The best nonstick pan: GreenPan Valencia Pro frying pan This pan has a high quality coating that maintains its fresh-from-the-box level of nonstick following months of regular use. GreenPan really distinguishes itself by the overall design of its pans in addition to the quality of their nonstick cooking surface.
The best nonstick skillet is the OXO Nonstick Pro Fry Pan. It's lightweight and durable and priced right. We also like the Cuisinart 622-24 Chef's Classic Nonstick Skillet for a pick that can withstand high oven temperatures. A good nonstick skillet can make a big difference in the kitchen.
Cast iron pans will last a lifetime and are excellent at retaining heat but need a little care to clean properly and keep seasoned. They also tend to be heavy to use. Stainless steel pans are lighter and extremely durable so often used in professional kitchens but it can be difficult to stop food from sticking to them.
If you want to splurge on a pan, copper cookware can last over a lifetime with proper care, and this pan from Hestan's CopperBond line topped our tests in its category.
Nonstick pans are a type of cookware that has a special nonstick coating. This coating allows food to cook in the pan without actually sticking to it. The coating of most nonstick cookware is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon. When well taken care of, most nonstick pans will last up to 5 years.
We advise replacing your nonstick pans whenever the coating starts to degrade or is scratched—or about every three to five years.
While most non-stick pans can last up to three years (read the manufacturer's instructions) if used and taken care of properly, poor-quality non-stick pans can start feeling sticky in under 6 months.
Avoid PFOS
The most harmful cookware is going to be anything with a chemical non-stick coating, sometimes branded as Teflon.
Teflon: Some nonstick pans are sealed with a Teflon coating that can contain PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) or PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), which can create toxic fumes when heated. These toxic fumes may cause what is known as “polymer fume fever.” Symptoms include breathing difficulty, fever and sore throat.
Even expensive pans with nonstick coating tend to scratch eventually (though high-end warranties usually do cover that). If you're looking for a place to save some cash, consider buying a lower-price nonstick pan for your set. There's also the aluminum option.
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.
According to Hexclad, these peaks and valleys make the cookware incredibly durable, provide even heat distribution, and create a good sear — and based on our testing, we're inclined to agree. The pots and pans are oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, metal utensil-safe, and they have a lifetime warranty.
On the other hand, stainless steel is a great choice for durability and even heat distribution and is one of our favorite skillet materials. Carbon steel is another excellent choice for these properties and is a lightweight alternative to cast iron. Like cast iron, though, it will need to be seasoned and maintained.
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.
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.
“The most nontoxic cookware that you can buy is stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel; things that don't have a coating on them,” says Alexis Pisciotta, culinary purchasing and events manager and cookware consultant for Food Network.
But stainless steel cookware is the most prized and frequently sought-after by professional chefs and serious home cooks alike. Known for its durability and high heat retention, it can achieve an excellent sear or perfect sauté. And it can last a lifetime.
Stainless steel is often the most versatile and durable cookware.
A greater concern may be the components of some nonstick coatings. PFOA, for example—one of the thousands of chemicals that fall into the category of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances)—has been clearly linked to health risks.
HexClad says its pans are designed to last a whole lifetime, which is backed by the manufacturer's lifetime warranty for defects. However, it does make clear that the warranty doesn't cover damage incurred by improper care or use – so it's worth making a note of the care and cleaning instructions advised by the brand.