If you’re tired of food sticking to the bottom of your pan, it’s about time you invested in a nonstick frying pan. A nonstick frying pan will not only improve the quality of your meals (hello fluffy pancakes and flawless fried eggs), it’ll also make cleaning up a breeze (is there anything worse than trying to clean a burnt pan?) It makes sense, then, that a nonstick frying pan is considered a kitchen cupboard essential, regardless of whether you have years of cooking experience or are just starting out.
The only problem? With so many options, choosing the best nonstick frying pan might be more complicated than you think. To simplify the process and help you choose, we reviewed dozens of nonstick frying pans that will make you excited about cooking. During our research, we looked at factors such as size, material, and safety. We also considered whether the nonstick pans are dishwasher and oven safe and whether they’re compatible with all stovetops. Last but not least, we compared the price of each nonstick frying pan, as well.
After careful consideration, we chose the Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized NonStick Frying Pan as our top choice. Not only is this frying pan by Circulon nonstick, but it is also dishwasher, metal utensil, and oven safe. Moreover, it features a handle that stays cool when you’re cooking and is safe to use with all stovetops, including induction. Perhaps best of all, Circulon’s unique circle technology guarantees that this pan will last you for years to come.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Nonstick Frying Pans
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Non Stick Frying Pan Overall | Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized 8.5” Non Stick Frying Pan | 4.7 |
| Best Granite Non Stick Frying Pan | MICHELANGELO 10” Frying Pan with Lid | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Non Stick Frying Pan | Utopia Kitchen 11” Non Stick Frying Pan | 4.6 |
| Best Ceramic Non Stick Frying Pan | CS-KOCHSYSTEME 11” Copper Non Stick Frying Pan with Lid | 4.4 |
| Best Carbon Steel Non Stick Frying Pan | De Buyer MINERAL B 7.9” Carbon Steel Fry Pan | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Nonstick Frying Pan Overall: Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized 8.5” Nonstick Frying Pan
The Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized 8.5” Nonstick Frying Pan has almost 2,000 reviews on Amazon, most of which are positive. There’s a reason, or rather, numerous reasons why this 8.5-inch frying pan is so popular with home cooks the world over. To start with, this frying pan is made by Circulon, a brand that’s well known for its durable nonstick cookware.
Founded in 1985, Circulon was the first brand to create hard anodized cookware (hard-anodized cookware has a more durable cooking surface than most other nonstick finishes). Four years later, in 1989, Circulon came up with a unique circle technology consisting of raised circles on their pans to prevent cooking utensils from scratching the bottom of the pan and ruining the nonstick coating. According to Circulon, its nonstick technology is so advanced that it actually lasts up to 10 times longer than other nonstick technologies. This is important as one of the main issues people tend to have with nonstick pans is that the nonstick layer comes off after a month or two of using the pan. With the Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized 8.5” Nonstick Frying Pan, that won’t happen.
In addition to being durable, this frying pan is also really easy to clean (mostly because it’s dishwasher-safe) and versatile. It’s compatible with all stovetops (even induction) and is oven-proof. It has a contoured silicone and stainless steel handle that is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. And, it comes with a lifetime guarantee. That means that you can always return this pan without any hassle if, for some reason, it is not up to scratch when you receive it.
Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5” Frying Pan Key Features:
- Heavy-duty hard-anodized pan
- Dishwasher-safe
- Oven-proof up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Works with all stovetops
- Stainless steel handle
- Available in other sizes and colors
- Lifetime warranty
Best Granite Nonstick Frying Pan: MICHELANGELO 10” Frying Pan with Lid
Since the MICHELANGELO 10” Frying Pan with Lid has a granite rock design both inside and out, you won’t need to hide it in the cupboard to keep your kitchen looking neat and stylish. Instead, you can proudly display it by hanging it on the wall (the handle of this pan conveniently comes with a hanging loop). The pan comes in two sizes (10-inch and 8-inch) and one color (grey).
However, this frying pan doesn’t just look good. It’s also highly functional. The granite interior is nonstick and scratch-resistant, so this pan is great for cooking over low to medium heat with little to no oil (or butter). Moreover, because the core of this pan is made of aluminum alloy (a good conductor of heat), you can heat food quickly and evenly with no hot spotting. The pan also has an anti-warp base, which means that it’s unlikely to warp over time (a common occurrence in pans). The pan is free from PTFA, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, as well.
Another great thing about this pan is that it comes with a heat-resistant glass lid with a steam release vent. This makes viewing food easy— you don’t have to worry about burning your eggs, veggies, or meat ever again. The pan also features a long stainless steel handle that stays cool while cooking and is therefore comfortable to grip and easy to maneuver. The MICHELANGELO 10” Frying Pan with Lid is suitable for use on all stovetops and in the oven (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit without the lid).
MICHELANGELO 10” Frying Pan with Lid Key Features:
- Comes in one other size (8”)
- Granite rock design
- Scratch-resistant
- Anti-warp base
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Includes heat-resistant glass lid
- Long stainless steel handle stays cool
- Compatible with all stovetops
- Oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Best Budget Nonstick Frying Pan: Utopia Kitchen 11” Nonstick Frying Pan
As it turns out, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high quality nonstick frying pan. The Utopia Kitchen 11” Nonstick Frying Pan feels durable, distributes heat evenly, and is indeed, nonstick. According to hundreds of happy customers, everything from eggs to fish to meat slides right out of the pan, even if you don’t use any oil. That’s because the pan, which is free from PFOA, cadmium, and lead, is crafted with two layers of the nonstick coating and aluminum alloy.
Although simple in design, this frying pan has all the features you need, including a Bakelite handle that doesn’t get hot while cooking. The handle is securely riveted to the pan (instead of just being screwed on) to guarantee a wobble-free cooking experience. The pan also has an induction bottom, making it suitable for all kinds of stovetops, including ceramic and electric stovetops.
Perhaps most surprisingly, this pan is dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to waste your time after dinner (or breakfast or lunch) scrubbing it. Not that you’d have to do much scrubbing with this pan anyway — one customer notes that all they had to do to clean their Utopia Kitchen 11” Nonstick Frying Pan after making scrambled eggs was wipe it off with a single swipe of a dry paper towel.
Utopia Kitchen 11” Nonstick Frying Pan Key Features:
- Durable
- PFOA, lead, and cadmium free
- Formed with nonstick coating and aluminum alloy
- Handle doesn’t get hot while cooking
- Induction bottom
- Dishwasher-safe
Best Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan: CS-KOCHSYSTEME11” Copper Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid
With a PFOA and PTFE free ceramic and titanium interior, the CS-KOCHSYSTEME 11” Copper Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid is one of the best nonstick and scratch-resistant ceramic pans out there. Unlike some nonstick frying pans that have raised patterns, this particular pan has a smooth surface, which, according to CS-KOCHSYSTEME, makes it less likely that food will stick to it.
Because this pan features professional-grade aluminum alloy, you’re guaranteed that your food will cook quickly and evenly, regardless of whether you’re using an induction, glass, or gas stove. Maneuvering the pan is easy thanks to the ergonomic, stainless steel handle fixed to the pan with three screws. The handle stays cool when cooking and can resist high temperatures (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven). The pan also includes a glass lid that allows you to conceal the heat and flavors inside and check up on your food as you’re cooking it.
Although the CS-KOCHSYSTEME 11” Copper Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is preferred. Luckily, the pan is easy to clean. For light cooking, wiping the surface with a cloth should suffice. However, according to one customer, even burned cheese slides right off when washed with water. This pan comes in two other sizes: 8-inch and 10-inch.
CS-KOCHSYSTEME 11” Copper Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid Key Features:
- Ceramic and titanium interior
- Smooth surface
- Food cooks quickly and evenly
- Compatible with all stovetops
- Long, stainless steel handle stays cool when cooking
- Comes with a glass lid
- Oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dishwasher-safe
- Available in 2 other sizes (8” and 10”)
Best Carbon Steel Nonstick Frying Pan: De Buyer MINERAL B 7.9” Carbon Steel Fry Pan
Carbon steel cookware is a common sight in professional kitchens. Why? Because carbon steel pots and pans are nonstick, versatile, durable, not coated with PTFE, and safe to use with metal utensils. Nonetheless, carbon steel pans are certainly not for everyone. The De Buyer MINERAL B 7.9” Carbon Steel Fry Pan will probably not suit you if you lack the time or patience to season it (i.e., bake the oil into it before using it to prevent it from rusting) or don’t cook often. On the other hand, if you’re passionate about cooking, cook a lot, and have the patience to maintain the pan, then this is probably going to be a lifetime investment item for you.
Made in France, this frying pan, which is PTFE and PFOA free, features a 100% natural beeswax finish. The pan becomes naturally nonstick after seasoning and is built to last forever, so you can forget the stress and hassle of having to buy a new nonstick pan every year or so. The pan guarantees constant and even heat distribution and is perfect for searing, grilling, and browning. It’s also warp-resistant and induction ready as well as oven safe (between 10 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
The pan has a riveted handle made out of the same quality carbon steel as the pan. As such, it shouldn’t come loose over time. The handle is easy to grip and the French curve is perfect for sauteing, flipping, and stirring. Note that the pan itself is fairly heavy. Although not suitable for dishwashers, the pan is easy to clean. It comes in five other sizes: 9.5-inch, 10.2-inch, 11-inch, 12.6-inch, and 14.2-inch.
De Buyer MINERAL B 7.9” Carbon Steel Fry Pan Key Features:
- Made in France
- PTFE and PFOA free
- 100% natural beeswax finish
- Oven safe up to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Riveted handle
- Available in other sizes
Who Should Buy a Nonstick Frying Pan
Pretty much everyone should buy a nonstick frying pan for their kitchen if they don’t have one already. Nonstick frying pans come with a ton of advantages. For example, they’re great for cooking delicate foods, like fried eggs, fish, and pancakes. The nonstick coating on the pan prevents the food from sticking to the pan, thus saving time and energy. Anything you cook will simply glide off a nonstick frying pan, making the cleanup process a breeze, too. Although most nonstick frying pans are dishwasher-safe, nine times out of ten, a little soap and water are all it takes to clean a nonstick pan. The nonstick coating also allows for cooking with significantly less (or even no) oil or butter, which is better for your health.
Of course, nonstick frying pans have their disadvantages, as well. Nonstick pans are generally easier to damage and tend to have a much shorter lifespan than uncoated pans. That being said, if you look hard enough, you can find nonstick pans that are safe to use with metal utensils and that are built to last for years, if not decades. Also, while in the past, some nonstick cookware companies used harmful chemicals, like PTFE, to make the nonstick coating, that is no longer the case. Teflon, for example, went PTFE-free in 2013. Finally, don’t let people fool you into thinking that a nonstick frying pan can’t achieve the searing effect that an uncoated pan can. We’ve included plenty of nonstick pans, most of them made out of carbon steel, that are perfect for searing, grilling, sauteing, roasting, and frying.
Other things you might want to purchase for your kitchen include the best crock pots and the best coffee makers.
Important Features to Consider
Here are some of the things you should pay attention to when choosing the best nonstick frying pans:
- Size. Nonstick pans come in various different sizes. Make sure that the pan you’re looking at is big enough for your cooking needs. Note that some pans are also deeper than others. Depending on what you’re planning on using the nonstick frying pan for (stir fry or eggs, for example), this might or might not be important.
- Material. Nonstick frying pans can be made from all sorts of materials, including granite, ceramic, and carbon steel. Each material has its own pros and cons.
- Safety. Fortunately, most nonstick frying pans today are PTFE and PFOA free.
Stovetop compatibility. Not all nonstick frying pans are suitable for induction stovetops, so read the product description carefully. - Oven safe. Most (but not all) nonstick frying pans are oven safe. That being said, the temperature you can expose them to varies.
- Dishwasher-safe. Again, most nonstick frying pans are dishwasher-safe. However, if you want your pan to last, it’s recommended that you hand wash it instead.
- Metal utensil-safe. Surprisingly, quite a few nonstick frying pans are metal utensil safe. But, if you want to extend your pan’s lifespan, you should really stick to wooden, silicone, or nylon kitchen utensils.
- Handle. The handle of the pan is more important than you think. Ideally, you want it to be sturdy, comfortable, and heat-resistant.
- Lid. Some nonstick frying pans come with a glass lid. Putting a lid on a pan can help food heat quicker and retain heat longer. Whether you need a frying pan with a lid depends on what you cook, though. For example, if you’re in the habit of steaming your vegetables, a lid might be vital to you. On the other hand, if you love to stir fry your food, you probably don’t need a lid.
- Price. The price of nonstick frying pans can range from expensive to budget-friendly. Just because a nonstick pan is inexpensive doesn’t mean that it isn’t any good. Some affordable nonstick pans can be even better than ones that cost much, much more.
- Warranty. In some (unfortunate) cases, nonstick frying pans may arrive damaged. To avoid disappointment, opt for a nonstick frying pan with a warranty. Some nonstick frying pans also come with lifetime customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nonstick frying pans bad for you?
Nonstick frying pans are not bad for you, as long as you don’t expose them to high heat. If you do, the coating may start to break down, and toxins could be released. As such, the recommended maximum heat for cooking with nonstick frying pans is 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should you oil nonstick pans?
It’s typically recommended that you use a little bit of oil or butter initially to help keep the foods you’re cooking from sticking. That being said, stay away from cooking oil sprays as these tend to have additives that could ruin the nonstick coating of your pan.
Are nonstick pans safe when scratched?
If your nonstick pan is flaking, there’s a chance that you’ll ingest the small flakes. However, the material will more than likely pass through the body without being absorbed or causing any adverse effects. However, a scratched nonstick pan will probably be less effective, so you may want to replace it on that basis alone.
How long does a nonstick frying pan last?
The life expectancy of a nonstick frying pan depends on the type of nonstick pan you have and how well you’re looking after it. In general, however, you can expect a nonstick frying pan to last you about five years.
Other Nonstick Frying Pans We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other nonstick frying pans. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best nonstick frying pans list, they are the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included in the listing.
Nonstick Granite Frying Pans
Granite Stone Diamond 14” Nonstick Frying Pan
This 14” nonstick frying pan by Granite Stone Diamond is ideal for cooking large quantities of food (but comes in smaller sizes, as well).
Key Features:
- Granite stone coating
- Family-sized capacity (but available in other sizes)
- Metal utensil safe
- Heat resistant handle
- Toxin-free
Cost: $40
The ESLITE LIFE 11” Frying Pan features a wood accent handle with no rivets from the inside to avoid rust, snags, and food buildup.
Key Features:
- Granite stone coating
- Free from toxins
- Break and warp-resistant
- Available in other sizes
Cost: $30
Carote 10” Nonstick Frying Pan
With a 12-month warranty and thousands of glowing reviews, there’s no reason not to try the Carote 10” Nonstick Frying Pan.
Key Features:
- Toxin-free
- Four-layer granite effect
- Slip-resistant handle that stays cool while cooking
- 12-month warranty
Cost: $22
CSK 10” + 12” Nonstick Frying Cookware Set
For a great everyday pan set, look no further than the CSK 10” + 12” Nonstick Frying Cookware Set, which includes two glass lids.
Key Features:
- Free from PFOA and APEO
- Smooth surface
- Scratch-resistant
- Comes with two glass lids
- Compatible with all stovetops
- Anti-warp
Cost: $60
Caanasweis are so sure you’ll love this nonstick frying pan that they’re offering a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee.
Key Features:
- Free from PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium
- Stone-derived coating from Germany
- Available in other sizes
- Dishwasher-safe
- 30-day 100% money-back guarantee
Cost: $21
Granite Stone 2148 11” Shallow Square Pan
Amazon’s choice for “granite rock pan,” the Granite Stone 2148 11” Shallow Square Pan is lightweight, scratch-resistant, and oven and dishwasher-safe.
Key Features:
- Triple-layer granite coating with diamonds
- Toxin-free
- Metal utensil safe
- Dishwasher-safe
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cool-touch handle
Cost: $30
CS-KOCHSYSTEME 11” Granite Skillet
When you buy the CS-KOCHSYSTEME 11” Granite Skillet, you get lifetime support service. That means that if you ever run into any problems with this pan, customer service will help you solve them in just 24 hours.
Key Features:
- Free from PTFE and PFOA
- Lightweight
- Smooth texture
- Oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lifetime support service
Cost: $40
Hansubute 12” Nonstick Induction Granite Stone Frying Pan
The Hansubute 12” NosStick Induction Granite Stone Frying Pan comes with a temperature-sensitive accessory in the handle part, so you don’t need to guess whether the pan is at the correct temperature to start cooking.
Key Features:
- Available in other sizes
- Stone-derived coating from Germany
- Dishwasher-safe
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cost: $35
Sensarte 12.5” Nonstick Frying Pan
The Sensarte 12.5” Nonstick Frying Pan is SGS approved, which means that it has been tested against various safety, health, and regulatory standards.
Key Features:
- Available in other sizes
- PFOA-free
- Dishwasher-safe
- SGS approved
Cost: $35
Mitback 10” Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid
Because the Mitback 10” Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid features a removable wood handle, it is super easy to store in a smaller kitchen.
Key Features:
- Lightweight
- PFOA and PTFE-free
- One other size (12”)
- Money-back guarantee
Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pans
Blue Diamond 8” Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
For the price, you really can’t go wrong with the Blue Diamond 8” Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan, which is compatible with all stovetops (apart from induction) and oven safe up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit!
Key Features:
- Available in other sizes
- Toxin-free
- Diamond infused coating
- Metal utensil safe
Cost: $15
GreenPan Rio 7” Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan
If you live alone and need to whip up eggs fast, this 7” frying pan from GreenPan will do the trick.
Key Features:
- Diamond reinforced ceramic nonstick
- Metal-utensil safe
- Oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dishwasher-safe
- Heat-resistant Bakelite handle
- Safe for use on all stovetops except induction
Cost: $15
GreenLife 12” Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan
The eco-friendly GreenLife 12” Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan comes in a range of fun colors, including red, blue, and lavender.
Key Features:
- Available in one other size (8″)
- Comes in 7 colors
- Free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
- Soft Grip Bakelite handle stays cool when cooking
Cost: $45
T-fal C92105 Initiatives 10” Nonstick Ceramic Coating Fry Pan
When it comes to nonstick cookware, T-fal is perhaps one of the most popular brands on the market. This particular 10” pan is dishwasher and oven safe, recyclable, and available in two other sizes and two colors.
Key Features:
- Available in other sizes
- Comes in 2 colors (black and gold)
- Dishwasher-safe
- Oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cost: $30
MICHELANGELO 8” Frying Pan with Lid
The MICHELANGELO 8” Frying Pan with Lid is lightweight, heats evenly, and is dishwasher and oven safe. Plus, it’s available in three other sizes.
Key Features:
- Available in other sizes
- Ceramic & titanium interior
- Includes glass lid
- Stainless steel handle
Nonstick Carbon Steel Frying Pans
Mauviel M’Steel Carbon 11” Nonstick Fry Pan
Although pricey, the French made Mauviel M’Steel 11” Carbon Nonstick Fry Pan will serve you for years to come, provided that you take good care of it, of course.
Key Features:
- Available in other sizes
- Commercial-grade durability
- Can be used on all stovetops and in the oven
- Guarantee for life
Cost: $70
Not sure how to season a carbon steel frying pan? The Lodge 8” Carbon Steel Skillet is pre-seasoned and ready to use out of the box.
Key Features:
- Crafted using 12 gauge carbon steel
- Available in other sizes
- Riveted handle
- Pre-seasoned
Cost: $30
BK Nature 11” Steel Frying Pan
The BK Nature 11” Steel Frying Pan feels light and versatile yet can handle everything heavier carbon steel pans can.
Key Features:
- Available in other sizes
- Lightweight
- Metal utensil safe
- Durable
Cost: $35
Mineral B 9.5” Round Country Chef Carbon Steel Fry Pan
This deep, 9.4-inch carbon steel fry pan is perfect for stir-frying, braising meat, and even deep-frying. It’s also available in a larger size (12.4”).
Key Features:
- Made in France
- Comes in one other size (12.4”)
- Induction ready
- Warp resistant
- PTFE and PFOA free
Cost: $70
Lodge Carbon 12” Steel Skillet
If you’ve burned your hands one time too many handling pans, you’ll be happy to know that the pre-seasoned Lodge Carbon 12” Steel Skillet comes with a silicone handle holder that stays cool up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features:
- Pre-seasoned
- Comes in one other size (10”)
- Made from 12-gauge carbon steel
- Dishwasher-safe
Cost: $45
