Best Nonstick Cookware

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Nonstick cookware is a kitchen essential, making cooking and cleaning a breeze by allowing food to slide off with minimal effort. It’s especially great for delicate foods like eggs and fish that tend to stick to regular pans. When selecting nonstick cookware, consider the quality of the coating, durability, and even heat distribution. The best nonstick pans are built to handle high temperatures without warping, and many newer coatings are free from potentially harmful chemicals like PFOA, appealing to health-conscious cooks. We tested various nonstick cookware sets to find the ones that offer the best performance, value, and ease of maintenance.

  • T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Set

    10

    We recommend this T-fal set for its durability, versatility, and user-friendly features at a great value.

    10

    We recommend this T-fal set for its durability, versatility, and user-friendly features at a great value.

    Pros

    • Tough hard anodized construction
    • Effective nonstick coating
    • Useful heat indicator

    Cons

    • Not induction compatible
    • Handles may get hot
    • Nonstick coating needs care

    We’ve been using this T-fal set in our test kitchen, and it’s quickly become a favorite. The hard anodized aluminum feels solid and heats up fast. We love how food just slides right off the nonstick surface, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.

    The Thermo-Spot heat indicator is a handy feature. It takes the guesswork out of preheating, turning solid red when the pan is ready. This helps us achieve better cooking results, especially when searing meats or sautéing veggies.

    We appreciate the variety of pieces in this set. From small fry pans to a large dutch oven, it covers most cooking needs. The vented glass lids let us keep an eye on our food without losing heat. While the handles stay cool on the stovetop, we found they can get hot in the oven, so oven mitts are a must.

    T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Set
    • Durable Construction: The hard anodized exterior and forged design is built to stand the test of time. Titanium Non-stick coating keeps food sliding smoothly, making cooking easier and cleanup a breeze.
  • CAROTE White Granite Set

    9.7

    We think this 21-piece cookware set is a great choice for home cooks who want quality, non-stick pans at an affordable price.

    9.7

    We think this 21-piece cookware set is a great choice for home cooks who want quality, non-stick pans at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Durable yet lightweight aluminum construction
    • Effective non-stick coating
    • Works on all stovetops, including induction

    Cons

    • Not dishwasher-safe
    • Not oven-safe
    • White color may show stains over time

    We’ve been using this CAROTE set for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The pans heat up quickly and evenly, which is great for tasks like searing meat or sautéing veggies. The non-stick coating works really well – we’ve had no issues with food sticking, even when cooking delicate items like eggs or fish.

    The set includes a good variety of pots and pans, covering most cooking needs. We like the glass lids, which let us keep an eye on our food without lifting the lid. The stay-cool handles are comfortable to grip and don’t get hot during cooking.

    Cleaning these pans is a breeze. Most of the time, a quick wipe with a paper towel is all that’s needed. For tougher messes, a gentle hand wash does the trick. While we wish they were dishwasher-safe, the easy clean-up makes this less of an issue. Keep in mind that they’re not oven-safe, so you’ll need to transfer food to a different dish for finishing in the oven.

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    CAROTE White Granite Set
    • Sturdy Die-Cast Aluminum Body: The reinforced die-cast aluminum construction of this kitchen pots and pans set ensures long-term durability and reliability while maintaining a lightweight design. This lightweight feature brings convenience to your cooking experience.
  • All-Clad Nonstick Fry Pan Set

    9.5

    We think this All-Clad set is a great choice for home cooks who want durable, high-performance nonstick pans.

    9.5

    We think this All-Clad set is a great choice for home cooks who want durable, high-performance nonstick pans.

    Pros

    • Even heat distribution
    • Easy to clean
    • Versatile for various cooking methods

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to some alternatives
    • Handles can get hot
    • Not ideal for high-heat searing

    We’ve been using these All-Clad pans for a while now, and they’ve quickly become our go-to for everyday cooking. The 8-inch and 10-inch sizes are perfect for most tasks, from frying eggs to sautéing veggies.

    The nonstick coating works really well. Food slides right off, making cleanup a breeze. We’ve found we can use less oil, which is great for healthier cooking. The pans heat up fast and keep a steady temperature across the surface.

    We like how these pans work on all stovetops, including induction. They’re oven-safe too, which adds to their usefulness. The only downside is the handles can get hot, so we keep a potholder handy. Despite the high price, we think these pans are worth it for their quality and durability.

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    All-Clad Nonstick Fry Pan Set
    • This cookware set includes 8 inch and 10 inch Fry Pans, ideal for browning, searing, and pan-frying foods like eggs, vegetables, and meats Its flat surface and flared side walls make it ideal for one hand sautéing and easy turning with a spatula
  • T-fal Signature Set

    9.4

    We recommend this T-fal set for its great value, versatile pieces, and user-friendly features.

    9.4

    We recommend this T-fal set for its great value, versatile pieces, and user-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Easy food release and cleanup
    • Handy heat indicator
    • Comprehensive 12-piece set

    Cons

    • Not induction compatible
    • Oven safe only up to 350°F
    • Handles can get hot

    We’ve been using this T-fal Signature set in our test kitchen, and it’s a solid choice for home cooks. The nonstick coating works well – eggs slide right off without any fuss. We like the Thermo-Spot heat indicator on the pans. It turns red when they’re preheated, which takes the guesswork out of timing.

    The set includes all the basics you need. We found the 5.5-quart Dutch oven perfect for soups and stews. The griddle is a nice bonus for pancakes and grilled sandwiches. The included utensils are handy, though we prefer our own kitchen tools.

    While cooking, we noticed the handles can get warm. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you might want to use pot holders. The pans heat evenly and clean up is a breeze – most food wipes right off. For stubborn bits, a quick soak does the trick. We’ve put these through the dishwasher many times with no issues.

    T-fal Signature Set
    • ProGlide Non-stick Interior: Experience easy food release and cleanup so you can cook with confidence and enjoy delicious meals without the hassle of stuck-on food. Cook healthy and delicious meals prepared with little to no oil.
  • Bazova Ceramic Cookware Set

    9.3

    We think this versatile 17-piece set is a great choice for health-conscious cooks who want easy-to-use, space-saving cookware.

    9.3

    We think this versatile 17-piece set is a great choice for health-conscious cooks who want easy-to-use, space-saving cookware.

    Pros

    • Healthy ceramic coating free of harmful chemicals
    • Space-saving stackable design
    • Removable handles for versatility

    Cons

    • May require careful handling to maintain non-stick surface
    • Limited color options
    • Pricier than some non-ceramic alternatives

    We’ve been testing the Bazova Ceramic Cookware Set in our kitchen, and we’re impressed with its performance. The non-stick surface works really well – eggs slide right off with minimal oil. We like how food cooks evenly without hot spots.

    The removable handles are a neat feature. We can take them off to use the pots as serving dishes or to store leftovers in the fridge. This also helps the set stack neatly, saving a ton of cabinet space. It’s perfect for small kitchens or RVs.

    Cleaning is a breeze. A quick wipe is usually all it takes to get these pots and pans spotless. While they’re dishwasher safe, we prefer to hand wash to keep them in top shape. The ceramic coating seems durable, but we’re careful not to use metal utensils to avoid scratches.

    Bazova Ceramic Cookware Set
    • Healthy Ceramic Coating: Made of natural ceramic, our kitchen cookware set is Teflon-free and guarantees no PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, or cadmium.Stain-resistant and durable for long-lasting use; Ideal choice for safety-conscious families, especially those with babies
  • Gotham Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

    9.1

    We recommend this versatile nonstick cookware set for its durability and ease of use.

    9.1

    We recommend this versatile nonstick cookware set for its durability and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Excellent nonstick performance
    • Dishwasher and oven safe
    • Comprehensive 12-piece set

    Cons

    • Lid handles can get hot
    • Some users report damage upon arrival
    • Nonstick coating may wear over time

    We’ve tested many cookware sets, and the Gotham Steel 12-piece set stands out for its nonstick abilities. The pans released food easily, making cooking and cleanup a breeze. We didn’t need to use oil or butter, which is great for healthier meals.

    The set includes all the basics you need to outfit a kitchen. We liked the variety of pot and pan sizes, plus the steamer insert is a nice bonus. The tempered glass lids let us keep an eye on our food while cooking.

    These pots and pans feel sturdy and well-made. We used metal utensils without scratching the surface. The set is dishwasher safe, which saved us time on busy nights. It also works on induction cooktops, adding to its versatility. Just be careful with the lid handles – they can get pretty hot during cooking.

    Gotham Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
    • Gotham Steel Cookware: With over 30 million happy customers, Gotham Steel has revolutionized kitchens across the world with the introduction of the nonstick ceramic copper cookware! New for 2020, this set has been improved in every area including the nonstick coating, stay cool handles, exterior finish and durability, including adding diamonds to the surface to ensure the pan doesn’t scratch!
  • SODAY 12-Piece Granite Cookware Set

    9

    We think this versatile cookware set offers great value for home cooks looking for durable, non-stick pots and pans.

    9

    We think this versatile cookware set offers great value for home cooks looking for durable, non-stick pots and pans.

    Pros

    • Excellent non-stick performance
    • Works on all stovetops
    • Easy to clean

    Cons

    • Not dishwasher safe
    • Some reports of minor defects
    • Handles may get hot

    We’ve been using this SODAY cookware set for several months now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The granite coating really does provide excellent non-stick properties. We’ve cooked everything from eggs to sticky sauces, and food releases easily every time.

    The pots and pans heat up quickly and evenly. We noticed no hot spots when cooking delicate foods like pancakes. The set includes a nice variety of sizes, from small saucepans to larger frying pans. We particularly like the deep saute pan for one-pot meals.

    Cleaning these pans is a breeze. Most of the time, a quick wipe with a paper towel is all that’s needed. For tougher messes, a gentle scrub with soap and water does the trick. While we wish they were dishwasher safe, hand washing helps preserve the non-stick coating. The bakelite handles stay cool on the stovetop, but can get hot in the oven, so use caution.

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    SODAY 12-Piece Granite Cookware Set
    • Premium Granite Non-Stick Coating: Superior granite coating for smooth, ultra-non-stick cooking; food slides off effortlessly without sticking. Non-toxic and Non PFOS & PFOA,SGS Approved cookware sets allow you to cook healthy and safe
  • Blue Diamond Ceramic Set

    8.7

    We think this Blue Diamond cookware set is a solid choice for home cooks looking for durable, non-stick pots and pans.

    8.7

    We think this Blue Diamond cookware set is a solid choice for home cooks looking for durable, non-stick pots and pans.

    Pros

    • Tough diamond-infused coating
    • Heats up quickly and evenly
    • Free of harmful chemicals

    Cons

    • Not induction compatible
    • Some users report durability issues
    • Limited color options

    We’ve been using this 14-piece Blue Diamond set in our test kitchen for the past few weeks. The diamond-infused coating really stands out. It’s super slick, making it easy to cook eggs and other sticky foods without using much oil. We found the pans heat up fast and spread heat evenly, which is great for getting consistent results.

    The set includes a nice variety of pots and pans. We like the 2.5-quart sauté pan for one-pot meals and the 5-quart stockpot for soups. The glass lids let us keep an eye on our food as it cooks. The handles stay cool on the stovetop, but we used pot holders when moving them from the oven.

    Cleanup is a breeze with these pans. Most messes wipe right off with a soft sponge. For tougher bits, a quick soak in soapy water does the trick. While they’re dishwasher safe, we prefer to hand wash to keep the coating in top shape. After a month of heavy use, the non-stick surface is holding up well with no visible scratches or wear.

    Blue Diamond Ceramic Set
    • SET INCLUDES: 7” and 9.5” frying pan, 2QT and 3QT saucepan with lids, 5QT stock pot with lid, 2.5QT sauté pan with lid, stainless steel steamer, nylon slotted turner, nylon solid spoon, nylon ladle
  • T-fal Nonstick 18-Piece Set

    8.7

    We recommend this T-fal set for its great value, versatile pieces, and user-friendly features.

    8.7

    We recommend this T-fal set for its great value, versatile pieces, and user-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Easy food release and cleanup
    • Heat indicator for proper preheating
    • Dishwasher and oven safe

    Cons

    • Not induction compatible
    • Plastic handles limit oven use
    • May scratch if metal utensils are used

    We found the T-fal Nonstick 18-Piece Set to be a solid choice for home cooks. The nonstick coating worked well, letting food slide right off without much fuss. This made cleanup a breeze – a quick wipe was often all we needed.

    The set’s variety impressed us. From small saucepans to a large Dutch oven, it covered most cooking needs. We liked the square griddle for pancakes and sandwiches. The included utensils were a nice touch, though we prefer silicone tools to protect the nonstick surface.

    One standout feature was the Thermo-Spot heat indicator. It turned red when pans were ready to use, taking the guesswork out of preheating. The handles stayed cool on the stovetop, and the vented lids let us keep an eye on our food. While oven-safe, the 350°F limit might be low for some recipes. Still, for everyday cooking, this set served us well.

    T-fal Nonstick 18-Piece Set
    • Easy Release and Clean Up: Superior ProGlide Non-stick interior provides easy food release and cleanup so you can cook with confidence and enjoy delicious meals. Cook healthy and delicious meals prepared with little to no oil.
  • Cuisinart 11-Piece Nonstick Set

    8.6

    We think this versatile cookware set offers great value for home cooks wanting quality nonstick pieces.

    8.6

    We think this versatile cookware set offers great value for home cooks wanting quality nonstick pieces.

    Pros

    • Even heat distribution
    • Easy to clean nonstick surface
    • Comfortable stay-cool handles

    Cons

    • Not suitable for high-heat cooking
    • Nonstick coating may wear over time
    • Lids are not oven-safe at high temps

    This 11-piece set from Cuisinart gives you all the basics to stock a kitchen. We found the pans heated quickly and evenly thanks to their aluminum construction. The nonstick coating worked well – eggs slid right out without sticking.

    The handles stayed cool while cooking on the stovetop. We liked how they’re shaped for a comfy grip. The glass lids let us keep an eye on food without lifting them. Clean-up was a breeze since food didn’t stick much.

    We did notice the nonstick surface can scratch if you use metal utensils. Stick to silicone, wood, or nylon tools to make the coating last. The set is oven-safe, but only up to 350°F. For most cooking tasks though, this affordable set does the job nicely.

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    Cuisinart 11-Piece Nonstick Set
    • INCLUDES: 1-quart Saucepan with cover, 2-quart Saucepan with cover, 3-quart Saucepan with cover, 3-quart Saute pan with cover, 6-quart Saucepot with cover and 10-inch Skillet

Buying Guide

When shopping for nonstick cookware, we recommend considering these key factors:

Materials

Look for PTFE or ceramic coatings. PTFE (like Teflon) offers great nonstick performance but may not last as long. Ceramic is more durable but slightly less nonstick.

Durability

Check for reinforced coatings and sturdy construction. A thick, heavy base helps prevent warping over time.

Heat Distribution

Aluminum and stainless steel cores promote even heating. Avoid thin, lightweight pans that can develop hot spots.

Oven Safety

If you plan to use your cookware in the oven, check the maximum safe temperature rating.

Ease of Cleaning

Dishwasher-safe options are convenient, but hand washing can help extend the life of nonstick surfaces.

Handle Comfort

Look for stay-cool handles with an ergonomic grip. Silicone-coated handles offer extra comfort and safety.

Set Composition

Consider which pieces you’ll use most often. A basic set might include:

  • 8″ and 10″ frying pans
  • 2-quart saucepan with lid
  • 3-quart sauté pan with lid

Price

Nonstick cookware is available at various price points. Higher-end sets may offer better durability and performance, but budget-friendly options can still provide good value.

By weighing these factors, we can choose nonstick cookware that fits our cooking needs and budget.