The Best Non-Stick Cookware
AmazonBasics 8-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Cookware Set
The AmazonBasics line of nonstick cookware are great for a starter kitchen or for someone that cooks only periodically as they are a reasonable price. Additionally, the nonstick coating will make flipping and serving food much simpler. They must be hand-washed which can be a pain for many, however, the nonstick surface should make the process much smoother, pun intended. Simply wait for the pan to cool before running water over it while using a mild soap and the mess should wipe right out. Just don’t place your new pans in the dishwasher as this will wear down the coating and negate the nonstick aspect over time.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not compatible with induction ranges
Key Features
- Nonstick coating
- Soft-touch handles that remain cool during cooking
Specifications
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Weight: 10.5 pounds
- Includes: 5 pots and pans and 3 lids
T-fal E765SC Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set
The T-fal 12-piece set includes six pots and pans, four glass lids with steam vents, and a nonstick safe serving spoon and spatula, all of which are dishwasher safe. The thermo-spot indicator is a special feature found in the frying pans that will turn red once the pan is properly heated. A hard anodized aluminum exterior adds durability and strength while the cooking surface is made from a nonstick, scratch resistant titanium. They can even be used in the oven up to a temperature of 400 degrees, just make sure the lids are removed if you plan to use a temperature above 350. The use of wooden or silicone utensils is best despite the scratch resistant rating of the nonstick surface to improve its longevity. Don’t forget to follow the care instructions that come with your set as well for the same reason.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe up to 400 degrees (350 degrees for lids)
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not compatible with induction cooking
- Sauce pans do not have thermo-spot indicator
Key Features
- Hard anodized exterior
- Nonstick hard titanium cooking surface
- Scratch resistant
- Thermo-spot preheat indicator
Specifications
- Brand: T-fal
- Weight: 17.6 pounds
- Includes: 6 pots and pans, 4 lids, and 2 utensils
Rachael Ray 87630 12-piece Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware
If you are looking for a set of nice looking nonstick pans, Rachael Ray can help bring some color to your kitchen with red, orange, and blue-handled varieties. This nonstick 12-piece set offers some variety with two frying pans and four sauce pans. In addition to being nonstick, they are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The silicone grip handles ensure a confident, cool grip each and every time.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Coated grip handles stay cool and ensure a tight grip
- Oven safe up to 400 degrees
Cons
- Not compatible with induction ranges
Key Features
- Hard anodized aluminum
- Nonstick coating
Specifications
- Brand: Rachael Ray
- Weight: 16.55 pounds
- Includes: 6 pots and pans, 4 lids, and 2 utensils
Farberware 21809 17-Piece High Performance Nonstick Cookware Set
Farberware has put together a reasonably priced 17-piece nonstick cookware set that includes the utensils you need to prolong the life of your nonstick surface. The skillet and the cookie sheet are great additions for a relatively new kitchen that may not have these already. This starter set will ensure your guests don’t scratch your pans with the wrong utensils while ensuring you have utensils to use. If you are looking for nonstick cookware for less, Farberware can assist you in your search.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Coating can scratch off if not cared for well
Key Features
- Aluminum construction
- Oven safe up to 350 degrees (450 for cookie sheet)
Specifications
- Brand: Farberware
- Weight: 15.95 pounds
- Includes: 5 pots and pans, skillet, cookie sheet, and 6 utensils
Simply Calphalon Nonstick 10 Piece Cookware Set
The Calphalon 10-piece cookware set is on the heavier side, which can make it more stable on the cooking surface, however the balance of the handles can be off when they are empty. These pans should not be placed in the dishwasher or it may cause damage to the nonstick surface, so make sure to hand-wash carefully after use. The silicone handles are a great feature to keep your hands cool while maintaining a good grip.
Pros
- Silicone handles
- Durable construction
Cons
- Hand-wash only
Key Features
- Hard anodized aluminum cookware
- Stainless steel handles
- Nonstick coating
- Easy grip handles
Specifications
- Brand: Calphalon
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Includes: 6 pots and pans and 4 lids
Nuwave Copper 10-Piece Ceramic Duralon Forged Cookware Set
Nuwave has brought us a great option that is both nonstick and compatible with induction cooking surfaces. The copper/aluminum body is a unique combination that allows the pans to heat up quickly and evenly, and can withstand up to 900 degrees of heat within the oven. Make sure to care for your cookware as directed to prolong its life as it is not intended to be used in the dishwasher as the harsher detergents could break down the nonstick coating over time, and the prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to wear as well. The copper provides a pleasant look while also ensuring great conduction for evenly cooked foods.
Pros
- Compatible with all cooking surfaces including induction
- Oven safe up to 900 degrees (without lids)
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Copper/aluminum construction
- Duralon ceramic nonstick coating
- Stainless steel handles
Specifications
- Brand: Nuwave
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Includes: 6 pots and pans with 4 lids
Non-Stick Cookware Buying Guide
Nonstick cookware is a great option for those that would like to reduce the oils and fats used in cooking. It is important to understand what makes a nonstick surface work, and how to prolong that surface for as long as possible. Choosing the best nonstick cookware set really comes down to better understanding your cooking and kitchen cleaning habits, as well as knowing what will work with the cooking surface that you have in your home.
Cooking Surface
Make sure to know what cooking surface you have installed in your kitchen before making your purchase. Open-flame gas ranges are quite common as are electric ranges which often come in either a heating coil or glass top surface variety. While induction ranges are available as countertop appliances, they do take up additional space and are not right for everyone. That and nonstick pots and pans are often made from a material that is not compatible with induction cooking.
As mentioned, cookware can be made out of materials that are not compatible with every surface. Induction cooking requires a conductive metal for effective energy transfer, and many aluminum-based sets simply won’t cut it. Some materials may not withstand direct flame contact that comes with gas burners. Do your homework and ensure the set you choose will be compatible with the system you have in place in your home.
Cooking And Cleaning Habits
Your cooking and cleaning habits should also play a role in your decision making process. If you are one that puts everything in the dishwasher, ensure you choose a set that claims to be dishwasher safe as some models will void any warranties if they are ran through the dishwasher. It is highly recommended to hand-wash anything with a nonstick coating, even if a brand claims to be dishwasher safe, simply as a means of prolonging your set. However, if you must use the dishwasher, don’t purchase a set that does not explicitly state it is dishwasher safe.
Additionally, make sure to treat the nonstick surface kindly during cooking as well. This means no metal on metal contact with utensils unless the brand claims that they can be used. This too may void any warranty that is in place. Try to always use plastic, or better yet silicone, when possible.