
Cooking ceases to be a chore and becomes a complete joy when you have a set of stylish cookware that allows food to be released effortlessly from it. Your days of frantically scraping the remains of your meal from the bottom of a pan could be over! With a set of nonstick cookware, food can be effortlessly released and your presentation will reach new heights of excellence!
You get a lot for your money in a set of cookware and they will last you for many years so it is a wise investment. They are extremely versatile and many of them can even be transferred to the oven. The handles are comfortable and safe and the lids seal in moisture and heat. When you are finished, it takes seconds to clean them or they can be placed in a dishwasher. To help you decide what sort of nonstick cookware set would suit you, take a look at our comprehensive guide.
The Best Nonstick Cookware
1
T-fal Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
With this impressive pack you get 17 different pieces of cookware including a 10.25 inch square griddle, four saucepans with lids and two frying pans. They can be used on all heating surfaces except induction. There is a thermo-spot in the center of the cookware so you know when it has heated up.
The riveted silicone handles have been ergonomically designed so they will be comfortable for you to hold and they are safe to go in the oven up to a temperature of 350 degrees F. This set also includes a solid spoon and a slotted spatula. For your safety, this cookware is free from PFOA, lead and cadmium. It is perfectly safe to wash in the dishwasher and the anodized aluminum is both durable and resistant to scratching. Also, the bases are made from a TechnoResist material which distributes the heat evenly and will not warp.
17 different pieces of cookware
Safe in the oven up to 350 degrees F
Free from PFOA, lead and cadmium
- BrandT-fal
- ModelE765SC
- Weight3.04 ounces
2
Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Set
Here you get 11 pieces of durable nonstick cookware including two skillets and four saucepans with covers. You’ll find the best non stick pan for whatever type of meal you choose to cook. Because they are made from heavy-gauge aluminum, the heat distribution is even and the hard-anodizing process ensures that they are durable and safe to go in the dishwasher.
The non-stick surface comprises three layers, two are for durability and the final one is completely non-stick so food releases perfectly every time. The handles are made from brushed stainless steel and are long so they stay cool when the saucepans are heated on a stove. You can use the pans with less fat or with no fat at all, making them a healthy choice that requires little cleaning after use. They have a full lifetime warranty.
Made from heavy-gauge aluminum
Three layers of non-stick surface
Long, stay-cool handles
11 piece set
- BrandCalphalon
- Model1876787
- Weight28.4 pounds
3
Rachael Ray Nonstick Cookware Set
A stunning set of 12 pieces of porcelain non-sick cookware that combines rustic charm with modern style and elegance. It includes two saucepans with covers, a stockpot with a cover, two skillets and a saute pan with a cover. The sets are available in attractive colors including Agave Blue and Mushroom Brown. They are made from durable aluminum and have a hard enamel porcelain outer coating. Inside, they are coated with an espresso-colored nonstick material that is PFOA-free and releases food without effort.
The dual-riveted handles are crafted from stainless steel and feature a rubber coating for your safety and comfort. The lids are made from shatter-resistant glass. You can use the pans on any work top heated surface except for induction and they are safe in an oven up to 400 degrees F. You even get a slotted turner and spoon in the pack.
12 pieces of porcelain non-sick cookware
Lids are made from shatter-resistant glass
Safe in an oven up to 400 degrees F
- BrandRachael Ray
- Model16344
- Weight17.5 pounds
4
Paula Deen Nonstick Cookware Pans and Pots Set
An eye-catching set of non-stick pans with a speckled enamel exterior that looks great and is very easy to clean as well as being stain-resistant so they stay looking good as new. You can order them in a variety of fun colors such as Blueberry, Coral and Red. The set comprises 15 pieces and includes four saucepans with covers, two skillets and a 5-piece set of measuring spoons. The pans heat up quickly and distribute an even heat which is amazingly nonstick. You can even put them in the oven as long as the temperature is not above 350 degrees F.
Because they are made from a great heat-conducting material (aluminum) they heat up quickly and the interior lining is made from DuPont Teflon nonstick so you will be able to release foods easily. The handles are ergonomic and have a soft texture. Their coating is finished in a color that matches the pans and they are dual riveted to give them strength. If you want to hang them on display in your kitchen, this is made easy by the copper-plated rings. The glass covers in the set fit snuggly on the pans and seal in heat and moisture to make your cooking more efficient and give you a clear view of what is going on in the pan. They have knobs with a copper color-accent which are safe and comfortable to hold.
Available in a variety of fun colors
15 piece set includes two skillets
Dual riveted and color-coded handles
Snuggly fitting glass covers
- BrandPaula Deen
- Model12513
- Weight16.55 pounds
5
Bialetti Nonstick Granito Cookware Set
If you are looking for a set of nonstick pans that gives you even cooking and exceptional durability, these could be for you. It is a ten-piece cookware set although many of the pieces can be purchased separately. They have a thick base that spreads the heat evenly and gives you superior cooking results on all your recipes.
They are the healthy choice because they contain no PFOA and allow you to cook with little oil thanks to the impressively non-stick surface. The interior surface has three layers manufactured with granite. This makes it nonstick yet safe for you to use with metal utensils and it is very easy to clean. You can use this cookware on gas and glass stovetops and it can be used in ovens up to 400 degrees F. The pans need to be hand washed.
Thick base which spreads the heat evenly
10 piece set of cookware
PFOA-free and safe
- BrandBialetti
- Model7351
- Weight21.4 pounds
6
Circulon Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
Here we have a very functional and attractive set of pans that will suit all tasks in the modern kitchen. The internal nonstick surface is very efficient and comprises a system of raised circles that work to cut down on surface abrasion. It also protects against scratching, chipping, and staining so that the food always releases easily.
The pans are extremely durable and have anodized bodies which are more durable than regular stainless steel. They have a stylish tulip shape and are available in three colors: black, merlot and chocolate. You get four saucepans with covers, two French skillets, and a covered saute pan.
The handles are cast from stainless steel but have a rubber coating for comfort and safety. You can use these pans on any heat surface including induction hobs because they have an impact-bonded base. You can also put them into the oven as long as the temperature does not go above 400 degrees F. All of the set and the tight-fitting glass covers can be cleaned in a dishwasher.
Non-stick surface of raised circles
Tight-fitting glass lids
11 pieces in the set
Attractive tulip design and three colors
- BrandCirculon
- Model87376
- Weight1.56 pounds
7
Cuisinart Nonstick Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
An extremely durable set of non-stick cookware. Each pan is manufactured with three layers of material. There is an anodized exterior which will be in contact with the heat source and is harder than stainless steel. Then, there is a middle, pure aluminum core which is excellent at distributing heat. Finally, there is the inner non-stick layer which is dense and totally nonporous. It gives you professional performance and is highly durable.
This is a large set of 17 pieces and includes three lidded saucepans, three skillets, a saute pan and a lidded stockpot. The handles are each constructed from cast stainless steel and have handles that are cool and secure to grip for your safety. They are riveted onto the pans securely and there are also helper handles for when you are lifting heavy pans. The rims are tapered to prevent spillages when pouring and the covers are made of glass and fit tightly. They can be used on any stovetop heat and can be placed in the oven up to 500 degrees F. You can even put them under the broiler and in the freezer.
Large set of 17 pieces
Manufactured with three layers of material
Non-stick surface reinforced with titanium
Covers are made of glass and fit tightly
- BrandCuisinart
- Model66-17
- Weight38.6 pounds
8
Anolon Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
If you want a sophisticated set of nonstick cookware for your kitchen that is also highly functional and will stand up to the demands of your busy lifestyle, this could be the product for you. There are 11 pieces in this set and they all have a slick and durable surface and a gently flared tulip shape. The skillets are perfect for scrambling an egg or making an omelet and you need hardly any butter to do so.
The covered saucepans are perfect for oatmeal or rice and thanks to the superb non-stick surface you can clean up in minutes. The stockpot is ideal for cooking pasta on a rolling boil and will keep casseroles and sauces bubbling away for hours with no fear of sticking and ruining the flavor. The grill pan is just what you need for bacon and burgers as the fat released during cooking drains away.
You can go ahead and use metal utensils on these pans as the deep chocolate interior is completely non-stick and has withstood the rigors of commercial catering. The heavy gauge, hard-anodized metal bodies distribute the heat evenly for perfect results every time you cook. For your comfort and safety, the stainless steel handles have a silicone rubber cover and will withstand oven temperatures up to 400 degrees F. There are glass lids which fit snugly and allow you to view the contents of the pans.
11 pieces in the set
Slick and durable surface
Heavy-gauge, hard-anodized metal bodies
- BrandAnolon
- Model82693
- Weight27.6 pounds
9
Gotham Steel Kitchen Nonstick Cookware Set
You will need no butter or oil to cook on these exceptional non-stick pans. The set of ceramic cookware comprises four pans with covers, the best nonstick skillet and a steamer. The titanium coating means that you can even use them to melt cheese or chocolate without worrying about it sticking. You will not have to use any oil or butter for cooking so your diet will be healthier. The non-stick surface does not contain any TFE, PFOS or PFOA so no toxic chemicals can contaminate your food or the kitchen environment. The non-stick coating is a titanium-ceramic combination and is completely dishwasher safe.
These pans can be put in the oven (up to 500 degrees) placed in the microwave and can be used with metal utensils. The glass covers are lightweight, will not crack and create a tight seal to keep the heat in.
Does not contain any TFE, PFOS or PFOA
Can be put in the oven up to 500 degrees
Covers are lightweight, will not crack
- BrandGOTHAM STEEL
- Model1129
- Weight12 pounds
10
KitchenAid Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set
The gorgeous colorfast finish on this cookware set will not fade or discolor so the vibrant Empire Red color will last. The strong stainless steel base will stay flat no matter what cooking surface you are using. In this set, you get four pans with covers and two skillets.
The non-stick interior is triple-coated and gives you unrivaled non-stick performance and ease of cleaning – you can pop them in the dishwasher. The covers are made from tempered glass and are domed. Each pot has a riveted stainless steel handle with a matching silicone cover for your comfort and safety. You can put them in the oven at temperatures up to 375 degrees F.
Set of four pans with covers and two skillets
Colorfast finish
Oven and dishwasher safe
- BrandKitchenAid
- ModelKCAS10ER
- Weight11.33 pounds
Best Nonstick Cookware Buying Guide
What to Look for in Nonstick Cookware Sets
There are plenty of cookware sets out there and they are a considerable financial investment that you only make every now and again. Therefore, it is worth taking your time and making the right decision on what nonstick cookware set for you would be. Here’s what you should consider.
- Number of pieces in a set
At first, you may think that you are getting good value for money by having loads of pans. However, this only makes sense financially if they are the type of cookware that you will actually use. Only pay for what you need.
- Glass covers
Most sets include covers for at least some of the pans. They need to fit well so that little of the heat and moisture can escape as this makes the cooking process more efficient. Glass covers are great because they allow you to see what is going on without lifting the lid. The handles should not get too hot.
- Dishwasher proof
It is actually very easy to handwash nonstick pans but that does not mean that you will want to! It’s always very handy if you can pop them in the dishwasher with all the other dishes.
- Freezer/broiler safe
It is also very handy if the pans can withstand the low temperatures of the freezer and the high temperatures of the broiler. It is always worth checking out the cookware reviews to see how the pans get on with repeated use.
- Versatility
Try to select a set that can be used on all heat surfaces and hobs. This should not be too much of a problem but some cannot be used on induction hobs so read the specifications carefully.
- Metal utensils
Of course, you don’t have to use metal utensils in a non-stick pan and for years you certainly couldn’t use them on a nonstick coating. However, many nonstick coatings are now tough enough to stand up to metal utensils and that is very useful.
- Type of handle
For safety, the handles of a nonstick pan should be riveted to the main body of the pan. Look out for pans that have a rubber coating on the handles so that you can pick them up comfortably.
Why You Should Use a Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cookware is very popular in modern kitchens. Here are some of the main reasons why you should invest in some nonstick cookware.
- A matching set of cookware looks great. When you buy a set of 10 or 11 pieces of cookware, your kitchen will always look coordinated. If you buy your pans one at a time, it can end up looking a mess. Nonstick cookware always comes with an attractive exterior.
- Nonstick cooking is a joy. There is nothing more frustrating than having to scrape a piece of food off a pan. It looks awful and you leave half of it behind. With nonstick cookware you have perfectly presented meals every time.
- You use less butter and oil. We all know that too much fat in the diet is not good for you and there are concerns that fats that are heated to high temperatures could cause cancer. Nonstick cookware requires very little fat and many foods will need no fat at all.
- They are perfectly safe to cook with. In the past, there have been some concerns that nonstick cookware could give off harmful chemicals. However, modern non-stick surfaces are perfectly safe as long as you do not heat them up to temperatures that are too high.
- Versatile for cooking. Cooks need versatile pans that can be used on all sorts of heating surfaces and can be transferred into the oven. This is required by many recipes and it is a nuisance to have to transfer food from one pan to another just because you want to put it in the oven. Most nonstick cookware can be put in the oven but only at lower temperatures.
- Easy to clean. Food residue can be easily wiped off a surface which makes cleaning very quick and effortless. However, most pans can also go in the dishwasher which is even more convenient.
Tips for Using Nonstick Cookware
There have been some legitimate concerns about the safety of nonstick cookware. However, the expert view is that if it is used correctly it is perfectly safe. Here are our top tips.
- Don’t preheat an empty pan
- Don’t cook on a very high heat
- Keep your kitchen well-ventilated
- Don’t use them for searing meats
- Invest in pans with thick bases
- Try to avoid damaging the surface
Nonstick Cookware FAQ:
Q: What material is the nonstick coating made of?
A: Most non-stick pans have an interior coating of a material called Teflon and the chemical name for this is polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE. It is one of a group of chemicals called synthetic fluoropolymers. However, this is not the only available nonstick surface. You may also find pans that are made from a chemical mixture of titanium and ceramic. This is actually sandblasted onto the inside of the pan and then heated to 3,630 degrees F so that it produces a non-stick surface.
Q: How quickly does it heat up?
A: Whilst nonstick cookware has a layer of nonstick material on the inside, the pan itself is often made with an aluminum base. This is very good at conducting heat and takes only a minute or so to heat up. It is best to restrict yourself to foods that only need a low or medium heat as high heats can cause the surface to break down and this can be harmful to health.
Q: How easy is the nonstick pan to clean?
A: One of the main advantages of nonstick cookware is that it is so easy to clean. The surface is very non-absorbent so food residue just slides off it when you wipe it. The external surfaces are often stain resistant as well. Most modern nonstick pans and their covers can be safely cleaned in a dishwasher.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is a 17 piece set that can be used on all heating surfaces except induction. To help you to avoid overheating, the thermo-spot in the center of the cookware lets you know when it is heated.
In our choice of the best cookware set, the riveted silicone handles are comfortable and are safe to go in the oven up to a temperature of 350 degrees F. The nonstick surface is free from PFOA, lead and cadmium. It is safe to wash in the dishwasher and the anodized aluminum is very durable. The TechnoResist material in the bases distributes the heat evenly.
Sources:
- Are Nonstick Pans Safe? - Scientific American
- Are nonstick pans safe? The truth about this popular cookware - Today