-safe up to 550°F—an unusually high temperature rating, even among the ceramic-coated pans. The nonstick surface performed extremely well during testing; we were able to slide an egg off of it with with ease, but we found the coating was far from scratch-resistant: It scuffed quickly and easily, which was hard to get past.

GreenPan Venice Pro

The GreenPan Venice Pro performed similarly to the Paris pan, but thanks to its stainless-steel core, it’s noticeably heavier. We don’t see much benefit to using a nonstick pan with a stainless-steel core over an aluminum one, and considering the price difference, the Paris Pro is a better bet.

GreenPan Venice Pro Stainless Steel Healthy Ceramic Nonstick

Kyocera Ceramic Coated Nonstick Pan

The Kyocera Ceramic Coated Nonstick Pan is sealed with a proprietary coating that’s PTFE-, PFOA-, and cadmium-free, and it has a thick aluminum base clad with a stainless-steel plate that makes for quick and even heat distribution. However, Epi contributor Anna Stockwell reported that the ceramic coating on her Kyocera pans stopped working after just a few months, and we found a number of online reviews that claimed the same thing.

Great Jones Large Fry

The Great Jones Large Fry—measuring just over 10 inches wide, so not that large—is aesthetically very pleasing but tripped up big on one test. While it heated quickly and made evenly browned pancakes, the fried egg stuck to the pan’s cooking surface; gently trying to nudge it free with a rubber spatula resulted in a broken yolk.

Five Two Essential Nonstick Skillet

The ceramic Five Two Essential Nonstick Skillet has a heatproof welded-on handle—meaning no rivets where scrambled egg gunk can get stuck. Like all ceramic pans, it didn’t perform as well as its standard nonstick counterparts with the same (or lower) prices, but it cooked eggs and pancakes evenly.

Other Teflon pans we tested

Scanpan Classic Fry Pan

The Scanpan Classic Fry Pan is Stockwell’s preferred tool. In testing it took a little longer than the others to come up to a high heat, but once it was up to temperature, the Scanpan provided an effective nonstick surface for both our pancake and egg tests.

Hestan Professional Clad Nonstick Skillet

The Hestan Professional Clad Nonstick Skillet is a nice nonstick pan at a premium price point. It demonstrated excellent heat distribution and sturdy tri-ply construction typically reserved for high-end pans. However, considering that all PTFE-based nonstick pans retain their optimal nonstick properties for at most five years, we feel like this pan may be gilding the lily a bit. Perhaps check out their stainless-steel collection.

Hestan ProBond Nonstick Skillet Fry Pan, 11-Inch

Oxo Good Grips Nonstick Pro

The Oxo Good Grips Nonstick Pro 12-inch skillet was one of the largest standard nonstick pans we tested, and it performed very well across tests; it is slightly heavier than its competitors, which made it a bit more difficult to maneuver with one hand. However, given its low price, it’s a worthwhile purchase if you’re often cooking for more than two people at a time. Just don’t expect it to last; Vaculin said it lost its nonstick abilities at about the two-year mark.

DEAL: OXO Good Grips Pro 12" Frying Pan

All-Clad Nonstick Pan

Like the other top performers, the All-Clad Nonstick Pan has a stainless steel handle, aluminum core and multiple layers of PFOA-free coating. It’s a solid choice, but the Zwilling Madura Plus felt more durable in testing.

DEAL: All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick 5 Piece Fry Pan Set

Made In Nonstick Frying Pan

The Made In Nonstick Frying Pan performed in the middle of the pack. We love the brand’s stainless-steel cookware and were keen for this nonstick version to be a hit as well; it’s ultimately a fine choice, but we preferred the skillets that were lighter weight and easier to maneuver.

Made In Non Stick Frying Pan, 10-Inch

Zwilling Carrara Pan

The Zwilling Carrara Pan has a beautiful white interior, and because of how well the standard pan by this brand fared, we had high hopes for it. Unfortunately, the nonstick coating was questionable right out of the box, and we quickly had to resort to using more cooking fat than we wanted to during a first use in order to avoid a stuck-on mess.

Swiss Diamond Nonstick Fry Pan

The Swiss Diamond Nonstick Fry Pan has a unique shape that makes it interesting to cook with; rather than sloped sides that gently curve up from the cooking surface, it has straighter walls, which increased the size of the flat cooking surface but also created corners where scrambled eggs could get stuck while stirring. The weight was perfect and the handle felt very easy to work with, but it didn’t outperform the Zwilling and it cost more.

Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Pan

The Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Pan heated up extremely quickly and came with a nifty removable silicone grip sleeve for the handle, but after just one use, the light metallic bottom of the pan showed some signs of scorching.

Hexclad Hybrid Pan

The Hexclad Hybrid Pan has a textured surface, with raised stainless steel and nonstick depressions for a nice crispy sear. Because of this, the brand says the pan needs a seasoning layer of oil for the full nonstick capabilities. We feel that this is misleading as “seasoning” can’t build up on stainless steel the way it can for a cast-iron skillet or a carbon-steel one. We also don’t like that there is PTFE on the bottom of the pan in direct contact with the heat source.

Misen Nonstick Pan

The Misen Nonstick Pan ($55) has a comfortable ergonomic handle and solid nonstick performance, but several reviews online criticized the surface longevity and reported flaking. It’s also currently on “final sale,” which has been a precursor to long, and in some cases, seemingly permanent “out of stock” status.

Anolon Ascend Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan

The finishes on this pan were nice—it had flushed rivets, a nice ergonomic handle, and a balanced weight—but the rough surface designed to allow metal utensil usage ultimately made it much less nonstick than smoother PTFE-coated pans. Oil is pretty necessary with this type of nonstick pan, which sort of defeats the purpose of a buying a nonstick pan.

Anolon Ascend Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan, 10-Inch

Nordic Ware Nonstick Pan

This pan performed decently—eggs released themselves from the surface and rolled with a tilt of the wrist. However, it very quickly began to show signs of wear after the first use, which made us doubt its longevity.

Nordic Ware 8.25-Inch Nonstick Skillet

Calphalon Premier Hard Anodized Skillet

This pan performed similarly to the Anolon Ascend, in that it’s a metal utensil-safe style with a textured surface that also reduces the effectiveness of its nonstick coating. Sure, it just needs a little bit of oil and it’s fabulous, but if you’re going to be using oil anyway we think you’re better off with stainless, carbon steel, cast iron.

Calphalon Premier Hard Anodized Skillet

Why we prefer cast iron and carbon steel over nonstick

While we certainly won’t deny that there are benefits to using a nonstick skillet—perhaps you’ve seen the enticing egg slide videos on your feed—through our collective years of testing, we’ve come to the conclusion that any cook can forgo the nonstick entirely for a well-seasoned carbon-steel or cast-iron pan instead.

But with countless brands of nonstick cookware on the market, it's difficult to know which ones you'll likely be using serious elbow grease on to clean after a few uses —and which ones will actually stand the test of time. To help you decide, we tested the top nonstick cookware options and evaluated them based on temperature, performance, design, and ease of cleaning. When all was said and done, we put together this comprehensive list of the best nonstick cookware sets to help you decide.

Whether you're a beginner, an occasional cook, or a professional chef, there's no denying the importance of having nonstick cookware in your kitchen. Not only are nonstick pans key to making the perfect eggs , pancakes, and even simmered sauces and seared meats, but they're also easier to clean and less likely to get discolored than their stainless steel counterparts .

Material: Aluminum with nonstick coating | Oven Safe: No | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher Safe: No | What's Included: 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 2-quart saucepans with lids, 3- and 5-quart casserole pans with lids, and 5-piece utensil set

Though this set isn't dishwasher safe, cleaning the pans by hand was generally easy, though we did have to take extra care around the handle rivets to clean any stuck debris. We think this value-priced set would be great for first apartments, vacation rental homes, RVs, and the like—plenty of bang for your buck while offering pretty decent overall performance.

We were surprised at how evenly these pans distributed heat, turning out evenly cooked fried eggs and fluffy scrambled eggs. We don't love the handles—they don't feel as sturdy as other models we tested—but we like how lightweight and easy to maneuver these pans are. One thing to note before you buy is that these pans are on the smaller side when it comes to capacity, so they're not great for larger households or for cooking big batches.

For those who are just starting out or simply don't want to spend too much on cookware, this comprehensive set from Amazon Basics truly fits the bill. It includes 15 pieces: 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 2-quart saucepans with lids, 3- and 5-quart casserole pans with lids, and a 5-piece utensil set.

These pans are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is recommended. That being said, in all of our tests they have been very easy to wash by hand. This set also comes with a lid holder, magnetic storage separators, and cork trivets. The price is mid-range (under $400), which is worth it for a 12-piece set that lends itself so well to everyday use.

This set has been given perfect scores across the board by our Lab testers, our at-home testers, our long-term testers, and our own editors, cooking each dish without any burning, sticking, or scorching. We've found that although Teflon has been regarded as the best nonstick technology for years, these pans truly outperform Teflon and the ceramic coating retains heat beautifully. Unfortunately, the handles do tend to get hot during use, but that's nothing an oven mitt or kitchen towel can't fix.

This beautiful set is made of an aluminum core with a mineral-based ceramic coating that's free of PTFE/Teflon, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. We love the design of these pieces, which are sturdy and durable and come in a nice array of colors.

One thing we don't love was the excessively tight seal of the lids, which might be great for certain applications (steaming, braising) but they also kept moisture and steam in when we didn't necessarily want it to. That being said, it's perhaps one of the top cookware sets we've tested and we think it's a fantastic set to splurge on if you are looking for lasting, premium cookware.

We really like how effectively these pans distributed heat, preventing hot spots and turning out evenly cooked eggs and uniformly browned onions. The saucepan and stockpot have wider bases than expected, giving you more surface area to cook and maintaining excellent contact with the burner. These pieces are definitely heavy, perhaps making them a challenging option for anyone with limited strength or mobility, but they're also incredibly well-balanced and steady on the cooktop.

Designed with input from professional chefs, Made In has created this 7-piece nonstick set to withstand heavy use. What it lacks in piece count, it makes up for in durability and performance. These hefty pieces are crafted with 5-ply stainless steel and aluminum with a tough nonstick coating, and feature riveted handles for secure transport on and off the stove. Bonus: the included 8-quart stockpot is exclusive to this set and not available for individual purchase.

The design of this set is balanced and lightweight; we noted that the pieces feel cheap, but a full set plus utensils and a baking sheet is a great value. The pieces are easy to clean aside from some food sticking between the rivets and the pans. The whole set is dishwasher-safe, but cleaning by hand is recommended.

Although this Farberware set is inexpensive, it offers great temperature consistency, fantastic nonstick performance, and a good assortment of equipment. We noticed that omelets rolled out of the pans easily, sauces did not stick or scorch, and rice pilaf didn't stick or burn at all. There was a noticeable smell coming off of the pans when they were heated for the first time, and if you're looking for a Teflon-free option, this set is not the one for you.

As we continued to use this set in our test kitchens, it has really proved it was worth the price tag. Every piece was used almost daily for everything from fried eggs to making the perfect caramel . After six months of extreme use, the pans held up, looking as good as new.

We like that this set performed well with even temperature distribution, thanks to that aluminum core. In some of our tests, there was a tiny bit of food sticking to the sides of the pan and rivets, whereas, in other tests, there was no sticking at all. We did notice a slight chemical smell when we took one of the pans out of a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven during the first round of testing, so be aware that that may happen upon first use. The handles warmed up during use but didn't get too hot, and proved comfortable to hold. While the pieces are heavy enough to remain stable on the cooktop, those with limited strength or mobility issues may want to test them out to see if they're manageable.

This simple, durable, classic-looking set from Le Creuset offers great temperature consistency and very minimal sticking. The clean design features nice, thick material made from heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum with a triple-reinforced, scratch-resistant nonstick coating. At first glance, you'd wonder why this is one of our top picks, seeing as it has slightly off sizes like an 11-inch skillet instead of a 10-inch or 12-inch. But this, combined with its durability, is precisely why we like it. An 11-inch pan is more versatile than either, the perfect Goldilocks middle, while the two pots are a great complement to a small collection of stainless-steel pots.

Metal, wood, nylon, and coated utensils are all safe for use with this sturdy cookware. Although all the cookware has extra-long stainless steel handles, the handles do get hot to the touch.

Whether we tested this in the Lab or at home, we were impressed by how the pans in this set heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly, and retain heat well. The pans are heavy-duty with a nice weight and thickness, and are very easy to clean. We also noted a little bit of sticking around the rivets on some of the pans, but overall the set had great nonstick performance.

We've liked this Calphalon set for years and, even though its pricey, it still holds up as one of the best. Like most nonstick cookware, this sturdy set is made of hard-anodized aluminum , which means it's undergone a process that makes it extremely durable before the nonstick coating is applied. The 10-piece set comes with everything you'd need including an 8-quart stockpot and tempered glass lids.

Final Verdict

Our top spot goes to the Calphalon Signature Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set, which all of our testers loved for its beautiful and durable design, ease of cleaning, and incredible performance. For an incredibly well-made, long-lasting set with even better temperature distribution, the Caraway Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set is oven-safe up to 550 degrees.

How We Tested

Over the past two years, we've tested over 40 nonstick cookware sets in our Lab. We initially tested 25 nonstick cookware sets side-by-side in and evaluated their temperature consistency and distribution, nonstick performance, design, and ease of cleaning. Our testers took note of whether or not there was any chemical smell when heating the pans, whether there was major temperature disparity across different spots in each pan, whether there was any sticking while making French omelets, whether there was any scorching or sticking when heating tomato sauce, whether there was any sticking or burning when making rice pilaf, and whether there was any difficulty with cleaning.

We also did an additional round of testing in 2023 with the sets on this list (plus a dozen other popular picks) to evaluate how they performed when cooking scrambled and fried eggs, rice, and sautéeing onions to see if our initial evaluation still held true. We also considered how comfortable these pans were to hold, how easy they are to maneuver, and how the separate pieces affect their overall value.

We also sent several nonstick cookware sets to our editors to test at home, as well as used many sets in our test kitchens to thoroughly test the durability of the nonstick coating.

We Observed

• Nonstick qualities of each piece: The most important factor for nonstick pans? The ability for foods to slide right off. We put the nonstick surfaces to the test with "high-stick" foods like eggs and rice. Those sets that released easily with minimal sticking earned the top spots on our list.
• Temperature consistency: Any piece of cookware worth its salt will deliver when it comes to temperature control and heat distribution. We used thermocouples to monitor the temperatures across the pan's surface, noting any hot spots. We also observed how evenly we were able to cook a French omelet and rice pilaf to further assess the pan's performance.
• Usefulness of the assortment: When it comes to sets, the sizes and shapes that are included will determine their usefulness in one's household. We evaluated each set's included pieces to see how versatile they were as a whole.

We Rated

• Durability: The surface of nonstick cookware can be notoriously delicate when it comes to scratches, so when a set was said to be compatible with metal utensils, we made sure to test that claim. Sets whose surfaces survived metal implements with no (or barely perceptible) damage earned the highest ratings.
• Design and Ease of Use: Beyond aesthetics, we rated these sets based on how easy they were to transport on and off the stove, and how balanced they felt in the hand. We also took into account handle ergonomics and how comfortable they were to maneuver when filled with food.
• Overall Performance: We made scrambled eggs, fried eggs, and French omelets to test the nonstick capabilities and heating capabilities of this cookware. We also simmered tomato sauce and made rice pilaf to check for hot spots and scorching. Sets that cooked evenly and released food without much effort earned 5 stars in this category.

About Our Testers

• Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
• Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an expert in home cookware, was also interviewed and helped us assess the data from every cookware test. She advises making a French omelet to test heat responsiveness and warns it's definitely time to toss your nonstick if the coating is flaking or scratched.
  
• Amanda McDonald is the Commerce Updates Editor for The Spruce Eats. She uses her Caraway cookware on a weekly, almost daily, basis and regularly updates us on how its faring, paying special attention to the wear-and-tear on the ceramic coating.

Other Options We Tested

• Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12-Piece: Our Lab testers found that the temperature consistency on this set wasn't bad, but the nonstick performance was nothing to write home about. This set was also one of the most difficult to clean, and although the pans felt sturdy and high-quality, there was a chemical smell when they came out of the oven.
  
• Ninja C39800 Foodi NeverStick Premium 12-Piece Cookware Set: We liked the design of these pieces and the fact that they could nest, but our testers noticed more food sticking to the pans than with other sets—tomato sauce stuck to the pan and needed to be scrubbed off. This set also received relatively low scores for temperature consistency.
• Cuisinart GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set: This is a fantastic set and actually rated very highly, thanks to a versatile assortment and eco-friendly bent. But the one thing that edged it off our list is the lack of a larger stockpot and the smallish sizes that would limit its usefulness for a larger family.

What to Look for When Buying Nonstick Pans

Material

Nonstick pans can be made out of many types of base material, which will help determine how well your pan conducts, maintains, and responds to heat. The lightest and most popular of these is aluminum, which conducts heat well and can be used on a variety of cooktops. Stainless steel is another popular choice—these pans tend to be heavier, with more substantial thickness making them less susceptible to dings and dents. Copper is another great option, as this metal has superior heat conductivity, and is also extremely responsive to changes in heat. As for the interior, the coating is mostly either polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) or ceramic, which we'll discuss later.

Number of Pieces

Depending on your cooking style and family size, the number of pieces you need will vary. The most utilized nonstick pan will likely be a skillet, so be sure to choose a set that has at least one. Another essential pan to have is a stockpot, which is great for cooking rice, sauces, and stews. More pieces will give you more versatility but will require more space to store. 

Cooktop Compatibility

Most traditional and ceramic-coated nonstick cookware function just fine on gas, electric, and halogen cooktops—always check with the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. The most common material used to make nonstick cookware is aluminum, which is not induction-friendly on its own. If you have an induction cooktop, look for one that has a stainless steel base that specifies it is compatible for use with this type of stove. 

Heating Capacity

Nonstick cookware is generally safe for low and medium temperatures, though some of the more modern versions can stand higher heat. Traditional PTFE coatings are generally approved for use up to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ceramic coatings can typically withstand higher temperatures (over 500 degrees with some models), and hard-anodized cookware can fall somewhere between 400 to 500 degrees, depending on the manufacturer. If you often start foods on the stove and finish them in the oven, make sure to check what temperatures the cookware can withstand, so you won’t have to transfer from one pan to another to finish your cooking.

Price 

Nonstick cookware is available at a wide variety of price points, the least expensive of which are lightweight aluminum pans with PTFE or ceramic coating. Since medium- and heavyweight pans require more material to construct, they will naturally be a little more expensive. Keep in mind that nonstick cookware generally wears out more quickly than stainless steel, copper, or enameled cast iron pieces and will need to be replaced at some point. 

Warranty

Many manufacturers offer some type of limited warranty against defects in material, construction, or workmanship. This warranty typically will not cover damage from thermal shock, improper use, nonstick deterioration, damage from metal/sharp utensils, or damage caused by abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Be sure to double-check the warranty provided by the vendor to ensure it is to your satisfaction.

Maintenance

There are some universal rules for nonstick cookware that will help you prolong its life. Always use the pans within the recommended heat range, as some nonstick coatings do not work well at higher temperatures. Ghee, butter, and oil are recommended for cooking, but nonstick sprays will leave a sticky buildup that can be difficult to remove and will affect the pan's nonstick properties.

Protect your cookware's finish by avoiding sharp or metal cooking utensils, which can cause scratches and gouges that can lead to eventual chipping or flaking. Should you notice that the coating on your nonstick cookware is beginning to crack, it is time to replace it. While some nonstick pans claim to be dishwasher safe, you'll get more wear out of your cookware if you wash them by hand. Since the nonstick surface lets food debris come off easily, washing your pots and pans with a non-abrasive scrubber and mild dish soap is a simple and effective method to clean them.

Types of Nonstick Cookware

Traditional nonstick

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, is what serves as the coating for traditional nonstick cookware. Pans made with PTFE are easy to use and clean, but the coatings do wear away as you use them. The biggest concerns with PTFE mainly have to do with the breakdown of the coating, which begins to happen at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Commonly linked to PTFE, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) was used in the manufacture of traditional nonstick coatings. Since 2006, major companies have voluntarily worked towards eliminating PFOAs from products, though it can still be produced overseas.

Ceramic

Ceramic nonstick cookware is coated in a material that is derived from silica, one of the components of beach sand. This is applied—either dipped or sprayed—to coat the interior surface of the pan, and then it is cured by high-firing in an oven. While most PTFE coatings need at least three coatings, ceramic coatings can require as little as just one layer, reducing the time and energy required to manufacture these types of pans. The drawback of ceramic is that it is more brittle than traditional nonstick coatings, making it more susceptible to developing surface cracks and losing its nonstick property faster. 

Hard-anodized aluminum

While PTFE and ceramic coatings are coated onto other metals to make a nonstick layer, hard-anodized aluminum has a nonstick surface that is essentially “baked in.” It is made by electrochemically hardening soft aluminum to make it stronger than stainless steel, and an oxidized top layer that is also nonstick and tougher than traditional nonstick coatings. Hard-anodized aluminum stands up well to high heat, resists scratches, and doesn’t react with acidic foods, and because the nonstick surface is part of the actual pan (versus being bonded onto the metal), it is not prone to chipping or flaking.

Brands

T-Fal

This popular French cookware brand (sometimes known as Tefal) takes its name from the combination of Teflon and aluminum. It has a reputation for high-quality, affordable nonstick cookware that can be used for years. T-Fal's portfolio includes full sets of cookware, single pans, and specialty pieces such as woks and grill pans.

Calphalon

Calphalon invented hard-anodized aluminum cookware using a process adapted from the aerospace industry in the 1960s. This Ohio-based brand is still a leading producer of premium quality cookware, with mid-range price points that make it a popular and attainable brand for avid home cooks.

GreenPan

The GreenPan brand was created by two school friends from Belgium who wanted to find an alternative to traditional nonstick cookware. Its proprietary coating is called Thermolon, a ceramic glaze that does not use PFOA in its manufacturing.

All-Clad

The Pennsylvania-based cookware company All-Clad is beloved by professional and home cooks around the world. It is a premium cookware brand known for its high-quality stainless steel lines but also offers hard-anodized nonstick and stainless steel nonstick options, as well. 

FAQs

What heat setting is best for nonstick pans on the stove?

Since nonstick coatings tend to break down at high temperatures, it's advisable to keep your heat settings on medium to medium-low. You can always check with your manufacturer's instructions for specific heating instructions.

Can nonstick pans go in the oven?

It depends on the pan. Many traditional nonstick pans have lower heat thresholds that aren't ideal for putting into the oven, but there are definitely some pans that are built for oven use. Check the manufacturer's specs to see if your nonstick pan can take the heat. If you aren't sure and need to finish a dish in the oven, pick a carbon steel or cast-iron skillet instead.

Can nonstick pans go in the dishwasher?

Most of the time, they can, but the strong water pressure and dish detergents used in a dishwasher can cause your nonstick surface to wear down faster. To prolong the life of your nonstick cookware, hand-washing is recommended.

Do nonstick pans lose their nonstick capabilities?

Over time, the nonstick coating will inevitably wear away, causing food to stick. If you notice that your pan is sticking more than usual, it may be time to replace it.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

The Spruce Eats writer Madeleine Burry has compiled several kitchen-focused roundups for us, including the top dry food containers, cutting boards, and dinnerware sets.

Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience as a professional chef, and Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content, have both updated this list after extensive testing our Lab and in home kitchens.

Are you interested in learning more about Unique custom kitchenware? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!