The Slickest, Absolute Best Nonstick Skillets You Can Buy Right Now
When you truly don’t want something to stick to a pan, only a nonstick will do. A nonstick pan can be much more, um, nonstick-y than a well-seasoned cast iron or carbon steel skillet. Scrambled eggs, omelets, crêpes, sticky sauces, pancakes, pan-seared salmon … if you’re making any of these things, you need a nonstick skillet. Ideally, a good one. (Because bad nonstick skillets can lose their nonstick qualities very quickly!)
So, we set out to find the best nonstick skillets out there, rounding up the ones you need to know about. Over the years, we’ve tested and reviewed dozens of pans so you can rest assured: these pans have been put through the ringer in our homes. But before getting into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick rundown of our favorites.
The Best Nonstick Skillets
- Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Non-Stick 12-Inch Pro Skillet
- Best Ceramic: GreenPan Rio Ceramic Nonstick Pan
- Best Splurge: All-Clad Non-Stick Fry Pan
- Best Budget: Tramontina Professional Fry Pan
- Best Handle: Misen Nonstick Pan
- Best Alternative Material: Material The Coated Pan
- Best All-in-One: Our Place Always Pan 2.0
- Best Duo: Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan Set
- Best Set: Carote Nonstick Cookware Set
What We Look for in a Nonstick Skillet
When it comes to nonstick skillets, there are four areas we consider when deciding what makes a great pick:
- Performance: How nonstick is the skillet? Is it a cinch to remove food?
- Design: Does the pan have any special features that make it stand out?
- Ease of Use: How easy and comfortable is the pan to use? Is the weight evenly distributed? Is the handle comfortable to hold?
- Cleanup: Is the pan effortless to clean? Is the pan dishwasher safe?
Below, we rounded up some of the best nonstick skillets on the market today that hit all of these criteria and then some, including some long-standing favorites of the team here at The Kitchn, as well as reader favorites you all can’t get enough of.
Do you have a nonstick skillet you swear by that didn’t make this list? We want to hear all about it. Tell us about your favorite finds in the comments below!
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Nonstick Skillets
What is a nonstick skillet?
In short, nonstick skillets are pans that have a coating that prevents food from sticking for easier cooking and cleaning. The best nonstick skillets have slick, durable surfaces, ensuring fried eggs, omelets, and crêpes slide right off of them time and time again and the clean-up is a breeze.
Are nonstick pans safe?
Traditional nonstick pans feature coatings that have PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which you probably know as Teflon. These skillets are all oven-safe to at least 400°F and have super-slick nonstick coatings. However, there are some health concerns out there surrounding them. Overheating these types of skillet above 500°F (when empty, especially), can degrade and release gasses that can cause “polymer fume fever,” which include symptoms like headache and — you guessed it — fever. If you don’t use a nonstick skillet for high-heat tasks, you’ll be fine (opt for cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel instead). It is worth noting that all the pans listed are free of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which has been removed from the PTFE manufacturing process since about 2015 and is a known environmental toxin that some studies have linked repeated exposure of to an increased risk of cancer.
Again, using nonstick pans as directed is totally safe. That said, if you have concerns, ceramic is a good option. Ceramic coatings are made from a ceramic material derived from sand. These types of skillets are non-toxic and have no danger of off-gassing. Therefore, they’re oven-safe to a higher temperature and have been billed as a safer alternative to nonstick. Performance-wise, though, ceramic generally doesn’t stay as nonstick for as long as traditional nonstick.
What size skillet should I get?
If you tend to cook recipes that serve four (for four people or leftovers the next day!), a 12-inch skillet is your best match. If you mostly cook for two or want a pan for omelets or crêpes, a 10-inch skillet is a great size. And if you’re in need of a pan for a single serving of scrambled or fried eggs, then you should consider an 8-inch skillet.
Do I need to season a nonstick pan?
While you don’t necessarily need to season your nonstick pans, it is good practice to do so. While it may be something you consider exclusively for a cast-iron skillet, seasoning nonstick also helps preserve the integrity of your pan’s coating by conditioning the surface. To season a nonstick skillet, simply rub a light layer of oil over the surface, heat the pan on medium heat for a few minutes, cool it down, and wipe away the excess.
How to Clean a Nonstick Skillet
Washing a nonstick pan couldn’t be easier: simply wait for the pan to cool, scrub with some soap and water (never use abrasive/harsh cleansers as those can damage the nonstick coating), give it a good rinse, dry the pan, and season if needed. And for those wondering if nonstick pans can go in the dishwasher, the answer is dependent on the skillet you pick up. Some nonsticks claim to be dishwasher-safe, but for the most part, we suggest handwashing your nonstick cookware as the high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher can damage both the nonstick interior and the anodized exterior.
For an in-depth how-to, check our our step-by-step guide on how to clean a nonstick pan.
How long do nonstick skillets last?
Unlike cast iron or carbon steel, which can last forever as long as they’re treated right, nonstick skillets have a finite lifespan. And while you can’t expect a nonstick skillet to last for 10, 12, or 13 years, a good one could make it for five years. And there are some ways to care for nonsticks that’ll extend their longevity. For starters, you should never use sharp or metal utensils on a nonstick skillet. Oh, and if your nonstick starts peeling, it’s absolutely time for it to retire.
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