5 Best Nonstick Pans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
We flipped, fried and seared in 16 nonstick pans to find the slickest, most durable options to make cooking a breeze.
Our Top Nonstick Pan Picks
- Best Overall: Made In Stainless Steel Nonstick Frying Pan
- Best Value: Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Pan
- Best Splurge: All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Nonstick Fry Pan
- Best Ceramic: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Pan
- Best Hybrid: HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Frying Pan
Tested by Taylor Murray
Taylor Murray
Nonstick pans can be a divisive topic in many houses. Sure, this type of pan is probably the easiest to use when it comes to cooking eggs or other sticky ingredients. Unfortunately, the scary headlines have been enough to make plenty of people think twice about what materials they are cooking on. Luckily, there has been a lot of progress in the tech that goes into making a nonstick pan, and there is now a vast array of nonstick pans on the market made of all kinds of materials beyond the scary polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or Teflon, that most are familiar with. Many nonstick pans are now oven-safe, rated for use at a much higher temperature, and some can even withstand metal utensils without scratching.
We tested 16 of the top nonstick pans on the market, all made with a variety of materials, to find out which, if any, were worth the investment. We put each pan through the wringer to find the best options for any type of budget or cooking style.
Taylor Murray
How We Tested
To find the best nonstick pans, we thoroughly researched and scanned the market, choosing 16 nonstick frying pans that ranged from 10 to 11 inches across. Before starting testing, we gave each pan a once-over. First, we looked at how they were packed, what instructions came with them, and noted their size and weight. We used a special thermometer to see how well they conducted heat.
After going over each pan's specs, we got to cooking. We started with a standard pancake batter and cooked one pancake in each after preheating for 90 seconds. We checked if the pans cooked them evenly, if the pancakes could slide and flip easily, and how easy it was to move them around in the pan. After that, we cooked skin-on fish filets — a notoriously tricky ingredient to sear without sticking. We preheated each pan for two minutes before adding the fish (skin side down) and checked to see how crispy the skin could get and how evenly the fish cooked. For pans that could go in the oven, we made frittatas to see if they cooked evenly without imparting brown spots, if the pans were easy to hold and if the frittatas came out without a struggle.
Taylor Murray
During each test, we noted if any food stuck to the pan and how easy it was to clean them afterward, either with just a towel or with soap and water. If the pans claimed to be dishwasher-safe, we tried it out to see if any damage occurred.
After each of our tests were complete on all 16 pans, we chose the following as the best nonstick pan buys on the market right now.
- PFOA-free
- Durable
- Oven-safe up to 500°F
- Pricier than some
In every test, the Made In Nonstick Frying Pan outperformed the others, even some that cost considerably more. The weight is balanced and even, distributing heat across the surface and making up for hotspots from the cooking surface. We found that this pan hit the right sweet spot between heating up efficiently while still retaining enough heft to hold onto heat and ensuring superior searing capabilities.
While many nonstick pans require a very delicate hand, this pan can withstand a bit of rigorous activity. The manufacturer claims the pan can last up to 70 times longer than competitors, and numerous reviews will back up this claim. One of our testers has been using it for over a year without the slightest change in the nonstick properties. If you're still not convinced, the pan comes with a lifetime warranty as well.
- Sizes Available 8-, 10- and 12-inch
- 10-Inch Pan Weight 2.5 pounds
- Material Stainless steel exterior, FDA-approved nonstick coating
- Dishwasher-Safe? No
- Oven-Safe? Yes, up to 500°F
- Induction-Compatible? Yes
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Great results
- Not induction-compatible
The Tramontina Aluminum Nonstick Pans, particularly the professional line, are a favorite among restaurant chefs and home cooks alike. This affordable pan is supremely nonstick right out of the box. We were able to get crispy fish skin, cheesy egg frittatas and fluffy pancakes out of the pan with absolutely no sticking.
The price is what makes this option a particularly good one, as this is one of the more affordable nonstick pans you will find anywhere. All nonstick pans will have to be replaced eventually, so why drop big money on something that won't last? While we noted a slight edge when testing the Made In Nonstick Pan, this pan comes at a much more affordable price point that might make it worth it. Since we didn't test these pans over a long period of time, we can't speak to the longevity.
- Sizes Available 8-, 10-,12- and 14-inch
- 10-Inch Pan Weight 2.5 pounds
- Material Cast aluminum exterior, PFOA-free nonstick coating
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
- Oven-Safe? Yes, up to 400°F
- Induction-Compatible? No
- Thick ply
- Even heating
- Easy to clean
- Expensive
The industry titans All-Clad — which produces some of the best stainless steel pans available on the market — also has a nonstick pan. The base of the pan is made from All-Clad's signature material, which is impervious to rust and tarnish and easy to buff clean. The nonstick coating is a PFOA-free material that provides a fast and even heat without hotspots.
While pricey, this pan hits all the right marks: dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 500°F and induction-compatible — with the All-Clad nonstick you won't be compromising on any point. The pan does come with a lifetime warranty, though you'll still want to take care in handling the pan and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
- Sizes Available 8-, 10-,12- and 14-inch
- 10-Inch Pan Weight 3.2 pounds
- Material Stainless steel exterior, PFOA-free nonstick coating
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
- Oven-Safe? Yes, up to 500°F
- Induction-Compatible? Yes
- High temperature limit
- Large cooking surface
- Metal utensil safe
- Slow to heat
Those who find themselves wary of any PTFE-coated pan may be interested in ceramic nonstick pans. One of the industry leaders in this type is GreenPan, which makes a supremely great pan that delivers on performance and quality. The base is made of thick-ply anodized aluminum, which balances heat without creating hotspots. The ceramic coating is more durable than PTFE, and the brand claims it is safe to use metal utensils to cook in it. It's rated for safe oven use up to 600°F — higher than any PTFE-coated pan we tested.
During our testing, this pan performed very well in each test, with not even a crumb sticking to the surface. While it is a bit larger and perhaps clunkier than others, we'd suggest this pan to beginners or anyone who knows they might find it difficult to adhere to certain finicky rules.
- Sizes Available 8-, 10-,11- and 12-inch
- 10-Inch Pan Weight 2.3 pounds
- Material Hard anodized aluminum exterior, ceramic nonstick coating, stainless steel handle
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
- Oven-Safe? Yes, up to 600°F
- Induction-Compatible? Yes
- Metal utensil safe
- Superior searing
- Expensive
- Tricky to clean
The allure of the HexClad is that this pan is not technically a nonstick pan nor is it a stainless steel pan. It has components of both, and the brand claims to offer the best of both worlds. There are hexagonal lines of stainless steel with nonstick-coated valleys between each. In theory, the stainless steel areas heat up hotter and faster than the nonstick and provide great searing, while the nonstick valleys ensure that you won't struggle to get sticky foods to budge. In our testing, this pan did very well, and we were particularly impressed with the quality of the sear on the skin-on fish.
Typically, we would recommend scouring stainless steel with steel wool and an abrasive cleanser to clean off oil and grease stains. With the Hexclad, cleaning can get a bit tricky. Even though the pan claims to be safe from metal utensil use, we wouldn't recommend using tough metal scrubbers on the nonstick. That leaves you in a tough spot where you can't clean the stainless steel properly without damaging the nonstick areas. However, if you treat the pan with the same gentle care you would any other nonstick pan, it should stand the test of time. The manufacturers claim that the pan is dishwasher-safe, and after running it through a load, we didn’t notice any damage to the pan.
- Sizes Available 7-, 8-, 10-,12- and 14-inch
- 10-Inch Pan Weight 2 pounds
- Material Stainless steel exterior, PTFE nonstick coating
- Dishwasher-Safe? Yes
- Oven-Safe? Yes, up to 500°F
- Induction-Compatible? Yes
What to Consider When Buying a Nonstick Pan
- Size: For most people, 10 to 11 inches is the sweet spot when it comes to pan size. Smaller households and lovers of single-fried eggs might like a smaller size such as six to eight inches.
- Cooking Surface Material: When considering material, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, is the material that coats the cooking surface of the pan. Most nonstick pans are coated with PTFE (known as Teflon) or PFOA. Both of these compounds are types of PFAS, of which there are thousands of types manufactured by different companies. While many brands advertise themselves as PTFE- or PFOA-free, they are likely using different PFAS that are not yet regulated or banned by the FDA. While these compounds do offer a supremely nonstick cooking experience, they are prone to degradation with time and can release harmful fumes if heated over 500°F. Take care to use these pans as directed. Some nonstick pans are made with ceramic, which is made from a type of silica and doesn't contain any of the same compounds. The downside with this type of pan is that the surface only lasts about one to three years before it needs to be replaced.
- Core Material: Another thing to think about is the material that forms the base or core of the pan. Some pans are made of stainless steel, some aluminum. Stainless steel is more durable, while aluminum is lighter in weight. Either material, if uncoated on the base, can be scrubbed with steel wool to maintain its chrome appearance. Avoid pans that are coated on the bottom, as these are much more difficult to keep clean.
- Care and Maintenance: In general, it's always a good idea to treat your nonstick pan with a gentle touch to avoid damaging the coating. Even if the pan advertises itself as dishwasher-safe, hand washing will extend the life of the pan. Never heat the pan empty over direct heat, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Type of Cooktop: Take note of what kind of cooking surface you have before purchasing a pan, especially if you have an induction cook top. Not all pans are induction-compatible, so you'll have to find those that are if you have this kind of cooktop.
Taylor Murray
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do nonstick pans last? The lifespan of a nonstick pan can vary greatly from brand to brand. In general, nonstick pans likely won't last longer than five years and should be thrown away at the first notice of scratching or corrosion.
- Are nonstick pans safe? Nonstick pans are generally safe for cooking when used correctly, but their safety can depend on the materials used in the manufacturing process. The main concerns with nonstick cookware have historically centered around the chemicals used in the coatings. Pans made with PFOAs have been proven to have adverse health risks and should be avoided.
- Can you put a nonstick pan in the oven? All of the nonstick pans we tested were safe to put in the oven, minding the temperature limits set by the manufacturer.
