The Slickest, Absolute Best Nonstick Skillets You Can Buy Right Now
published about 3 hours agoWhen you truly don’t want something to stick to a pan, only nonstick will do. A nonstick pan can be much more, um, nonstick-y than a well-seasoned cast iron or carbon steel skillet. Scrambled eggs, omelets, crêpes, sticky sauces, pancakes, pan-seared salmon … if you’re making any of these things, you need a nonstick skillet. Ideally, a good one. (Because bad nonstick skillets can lose their nonstick qualities very quickly!)
And so, I set out to find the best nonstick skillets out there — rounding up well over a dozen pans and putting them through a litany of tests for many weeks. I made omelets and crêpes and fried over-easy egg after over-easy egg. Before getting into some more detailed findings, here’s a quick rundown of my favorites.
The Best Nonstick Skillets
- Best Overall : OXO Good Grips Non-Stick 12-Inch Pro Skillet
- Best Splurge : All-Clad Non-Stick Fry Pan
- Best Budget : Tramontina Professional Fry Pan
- Best Handle : Misen Nonstick Pan
- Best Ceramic : Kyocera Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
- Best Alternative Material : Material The Coated Pan
The Tests
- Make over-easy eggs , without any oil or butter.
- Make a French omel et .
- Make crêpes .
- Wash each pan by hand after every test.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m the Tools Editor at The Kitchn and a professional kitchen equipment tester. I previously worked at America’s Test Kitchen and my reviews on topics like stand mixers, induction burners, toaster ovens, and multicookers have been published in Cook’s Illustrated , Cook’s Country , and on the America’s Test Kitchen website. My work has also been featured on America’s Test Kitchen’s and Cook’s Country’s television programs. Also, in my personal life I tend to use a nonstick skillet at least once a day!
What to Consider When Buying a Nonstick Skillet
How Nonstick Is It?
If a nonstick pan’s not nonstick, you don’t want it, right? At least that’s how I feel — and I’ve bought and used plenty of nonstick pans that lose their nonstick-iness after just a week of cooking in them. The best nonstick skillets have slick, durable nonstick coatings, ensuring fried eggs, omelets, and crêpes slide right off of them time and time again.
Almost all of the traditional nonstick skillets I tested are very good and perform similarly — with some design differences that make some much easier to use than others. (I weeded out the ones that I know aren’t great before I even got to testing!) There’s another big factor worth considering: Do you want a traditional nonstick surface or ceramic nonstick surface?
Do I Want Traditional Nonstick Versus Ceramic?
By traditional nonstick, I mean nonstick coatings that have PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which you probably know as Teflon. These skillets are all oven-safe to at least 400°F and have super-slick nonstick coatings. However, there are some health concerns out there surrounding them. Overheating these types of skillet above 500°F (when empty, especially), can degrade and release gasses that can cause “polymer fume fever,” which include symptoms like headache and — you guessed it — fever. If you don’t use a nonstick skillet for high-heat tasks, you’ll be fine (opt for cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel instead). It is worth noting that all the pans I tested, though, are free of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which has been removed from the PTFE manufacturing process since about 2015 and is a known environmental toxin that some studies have linked repeated exposure of to an increased risk of cancer.
Again, using nonstick pans as directed is totally safe. That said, if you have concerns, ceramic is a good option. Ceramic coatings are made from a ceramic material derived from sand. These types of skillets are non-toxic and have no danger of off-gassing. Therefore, they’re oven-safe to a higher temperature and have been billed as a safer alternative to nonstick. Performance-wise, though, ceramic generally doesn’t stay as nonstick for as long as traditional nonstick. Of course, I do have a favorite ceramic skillet that is durable and absolutely worth considering.
How Easy Is It to Use (and Clean)?
Outside of performance, there were some factors that separated the skillets: weight, handle design, and their walls. I prefer skillets that weigh less than 3 pounds. Anything heavier than that tough is to lift one-handed — especially when tilting the skillet to remove an omelet and swirling crepe batter around to evenly coat the pan’s surface.
Handle design is key, too. Smooth, rounded handles feel the most comfortable to hold (nothing with a squared off ridges or ends). I also prefer handles that are 7.75 to 8.7 inches long — anything shorter than that feels like I am choking up on the pan and anything longer is awkward to hold. I made a pick focused on pan performance and handle, specifically, in case you need a super comfy pan.
And as for the walls of the pans, I find walls that gently slope inward are tall enough to contain food, but don’t cut into the pan’s usable cooking surface. Walls that are too straight up and down make it tough to remove food, and walls that aggressively slope too far inward cut inches off the pan’s usable cooking surface.
Cleanup, though, proved a non-issue throughout testing. All of the pans scrubbed clean easily with soap and water.
Related : How To Clean a Nonstick Pan
What Size Skillet Should I Get?
If you tend to cook recipes that serve four (for four people or leftovers the next day!), a 12-inch skillet is your best match. If you mostly cook for two or want a pan for omelets or crêpes, a 10-inch skillet is a great size. And if you’re in need of a pan for a single-serving of scrambled or fried eggs, then you should consider an 8-inch skillet. Below, I made sure to note which of my top picks are available in different sizes.
How Long Will a New Nonstick Skillet Last?
Unlike cast iron or carbon steel, which can last forever as long as they’re treated right, nonstick skillets have a finite lifespan. And while you can’t expect a nonstick skillet to last for 10, 12, or 13 years, a good one could make it for five years. And there are some ways to care for them that’ll extend their longevity. For starters, you should never use sharp or metal utensils on a nonstick skillet. Oh, and if your nonstick starts peeling, it’s absolutely time for it to retire.
What We Look for in a Nonstick Skillet
I judged all of the skillets on the following criteria, on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the worst and 5 being the best):
- Performance : How nonstick is the skillet? Is it a cinch to remove food?
- Ease of use : How easy and comfortable is the pan to use?
- Cleanup :
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Non-Stick 12-Inch Pro Skillet
Buy NowThis skillet cooks like a dream: Fried eggs, omelets, and crêpes slide off its surface. It has a smooth, rounded handle that’s super comfortable to hold and stays cool throughout cooking. This pan is one of the lightest I tried, making it incredibly easy to pick up with one hand. It has a sizable cooking surface and walls that gently slope inward, which makes it a cinch to add and remove food. Like all of the nonstick skillets, it’s a breeze to clean.
Specifications
- Ovensafe to : 430°F
- Dishwasher-safe : Yes
- Induction-friendly : No
- Weight : 2.43 lb
- Cooking surface : 9.75 in
Rating Criteria
- Performance : 5
- Ease of Use : 5
- Cleanup : 5
Who it’s best for : Anyone looking for a fantastic nonstick skillet at a reasonable price point.
Good to know : This pan also comes in 10-inch and 8-inch sizes, all of which are PFOA-free.
Best Splurge: All-Clad Non-Stick Fry Pan
Buy NowThis is also a phenomenal skillet — just at a much higher price point. Truly, nothing sticks to its surface. It is a bit heavier than the OXO, but not so much that it’s unwieldy. This pan’s handle is long and smooth and has a divet on top that makes for a comfortable spot to rest your thumb. Unlike the OXO, this skillet is induction-friendly. If you’re looking for a beautiful pan that matches the rest of your All-Clad, this is one worth considering.
Note: I also loved this Le Creuset skillet , which is a touch heavier than the All-Clad and has a slightly smaller cooking surface, but performs excellently and is also induction-friendly.
Specifications
- Ovensafe to : 500°F
- Dishwasher-safe : Yes
- Induction-friendly : Yes
- Weight : 2.83 lb
- Cooking surface : 9.6 in
Rating Criteria
- Performance : 5
- Ease of Use : 4.5
- Cleanup : 5
Who it’s best for : If you have an induction stovetop and/or can afford the higher price tag!
Good to know : This pan is PFOA-free and also comes in 14 -, 10 -, and 8-inch sizes.
Best Budget: Tramontina Professional Fry Pan
Buy NowThis is the least expensive skillet of the winning bunch and it doesn’t skimp on quality. It has a slick surface, flared, low sides, and a spacious cooking area. It is nearly three pounds, so it does feel heavy at times, and it has the longest handle of all the pans, which feels awkward to hold. I do, however, like the pan’s grippy silicone handle cover and, like all of the skillets, it is a breeze to clean.
Specifications
- Ovensafe to : 400°F
- Dishwasher-safe : Yes
- Induction-friendly : No
- Weight : 2.80 lb
- Cooking surface : 9.75 in
Rating Criteria
- Performance : 5
- Ease of Use : 3.5
- Cleanup : 5
Who it’s best for : Anyone who wants a budget-friendly nonstick skillet for about $30.
Good to know : It’s PFOA-free and also comes in 10 – and 8-inch sizes.
Best Handle: Misen Nonstick Pan
Buy NowNothing stuck to this skillet either. I love its handle, which has a silicone grip that’s incredibly comfortable to hold. The skillet weighs a little more than 3 pounds, which goes against my usual advice here, but the handle is so darn comfortable, it makes the whole pan incredibly easy to maneuver. The walls of the skillet gently sloped inward, too, and contain food well without sacrificing cooking space.
Specifications
- Ovensafe to : 450°F
- Dishwasher-safe : Yes, but the company recommends hand-washing as “dishwashers are hard on ANY nonstick pan, and will decrease their lifespan.”
- Induction-friendly : Yes
- Weight : 3.19 lb
- Cooking surface : 9 in
Rating Criteria
- Performance : 5
- Ease of Use : 4.5
- Cleanup : 5
Who it’s best for : If you’re looking for a pan with an uber-comfortable, extra-grippy handle (that’s totally non-slip) and don’t mind that it’s a touch heavier than other models.
Good to know : This pan is PFOA-free. It’s also available in 10- and 8-inch sizes! It’s worth noting, too, that Misen is a direct-to-consumer company, which, depending on your shopping preferences, may be important to you!
Best Ceramic: Kyocera Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
Buy NowThis is by far the best ceramic skillet I tried — in terms of performance and its middle-of-the-road price point. No food stuck to this pan and it has a comfortable, rounded handle and weighs about the same as the OXO. It does have fairly steep walls, which make it tough to remove food. However, if you want a durable ceramic skillet (that’s also induction-friendly!), this is an excellent choice. I also liked this skillet from Caraway , but it only comes in one size and has a smaller cooking area (measuring about 8 inches). That said, it is available in tons of fun colors and as part of a cookware set !
Specifications
- Ovensafe to : 400°F
- Dishwasher-safe : Doesn’t specify, so I recommend hand-washing.
- Induction-friendly : Yes
- Weight : 2.65 lb
- Cooking surface : 10 in
Rating Criteria
- Performance : 5
- Ease of Use : 3.5
- Cleanup : 5
Who it’s best for : Anyone who wants a ceramic nonstick skillet instead of a traditional one.
Good to know : It also comes in 1 2.5 -, 10 -, and 8-inch sizes.
Best Alternative Material: Material The Coated Pan
Buy NowIn addition to ceramic, this pan by Material is a good option for those wanting to avoid traditional nonstick. It’s made from stainless steel alloy, has a copper core, and has a fume-free co a ting (the composition of which isn’t disclosed!). This pan has a slick surface, a long, comfortable handle, and weighs well under three pounds, making it fairly easy to pick up. It does come in only one size and has the smallest cooking surface of all the pans (its walls angle steeply inwards), so it’s best suited for those cooking for one or two or for making omelets or crêpes. Overall, this beautiful pan does not disappoint.
Specifications
- Ovensafe to : 500°F
- Dishwasher-safe : Yes
- Induction-friendly : Yes
- Weight : 2.78 lb
- Cooking surface : 7.75 in
- Handle length : 8.4 in
Rating Criteria
- Performance : 5
- Ease of Use : 3.5
- Cleanup : 5
Who it’s best for : If you want a smaller nonstick skillet and would like to try out an alternative coating that’s neither traditional nonstick or ceramic!
Good to know : Material is also a direct-to-consumer brand. The skillet comes in two colors: Dune and Mineral.
Kitchn’s Best List Promise
We will do our homework, going wildly in depth with our testing. But we’ll condense the info into easy, breezy summaries, so that you can see what we picked and why, and then move on with your life. Because we know you’re busy!
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Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
Lifestyle Editor, Tools
Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm is the Tools Editor at The Kitchn. A professional kitchen equipment tester, she's worked for America's Test Kitchen, EatingWell, and Food52. Her goal: to find the best gear for your kitchen so you don't waste time or money on anything else. She lives in Boston, MA with her two dogs.
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