Why should I buy a nonstick cookware set?
Well, thanks to the nonstick coating, you’re allowed cooking with less oil but still able to slide the food effortlessly right out of the pan when it’s done.
That’s just the biggest advantage of this type of cookware, to learn more, we invite you to keep reading the following complete guide. But first, here are the 8 best nonstick cookware sets we’ve found in the market:
Here are the best nonstick cookware sets you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: AmazonBasics 8-Piece
- Versatile: Anolon 82676
- Best For Starters: Farberware 21925
- Best For Intense Use: GreenPan CC000675-001
- Durable: T-fal G917SE64
- Maximal Heat Transfer: Cook N Home 02414
- Best For Frying: Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set
- Best For Roasting: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece
| Top 8 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | AmazonBasics 8-Piece | Read Our Review |
Versatile | Anolon 82676 | Read Our Review |
Best For Starters | Farberware 21925 | Read Our Review |
Best For Intense Use | GreenPan CC000675-001 | Read Our Review |
Durable | T-fal G917SE64 | Read Our Review |
Maximal Heat Transfer | Cook N Home 02414 | Read Our Review |
Best For Frying | Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set | Read Our Review |
Best For Roasting | Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece | Read Our Review |
Aluminum Cookware Set
Best Overall: AmazonBasics 8-Piece
- Easy to cook and clean - BPA-free & durable nonstick coating
- Good heat distribution – high-grade aluminum alloy
- Avoid burning hands – stay-cool handles
- No lids for the frying pan
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Not induction compatible
For the price and selection of cookware in this set, the AmazonBasics 8-Piece is a great choice for novice cookers, people who have just moved in, or addition to one’s own sets.
It is durable, nonstick, and doesn’t scratch.
The mix of pots and pans is just perfect for daily use. There comes in various sizes and they’re perfect for different needs of a small family or couple. They work well with temp set to 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
While other cheap aluminum cookware sets commonly have unpleasantly chemical smells after cooking several times, we’re glad that this option doesn’t. The nonstick layer is another big bonus as it doesn’t scratch.
| AmazonBasics 8-Piece Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Aluminum body with non-stick coating |
No of Pieces | 8 |
Highlight Features | Spiral bottom Comfortable soft-touch handles Aluminum body with non-stick coating BPA-free |
Designed with a perfect compromise of price and quality, the AmazonBasics 8-Piece works in a pinch.
Versatile: Anolon 82676
- Keep flavor and heat effectively during cooking – shatter-resistant glass lids
- Even heat distribution and efficient cooking performance – hard-anodized construction
- Hand-wash only
These pots and pans are fantastic from the first impression.
They come in good weight with high-grade aluminum alloy for decent heat distribution. The flat base helps them cook evenly to not leave any hot spots on your food.
We love the variety of sizes and its legit nonstick layer, which is definitely versatile to handle a wide range of cooking styles and recipes, from frying, sauteeing to stew or making sauce.
Take note that this cookware set is heavy.
It is probably the bad news for anyone with less arm strength or the good one for people who prefer something hefty enough that allow them to ad liquid while stirring the pot with the other hand and not have it sliding over the stovetop.
| Anolon 82676 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Hard-anodized aluminum and Shatter-resistant glass |
No of Pieces | 11 |
Oven-safe Temperature | 400 degrees F |
Highlight Features | Lifetime warranty Shatter-resistant glass lids Hard-anodized construction |
Including multiple pots and pans with different sizes, the Anolon 82676 is a versatile option for any cooking recipe.
Best For Starters: Farberware 21925
- Deliver confident grip – double-riveted handles
- Scratch-resistant nonstick coating - the unique dimpled surface of the SmartGlide Nonstick System
- Eliminate hot spots efficiently – constructed from heavy-duty metal
- The cookie sheet is prone to dent up
- The screws in the handles will be loose over time
Whether you’re a beginner in cooking or have just moved in, we all highly recommend the Farberware 21925 for you.
It comprises of 17 pieces and has all the sizes you might need.
Above all, the cookware set is relatively well-made. Its griddle and frying pans are crafted from the exclusive dimpled surface of the SmartGlide Nonstick System for premium nonstick performance with no scratch.
Other pieces are made from heavy-duty aluminum and they distribute heat evenly for nice and hot searing steak. Sizes are perfect for 2 or 4 salmons at a time. Great!
| Farberware 21925 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | heavy-duty aluminum |
No of Pieces | 17 |
Oven-safe Temperature | Nonstick pots and pans - 350 degrees F Cookie pan - 450 degrees F |
Highlight Features | Double-riveted handles The unique dimpled surface of the SmartGlide Nonstick System Heavy-duty aluminum |
In need of a cookware set that’s both affordable and has a wide range of pieces? Look no further! In home-cooker communities, this option is highly ranked for starters as well.
Ceramic Cookware Set
Best For Intense Use: GreenPan CC000675-001
- Extra durability and scratch resistance - a duo-forged hard-anodized aluminum body
- Easy cleanup, excellent heat distribution, and nontoxic fumes released - GreenPan’s healthy nonstick coating
- Never wobble or warp – high heat resistance (up to 600 degrees F)
- The edges are a bit fragile
- Lids and handles get hot when cooking
- Pricey
If you’re willing to invest in a higher-end cookware set, we highly recommend this.
It is crafted of strengthened hard-anodized aluminum with heat resistance ability up to 600 degrees F, and it distributes temperature evenly as well as doesn’t require much heat to cook. During our tests, we didn’t find any issues relating to scratching, wobbling, or warping.
One thing we like about this cookware set is the GreenPan’s healthy diamond-reinforced ceramic nonstick coating.
It contains no cadmium, lead, PFOA, and PFAS, the meaning of no toxic fumes released if these pots and pans are overheated. It also allows the cookware to be dishwasher-friendly as well although we still suggest hand-wash for longer durability.
| GreenPan CC000675-001 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Toxin-Free Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Metal |
No of Pieces | 11 |
Oven-safe Temperature | Oven and broiler - 600°F; glass lids - 425°F |
Highlight Features | Armored Body Thermolon Minerals Pro Mirror-polished Dishwasher safe GreenPan’s healthy ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS PFOA Lead and cadmium |
For low and slow cooking, like simmering or any other intense use, you can count on these GreenPan CC000675-001 pots and pans.
Durable: T-fal G917SE64
- Ultimately safe to use – the ceramic coating contains no toxin
- Resist staining and scratching the well – premium ceramic nonstick coating
- Not induction compatible
This set is amazing for the price.
It is constructed with high-grade metal alloy and a ceramic nonstick interior that’s toxic-free and dishwasher-safe. We are happy with its stylish appearance, lightness of weight, feel of the handles, and even heat distribution.
Cleaning is not a thing to us and there is not one issue with this set so far.
Overall, these pots and pans seem to last even longer. An A+ for its durability!
| T-fal G917SE64 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Nonstick ceramic |
No of Pieces | 14 |
Oven-safe Temperature | 570° Fahrenheit |
Highlight Features | Toxic-free surface Dishwasher safe Ceramic non-stick interior that resists scratching and staining |
Speaking of durability, nothing can beat off the T-fal G917SE64 ceramic cookware set, meaning that it can last a lifetime.
Maximal Heat Transfer: Cook N Home 02414
- Protect your hands from burning – handles don’t get hot while cooking
- Easy to track food from the outside – tempered glass lids
- Heat up fast and evenly – made of thick gauge aluminum
- Not induction compatible
- Wish the handles were a bit longer
The Cook N Home 02414 is one of the most heat-efficient ceramic cookware sets in the market.
As crafted from thick gauge aluminum and durable nonstick coating, it doesn’t require high heat when cooking. On our LG stove range, it only needs 6.5 setting – equivalent to low-medium heat, and it’s thin enough to get hot quickly.
The heat distribution system on the bottom works decently over the small burners, and the ceramic coating doesn’t scratch as easily as other nonstick cookware sets normally do.
A big bonus for the securely and tightly fitting lids. They’re transparent glass so you can track the cooked food with ease from the outsides.
| Cook N Home 02414 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Nonstick Ceramic |
No of Pieces | 10 |
Oven-safe Temperature | Up to 350 degrees |
Highlight Features | Stay-cool handles Tempered glass lids Made of thick gauge aluminum |
Overall, everything about this Cook N Home 02414 set is great, especially its maximal heat transfer. They heat up fast and evenly to meet almost cooking styles and requirements.
Cast Iron Cookware Set
Best For Frying: Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set
- Reliable – backed by a 1-year money-back guarantee
- Grippy and comfortable to hold – silicone hot handle holder
- Durable and long-lasting – the nonstick coating only gets more durable if properly seasoned
- Require complex maintenance
- Heavy
If you’ve never cooked with a cast iron cookware set, this is a nice try for frying and searing based on its indestructible construction that can be used on any cooktop. Unlike other nonstick coatings, cast iron skillets (if seasoned properly) become more nonstick over time.
The silicone grip coming with this piece is a nice added perk and the lids are very nice. They fit the cookware perfectly.
We like the pour lips of the skillet edges which serve as vents so that when your food is boiled up, excess moisture can escape easily and doesn’t cause the lid to shake insanely.
This Cuisinel cookware set is priced hugely less than a comparable Lodge branded skillet with lids, making it even highly valuable.
| Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Cast iron |
No of Pieces | 4 |
Oven-safe Temperature | 400 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Highlight Features | 1 year money back guarantee Included silicone hot handle holder & tempered glass lid True cooking versatility |
Specifically designed with true cooking versatility in mind, the Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set is a great choice for all cooking styles, especially frying.
Best For Roasting: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece
- Trustworthy and high-quality – made in the USA
- Ideal for roasting or making soups and stews – include a 10.25” Dutch oven
- Food comes out amazingly - phenomenal heat retention and distribution
- Heavy
- The handles get hot when cooking
Last but not least, here is 5-piece cookware set from Lodge.
Making it different from other counterparts is the added 10.25” Dutch oven which is great for soups and stews, even roasts are great in there.
Although these cookware pieces are heavy, we like the fact that the more we cook, the better they get. With phenomenal heat retention and distribution, the food always comes out amazing. These pots and pans are also easy to clean thanks to the efficient nonstick coatings.
Another good thing is they’re proudly made in the USA, which ensures the quality.
| Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Cast iron |
No of Pieces | 5 |
Oven-safe Temperature | 300 degrees F. |
Highlight Features | MADE IN THE USA No synthetic coatings or chemicals Unparalleled heat retention |
In summary, if you’re looking for a small set of cast iron cookware for roasting or making soups and stews, this is the best.
How To Choose The Best Nonstick Cookware Sets?
Materials
Your choice of metal for the cookware set will directly affect its durability.
There are a lot of options out there but here are the most outstanding ones to choose from:
- Stainless steel
- This metal is in the middle of the road price range – a bit expensive. However, it provides good durability and performance with better heat conduction than other stainless cookware sets with a spun aluminum disk attached to the bottom.
- What you should look for in a stainless clad over the top of an aluminum core.
- Copper
- This is the most expensive type of metal that also requires the most complex maintenance here but you get what you pay for.
- It is known for unparalleled adjustment to change in the heat with amazingly even heat distribution.
- To receive all strengths of this metal without breaking the bank, a wise choice is choosing copper cookware that is coated with tin for some natural nonstick properties.
- Or, choose a mix of copper and stainless steel for extra durability while the price is less costly.
- Aluminum
- This metal is cheaper than the two above and weighs much lighter. However, aluminum is very durable and rust-resistant to last long. Not to say that it’s easy to clean.
- The only thing you MUST keep in mind when looking for an aluminum cookware set is the hard anodization process or a nonstick coating. It must have either of these things because, without them, aluminum is prone to be food-reactive, which is not safe to use anymore.
- Cast iron
- The strongest and most durable metal out of a bunch, cast iron ensures the longest lifetime ever, which makes your purchase highly valuable in the long term of use.
- However, it is also known as the heaviest material and requires pre-seasoned for nonstick properties, which is a bit time-taking.
Weight
- The hardest part of this buying guide – weight.
- Why?
- It’s because you will have to tradeoff between the weight of cookware and your comfort. As a basic rule of thumb, the heavier the nonstick cookware, the more even the heat distribution, which is also key to make it more versatile.
- But at the same time, heavy cookware causes some difficulty in handling and cleaning.
- That’s why we suggest going for a mid-weight nonstick cookware set so you can get the best of both worlds.
Lids And Handles
- To know whether a cookware set is highly valuable or not, just examine the quality of lids and handles.
- These two components are the areas where cheap sets will skimp to lower the total producing expenses, turn out they’re the first factors you’ll be in trouble with.
- Look for lids that are easy to remove/put on and they should fit snugly to your cookware. The handles should give a solid hand-feel and stay cool while cooking.
Which Brands Make The Best Nonstick Cookware Sets?
Anolon
- Start with the OG in this industry, Analon has been in the market since the 1940s, specializing in making helmets, telegraph wire, and pans for US soldiers during World War II. That’s why they are well-loved and trusted up to now.
Farberware
- Another longer-standing brand is Farberware – founded in 1900, in the United States. As all products are made in America, it ensures top-notch quality and performance.
T-fal
- The father of nonstick frying pan – T-fall, founded in 1954 by Marc Grégoire. At the current, they’re known for endless innovation and new, practical solutions to fit the rigors of a busy kitchen.
FAQs
Do chefs use nonstick pans?
No, they don’t. The reasons are:
- Nonstick pans aren’t suitable for certain dishes like seared steaks and caramelized onions
Teflon coating contains toxins, which is not accepted in the professional cooking - They aren’t compatible with metal ovens or utensils
- Nonstick pans are fragile
- They’re slow to heat up
Is it better to cook with stainless steel or nonstick?
In a pinch, nonstick cookware is best for low-oil cooking while the stainless-steel can withstand high heats and pair with metal ovens or utensils.
When should you throw away non stick pans?
After 5 years.
After 5 years.
They take more time to preheat than other types of cookware. They’re magnetic to not suit for metal ovens or utensils. Not to say that nonstick pans are prone to scratch and fragile.
If you usually make caramelized onions or seared steaks, nonstick pans aren’t a good choice.
How do you rejuvenate a pan?
Step 1: preheat it to 350 degrees
Step 2: take it out of the stovetop
Step 3: drizzle some veggie oil over the entire surface
Step 4: rub the oil into it by using a clean rag to coat the whole interior until it gleams
Step 5: Let it cool in room temp.
Conclusion
That’s all for this post.
We hope that you enjoyed reading our thorough review and that you find your best nonstick cookware set. Thanks for reading!
Jane Orta
