5 Best Nonstick Pans, Tested by Experts
These nonstick pans make cooking and cleanup much easier.
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When it comes to frying eggs, making pancakes, or whipping up a quick shrimp stir-fry, reaching for a nonstick pan is a good choice. The best nonstick pans make cooking simple; you don’t have to add lots of oil, and most importantly, you don’t have to think about scrubbing stuck-on food after cooking. While we prefer solid stainless steel pans here at Good Housekeeping for their versatility and longevity, we can’t deny how nonstick pans relieve some of the stresses that come with cooking.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, we’ve tested more than 200 cookware sets and nonstick pans over the years. Our analysts evaluate how evenly each pan heats and how well they release fried and scrambled eggs (with no grease!) and sear a steak. We also assess the ease of use, which includes weight and balance, and how easy each is to clean.
A quick note on safety: Some nonstick pans are made with or coated in ceramic, which is naturally free of PFOA and PFAS, the chemicals associated with Teflon. But experts reassure us that modern nonstick cookware is safe when used correctly. Read on for the pros and cons of each type of coating, tips for shopping, and advice on what to cook with these versatile tools.
Best Deal
Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro 10" Fry Pan
Pros
- Quality construction
- Cooked eggs practically fell out of the pan and onto the plate
- Made without PFOA
Cons
- Pricey
This pan feels high-quality from the moment you pick it up. It has a thick, solid handle and is heavier than many nonstick pans of the past, which were thin and flimsy. In our tests, eggs needed only a shake to release from the pan's textured surface, and scrambled eggs cleaned up with just a touch of the sponge. It's pricey, yes, but the Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro Fry Pan can handle more robust tasks as well; it seared steak evenly on both sides and is oven safe up to 500˚F.
TESTING NOTES: In the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, our food editors reach for the Le Creuset Toughened Pro pan whenever they need a nonstick option. After more than a year of use, the team hasn't experienced any scratches and still finds it easy to clean.
| Size | 10" |
| Weight | 2.31 lbs. |
| Material | Hard anodized aluminum |
| Oven-safe | Up to 500°F |
| PFOA | Made without PFOA, according to manufacturer |
Tramontina Professional Fusion 10" Fry Pan
Pros
- Ergonomic sloped edges and silicone grip
- Smooth, rivetless interior; easy to clean
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Outside of pan stained
Nonstick pans are good for cooking quickly because they typically get hot fast. The high, sloped edges on this relatively lightweight pan and its medium-thick handle with silicone grip make it perfect for shaking and flipping for fast methods like sautés and stir-fries; plus, it's oven-safe up to 400˚F.
Its slick interior is also great for making eggs, especially rolled omelets and frittatas. In our tests, steaks seared evenly, and eggs needed a little nudge to release from the pan but didn't require any oil or grease. The exterior of the pan did stain in our testing, so keep that in mind if stains aesthetically bother you.
TESTING NOTES: "This is a great pan for travel," said a GH Kitchen Appliances Lab analyst. "I use it when staying at Airbnbs, usually when making breakfast. It's light to pack and relatively inexpensive, so I'm not fearful of it getting damaged or misplaced."
| Size | 10" |
| Weight | 1.97 lbs. |
| Material | Heavy gauge aluminum |
| Oven-safe | Up to 400°F |
| PFOA | Made without PFOA, according to manufacturer |
Made In Non Stick Frying Pan
Pros
- As sturdy as stainless steel with all the perks of nonstick
- Inside of pan wipes clean with ease
Cons
- Outside of pans stain over higher heat
This nonstick skillet stands out for having the heft of stainless steel with all the ease of nonstick. In our tests, it heated evenly and made a perfectly golden pancake over medium heat. Both pancakes and eggs slid off the pan without the use of any grease, and the inside of the pan wiped clean easily.
It has a long, sturdy handle that makes it comfortable to hold, and it’s easy to move around and wash, though the outside of the pans got marred over higher temps. It also works well on induction, a not-so-easy feat for many nonstick pans made of lighter materials. The pan can be purchased alone or in a set of three, which also includes the 8-inch and 12-inch versions.
TESTING NOTES: This Made In pan is another favorite in the GH Kitchen Appliances Lab. After years of use, it still has even heat distribution and cleans easily. It's important to take proper care of this one; we've noticed some scratches over time, so ensure you're storing it properly and using non-scratch utensils like wood or silicone when cooking.
| Size | 10.5" |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs. |
| Material | Stainless clad |
| Oven-safe | Up to 500°F |
| PFOA | Made without PFOA, according to manufacturer |
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 10" Frying Pan
Pros
- Sturdy yet relatively lightweight
- Comfortable handle
- High oven-safe temps
Cons
- May show signs of wear faster
GreenPan is known for its ceramic pans with many different lines to choose from. This one is among the brand's most popular, and our testers noted its comfortable handle and sturdy design. It's relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to handle. It can reach high temps and is oven-safe up to 600˚F—higher than the other nonstick pans on our list.
The rivets are coated for quicker cleanup, and we like the light gray interior that helps keep stains at bay. We use this pan for everything from cooking eggs to searing steaks and sautéeing vegetables, but keep in mind that ceramic tends to wear faster over time than traditional nonstick, so you may need to replace this one sooner than others.
TESTING NOTES: This ceramic option from GreenPan is another that the GH kitchen appliance analysts have used for years, three to be exact, and it is still in good shape. Scratching can occur if not properly handled, so be sure to use nonabrasive utensils and avoid putting it in the dishwasher.
| Size | 10" |
| Weight | 2.18 lbs. |
| Material | Ceramic nonstick, hard anodized aluminum |
| Oven-safe | Up to 600°F |
| PFOA | Made without PFOA, according to manufacturer |
Pros
- Has a wide base
- Browns evenly
- Leaves little food residue after cooking
Cons
- Rivets can be tricky to clean
All-Clad is a reputable cookware brand that's known for its durability and performance. Much of the brand's popularity comes from its stainless steel cookware. However, this set of three nonstick pans impressed our team so much during testing that it won a Good Housekeeping Kitchen Gear Award.
The pans have a wide base, which was favorable for our steak testing. We were left with deep golden results that were even on both sides. For the egg tests, fried eggs released easily, and scrambled eggs left very little mess. The flared edges made it simple to slide dishes out of the pan, and the high wall helped reduce splatter. The set includes pans in three sizes: 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. These pans are oven-safe up to 500ºF and easy to clean, though the stainless steel rivets can catch food and residue.
TESTING NOTES: One home tester was impressed with how well they held up after repeated use and the convenience of having all three sizes when cooking larger meals. "The different sizes work for different dishes, and I like not having to wash one specific pan in between cooking since I can swap between multiple if needed."
| Size | 8", 10" and 12" |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs. |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Oven-safe | Up to 500°F |
| PFOA | Made without PFOA, according to manufacturer |
Other nonstick pans we tested
- Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan: Caraway is known for its beautiful and trendy nonstick cookware sets. While we agree that they're stylish, when it came to the nonstick frying pan, we noticed that it's tricky to get a good, even sear. One of our analysts has been using the frying pan for years and loves that it's easy to clean, but doesn't reach for it when making things like steak or anything that she wants golden browning on. The exterior has also stained in our tests.
- HexClad Hybrid Frying Pan: When testing the HexClad frying pan, we were impressed with the durability, even heat distribution, and ease of cleaning. When making fried and scrambled eggs, they slid out of the pan easily and only required a slight nudge with a spatula to release them. The Hybrid Frying Pan also produced a nice, even sear when cooking meats. While durable, keep in mind that the pans are on the heavier side.
- MadeIn CeramiClad Nonstick Frying Pan: The MadeIn CeramiClad is a 5-ply stainless steel pan with a ceramic coating that looks beautiful, even when left sitting on your stovetop. We were impressed during our steak searing tests; both sides were even and had a nice crisp. When it came to our egg tests, the pan also received high scores for its easy release and flipping. Though the pan performed well, analysts and testers both experienced scratching within the first few uses.
- Our Place Always Pan 2.0: The Always Pan 2.0 from Our Place is a beautiful multifunctional pan that can sauté, be used for serving, and more. It comes with a heavy-duty lid, stainless steel steaming basket, and a wooden spatula that rests and stores right on the handle. While beautiful and versatile, when conducting our egg tests, we noticed a substantial amount of sticking, and the handle got hot to the touch.
- Tramontina Professional 10 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan: This nonstick pan from Tramontina is another favorite in our Lab for its even searing and comfortable silicone-wrapped handle. Our testers were impressed with just how durable it was, and our Lab analysts agree, especially for a nonstick option that retails for under $40. The downside of this pan are the stainless steel rivets, which can collect residue and be tricky to clean.
How we test nonstick pans
We've been testing cookware, including nonstick cookware, for decades in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab. During the testing process, we evaluate the ease of use and performance for each pan.
Steak and egg tests: To test nonstick pans, we sear a steak to assess the evenness of heat distribution (pictured). We then test each for its nonstick capabilities by frying three eggs in a row with no grease, followed by two scrambled eggs with no grease, to see how well they all release.
Heat distribution test: We also test how evenly they heat by coating the pan with a flour mixture and checking for hot spots (pictured).
Ease of use: Finally, we assess how well the pan cleans up by hand and take note of how easy it is to handle, how balanced it sits on our stovetop and how it compares to others we've tested.
What to look for when shopping for the best nonstick pan
✔️ Size: About 10 inches, the size we honed in on for testing, is the most common nonstick pan size. It can be used for making a quick breakfast for one or a full dinner for two to three people. Opt for an 8-inch pan if you mostly cook for yourself or just want to cook small portions, like one or two eggs at a time; if you often cook for a crowd, go for the 12-inch size.
✔️ Handle: Long, metal handles offer more stability and balance, and they are often a good indicator that your nonstick pan is oven-safe to the temperature indicated by the manufacturer. Thick, plastic handles are comfortable to hold and are typically found on lightweight pans; however, they shouldn't be used above medium heat.
✔️ Oven-safe temperatures: Quality nonstick pans can go straight from stovetop to oven, allowing you to finish cooking via roasting. Check the product specifications and look for oven-safe temperatures above 350ºF to ensure the most versatility. The higher the temp, the more you can do with the pan.
✔️ Material: Aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic are common materials for nonstick pans.
- Aluminum is lightweight and conducts heat well.
- Stainless steel is heavier and maintains heat better. Good pans are often made of a combination of metals to deliver the most benefits.
- Ceramic cookware that is fully ceramic is made from clay and glazed at high temperatures to make it nonstick.
✔️ Coating: In addition to the material, the nonstick coating also contributes to quality. Nonstick pans come in both traditional and ceramic coatings.
- Traditional nonstick cookware is coated in Teflon, which can maintain its nonstick quality for longer than ceramic types. It can vary in terms of how many layers are applied and its grit. (The most durable ones feel a little gritty and will last a long time.)
- Ceramic is what some nonstick pans are coated in; it offers a more natural alternative to Teflon, but it's generally less durable over time.
Do I need a nonstick pan?
Our team relies on a nonstick frying pan to make eggs of all types. Whether you're stirring up a delicate soft scramble or frying an egg, a nonstick pan not only makes it easy to release eggs, but cleanup is much simpler too. Plus, these dishes don't require high heat, so you can feel at ease using a nonstick skillet.
A nonstick pan can also be good for searing proteins, making pancakes, or other delicate jobs that could stick to a stainless steel pan. Just be sure to use wooden or silicone utensils on your nonstick pan to avoid scratching the coating.
How to clean a nonstick pan
When it comes time to clean your nonstick pans, the first step is to allow them to cool completely. Adding cold water to a hot pan can cause thermal shock, potentially damaging the nonstick coating. While we all love to throw dirty pots and pans into the dishwasher for easy cleaning, avoid putting nonstick pans in the dishwasher. The strong detergents and intense heat can shorten the life of your pans, destroying the nonstick coating. Scratching and chipping is also more likely to occur when using a dishwasher. Some companies say they offer dishwasher-safe cookware, but handwashing helps the longevity of your pan. Some nonstick pans can simply be wiped clean after use.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou, director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances Lab, oversees all of our cookware testing, including the latest side-by-side evaluations of nonstick cookware sets and pans. While stainless steel is her go-to cookware, she relies on a nonstick pan for eggs and veggies.
Raena Loper is a contributing analyst and writer for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Over the years, she has conducted tests on cookware, air fryers, food processors, and more. She reaches for nonstick pans when cooking omelets, frying up bacon, or making a quick meal.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
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