The 7 Best Nonstick Pans for Cooking Eggs, Fish, and Other Delicate Foods
If you've ever experienced the frustration of mangling a stuck egg in a frying pan, or a pancake that simply refuses to flip, you'll know that a nonstick pan is a must. While you can't use metal utensils with most nonstick pans (since they'll scratch up the nonstick coating), taking care when cooking with and cleaning your nonstick pan will ensure it lasts for years.
When shopping for a nonstick pan, Ann Ziata, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, recommends looking for high-quality materials. "Look for a pan that has a thick base and is safe to use in the oven," she says. Ziata recommends an 8-inch skillet if you're cooking for one to two people, and a 10-inch one if you're cooking for two to four.
The Best Nonstick Pans for 2022
- Our Place Always Pan
- All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Nonstick Fry Pan
- OXO Good Grips Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Inch Skillet
- HexClad 8-Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Frying Pan
- Blue Martha Stewart 10-Piece Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set
- Kuhn Rikon Recycled Aluminum Induction Pan
- GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet
Best Multipurpose: Our Place Always Pan
The aptly named Always Pan is a cult favorite for a reason. It's a masterful multitasker that's ideal for small kitchens and can be used as a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, and saucepan, as well as a nonstick pan. Did we mention it also comes with a wooden spatula and built-in spoon rest? The nontoxic, nonstick coating is made without PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles.
Best Budget: OXO Good Grips Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Inch Skillet
Dishwasher-safe, oven-safe (up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit), and PFOA-free, this budget-friendly buy is a solid choice. I've been using this pan since 2020; the nonstick coating has held up well, and it's super easy to clean. It's a must-have for cooking eggs (which I do almost every day) and other foods that tend to stick.
Best for Metal Utensils: HexClad 8-Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Frying Pan
It's a well-known fact that nonstick pans and metal utensils don't mix, but the innovators behind HexClad have created a pan that's both nonstick and stainless steel using a laser etching process. Not to mention, the hexagon design looks super cool. The result is a scratch-resistant, dual surface that sears your food with less oil. It's PFOA-free, dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 500°F , and even works on induction cooktops (in addition to gas, ceramic, and electric). Plus, all of Hexclad's nonstick cookware is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Best Splurge: All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Nonstick Fry Pan
With All-Clad's three-layer bonded stainless steel construction, which sandwiches aluminum between two layers of stainless steel for fast, even heating, this nonstick fry pan is worth the splurge. It's available in three sizes (8-, 10-, and 12-inch), so you can choose the best for your household size and needs. This All-Clad pan has an ergonomic handle and sloping sides that make turning and serving foods a breeze.
Best Martha-Approved: Blue Martha Stewart 10-Piece Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set
If you're moving into a new place or looking to completely overhaul your kitchen cookware, this nonstick set is Martha-approved and comes in three lovely colors: blue, gray, and linen. It includes a Dutch oven, sauté pan, saucepan, four lids, and two frying pans (10-inch and 8-inch). They've oven-safe and made for both everyday cooking tasks and preparing special occasion recipes.
Best for Induction: Kuhn Rikon Recycled Aluminum Induction Pan
Made in Switzerland from recycled aluminum cans, this eco-friendly option is ideal for low-fat frying, sautéing, stir-fries, and more. It's a durable induction compatible pan that is available in three sizes: 8-, 9.5-, and 11 inches.
Best Ceramic: GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet
This diamond-infused ceramic pan boasts a "healthy" ceramic nonstick coating that's free of PFAs, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. It's also dishwasher-safe, induction-safe, and oven-safe up to an impressive 600°F. Plus, you can also use metal utensils on it.