When it comes to cookware, having the best nonstick is always a given. Not only can these tools aid in ensuring that your meals come out great, but they can also make the whole cooking experience easier.
Searching for the best non-stick pan America's test kitchen is no mean feat. There are several features to consider in ensuring that you have the right cookware to help you perfect those recipes.
That's why we created this guide that outlines the best nonstick pans and what to consider when buying them.
Best Non-Stick Pans America's Test Kitchen
1. OXO Good Grips Nonstick Frying Pan
- Durable, hard anodized body delivers excellent heat conduction and scratch resistance
- Three layer, PFOA free, German engineered nonstick coating for years of performance using less oil
- Comfortable stainless steel handles
- Oven safe up to 430°F/220°C
- Dishwasher safe
The OXO Good Grips non-stick pan is ideal if looking for high quality and relatively affordable model. This makes the nonstick frying pan stand out in the cookware market.
The nonstick pan features a three-layer PFOA-free, German engineered nonstick coating that lets you use less oil. In addition, the coating is designed to be scratch resistant hence assuring durability.
The nonstick pan can be used on almost all types of stovetops except for induction burners. It is oven safe up to 430 degrees F.
The OXO Good Grips nonstick pan features stainless steel handles that allow for a comfortable grip. The handles are wrapped in heat-resistant silicone that makes them stay cool while cooking. In addition, the Hard-Anodized Aluminum body ensures excellent heat distribution for even cooking.
Lastly, the OXO Good Grips non-stick are designed with rolled edges for drip-free pouring.
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2. Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Skillet
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: The 12-inch nonstick skillet has sloped sides which deliver perfect performance and maximize cooking surface. The hard...
- COOKING AND CLEANING: Proprietary Quantanium nonstick interior is reinforced with titanium and provides lasting food release, healthily...
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: This piece has a cool grip handle which are solid stainless steel riveted stick handles that stay cool on the stove...
- WARRANTY: Lifetime warranty
- Given diameter is outer diameter
This is the best non-stick pan America's test kitchen to get if looking for a model that evenly distributes heat and will also heat up quickly.
The 12-inch skillet is made of hard-anodized aluminum, which is tougher than stainless steel and tends to be dense, nonporous, and highly wear-resistant for extra durability. In addition, the nonstick interior is reinforced with titanium, thus ensuring that food doesn't stick and allows for easy clean-up.
The 12-inch skillet is a relatively heavyweight but well-balanced pan with a wear-resistant construction. It's a skillet that's designed to last you for a long time.
The skillet features a cool grip riveted stainless steel handle that provides a good and comfortable grip. In addition, the nonstick skillet has sloped edges that allow for slow-cooked meals but are not ideal for flipping.
Lastly, the skillet is oven safe and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees F, with a tapered drip-free rim.
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3. T-fal Professional Total Nonstick
- TITANIUM NONSTICK INTERIOR: Durable nonstick coating that stands up to rigorous usage; Designed for everyday chef looking to create...
- THERMO-SPOT TECHNOLOGY: Unique heat indicator that turns solid red to show when pans are properly preheated to start cooking
- THICK INDUCTION BASE: Distributes heat evenly resulting in no hot spots for reliable cooking results
- RIVETED SILICONE HANDLES: Provides comfortable and secure grip
- DISHWASHER AND OVEN SAFE: Up to 400°F
The T-fal Professional Total Nonstick is a great choice if looking for the best non-stick pan America's test kitchen with a Thermo spot heat indicator. This is the pan to get out when you want to try out your favorite stir fry recipes or anything that requires you to regulate the heat.
The Thermo spot heat indicator turns solid red, indicating that the frying pan is properly preheated.
The fry pan features titanium nonstick coating and has a thick base that allows heat to be distributed evenly. Something else that's great is that the pan is made suitable for induction cookers.
The cooking surface is scratch resistant hence allowing for durability. The fry pan is also dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures up to 400°F.
The nonstick fry pan features riveted handles coated with silicone that offers a non-slip and secure grip.
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4. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
- CAST IRON SKILLET is 10.25 inches in diameter and includes red silicone hot handle holder. An improvement on the original: the Lodge Cast...
- SEASONED CAST IRON COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic...
- CAST IRON provides superior heat retention and is unparalleled for even cooking. Lodge Cast Iron Skillets are at home in the oven, on the...
- EASY CARE: Hand wash, dry, rub with cooking oil
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of...
The cast-iron skin skillet is ideal for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, and frying.
The skillet has a red silicone handle that aids in providing better grip.
The coating is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil; hence does not include chemicals or synthetic coatings.
The skillet is oven safe up to 500° F and is very low maintenance.
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5. Kyocera Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
- CAST IRON SKILLET is 10.25 inches in diameter and includes red silicone hot handle holder. An improvement on the original: the Lodge Cast...
- SEASONED CAST IRON COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic...
- CAST IRON provides superior heat retention and is unparalleled for even cooking. Lodge Cast Iron Skillets are at home in the oven, on the...
- EASY CARE: Hand wash, dry, rub with cooking oil
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of...
This is the best non-stick pan America's test kitchen with ceramic coating for those who enjoy breakfast or quick meals like eggs.
You can use it with a low or medium flame while retaining heat, and the pan is sure to distribute heat evenly.
The fry pan is oven safe, withstanding temperatures of up to 400°F. It's super versatile, allowing you to cook anything from vegetables, fry up a stir-fry.
The fry pan features riveted stainless steel handle for comfortable use. In addition, its ceramic non-stick coating allows for quick food release and easy cleanup.
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Features To Consider When Buying Best Non-Stick Pan America's Test Kitchen
a) Type of Non-Stick Coating
Nonstick pan coatings come in two forms: PTFE ( Teflon) and Ceramic.
PTFE ( Teflon)
This is the most common coating found in non-stick pans. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a tough, flexible compound that was discovered in the 1930s. When new, the ideal non-stick pan will appear to be super slick and very user-friendly. The downside is that the non-stick coating wears away with use. There are also concerns about the safety of this type of nonstick cookware. Although PTFE is inert (chemically inactive), once it’s made and applied to a product, it can degrade and release dangerous fumes when it’s heated above 500 degrees. It does, however, last longer than Ceramic.
Ceramic Non-Stick Coating
This non-stick coating comes with a solution known as sol-gel and is more brittle than PTFE. They don't use polymers like PTFE but silica-based polymers, which are safer. Hence, it's more likely to develop microscopic cracks that can cause food to stick. However, there is no risk of dangerous fumes being released even at high temperatures. With time, it does lose its non-stick qualities.
When shopping for the best non-stick pans, ensure to pick products that are PFOA-free. This means that the non-stick coating is not made of perfluorooctanoic acid, which has been linked to causing cancer.
b) Material
Nowadays, non-stick pans are either made of stainless steel tri-ply or aluminum.
A nonstick pan made of stainless steel tri-ply evenly distributes heat evenly, but they are more expensive than aluminum pans. In comparison, aluminum pans heat up faster but don't offer even heat distribution.
Aluminum pans are not best suited for cooking on induction burners. Hence, if you want to use the nonstick pan on one, you'll have to ensure to read the instructions given in the manual and that the pan is compatible with the burner.
c) Shape of Pan
The best non-stick pans come in different shapes; hence, you'll have to consider your cooking needs when shopping for the right one.
There are non-stick pans with flared sides which tend to offer the best cooking experience. Wide-shaped pans are accurate, easy, and quick to flip without using a spatula. If looking to use a turner, a wide skillet would be ideal as it provides enough space for maneuvering your food. In addition, it allows for better evaporation, meaning that the frying pan will collect less amount of water and ensure the golden crust is developed.
A frying pan with a balanced weight offers more stability and will sit flat on your stovetop or burner. This is key for those using ceramic or induction cooktops where full contact is paramount. Additionally, having a balanced weight pan without a comfortable or ergonomically designed /angled handle can make your experience tiring.
Lastly, a skillet with a bent lip allows you to pour off liquids such as excess batter or grease without much dripping.
d) Price
When it comes to price, this is dependent on your budget. However, the rule of thumb is always not to compromise on quality.
The goal is to find what works within your budget and is of good value. When shopping for the best non-stick pan America's test kitchen, you're likely to come across a range of prices.
It's advisable not to spend too much since the coating of nonstick pans eventually begins to wear off. However, this doesn't mean you compromise on quality. The list provided above will be of high-quality non-stick pans. These are affordable picks that are guaranteed to elevate your cooking experience.
e) Number of Pieces
Depending on the non-stick frying pan you select, some models are available in different piece options. Some come in a set with at least an 8-inch non-stick fry pan for breakfast meals like eggs and pancakes. Those who enjoy cooking large meals should consider a set with a 10-inch fry pan.
e) Size and Weight
It's always best to consider the size of a frying pan, as some can be quite difficult to handle, especially if too heavy. On the other hand, the lightweight version heats up too quickly. Something else to consider is how you'll store them and if they feature a space-saving design. This is key, especially if you don't have a lot of storage space.
f) Handles
Some nonstick pans feature silicone wrapped handles that feel comfortable and protect you from burning the handles. Consider ergonomically designed handles as they make it easier to lift the frying pan and generally make it easier to handle the cookware.
g) Oven and Dishwasher
Cookware that's easy to clean is always a key feature to consider. This is something to consider when buying the best non-stick pans. Check if the pan is dishwasher safe or requires to be hand washed. In addition, read customer reviews on ease of cleaning as this will give you an idea of how the product fares. If you prefer to scrub your cookware, fry pans with hard anodized metal are your best bet.
Tips for Keeping Your Non-Stick Pan Longer
- Give your skillet a non-stick skillet a thorough clean. Even though you can wipe it down after use, wash it with water and soap after every use. Don't use metal scrubbers as that will damage the coating.
- Don't let the skillet get too hot, especially if it's empty.
- When storing the pans, place a paper towel or a foam protector on the cooking surface. This will help preserve the non-stick coating, especially if you place one skillet on top of the other.
- Avoid using metal utensils as they can be very rough on the cooking surface. In addition, they make the non-stick coating wear out faster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Non-Stick Pan America's Test Kitchen ( FAQs)
a) Should Non-Stick Pans Be Preheated?
Nonstick pans should not be preheated when empty, especially if made out of aluminum.
Aluminum nonstick pans heat up faster than those made of stainless steel. Hence, they don't need to be preheated.
b) What can you not cook in non-stick pans?
Though there is various food you can cook in non-stick pans, you have to be wary of some. For instance, acidic food or tomatoes wears off the coating.
However, you can search for the best nonstick pans made of hard-anodized aluminum, which allows you to cook with these foods.
c) When should you dispose of a non-stick pan?
It's advisable to dispose of a nonstick pan when the coating starts to wear off, and the food starts sticking to it.
