The 8 Best Nonstick Skillets, According to Our Test Kitchen

The Bottom Line: The Best Nonstick Skillet

Our top overall pick, the Made In Nonstick Frying Pan (view at Amazon), is a high-performing pan that will stand the test of time. We also liked the ergonomic, stick-free Anolon X Hybrid Nonstick Frying Pan/Skillet (view at Amazon), a dishwasher-friendly pan that costs under $100. 

Choosing a Nonstick Skillet

Which Coating Works Best for You?

You may have heard about the debate about safety regarding nonstick pans, particularly concerning coatings, which can contain PFOA (a chemical additive) and PTFE or a proprietary compound known as Teflon. From existing research, it remains unknown how toxic exposure to small levels of these coatings can be to people who cook with these pans. 

“As for modern Teflon, it is considered safe to cook with, as long as the manufacturer’s instructions are followed,” Huggins says. “Most importantly, one should avoid exposing Teflon cookware to temperatures over 500°F. ”Very high temperatures, she says, can break down the cookware’s surface, exposing the chemicals and making them more susceptible to consumption. 

Ceramic nonstick skillets are made from aluminum and coated in ceramic, which can be a good option for people who avoid Teflon-coated pans. However, the long-term effects of using these ceramic-coated pans remain largely unknown. For this guide, we tested ceramic-coated and regular nonstick-coated pans.

The coating of the pan you choose, Huggins says, may impact the efficacy of your pan, too. “Ceramic pans may take longer to heat up,” she says, though that may not be the only determining factor that guides which pan you choose. 

Hard-anodized pans, another common nonstick option, are made from aluminum that has been hardened and sealed to the pan’s surface through an electrochemical process. These pans are extremely strong and less prone to chipping than other types of nonstick pans. 

Choose a Size That Works for Your Needs

Nonstick frying pans come in a wide variety of sizes, but for this guide, we tested pans ranging in size from 8 to 12 inches. Most home cooks will require pans of varying sizes, and we recommend owning sizes in multiple diameters to accommodate different cooking tasks. Depending on your personal needs, you may find that a smaller—or larger—nonstick pan is right for you. Larger pans are heavier and can be more challenging to clean and store, but they also have a larger cooking surface. These are better for homes with larger families, for instance, or for people who tend to entertain more frequently. 

Pick Your Price Point

“There are so many nonstick pans available that will fit any price point or preference,” Huggins says. Consumers should begin with a budget in mind and then decide which size and coating they prefer. It’s also important to consider secondary value points, like whether or not a pan is oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and induction-compatible, assuming this is relevant to your lifestyle. 

Our Nonstick Skillet Tests

We conducted a series of tests to find the best nonstick frying pans, putting each nonstick frying pan through real-world scenarios. Specifically, we cooked notoriously sticky foods like eggs and salmon to test the nonstick capabilities of each model. We evaluated each pan based on how easy it was to clean and how evenly it seared and sautéed various foods. Finally, we tested the pans’ durability by scraping utensils across their surfaces and checking for scratches and dings. Our final decision was based on our tester’s rating of each pan’s design, performance, durability and ease of cleaning.

We Also Considered

In addition to the nonstick frying pans we included in this guide, we also considered others in testing. Other options we considered included:  

Great Jones Large Fry Nonstick Frying Pan ($105 at Great Jones): This ceramic nonstick skillet has nice touches like a welded handle, which means no awkward screws or rivets to clean around, and this pan is comfortable to hold while using. So far we're fans, but we're conducting ongoing testing to ensure its ceramic surface continues to hold up to everyday use.

Farberware Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Pots and Pans Set (from $80 at Amazon): We liked this pan across the board but did not feel it had high enough marks to move it into the top tier regarding design, ease of use, and performance. 

Rachel Ray Cook + Create Nonstick Frying Pan/Skillet ($30 at Amazon): Performance and design were two sticking points for us on this otherwise very solid nonstick. 

Circulon SteelShield Induction Hybrid Nonstick Frying Pan/Skillet ($40 at Amazon): We felt that some other pans were better designed than the Circulon, ultimately leaving it out of the top running. 

Common Questions

Are nonstick skillets safe? 

Nonstick skillets are often coated with substances like PTFE (commonly known as Teflon), which gives the skillet a slick surface that makes flipping pancakes or frying eggs a breeze. However, there has been some concern about the potential release of toxic fumes when these pans are subjected to high heat.

However, nonstick pans, says Huggins, are safe to use as long as you pay attention to your pans and are mindful of signs of breakage. Using pans correctly, she adds, will ensure the safety of your pans. “This includes not using pans in high temperatures (over 500°F) and watching out for damage, chipping, etc. to the cookware’s finish,” she says. 

With nonstick skillets, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use them at recommended temperatures. You can also consider alternatives like ceramic-coated pans or good old cast iron.

How do you clean a nonstick skillet?  

To ensure your nonstick frying pan's longevity, you'll want to treat it with a little extra care. After cooking, it's best to let your pan cool down a bit before you start the cleaning process. Skip the abrasive pads and aggressive scrubbing, as these can damage the nonstick coating. Opt for a soft sponge or cloth paired with a mild dish soap. For stubborn bits of food, a soak in warm, soapy water will do the trick. While some nonstick frying pans can be washed in the dishwasher, check the manufacturer's instructions, as the high heat and strong detergents can wreak havoc on some nonstick coatings.

What’s the difference between a nonstick skillet and a cast-iron skillet? 

A cast-iron frying pan is made from iron that may or may not be coated in enamel. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet can be surprisingly stick-free, and has the added benefit of imbuing your meals with trace amounts of iron. On the other hand, nonstick frying pans are typically crafted from stainless steel, aluminum or another lightweight metal and are always coated with a slick surface. That surface is either ceramic or another type of coating, like PTFE, the polymer also used to produce Teflon.

Can I put a nonstick skillet in the oven?

Whether or not you can put a nonstick skillet in the oven depends on the skillet. Most nonstick frying pans are oven-safe up to 500°F, but exceeding the manufacturer's recommended temperature limits can damage the nonstick coating, or you could release harmful chemicals into the air or your food. Additional factors, such as the type of handle and whether the skillet has any plastic or silicone parts, must also be considered. Ultimately, it's best to consult the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging your nonstick skillet or, worse, putting your safety at risk.

How long do nonstick skillets last?

How long your nonstick skillet lasts depends on many factors, such as the type of nonstick coating, amount of usage and how well your pan has been maintained. While nonstick cookware can last for years, you should replace it if it's scratched, discolored or warped.

To extend the life of your nonstick skillet, be sure to only use kitchen utensils made of wood or silicone to avoid gouging your pans. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool when cleaning your nonstick cookware, and don't heat your pan to temperatures that exceed the manufacturer's recommendations. Finally, proper storage can go a long way toward preserving the life of your nonstick frying pan: Stacking your nonstick cookware without placing a buffer in between the pans can cause dings and scratches. If you don't have space for a storage rack to separate your nonstick cookware, even something as simple as placing a paper plate in between your pans can help protect them.

Our Trusted Expertise

Hannah Selinger is a James Beard Award-nominated writer who has written about food and drinks for local and national publications since 2015 and is currently at work on a food-related memoir to be published by Little, Brown in 2025. For this article, she interpreted the tested results of 16 different nonstick skillets, utilizing her experience as a food writer and as a graduate of the French Culinary Institute. In addition, she consulted Elizabeth Huggins, M.S., RD, a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Hilton Head Health, for her expertise on health and food safety.

This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a food editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, and reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, a senior commerce editor with over 15 years of experience writing about nutrition, health and food.