If you've decided to swear off PTFE-coated nonstick cookware, there are some good alternatives, including a number of ceramic, cast-iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel pans that perform well in our tests.
Non-stick utensils have harmful PFAs/Teflon coating, termed as forever chemicals and damage your health in the long run. Cast Iron utensils on the other hand not only give you a good surface to cook in, but are also 100% Natural and adds much-needed iron nutrients to your food. Cook healthy, eat healthily!
Scanpan is probably the best nonstick you can buy, but like was said no nonstick will last more than a few years. Carbon steel works awesome for eggs, or even stainless steel and both will last forever.
We recommend lightweight nonstick skillets with heat-resistant, grippy handles, which make them easier to lift and maneuver while cooking. The best skillets heat up quickly thanks to an aluminum-stainless steel composition. Their surface coating should help food release easily, even with sticky ingredients.
If the coating starts to deteriorate or chip it's no longer safe. In my experience though, non stick often loses its non stick-ness long before the coating starts to chip. I replace them when their non stick-ness has noticeably declined.
The best natural nonstick cookware alternatives
A few popular ceramic cookware options include The Always Pan (read my full review here), Caraway and Greenpan. Cast iron is another cookware material that develops a natural nonstick coating over time, especially if you season it well and care for it properly.
We advise replacing your nonstick pans whenever the coating starts to degrade or is scratched—or about every three to five years.
You can find nonstick cookware at much lower prices than HexClad. If you have the budget, however, HexClad is the better option. It's nonstick, it's more durable, and it provides a superior cooking experience.
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.
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.
Not all non stick pans are created equal, so they can range in length of life. While most non stick pans last an average of two to three years, pans of a poorer quality may yield fewer uses before the non stick coating wears off. Alternately, higher quality pans may last longer than three years with the right care.
If you're in the market for a new skillet to flex your omelet-making skills, it's easy to fall down a rabbit hole of endless debating between a ceramic or a traditional nonstick finish. In truth, either option is totally fine in terms of performance, however, ceramic is less durable than traditional nonstick.
Whether you're frying eggs, searing steak or whipping up stir-fries, this pan can easily handle various tasks. Its durable construction and slick nonstick surface make it suitable for everyday meals. Its price point makes it a smart choice for everyday use and even more so for occasional adventures.
That's why the best nontoxic nonstick cookware is not necessarily a piece of PFOA- or PFAS-free gear—in fact, we'd argue the best nontoxic “nonstick” pans money can buy are made of stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel.
If you're looking for a non-stick cookware set that is less expensive, check out the Cuisinart GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized. However, the Calphalon Premier is still our top recommendation and performed better than the Cuisinart GreenGourmet in every other metric.
If you've decided to swear off PTFE-coated nonstick cookware, there are some good alternatives, including a number of ceramic, cast-iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel pans that perform well in our tests.
The Tramontina 5-Quart All-in-One Plus Pan is a versatile 5-piece set designed to do multiple things in the kitchen. It's a great size for sautéing, frying, braising, steaming and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The American Cancer Society also doesn't believe nonstick cookware, particularly, Teflon, is a significant health concern. Our take: Nonstick cookware is perfectly safe when used as recommended for delicate foods cooked over low to medium heat. Unlike nonstick pans, you actually want to pre-heat stainless-steel pans.
If the non-stick (PTFE-coated) cookware is worn out, it should be disposed of in the trash. Non-stick cookware is not recyclable due to the PTFE coating and are not accepted in curbside recycling carts or at the Drop-Off Station or Recovery Yard.