We Tested 41 Nonstick Cookware Sets, and These Are the 6 Worth Buying

Final Verdict

Our top spot goes to the Calphalon Signature Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set, which all of our testers loved for its beautiful and durable design, ease of cleaning, and incredible performance. For an incredibly well-made, long-lasting set with even better temperature distribution, the Caraway Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set is oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.

How We Tested Nonstick Cookware Sets

Over the past two years, we've tested over 40 nonstick cookware sets in our Lab. We initially tested 25 nonstick cookware sets side-by-side in and evaluated their temperature consistency and distribution, nonstick performance, design, and ease of cleaning. Our testers took note of whether or not there was any chemical smell when heating the pans, whether there was major temperature disparity across different spots in each pan, whether there was any sticking while making French omelets, whether there was any scorching or sticking when heating tomato sauce, whether there was any sticking or burning when making rice pilaf, and whether there was any difficulty with cleaning.

We also did an additional round of testing in 2023 with the sets on this list (plus a dozen other popular picks) to evaluate how they performed when cooking scrambled and fried eggs, rice, and sautéeing onions to see if our initial evaluation still held true. We also considered how comfortable these pans were to hold, how easy they are to maneuver, and how the separate pieces affect their overall value.

We also sent several nonstick cookware sets to our editors to test at home, as well as used many sets in our test kitchens to thoroughly test the durability of the nonstick coating.

We Observed

• Nonstick qualities of each piece: The most important factor for nonstick pans? The ability for foods to slide right off. We put the nonstick surfaces to the test with "high-stick" foods like eggs and rice. Those sets that released easily with minimal sticking earned the top spots on our list.
• Temperature consistency: Any piece of cookware worth its salt will deliver when it comes to temperature control and heat distribution. We used thermocouples to monitor the temperatures across the pan's surface, noting any hot spots. We also observed how evenly we were able to cook a French omelet and rice pilaf to further assess the pan's performance.
• Usefulness of the assortment: When it comes to sets, the sizes and shapes that are included will determine their usefulness in one's household. We evaluated each set's included pieces to see how versatile they were as a whole.

We Rated

• Durability: The surface of nonstick cookware can be notoriously delicate when it comes to scratches, so when a set was said to be compatible with metal utensils, we made sure to test that claim. Sets whose surfaces survived metal implements with no (or barely perceptible) damage earned the highest ratings.
• Design and Ease of Use: Beyond aesthetics, we rated these sets based on how easy they were to transport on and off the stove, and how balanced they felt in the hand. We also took into account handle ergonomics and how comfortable they were to maneuver when filled with food.
• Overall Performance: We made scrambled eggs, fried eggs, and French omelets to test the nonstick capabilities and heating capabilities of this cookware. We also simmered tomato sauce and made rice pilaf to check for hot spots and scorching. Sets that cooked evenly and released food without much effort earned 5 stars in this category.

About Our Testers

• Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
• Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an expert in home cookware, was also interviewed and helped us assess the data from every cookware test. She advises making a French omelet to test heat responsiveness and warns it's definitely time to toss your nonstick if the coating is flaking or scratched.
  
• Amanda McDonald is the Commerce Updates Editor for The Spruce Eats. She uses her Caraway cookware on a weekly, almost daily, basis and regularly updates us on how its faring, paying special attention to the wear-and-tear on the ceramic coating.

Other Options We Tested

• Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12-Piece: Our Lab testers found that the temperature consistency on this set wasn't bad, but the nonstick performance was nothing to write home about. This set was also one of the most difficult to clean, and although the pans felt sturdy and high-quality, there was a chemical smell when they came out of the oven.
  
• Ninja C39800 Foodi NeverStick Premium 12-Piece Cookware Set: We like the design of these pieces and the fact that they could nest, but when we tested it in our Lab, we noticed more food sticking to the pans than with other sets—tomato sauce stuck and needed to be scrubbed off. This set also received relatively low scores for temperature consistency in our official test.
• Cuisinart GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set: This is a fantastic set and actually rated very highly, thanks to a versatile assortment and eco-friendly bent. But the one thing that edged it off this list is the lack of a larger stockpot and the smallish sizes that would limit its usefulness for a larger family.

What to Look for When Buying Nonstick Pans

Material

Nonstick pans can be made out of many types of base material, which will help determine how well your pan conducts, maintains, and responds to heat. The lightest and most popular of these is aluminum, which conducts heat well and can be used on a variety of cooktops. Stainless steel is another popular choice—these pans tend to be heavier, with more substantial thickness making them less susceptible to dings and dents. Copper is another great option, as this metal has superior heat conductivity, and is also extremely responsive to changes in heat. As for the interior, the coating is mostly either polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) or ceramic, which we'll discuss later.

Number of Pieces

Depending on your cooking style and family size, the number of pieces you need will vary. The most utilized nonstick pan will likely be a skillet, so be sure to choose a set that has at least one. Another essential pan to have is a stockpot, which is great for cooking rice, sauces, and stews. More pieces will give you more versatility but will require more space to store. 

Cooktop Compatibility

Most traditional and ceramic-coated nonstick cookware function just fine on gas, electric, and halogen cooktops—always check with the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. The most common material used to make nonstick cookware is aluminum, which is not induction-friendly on its own. If you have an induction cooktop, look for one that has a stainless steel base that specifies it is compatible for use with this type of stove. 

Heating Capacity

Nonstick cookware is generally safe for low and medium temperatures, though some of the more modern versions can stand higher heat. Traditional PTFE coatings are generally approved for use up to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ceramic coatings can typically withstand higher temperatures (over 500 degrees with some models), and hard-anodized cookware can fall somewhere between 400 to 500 degrees, depending on the manufacturer. If you often start foods on the stove and finish them in the oven, make sure to check what temperatures the cookware can withstand, so you won’t have to transfer from one pan to another to finish your cooking.

Price 

Nonstick cookware is available at a wide variety of price points, the least expensive of which are lightweight aluminum pans with PTFE or ceramic coating. Since medium- and heavyweight pans require more material to construct, they will naturally be a little more expensive. Keep in mind that nonstick cookware generally wears out more quickly than stainless steel, copper, or enameled cast iron pieces and will need to be replaced at some point. 

Warranty

Many manufacturers offer some type of limited warranty against defects in material, construction, or workmanship. This warranty typically will not cover damage from thermal shock, improper use, nonstick deterioration, damage from metal/sharp utensils, or damage caused by abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Be sure to double-check the warranty provided by the vendor to ensure it is to your satisfaction.

Maintenance

There are some universal rules for nonstick cookware that will help you prolong its life. Always use the pans within the recommended heat range, as some nonstick coatings do not work well at higher temperatures. Ghee, butter, and oil are recommended for cooking, but nonstick sprays will leave a sticky buildup that can be difficult to remove and will affect the pan's nonstick properties.

Protect your cookware's finish by avoiding sharp or metal cooking utensils, which can cause scratches and gouges that can lead to eventual chipping or flaking. Should you notice that the coating on your nonstick cookware is beginning to crack, it is time to replace it. While some nonstick pans claim to be dishwasher safe, you'll get more wear out of your cookware if you wash them by hand. Since the nonstick surface lets food debris come off easily, washing your pots and pans with a non-abrasive scrubber and mild dish soap is a simple and effective method to clean them.

Types of Nonstick Cookware

Traditional nonstick

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, is what serves as the coating for traditional nonstick cookware. Pans made with PTFE are easy to use and clean, but the coatings do wear away as you use them. The biggest concerns with PTFE mainly have to do with the breakdown of the coating, which begins to happen at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Commonly linked to PTFE, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) was used in the manufacture of traditional nonstick coatings. Since 2006, major companies have voluntarily worked towards eliminating PFOAs from products, though it can still be produced overseas.

Ceramic

Ceramic nonstick cookware is coated in a material that is derived from silica, one of the components of beach sand. This is applied—either dipped or sprayed—to coat the interior surface of the pan, and then it is cured by high-firing in an oven. While most PTFE coatings need at least three coatings, ceramic coatings can require as little as just one layer, reducing the time and energy required to manufacture these types of pans. The drawback of ceramic is that it is more brittle than traditional nonstick coatings, making it more susceptible to developing surface cracks and losing its nonstick property faster. 

Hard-anodized aluminum

While PTFE and ceramic coatings are coated onto other metals to make a nonstick layer, hard-anodized aluminum has a nonstick surface that is essentially “baked in.” It is made by electrochemically hardening soft aluminum to make it stronger than stainless steel, and an oxidized top layer that is also nonstick and tougher than traditional nonstick coatings. Hard-anodized aluminum stands up well to high heat, resists scratches, and doesn’t react with acidic foods, and because the nonstick surface is part of the actual pan (versus being bonded onto the metal), it is not prone to chipping or flaking.

FAQs

What heat setting is best for nonstick pans on the stove?

Since nonstick coatings tend to break down at high temperatures, it's advisable to keep your heat settings on medium to medium-low. You can always check with your manufacturer's instructions for specific heating instructions.

Can nonstick pans go in the oven?

It depends on the pan. Many traditional nonstick pans have lower heat thresholds that aren't ideal for putting into the oven, but there are definitely some pans that are built for oven use. Check the manufacturer's specs to see if your nonstick pan can take the heat. If you aren't sure and need to finish a dish in the oven, pick a carbon steel or cast-iron skillet instead.

Can nonstick pans go in the dishwasher?

Most of the time, they can, but the strong water pressure and dish detergents used in a dishwasher can cause your nonstick surface to wear down faster. To prolong the life of your nonstick cookware, hand-washing is recommended.

Do nonstick pans lose their nonstick capabilities?

Over time, the nonstick coating will inevitably wear away, causing food to stick. If you notice that your pan is sticking more than usual, it may be time to replace it.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

The Spruce Eats writer Madeleine Burry has compiled several kitchen-focused roundups for us, including the top dry food containers, cutting boards, and dinnerware sets.

Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience as a professional chef, and Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content, have both updated this list after extensive testing our Lab and in home kitchens.