Best Nonstick Cookware According to Testing

These pans, pots and skillets make cooking easy.

Whether you're a novice or a pro in the kitchen, a high-quality nonstick pan can simplify your cooking experience. Compared to heavier options like stainless steel and cast iron, nonstick pans are typically lighter, require less oil, and are easier to clean. They excel at preparing delicate foods such as pancakes, eggs, and pan-seared fish, as well as for quick sautés because of their quick heating and maneuverability.

Non-stick cookware comes in various categories, each tailored to specific culinary needs. Here are the main categories:

• Non-Stick Frying Pans: These versatile pans come in various sizes and are perfect for frying, searing, and browning food. They're great for preparing breakfast items like eggs and bacon, as well as stir-fries and sautés.

• Non-Stick Sauce Pans: These smaller pots are ideal for simmering sauces, heating soups, and cooking grains. Their non-stick surface ensures easy stirring and pouring.

• Non-Stick Stockpots: Designed for larger batches, stockpots are perfect for making stocks, broths, pasta, and boiling vegetables. Their non-stick interior eases food release and cleaning.

• Non-Stick Griddles: Griddles feature a flat, expansive cooking surface. They're great for preparing pancakes, French toast, grilled sandwiches, and even grilling without the need for an outdoor barbecue.

• Non-Stick Woks: For stir-frying, sautéing, and deep-frying, non-stick woks provide the high, sloping sides needed for tossing and flipping ingredients.

• Non-Stick Grill Pans: These pans offer grill-like markings on your food without needing an outdoor grill. Perfect for cooking meats and vegetables.

• Non-Stick Roasting Pans: Roasting pans typically have a non-stick rack to elevate meats and allow even cooking. Ideal for roasting poultry and large cuts of meat.

• Non-Stick Baking Sheets: Not just for baking, these sheets are handy for roasting vegetables, making cookies, and preparing a variety of oven-cooked dishes.

• Non-Stick Crepe Pans: With their low, sloped sides, crepe pans are designed for creating thin, delicate crepes. Their non-stick surface ensures easy flipping.

• Non-Stick Gratin Dishes: These shallow, oval or rectangular dishes are perfect for making gratins, casseroles, and baked dishes. The non-stick surface simplifies serving and cleaning.

Each category is specialized for its intended use, making it easier to prepare various dishes with minimal effort and easy cleanup.

Essential Utensils for Non-Stick Cookware

To preserve the integrity of your non-stick cookware and extend its lifespan, it's crucial to use the right utensils. Here are some essential utensils you should consider:

• Silicone Spatula: The soft and heat-resistant nature of silicone spatulas makes them ideal for flipping, stirring, and serving food in non-stick pans. They won't scratch the surface or damage the non-stick coating.

• Wooden or Bamboo Utensils: Wooden or bamboo utensils are gentle on non-stick cookware, preventing scratches and abrasions. They're perfect for sautéing, stirring, and flipping your favorite dishes.

• Plastic Utensils: Non-stick cookware pairs well with plastic utensils, such as spoons, ladles, and turners. These utensils are lightweight, heat-resistant, and safe for your non-stick pans.

• Nylon Tongs: Nylon tongs allow you to grasp and turn foods in your non-stick cookware without causing any damage. They're versatile tools that every kitchen should have.

• Silicone Basting Brush: A silicone basting brush is handy for applying marinades and sauces to your dishes without harming your non-stick pans.

• Spoon Rest: To keep your countertops clean and protect your non-stick cookware, consider using a spoon rest to hold utensils when not in use.

Remember, it's essential to avoid metal utensils, as they can scratch and damage the non-stick coating over time. By using the right utensils, you can maintain the quality and performance of your non-stick cookware for years to come.