Top 10 Nonstick Cookware Sets

Having at least one nonstick pan is essential in every cook’s kitchen, from the most professional to the very beginners. Our favorite nonstick pans are the ones that can do it all, from cooking an egg with no oil to searing a steak and being easy to clean after. Below are our 10 favorite nonstick pans, including top-tested picks, editor favorites, and new releases with innovative features that make cooking easy.

• BEST OVERALL NONSTICK COOKWARE : Calphalon Signature 10-Piece Hard-Anodized Nonstick Pots and Pans Set

• BEST VALUE NONSTICK COOKWARE : T-Fal Signature 12-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

• MOST DURABLE NONSTICK COOKWARE : Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized 8-Piece Cookware Set

• BEST NONSTICK COOKWARE FOR EVEN HEATING : Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set

• MOST VERSATILE NONSTICK COOKWARE : All-Clad Essentials Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

• BEST CERAMIC NONSTICK COOKWARE : GreenPan Profile Hard Anodized 10-Piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set 

• BEST LIGHTWEIGHT NONSTICK COOKWARE : Scanpan Classic 11-Piece Deluxe Cookware Set

• BEST METAL-UTENSIL-SAFE NONSTICK COOKWARE : Hybrid Nonstick 7-Piece Cookware Set

• BEST NONSTICK COOKWARE FOR BEGINNERS : Rachael Ray 12-Piece Cucina Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

• BEST ALUMINUM NONSTICK COOKWARE : Zwilling Forté Nonstick 10-Piece Set

Made of anodized aluminum, which gives it some heft, and a nonstick finish that’s Teflon-free, this line combines unbeatable performance with durability. Each piece is dishwasher-safe pieces and we love that the handles stay cool while cooking. We were blown away by the pieces’ outstanding heat distribution, quick boiling and even searing. The nonstick coating was so effective that we could scramble eggs or sauté veggies without oil or butter—they slid right off the pan! They’re oven-safe up to 500ºF.

The Teflon-free nonstick coating on T-Fal’s pots and pans makes them foolproof when it comes to turning out crepes, frittatas and other sticky foods. Their handles stay cool to the touch, so they’re comfortable to use when cooking with a finger grip for extra control. They’re lightweight and should be used over low to medium heats; the thermo-heat indicator lets you know when it’s ready to use. In our tests, scrambled eggs and pancakes cooked evenly with zero sticking. Plus, the griddle was a fun addition for breakfast items, especially bacon. Whether you hand-wash or use the dishwasher, these pieces clean up beautifully thanks to their dark nonstick finish inside and out.

Ninja’s pots and pans are durable enough to handle a steak, but light enough to move around and use for the simplest of tasks, like frying an egg or boiling water. They have straight edges, which helps maximize surface area, and slim lids. Their nonstick coating is applied at a very high temperature to help avoid chipping and scratching and is oven-safe up to 500ºF. Unlike most cookware, Ninja’s lids are also oven-safe up to 500ºF.

In previous tests, we were very impressed with Anolon’s ability to distribute heat evenly, maintain a steady simmer and make scrambled eggs without oil. We also liked how their silicone-covered stainless steel handles stayed cool to the touch during cooking and how easy the pots and pans are to move around. We also like the large sauteé pan with rounded edges, which gives a lot of surface area for browning and makes a good pot for simmering. The set is Teflon-free and they’re oven-safe up to 400ºF.

The All Clad NS1 Nonstick Cookware Set was a top performer in our cookware tests. It heated evenly, prevented food from sticking and browned meat very well. Now, trusty All Clad released a new nonstick line that could also go in the oven up to 500°F. We’re fans of sets like these that include small and medium sauté pans, both of which fit into the larger pan for storage. We also like that each pan has a helper handle, which allows for easy movability. The 13-inch square pan is a unique size, ideal for browning and then braising or baking; it can be stored under the large skillet, while the pots can be stored on top of the in a compact fashion. The entire set is dishwasher-safe and Teflon-free.

With the Scanpan Classic line, you can enjoy the perks of nonstick without the use of Teflon. They’re lightweight but durable and can be used for high-heat searing and sautéing; plus they’re oven safe up to 500°F and super easy to clean. The handles are wide and comfortable to hold, which make tossing a cinch. The assortment of fry pans and pot sizes especially stands out in this set–they’re perfect when you’re cooking for one or an entire family.

Even professional chefs rely on nonstick skillets to cook tricky items like eggs and fish. It’s evident that HexClad knows that from looking at their product line, which only includes skillets and one wok. Unlike traditional nonstick pans, they’re designed to withstand high temperatures in order to achieve a good sear. They can also go in the oven up to 500°F and can be used with metal utensils. HexClad pans boast a patented hexagon design that’s laser etched onto the inside and outside of the pan. This layer provides the nonstick attribute, while still allowing the pan to get very hot and cook evenly thanks to its stainless steel base and aluminum middle layer. The design on the outside helps prevent staining and allows for easier cleanup. Hex Clad pans are Teflon-free.

The Rachael Ray Hard Anodized pans (made without Teflon) landed high scores in our tests for heat distribution and staining. They also scored high for easy release and browning. The two small pots are great for boiling eggs and heating soups, and the silicone-grip handles make moving them around easy. The slotted spoon and fish spatula are a useful bonus.

Zwilling’s Forté line is here to challenge the notion that nonstick cookware is flimsy. The aluminum pans have five layers of Teflon-fee nonstick coating. The five layers make them super durable and resistant to peeling, scratching or corrosion. They’re also induction friendly. In our tests, they won top scores for cleaning and maintaining cool handles during cooking.