The best nonstick pan: GreenPan Valencia In addition to being scratch-resistant, GreenPan claims that this coating is, in fact, safe for use with metal cooking utensils.
Use wood, silicone, or plastic utensils on your nonstick pan. And to protect the surface, don't stack anything inside the pan. Calphalon warns that storing pans or lids in its nonstick pans will void the warranty. If you must stack to save space, place a small towel or pot holder on the surface for protection.
The Tramontina 10-inch Professional Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan is advertised as the kind of pan used in restaurants, and with good reason: It's excellent. The heavy-gauge aluminum ensures consistent heat throughout the pan.
For pans with non-stick coating, throw them out when the coating begins to flake off. For plain metal pans, scratches don't matter and you can keep using them as long as you want.
Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont and a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) a nonstick finish. While Calphalon cookware features polytetrafluoroethylene-based nonstick finishes, we are not associated with, nor do we use, Teflon® branded products.
Writer and cookware expert Allison Robicelli says in her HexClad skillet review: “HexClad cookware might be pricey, but it's worth the money and will pay for itself 10 times over. Not only does the hybrid pan do the work of three other pans, but it's also built to last. It might very well be the last pan you ever buy.”
The best nonstick pan: GreenPan Valencia
In addition to being scratch-resistant, GreenPan claims that this coating is, in fact, safe for use with metal cooking utensils.
A good, hot pan allows for proper browning of foods, and the golden pan bottom can be deglazed to add flavor to a pan sauce. That's hard to do in non-stick since brown bits don't adhere to the pan long enough to brown, and that makes metal pans even more useful, at home or in a professional kitchen.
If you've heard of HexClad cookware, it might be because Gordon Ramsay dubbed them "the Rolls-Royce of pans." The brand claims they offer the searing power of stainless steel combined with the nonstick ease of cooking delicate foods like eggs.
Nonstick pans that aren't labeled PTFE- and PFOA-free: If a nonstick pan is made with the newer PTFE- and PFOA-free green materials, those are potentially better. A pan that just says “nonstick” and doesn't give any kind of description? That's likely one you don't want.
HexClad Cookware advertises its nonstick pans as free from harmful chemicals. But, according to recent reports, HexClad may be using a chemical compound called PTFE as a non-stick coating on its pans. PTFE is a type of PFA, or “forever” chemical, that can build up in the human body and does not break down over time.
While he's released pots and pans in the past, over the last few years, Flay has given his seal of approval to cookware from one of our favorite brands, GreenPan. And now, the two have worked together to create the new Bobby Flay by GreenPan collection, available exclusively at Target.
We advise replacing your nonstick pans whenever the coating starts to degrade or is scratched—or about every three to five years.
Does HexClad have Teflon in it? Teflon is a proprietary brand of PTFE made by Chemours that is not used by HexClad. Instead, the brand now uses ceramic to coat the nonstick valleys of its cookware.
Chemicals in non-stick coatings
PFAS are found in many consumer products, including packaging, clothing, and cookware. Unfortunately, PFAS is known to accumulate in the environment and has been linked to human health impacts such as abnormal thyroid and hormone function, reduced immune system response, and cancer.
They're also lighter in weight, which makes them more manageable for some cooks but also a bit unsteady on cooktops. So if budget is a concern—or if you're looking for a beginner nonstick set—T-fal is a solid bet. But if durability and longevity matter most, spring for the Tramontina. Yes, buy it.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Pans
Preferred for its excellent heat conductivity, hard-anodized pans typically heat quickly and evenly, with no hot spots, which is ideal for consistent cooking results. Some come with an additional non-stick coating so check the quality of the PTFE coating. Benefits: Very durable.
Damaged Non-stick Pans Should Not Be Used
While modern non-stick pans are quite safe when used properly, be careful not to use these when the coating is damaged. For example, the coating could be damaged due to long time usage, or abrasion or scratching by hard objects during cooking and washing.
What type of cookware do I use at home? Only HexClad 👉 it's just that good. Built with patented hybrid technology, this is how I cook my dishes to absolute perfection.
That's because HexClad's hybrid design distributes heat faster and more evenly. High heat might cause food to stick, disturbing the seasoning.
Our products are designed in Los Angeles and South Korea. Like the vast majority of cookware and other products today, our products are manufactured in China.
Caraway is praised for its eco-friendly design, free of PTFE and PFOA chemicals (also known as “forever” chemicals). Caraway also uses recyclable packaging and incorporates sustainable materials. Meanwhile, HexClad does contain PTFE chemicals, which can be a drawback for those who prefer sustainability-first products.