Best Cooking Pots And Pans

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This article was updated in October 2021 to ensure all product picks tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances lab were up to date and in stock. We added a new best ceramic cookware set and a best nonstick cookware set for sautéing. We also added tips to the story for how to use and care for your nonstick cookware.

Having at least one nonstick pan is essential in every cook's kitchen, from the most professional to the very beginners. It's almost impossible to make eggs without one, they make pan searing fish a lot easier and they keep pancakes from tearing apart in the pan.

Note: There are two main types of nonstick cookware: traditional nonstick and ceramic. The difference lies in the nonstick coating and sometimes the material of the pan. This article focuses on traditional nonstick but you can also check out our best ceramic nonstick cookware.

How we test nonstick cookware

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab, we fried 165 eggs, seared 50 steaks and more to rate more than 35 new cookware lines. We tested how evenly skillets distributed heat on gas and electric ranges, how well they browned meat and how well saucepans maintained a steady simmer and resisted scorching sauce. We evaluated how well nonstick surfaces released eggs and pancakes and after, how easy they were to clean. Finally, we checked how easy all cookware items were to use, including whether handles became hot to the touch and whether each piece was oven- and/or dishwasher-safe.

Our favorite nonstick pans were the ones that could do it all, from cooking an egg with no oil to searing a steak and being easy to clean after. Below are our favorite nonstick pans, including top-tested picks, editor favorites and new releases with innovative features that make cooking easy. Here are our picks for the best nonstick pans of 2021:

Best Overall Nonstick Cookware: Calphalon 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
Best Value Nonstick Cookware: T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set
Most Durable Nonstick Cookware: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
Best Nonstick Cookware for Even Heating: Anolon Advanced Hard-Anodized Non-Stick Cookware Set
Most Versatile Nonstick Cookware: All Clad Essentials Nonstick Cookware Set
Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware: GreenPan Revolution Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
Best Lightweight Nonstick Cookware: Scanpan Classic 14-Piece Cookware Set
Best Aluminum Nonstick Cookware: Zwilling Forté Nonstick Cookware Set
Best Metal-Utensil Safe Nonstick Cookware: HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Cookware Set
Best Nonstick Cookware for Beginners: Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

Is nonstick cookware safe?

Traditional nonstick pans have gotten a bad rap because many are made with Teflon (also known as PTFE) which, at high temperatures releases compounds into the air that are linked to some cancers. Today, many nonstick pans are made without PTFE, but, either way, nonstick cookware is safe, according to Robert L. Wolke, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and the author of What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science Explained, as long as you use them properly and don't overheat them. How hot is too hot? PTFE starts to decompose at 500ºF and more significantly at 660ºF, so use your nonstick pans over a medium or low flame.

Tips for using nonstick cookware

Never heat an empty pan, which will get hotter much faster and approach the 500ºF mark quicker.
Use medium or low heat to cook with nonstick, but fefer to the manufacturer's instructions for what temperature is best.
Use less oil than you would in a stainless steel pan: you won't need it to coat the pan.
Avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the nonstick coating unless your instruction manual explicitly says you can,
Avoid putting nonstick cookware in the dishwasher; the coating will wear faster.

Best Overall Nonstick Cookware

10-Piece Hard-Anodized Nonstick Pots and Pans Set

Calphalon amazon.com

$409.50

Made of anodized aluminum, which gives it some heft, and a nonstick finish that's Teflon-free, this linecombines unbeatable performance with durability. Each piece is dishwasher-safe pieces and we love that the handles stay cool while cooking. We were blown away by the pieces' outstanding heat distribution, quick boiling and even searing. The nonstick coating was so effective that we could scramble eggs or sauté veggies without oil or butter — they slid right off the pan! They're oven-safe up to 500ºF.

Durable
Good heat distribution

Not suitable for induction

Best Value Nonstick Cookware

Signature Nonstick Cookware Set

The Teflon-free nonstick coating on T-Fal's pots and pans makes them foolproof when it comes to turning out crepes, frittatas and other sticky foods. Their handles stay cool to the touch, sothey're comfortable to use when cooking with a finger grip for extra control. They're lightweight and should be used over low to medium heats; the thermo-heat indicator lets you know when it's ready to use. In our tests, scrambled eggs and pancakes cooked evenly with zero sticking. Plus, the griddle was a fun addition for breakfast items, especially bacon. Whether you hand-wash or use the dishwasher, these pieces clean up beautifully thanks to their dark nonstick finish inside and out.

Long, stay-cool handles
Includes a griddle pan, which isn't common in sets

Only oven-safe up to 350ºF

Most Durable Nonstick Cookware

Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

Ninja amazon.com

$249.99

$199.99 (20% off)

Cookware is the latest from Ninja, the brand that makes our best overall air fryer. Their pots and pans are durable enough to handle a steak, but light enough to move around and use for the simplest of tasks, like frying an egg or boiling water. They have straight edges, which helps maximize surface area, and slim lids. Their nonstick coating is applied at a very high temperature to help avoid chipping and scratching and is oven-safe up to 500ºF. Unlike most cookware, Ninja's lids are also oven-safe up to 500ºF.

Can reach high temps
Sturdy

Aluminum base discolors in dishwasher

Best Nonstick Cookware for Even Heating

Advanced Hard Anodized 11-Piece Nonstick Pots and Pans Set

Anolon amazon.com

$298.99

In previous tests, we were very impressed with Anolon's ability to distribute heat evenly, maintain a steady simmer and make scrambled eggs without oil. We also liked how their silicone-covered stainless steel handles stayed cool to the touch during cooking. Since we reviewed the Anolon 82693 Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, the set was changed a little to include updated shapes — the small sauce pan with pour spout is a favorite!

We continue to like how the handles feel in our hand and how easy the pots and pans are to move around. We also like the large sauteé pan with rounded edges, which gives a lot of surface area for browning and makes a good pot for simmering. The set is Teflon-free and they're oven-safe up to 400ºF.

Comfortable handles
Lids have silicone grips that make them easier to hold

Received a low ease of use score; they're not dishwasher safe and the rivets aren't flush or nonstick

Most Versatile Nonstick Cookware

Essentials Nonstick Cookware 10-Piece Set

All-Clad amazon.com

$550.00

$399.95 (27% off)

The All Clad NS1 Nonstick Cookware Set was a top performer in our cookware tests. It heated evenly, prevented food from sticking and browned meat very well. Now, trusty All Clad released a new nonstick line that could also go in the oven up to 500°F. We're fans of sets like these that include small and medium sauté pans, both of which fit into the larger pan for storage.

We also like that each pan has a helper handle, which allows for easy movability. The 13-inch square pan is a unique size, ideal for browning and then braising or baking; it can be stored under the large skillet, while the pots can be stored on top of the in a compact fashion. The entire set is dishwasher-safe and Teflon-free.

Sturdy
Square pan is unique

Pricey

Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware

Revolution Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set from GreenPan has a hard anodized exterior and a ceramic nonstick interior, which the company claims is not made with PFOA, PFAS, lead and cadmium.It's strong and durable with stainless steel handles, and can handle high heat – up to 600ºF, which makes searing or browning food in the oven possible. The lids are clear with handles that are designed to stay cool. In our tests, omelettes rolled out of the pan and steak browned nicely. The saucepan also performed well in our scorch test – barely any sauce stuck to the bottom of it.

Oven-safe up to 600ºF
Induction safe

Ceramic coating wears faster than traditional nonstick

Best Lightweight Nonstick Cookware

Classic 14-Piece Cookware Set

Scanpan amazon.com

$649.95

With the Scanpan Classic line, you can enjoy the perks of nonstick without the use of Teflon. They're lightweight but durable and can be used for high-heat searing and sautéing; plus they're oven safe up to 500°F and super easy to clean. The handles are wide and comfortable to hold, which make tossing a cinch. The assortment of fry pans and pot sizes especially stands out in this set – they're perfect when you're cooking for one or an entire family.

Lightweight but sturdy
Includes a grill pan

Expensive

Best Aluminum Nonstick Cookware

Forté Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

Zwilling williams-sonoma.com

$699.95

Zwilling's Forté line is here to challenge the notion that nonstick cookware is flimsy. The aluminum pans havefive layers of Teflon-fee nonstick coating. The five layers make them super durable and resistant to peeling, scratching or corrosion. They're also induction friendly. In our tests, they won top scores for cleaning and maintaining cool handles during cooking.

Five layers of nonstick coating make these pans help make these pans strong
Handles fit comfortably in palm

Pricy

Best Metal-Utensil Safe Nonstick Cookware

Hybrid Nonstick 7-Piece Cookware Set

Even professional chefs rely on nonstick skillets to cook tricky items like eggs and fish. It's evident that HexClad knows that from looking at their product line, which only includes skillets and one wok. Unlike traditional nonstick pans,they're designed to withstand high temperatures in order to achieve a good sear. They can also go in the oven up to 500°F and can be used with metal utensils.

We use our 8-inch pan to fry crispy eggs in olive oil all the time. We also use it to make fluffy scrambled eggs with butter. HexClad pans boast a patented hexagon design that's laser etched onto the inside and outside of the pan. This layer provides the nonstick attribute, while still allowing the pan to get very hot and cook evenly thanks to its stainless steel base and aluminum middle layer. The design on the outside helps prevent staining and allows for easier cleanup. Hex Clad pans are Teflon-free.

Can confidentally use with metal utensils
Get hot quickly, which is good for searing and sauteing

Cleanup can be tough if you don't use enough grease
Because they get hot quickly, you must keep a close eye on them to maintain temp

Best Nonstick Cookware for Beginners

Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set

Rachael Ray amazon.com

$135.99

The Rachael Ray Hard Anodized pans (made without Teflon) landed high scores in our tests for heat distribution and staining. They also scored high for easy release and browning. The two small pots are great for boiling eggs and heating soups, and the silicone-grip handles make moving them around easy. They're a popular seller on Amazon, with red, light blue, teal and burgundy being the new colors for 2019. The slotted spoon and fish spatula are a useful bonus.

Competitive pricepoint
Handles come in different colors

Not induction-safe

What to consider when shopping for nonstick cookware sets

✔️ Number of pieces: Consider how many pots and pans you actually need. We recommend at least an 8-inch fry pan for quick, small tasks like eggs and pancakes; a 10-inch fry pan for cooking larger dishes or for family sizes; a stock pot for pasta and batch sauces and soup; and a small sauce pan for quick, easy tasks, deep enough to boil an egg, good for reheating and simmering.

✔️ Weight and size: You want a cookware set that's mid-weight — lightweight ones are too flimsy and heat too quickly, so make sure the pots and pans have some heft. Heavier-weight cookware allows you to get a good sear, but may be difficult to lift. For easy, efficient storage, we love sets that nest neatly within each other to save space though you might want to line with towels to prevent scratching.

✔️ Handles: How cookware feels in your hand is important: You want to feel comfortable and have control when cooking. Some have silicone-wrapped handles which generally stay cooler to the touch and feel more comfortable in the hand than metal handles. For easy maneuvering, look for helper handles (an extra handle on the opposite side of the main one) which are beneficial for lifting to create extra balance.

✔️ Dishwasher- and oven-safety: Dishwasher-safe cookware saves you time and energy — you can just pop it into the dishwasher instead of scrubbing. Keep in mind that hard anodized metal will stand up to multiple washes, whereas other coatings can fade faster with repeated washing. Oven safety is useful for a range of dishes since it allows you to move your cookware from the stovetop to the oven to finish cooking or keep warm.

Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping Institute Deputy Director, Kitchen Appliances Lab Nicole runs the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances Lab where she oversees the content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools, and gear; she's an experienced product tester and developer, as well as recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition.

Betty Gold, Good Housekeeping Institute Senior Editor & Product Analyst, Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab Betty Gold is the former Senior Editor & Product Analyst of the Kitchen Appliances Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluated and wrote about every type of cooking tool and food-related item on the market.

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