8 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets for the Kitchen of 2023

Nonstick cookware is the ideal complement to a modern kitchen, as it paves the way for flavorful meals while making cooking easier and reducing the wear and tear of your utensils.

Nonstick cookware can help you clean and save time cooking, so you’re not scrambling to scrape leftover food from pans.

As such, it's common for most households to use nonstick pans for everyday cooking.

Nonstick lines can also improve the quality of your cooking by providing an even simmer or fry for your food.

It's also an affordable option for investing in your kitchen, as nonstick cookware is made of aluminum, which is generally cheaper than other materials like stainless steel.

Nonstick cookware is ideal for creating a wide range of delicious dishes. Between flipping fried eggs to pancakes, using nonstick cookware makes crafting these dishes easier than ever.

If we're honest, cleaning up food from your pots and pans can be quite a hassle, especially when it comes to baked-on and burnt food.

It can also be challenging to determine which nonstick cookware sets give you the most bang for your buck with all the different options available in the market today.

To help you, we've compiled a list of the best nonstick cookware lines of the year, as you might want to discard old, worn-out cookware from the previous year.

This list of cookware lines offers some of the best-in-class nonstick cookware products on the market that set themselves apart from competitors.

We've selected the best nonstick cookware by evaluating price, quality, customer satisfaction, and additional features.

While we've named each one "best for" something, each one of these brands is highly rated in its own right.

All-Clad HA1 Collection: Best Trusted-Brand of Non-Stick Cookware

This cookware line includes a nonstick collection made from premium, hard-anodized aluminum.

Its material is more durable than standard aluminum and provides a high-performance experience when it comes to not letting your food stick.

The 10-piece All-Clad Essentials Nonstick Cookware Set (HA1 Collection) includes fry pans, a saucepan, a stockpot, and stainless steel handles. It's also effortless to clean and is dishwasher safe.

All-Clad is known for its fantastic stainless steel products. The company has been around since 1967 and has been a thought leader in the metal-crafted cookware space ever since.

This premium cookware brand is revered by chefs and cooking publications alike for its durability, performance, and elegant design.

All-Clad is known as one of the top brands you can purchase as far as pots and pans go. You can generally expect high performance from All-Clad pans for years.

While the pricing is on the high side, you can consider your purchase an investment in the kitchen for years, rather than replacing your pans frequently.

Price: $499.99 for the 10-piece set and $599.99 for the 13-piece set, including an extra saucepan, lid, and frying pan.

Customer reviews indicate that while the All-Clad HA1 is pricey, it certainly does deliver high-quality materials.

Some customers pointed out that the pots' handles are slightly too slim, so sometimes grabbing them isn't the most accessible experience.

SCANPAN 8-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set: Best Eco-Friendly Nonstick Cookware

This Danish brand came into the market in the 1950s to bring a powerful blend of technology and expert trade to their nonstick cookware.

While many brands market themselves as eco-friendly, Scanpan takes this philosophy to the next level.

All Scanpan nonstick cookware is made from 100% recycled aluminum, free of the harmful chemical PFOA, and are safe for dishwasher use.

The Scanpan line of nonstick cookware is well-built with cast aluminum and is thick enough to offer even heating throughout the pan.

There are 11 cookware collections, ranging from their Classic line to their Maitre D line made of stainless steel.

The Scanpan brand is Denmark-made and has a timeless design that's best-in-class for durability.

Price: The classic, 8-piece Cookware Set is sold for generally under $500 with individual frying pans ranging from $70 to over $250.

Customers agree that the durability of Scanpan's nonstick cookware is unparalleled.

On the flip side, some customers quickly point out that the cleaning and maintenance required for Scanpan's tools is relatively high compared to some other nonstick options.

You'll need to make sure you're constantly properly cleaning your cookware to make it last and maintain that coating.

Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware: Best Value for a Nonstick Cookware Set

Calphalon is a pioneer in the cookware industry, having been the first to use hard-anodized cookware.

Since 1963, the brand has launched several cookware sets with various cooking solutions.

The Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware is the most basic set out of the Calphalon Nonstick Cookware series, but it sure does pack a punch in durability.

The nonstick cookware set is designed with convenience and practicality in mind.

Because of its user-centered design, it includes measuring marks and straining lids to complement your cooking routine seamlessly.

The Calphalon nonstick collection also includes classic ceramic and stainless steel cookware, providing enhanced coating layers that make the cookware more resistant to dirt and grime.

Customer reviews indicate a high-performing cookware set that provides a great introduction to kitchen essentials of caliber.

The pots and pans in the collection have to be washed manually, as the harshness of the dishwasher can affect its nonstick capabilities.

The Classic 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set starts at $199.99, with more premium and spacing-saving versions going up from there, which

Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro: Best Nonstick Cookware for Durability

With a patented, triple-backed PFOA-free coating, the Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro is four times stronger than its predecessor.

The coating of the pots and pans included in this set makes it easy to clean after a successful searing.

Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable pan-frying experience. It also features a stainless steel magnetic disk compatible with all cooktops, including induction ranges.

The Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro is also great at responding to heat changes, so your food can cook more seamlessly.

Customer reviews indicate admiration for the nonstick cookware's design, which is simple yet refined. Other highlights include its even cooking and lack of scratching on the cookware set.

Its price point was a deterrent for customers, but the durability provided by Le Creuset's line of nonstick cookware makes it worth the price.

Price: The Toughened Nonstick Pro 10-Piece Set sells for about $600, with smaller 6-piece and larger 13-piece sets at $400 to $850, respectively, making this line on the higher end of the price spectrum.

Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set: Best for Scratch-Proof

From the brand that's mastered the air fryer comes a bold offering of nonstick premium products.

Ninja's Foodi Neverstick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set is efficient and won't scratch or chip away--enough to claim that it can withstand metal utensils, which is usually no-no with nonstick pots and pans.

The set features NeverStick technology created at 30,000°F to enhance the durability of the coating.

With a thick aluminum and stainless steel base, the pans are safe in the oven up to 500°F and can be used at any range: gas, induction, electric, and glass-ceramic.

The Neverstick pans are also safe in dishwashers, but you should be careful with which detergents you're using to clean as they can impact their durability.

Rounding out its impressive offering is stainless steel handles and tempered glass lids, which make for an even more comfortable cooking experience.

Customers are quick to praise the cookware's modern design and ability to balance heavy-duty and smooth.

Customers also wished the lids on the pots had vents and were frustrated with the handles heating up too much.

Price: The Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set is typically over $300, but well under the $500 range of premium-priced brands.

T-Fal Ultimate Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set: Best Low Cost Nonstick Cookware

This affordable line of nonstick cookware is resilient in providing advanced coating technology and a better cook.

The T-Fal Ultimate Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set comprises a scratch-resistant and toxin-free interior that is efficient at fighting off dirt and debris through usage. It's also reinforced by hard titanium.

The pans include a Thermo-Spot technology, a red spot in the center of the pan that brightens once it's fully preheated. It's a convenience that can make your home cooking more precise.

The design also includes tempered glass with vents and riveted silicone handles for safety and comfort.

T-Fal aspires to make everyday cooking convenient by providing user-friendly cookware that can perform.

Customers agree that the T-Fal Nonstick Cookware Set offers a practical cooking solution at an affordable price. Users also noted how helpful the Thermo-Spot technology could be for inexperienced chefs.

On the flip side, customers indicate that this nonstick cookware line offers a medium-quality selection that doesn't entirely stack up against competitors.

Price: The 12-Piece Set is priced at $149.99.

Caraway: Best-Looking Nonstick Cookware

With an emphasis on being eco-friendly, Caraway utilizes a ceramic coating for their cookware.

Caraway also prides itself in being non-toxic as their pots and pans are free from PFOA, PFAS, and PFTE (Teflon).

The non-stick coating of the pans makes for an easy-to-clean process.

The tall wall design of the cookware prevents spillage, and the stainless steel plate located on the bottom makes it suitable for induction cooking.

Customer reviews indicate the aesthetically pleasing color options and modern style are a refreshing take as opposed to the typical black and gray options from competing brands.

Though it is a bit on the high end, customers validate the price point as it is a more eco-friendly, healthy and versatile option.

Unlike other competing brands, Caraway only provides one simplified cookware set.

PropertyNest's Firsthand Review of Caraway's Nonstick Cookware

An editorial staff member was able to cook with Caraway's pots and pans for a three-month period. At first, they were impressed with the incredible quality of the pans, the beautiful and careful packaging, how gorgeous the pans were, and the cool accessories the set comes with.

Caraway includes magnetic stands for the pans and a canvas holder for the lids.

Secondly, Caraway has amazing customer service that is there to help customers and also uphold the company's guarantee behind their product.

Caraway offers a 30-day free trial of their pots and pans. If you're not satisfied, you can return the set or any pieces you don't want at no cost to you.

The pots and pans distribute heat very evenly, so you should see pretty good cooking performance out of them.

However, by the end of the second month, the pans were starting to wear from nearly daily use.

Even with delicate handling (only handwashing with non-abrasive sponges, non-metal utensils), the nonstick surface has nicks and the nonstick quality has not held up 100%. Stains are hard to get out without the use of a liquid scouring cleaner or baking soda.

Customers might also be disappointed by the flat nontransparent lids that hold a lot of condensation. Because of the flat shape the water from steam doesn't drip down into the pan. Instead, it heavily drips right onto the cooktop when you open the lid.

VERDICT: These are fairly high-quality pans but the nonstick coating seems really finicky even with careful handling and hand-washing. It's best suited for someone who doesn't cook that frequently--not great for the daily cook.

Price: The Cookware, a 7-piece set, is sold at a price of $395. Individual pots and pans range from $95-$135.

Made In: Best Professional-Level Nonstick Cookware

Made In cookware is trusted in professional kitchens, as it is used in Alinea and Le Benardin, both of which are Michelin-star restaurants.

The Made In brand has not only become increasingly common in professional kitchens but also built a cult following.

Non-stick surfaces are PFOA free and are coated with non-toxic PTFE.

The double coat on the non-stick surfaces is to ensure it outlasts ceramic cookware up to 70 times longer.

The 5-layer stainless steel base allows the pan to not only heat up at a fairly quick rate, but also ensure even cooking and browning.

Customer reviews indicate that the handles are cool to touch and are fairly comfortable.

The pans are easy to clean and use with the aid of straightforward instructions customers can access via the website.

Price: The starter, 6-piece cookware set, is sold at a price of $399. The Sous Chef 11-piece set, at $699. And the Executive Chef 14-piece set at $899.

How Do I Take Care of Nonstick Cookware?

Even if you purchase a durable cookware set, nonstick cookware generally needs to be handled with a little more care than traditional pans in order to ensure it performs properly for years to come.

Here are the top dos and don'ts to help extend the life of your cookware.

Avoid Using Too Much Heat

Pay attention to how much heat you're using on your nonstick pans. Some entry-level pans can withstand up to 375°F, and many other premium pans can reach 500°F safely.

Try to use medium heat when using your nonstick cookware. Using too much heat on your nonstick cookware can damage it over time.

Your cookware may even lose its nonstick properties because the coating can come undone.

In addition, nonstick pans that are exposed to high heat frequently can release toxic byproducts and potentially make people sick.

This effect happens when temperatures reach well above the recommended upper limit of 570°F.

Don't Change The Temperature Too Suddenly

Going immediately from your flame's heat to cold water can cause it to warp.

This thermal shock can distort and damage your cookware, affecting the efficacy of the nonstick layer on the cookware. This damage can result in your cooking being uneven moving forward.

You should try to let your nonstick pan cool on the stovetop before flooding it with cool water.

Avoid Using Metal Utensils

Cooking your food with metal spoons or forks can scratch the surface. Try to use wooden spoons or plastic utensils instead.

Many of the best nonstick cookware is safe to use with metal utensils, but you should still exercise caution with how your forks, knives, and spoons interact with your cookware.

Don't Use Cooking Spray

Putting on cooking spray on your nonstick pans can result in build-up under the pan's surface.

While your pans won't get damaged overnight, continued use of a cooking spray can deteriorate your pan's effectiveness in the long term.

Clean And Dry After Use

You don't just want to leave your dirty nonstick cookware out for too long. If you wait too long to clean your nonstick pans, they can accumulate oils that make them harder to clean.

You can use a dish rag or a non-abrasive sponge to clean your nonstick cookware regularly. Baking soda works great for those tough stains.

Try to avoid harsh materials like steel wool and other harsh detergents.

While many of the best nonstick cookware lines will say they are dishwasher safe, it's best not to clean these sets in the dishwasher as the hot water, detergents, and agitation can all damage the surface of the nonstick cookware and ruin the lining.

Store Your Cookware Properly

While it may be easy to store your cookware in a stack, it's best to avoid doing so as this can scratch the surfaces of your cookware.

Some nonstick cookware options come in a specific format designed for stacking.

If this is not the case for your specific nonstick cookware set, try to spread your pots and pans apart, so they are better organized and easier to store.

Don't Preheat An Empty Pan

You might think you're saving time cooking by preheating an empty pan.

But doing so can damage your nonstick cookware over time because nonstick cookware contains aluminum, which actually heats faster than stainless steel.

Is Nonstick Cookware Safe to Use?

Cookware made today is generally safe to cook with, as long as it doesn't reach or exceed 570°F.

This is because reaching such high temperatures can melt away the nonstick layer, often made of Teflon.

Teflon provides a nonreactive surface which powers its nonstick quality. Nonstick cookware used to include a chemical named perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which came under scrutiny for its potentially carcinogenic properties.

PFOA has also been linked to several health conditions, including liver disease, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer.

Thankfully, using PFOA in nonstick cookware is a thing of the past. Nonstick cookware manufactured after 2013 does not include this harmful chemical.

Although nonstick cookware no longer includes this chemical, it does include PTFE, a stable and non-toxic material that you can cook with safely.

Overheating your cookware can melt PTFE, also known as Teflon, potentially releasing toxins into the air.

Many of the best nonstick cookware lines are safe to use up to 500°F, but staying well below the recommended limit can reduce risk.

While overheating your cookware won't release toxic fumes that will affect you, these pollutants can be harmful and deadly to birds because of their delicate respiratory system.

You'll want to rethink nonstick cookware or be careful in its use if you are a bird owner.

How Often Should You Replace Nonstick Pans?

There isn't a set number of years you need to wait to replace your nonstick pans.

How often you replace your pans could be anywhere from one to five years, depending on the quality of the pans and your handling and care of them.

Usually, cheap nonstick cookware you can buy at the supermarket or a discount store may just last you a few months or one year at the most.

In the case of cheap nonstick cookware you should throw it away as soon as you see lots of scratches and degrading of the nonstick coating.

Some of the cheaper brands use materials that are considered toxic once scratched or worn.

Generally, it's a good idea to replace your pots once the nonstick coating is not functioning properly anymore.

Cook Healthily and Safely

Luckily, following common sense cooking practices can help you avoid these potentially harmful effects.

Avoid cooking on high heat, melting an empty pan, and ensuring that you're using your kitchen ventilator to remove any fumes.

These practices can go a long way in maximizing your safety with nonstick cookware, helping you cook safely and healthily for you and those you love for many years to come.

Methodology

How We Decided

We evaluated the best nonstick cookware brands on the following aspects:

Customer Ratings

We evaluated customer feedback as a core part of our selection process for the best nonstick cookware lines.

The customer matters more than anything in determining if a product can succeed. If the nonstick cookware lines don't meet expectations from users, they won't cement themselves as long-lasting brands.

Unbiased reviews help us determine if the nonstick cookware line delivers on its promises.

Pricing

While not every home cook has the same cooking needs or budget, there are cookware options that can create high-quality results at various different price points.

We included a comparison of standard 10-piece cookware sets across various brands to compare differing price points and product offerings.

Nonstick cookware lines ranged from $120 to $800 for a 10-piece set, noting the disparity in materials used and manufacturing methods between them.

Quality

In determining the quality of the nonstick cookware, we considered how they marketed themselves and how customers received them.

It was critical to have a perspective on if the cookware lived up to its perceived value proposition. Did the cookware scratch easily? Was it distributing heat evenly across the pan?

You wouldn't want to make a relatively significant investment in a premium-priced cookware set only to discover that the quality isn't near what you thought it would be.

Quality was one of the more defining factors in selecting the best cookware lines of 2022. Cookware that didn't offer quality products didn't make our list.

Additional Features

Apart from these factors, we took a look at a few extra components of the cookware lines.

These included the cookware lines' ease of use, brand reputation, and impact on the cooking landscape.

Many of the best nonstick cookware lines have added benefits like a substantial brand name and a user-friendly design.

These additional features helped differentiate the cookware lines to give them an extra competitive edge beyond price, quality, and customer reception.