The Best Nonstick Cookware Sets for 2023

These high performers ensure hassle-free cooking and quick cleanup.

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Food & Wine / Jennifer Causey

Whether you're in the market for a high-performance professional cookware set or an affordable starter collection of pots and pans, a minimum of a few pieces are essential to meal prep. However, a proper nonstick cookware set will ensure cooking and cleaning isn't a hassle. When it comes to nonstick cookware sets, you'll need to know if your cookware will streamline the cooking and clean-up process or leave you standing at the sink scrubbing off stuck-on food that was supposed to glide off. The proper nonstick cookware set will round out your kitchen collection and make everything easier.

Our editors tested over 20 top brands to select the best in several categories. A five-tier rating system identified strengths and weaknesses in everything from performance to maintenance. We found great picks for every kitchen's needs.

Amazon

The nonstick coating performs very well, and our testers liked that food didn't stick in the pan rivets.

There was some inconsistency in temperature throughout the pan during testing.

This cookware set from GreenPan is made with hard-anodized ceramic, diamond-infused Thermolon — a patented alternative to Teflon, with high heat tolerance and a metal-resistant surface. It's listed as PFOA-free, PFA-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free. Each piece comes with durable stainless steel handles, and the cookware is oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest temperature tolerance of all the brands tested. The lids are made with durable tempered glass that's also oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The largest 5-quart pot also has "helper handles," making it easier to move. The set is dishwasher-safe, although most nonstick last longer if hand-washed.

During our egg test, the 8-inch sauté pan provided the perfect nonstick surface for cooking and rolling out an omelet from pan to plate, with no egg sticking to the rivets. The 1.5-quart pot produced a thicker film of cooked sauce during the sauce test, and the testers noticed some temperature inconsistency. The rice pilaf, however, cooked well without sticking.

Overall, the pans felt evenly weighted and comfortable to handle, with more cooking space due to the shallow pan design.While this set is pricier than some similar brands, our testers gave it great ratings in performance, design, and cleanup.

Price at time of publish: $350

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Amazon

This cookware set was rated at the highest level for its ease of cooking and cleaning, plus the pan weight and feel are good.

The price makes it less desirable than more affordable brands, and the shallow pan design may also be messy, causing spattering or spillage.

This extra-large, 14-piece collection from the popular cookware brand received a five-star rating in all categories from our testers. The pan material is aluminum, ceramic, and Scanpans's "Stratanium technology," which consists of five interlocking layers to reinforce the nonstick coating. According to testers, this made the pans feel "different" (translation: more durable) than the other pans. The manufacturer lists this cookware as PFOA-free and Teflon-free. The set also comes with a steamer insert and trivets.

The pans have no rivets, which makes cleanup a breeze. Testers noted that you must manually screw the metal and plastic handles onto the lids after purchase, which might mean more efficient packaging, yet we do admit it seems odd for the price point. The pots, pans, and hefty plastic handles are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The pots and pans are slightly heavy yet still feel balanced and comfortable. During testing the 8-inch sauté pan rolled out a perfect omelet, the sauce didn't scorch, and the rice didn't stick or burn. Testers commented that the grip is excellent, and while the pans are slightly more shallow than some, the depth might be beneficial when tossing and sautéing food.

Price at time of publish: $700

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Amazon

This set includes a range of pan sizes and is easy to clean with smart nonstick-coated rivets. It's a great value for the price.

Temperature is a little inconsistent over the pan surface. Overall, the design is lacking compared to other higher-end brands.

These lightweight pans scored well in performance, but our testers don't recommend using them in the oven because of the handles and the low overall safe temperature rating of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a nice feature for less experienced cooks is the indicator showing when the pan is preheated and ready for cooking. During the omelet test, some eggs stuck on the side, yet the omelet rolled out quickly. The 2-quart saucepan cooked sauce and rice well without sticking, scorching, or burning. Pots and pan temperature surface test showed some inconsistency; however, it was marginal.

Overall, the testers found the nonstick-coated rivets to be a smart feature and prevent food from sticking. The testers also found this set very easy to clean, and the deep pans are perfect for cooking larger batches for a family or crowd. The sizes of the pans are good, and given the price point, this cookware set offers affordable and exceptional value with good performance.

Price at time of publish: $140

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Food and Wine / Jennifer Causey

Amazon

Testers said this set felt "like professional cookware." It's made of heavy gauge, hard-anodized aluminum with a PFOA-free nonstick coating.

This cookware set is expensive and requires more effort to clean and maintain.

This durable cookware set with the Calphalon name brand has a professional feel. The tempered glass lids enhance the cooking experience as you can see what's happening inside, and its long stainless steel handles are cool to the touch when cooking on a stovetop. The set has a hard-anodized, durable aluminum interior with a PFOA-free and Teflon-free nonstick coating, and the cookware is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The manufacturer lists the nonstick coating as metal utensil safe, although reasonable care should be used to as not to damage the surface.

The skillets are heavy, similar to stainless steel. However, the handles are thick and sturdy to compensate for the heft of the pan. During testing, the surface temperature was inconsistent throughout the pan. Since this cookware is more durable and made with high-quality material, the type of stovetop may impact temperature performance. For the omelet test, the testers used the 10-inch skillet. The eggs stuck to the rivets and the pan was a bit heavy, making it harder to roll out an omelet. The rice pilaf, however, cooked well and did not stick. During the sauce test, the sauce was cooked more near the edge of the pan, although it did not scorch or burn. All in all, our testers would recommend and purchase this professional nonstick cookware set.

Price at time of publish: $372

Amazon

This set is very easy to clean, consistent temperature, and good at preventing food from sticking to the pan.

Only six pieces come in the set, and it doesn't include a 12-inch skillet. In addition, some food sticks in the rivets.

The Le Creuset pan design is streamlined with a durable, hard-anodized aluminum interior construction, giving it a professional look, and the set is also very easy to clean. The assortment of odd-sized pans in the set and the absence of a 12-inch skillet somewhat disappointed our testers, and the pans are on the heavy side, with a lighter feeling handle. This combination did feel unbalanced, but the cookware still rated high regarding design.

While testing the 8-inch skillet, our testers found that the eggs stuck to the pan's rivets and sides. When it came to the sauce test, there was no visible scorching after ten minutes of simmering sauce in the 3-quart saucepan. The rice test yielded good results without sticking. Overall, the testers found the cookware maintained a consistent temperature throughout the pan when heated.

There was a slight chemical smell after the pans were in the oven. Our testers found this unexpected from a just "out of the box" set; however, any chemical odor may dissipate after repeated use. Like other professional brands, extra care is encouraged when cleaning to maintain the coating. With fewer pieces in this set, it might be the perfect fit for well-stocked kitchens that only need a few new pieces.

Price at time of publish: $420

Walmart

Great-priced set with a strong brand name and overall firm performance.

Noticeable chemical smell when heated. Unclear if this will persist after multiple uses.

This cookware set from Cuisinart is petroleum-free and Teflon-free with a ceramic-based nonstick interior, while the handles are made from 70% recycled stainless steel. While the cookware doesn't include any helper handles, it is lightweight and balanced, making it easy to move from the stovetop to the sink or oven.

The 8-inch skillet performed well in the omelet test with no sticking, and the eggs rolled out easily. The 1.5-quart sauce pot was quick to simmer, although there was slight sticking in the grooves and on the sides after cooking. The rice cooked well in the 2.5-quart saucepan without sticking or burning, and the testers found the temperature was consistent across the pan surface.

Our testers liked the sleek and simple design and found the set very easy to clean, making the dishwasher unnecessary. The verdict: This cookware set is comprehensive and meets most kitchen needs. Consider this another good option for a starter set — with a slightly sleeker look — hence the higher price point.

Price at time of publish: $260

Related: We Tested the Best Egg Pans for Perfect Omelets, Scrambled Eggs, and More

After testing and reviewing over twenty nonstick cookware sets, our editors selected the GreenPan SearSmart Hard-Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set as the best overall for its range in pots and pans sizes, durable coating, even weight, and optimal cooking space. We also found cleanup to be a cinch.

When shopping for nonstick cookware, it is important to consider how you intend to use the pots or pans you are shopping for. Nonstick skillets are essential tools for delicate ingredients like eggs or fish, pancakes or crepes, and for fast cleanup of easy meals like grilled cheese sandwiches. When choosing the right one, look at how you will most often use the cookware. For example, if you want to be able to sear on the stovetop and finish in the oven, you'll need one with oven-safe handles and finishes. You'll also have to decide if you need lids or not since some nonstick cookware, especially skillets, do not necessarily come with lids.

While most nonstick cookware is made with a Teflon coating, many new products on the market are promoted as nonstick, such as ceramic, enamel, and anodized aluminum. There are also pots and pans that, when properly seasoned and maintained, can develop nearly nonstick coatings, like cast iron and carbon steel. Teflon is the most nonstick of available surfaces but needs proper maintenance to ensure the coating does not get damaged. Ceramic is similar in that the coating can be damaged if improperly cleaned or the wrong cooking utensils are used.

While some nonstick cookware can be put in the dishwasher, it's best to hand wash them as the high heat can damage the coating, and the racks or other items in the dishwasher can scratch the nonstick interior. Since nonstick does not allow food to adhere, you should only need a soft rag or soft plastic brush and nonabrasive cleanser to keep it clean. If you are working with a nonstick surface that is "seasoned" to make it nonstick, such as carbon steel or cast iron, you will want to wash it gently with warm water and soap and then give it a thin coating of oil before storing. If you have stuck-on food with one of these surfaces, fill the pan halfway with water and bring it to a boil to loosen; do not use abrasive cleansers or scrubbers, as it will require re-seasoning.

Our team of professional testers subjected over twenty nonstick cookware brands to many rigorous performance tests to determine the best sets. They evaluated temperature consistency and assessed pan design across brands. Using a 5-point rating scale, our team performed an omelet, sauce, and rice pilaf test to determine what cookware performed best as nonstick.

While some sets had unique features and qualities that performed well, the stand-out cookware scored highest in these key metrics: surface pan temperature and temperature consistency within the set, nonstick performance, design, ease of cleanup, overall perception of value, and price.

"Non-stick cookware has a manufacturer's special coating which makes it easy to clean and eliminates scrubbing," says Bev Shaffer, a chef, culinary instructor, recipe and R&D specialist, "Hard-anodized cookware has a bonded surface and traditionally lasts longer than nonstick."

There is no simple answer to this since no nonstick cookware is forever. "Depends on how good the initial quality of the pan is and how you treat it," cautions Shaffer. "Using wood, silicone, or plastic utensils will extend its life."

Yes and no, says Shaffer. "If the manufacturer says you can, technically you can, but understand that it will shorten the life of the pan." You will always get a longer life out of your nonstick cookware if you wash it by hand to prevent the high temperatures and harsh detergents from damaging the nonstick surface.

Yes, with proper care and maintenance. What chemicals and materials are used to make the pans resist stains, oil, and grease might be another consideration when choosing a nonstick cookware set. Popular marketing terms like "healthy, non-toxic, PFOA-free, PFAS-free, and Teflon-free" are often listed as a selling point. It's advisable to keep nonstick pans on low to medium heat, avoid sharp or metal utensils on the pan's surface, and always follow the brand's care and usage instructions.

Kara Mickelson is a professional chef, recipe developer, producer, writer, food stylist, an alumnus of UCLA and Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, and the creator of Styled Delicious, a boutique culinary brand. She has trained in Spain and Napa at the famed French Laundry and has worked behind the scenes with top Food Network chefs. She is also the author of Friends: The Official Central Perk Cookbook. In addition, Stacey Ballis, a writer, recipe developer, and product reviewer who has been published on Food & Wine, Eating Well, Allrecipes, MyRecipes, Delish, and more, offered her expertise for additional research.