WE DID THE WORK TO FIND THE BEST AND THESE ARE THE RESULTS:
| Preview | Name | Awards | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Simply Calphalon | Best Overall | |
  | T-fal E918SH | Best for the Money | |
  | Cuisinart 66-17 | Best on a Budget |
When people ask what do I need to do to become a better cook? We always respond by saying they need the right tools. Even 5 star chefs will struggle in the kitchen if they don’t have the right equipment. One of the most important things any cook needs is the best non-stick cookware. There is nothing more frustrating when you’re trying to prepare a meal then to have your food stick and burn onto the pan. Not only does it ruin your food, it also slows you down dramatically as you have to cool down the pan and scrub it before you can continue cooking. That’s why it’s so important that when shopping for cookware, you make the right choice. We have reviewed a countless number of non stick cookware products and we can tell you having the right cookware will make all the difference to your cooking. We have included three non-stick cookware reviews below to give you some idea of what you’re looking for.
Best Non Stick Cookware
Includes: 1-qt. Saucepan with Lid, 8" Omelet Pan, 12" Omelet Pan with Lid, 2-qt. Saucepan with Lid, 6-qt. Stockpot with Lid, 10" Omelet Pan, 3-qt. Saute Pan with Lid, 3-qt. Saucepan with Lid
Our top pick for non-stick cookware is the Simply Calphalon Nonstick 14 Piece Set. If you want quality this is the cookware set to go for as it is arguably the best product on the market right now. The pots and pans in this set are made of hard anodized aluminum and come with tempered glass lids and stay cool handles. Easy to use and easy to clean, it’s not difficult to see why Calphalon are market leaders. Well worth the high price tag, these pots and pans are highly durable and won’t break or shatter. For those looking to take their cooking to the next level, it is hard to go past this set.
Best Non Stick Cookware for the money
The unique T-fal thermo-spot heat indicator shows when T-fal pan is perfectly preheated for cooking
For those looking for the best value for money we recommend the T-fal E918SH Ultimate Hard Anodized, Durable Nonstick, Expert Interior, Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator, Anti-Warp Base, Dishwasher Safe, PFOA Free Oven Safe Cookware Set. Providing all the features of the top non-stick cookware, this set will give you maximum bang for your buck. Also made of Anodized steel, the pans in this set feature the latest in Thermo Spot technology from Tefal. This means you will always know when a pan is the right temperature to start cooking. Featuring 17 pieces in total, this non-stick cookware bundle is ideal for those looking to improve their cooking.
Best Non Stick Cookware on a budget
Set includes: 1-1/2-, 2-, 3-quart lidded saucepans; 8-, 10-inch skillet; 12-inch lidded skillet; 4-quart lidded saute; 9-quart lidded stockpot
For those on a budget we recommend the Cuisinart 66-17 Chefs Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 17-Piece Cookware Set. This cookware bundle will have you cooking like a professional in no time, without breaking your bank account. You will never have to worry about anything sticking to these pots and pans as they are made of hard anodized steel and feature a quantanium nonstick finish. The set also comes with glass lids for each piece which are made of a special break resistant glass. As an added bonus this set also comes with two separate inserts. One for pasta and one for steaming vegetables.
Why you need non-stick cookware
It doesn’t matter how good you are in the kitchen, one of the above products will be right for you. If you’re an experienced cook or chef then high quality non-stick cookware will literally change your life. They will mean you can spend less time trying to make sure your food doesn’t burn and more time perfecting the flavors. If you’re an amateur cook or a newbie in the kitchen then the right non-stick cookware will save you countless hours of difficulty and frustration. Unlike traditional cookware, which is unforgiving and easy to burn your food with, the above products will make your life easy. Your friends and family will be astounded at the quality of the food you will be able to produce. This is because not only does good non-stick cookware make cooking easier, it also makes the end product taste better.
What makes great non-stick cookware
So what actually makes high quality non stick cookware. The first thing to look for is that it is made of a high quality substance such as Anodized steel. This will ensure that it doesn’t break or shatter under the extreme heat conditions it’s going to be put under. Speaking of which, you also want to ensure that its maximum oven temperature is at least 300 degrees. The higher this number is the better, because products which are more heat resistant also tend to be more durable over their lifespan. You also should be looking out for non-stick cookware which specifies that it has a non-stick finish, this just guarantees that cookware you’re buying will be as nonstick as possible.
Another thing to look out for is that the pots and pans you’re purchasing come with high quality lids. These lids should be made of glass so you can see what’s happening inside without letting all the heat escape by having to lift off the lid itself. Finally you should also ensure that the handles on the pots and pans you are buying are strong and heat resistant. They should be made of a substance other than what the pans are made of so that they don’t heat up at the same rate. There is nothing worse than burning yourself when attempting to lift a pan by its handle. Other than that, you should always ensure you buy a reputable brand to ensure the product you are buying will do what it promises.
Best Non Stick Cookware – Full Review
The first product we are going to look at in depth is the Simply Calphalon Nonstick 14 Piece Set. It comes with a 1-qt. Saucepan with Lid, an 8″ Omelet Pan, a 12″ Omelet Pan with Lid, a 2-qt. Saucepan with Lid, a 6-qt. Stockpot with Lid, a 10″ Omelet Pan, a 3-qt. Saute Pan with Lid and 3-qt. Saucepan with Lid. Like stated above this is the set to go for if you want the best of the best. The pots and pans in this bundle from Calphalon are high quality, durable and designed to make cooking as easy as possible.
Includes: 1-qt. Saucepan with Lid, 8" Omelet Pan, 12" Omelet Pan with Lid, 2-qt. Saucepan with Lid, 6-qt. Stockpot with Lid, 10" Omelet Pan, 3-qt. Saute Pan with Lid, 3-qt. Saucepan with Lid
These pots and pans from Calphalon are made of hard anodized aluminum. Basically this means that they won’t warp or bend even after repeated use. The anodised metal is how Calphalon is able to guarantee that their non-stick products will hold up even under 450 degree temperatures. It is also how they can confidently predict that their products won’t break or chip even under extreme conditions. Another great property of anodised metal is that it heats up quickly and is able to retain its heat for long periods of time. This makes cooking faster and easier because the heat spreads out more evenly than with conventional pans.
One of the features we really like about the Simply Calphalon set are the handles. One of the big issues with older cookware is that the handles were often made of similar materials to the pots and pans themselves. The issue with this was that they were prone to heating up to temperatures similar to the rest of the appliance, making them effectively useless. It also made them a safety hazard people would often grab the handles without realizing that it had also heated up. The handles on the Calphalon products are made of stainless steel with a silicone coating and are especially designed to be heat resistant.
The Calphalon set comes with a glass lid for most of its items. Glass lids are preferable to their stainless steel counterparts because they allow you to see what’s happening inside without the need to remove the lid itself. The glass isn’t regular glass either, it’s tempered glass making it heat resistant and less likely to break even when dropped.
One of the major down sides of the Simply Calphalon Nonstick 14 Piece Set is that it has to be hand washed. Putting the pots and pans in the dishwasher will potentially remove their non-stick properties so the advice is to gently wash them in the sink after use. The good news is that the non-stick nature of the pots and pans means that cleaning is a breeze. Most food and grease will literally just slide off when rinsed in water or put under a tap.
The key advantage of the Calphalon pots and pans is that they are more non-stick than their competitors. The higher price tag is justified because of just how easy it is to cook a range of dishes using these products. That’s not to say that the other products featured below are not high quality, but you have to realize that if you want to best, you have to pay for the best.
Best Non Stick Cookware for the money
The next product we are going to look at is the T-fal E918SH Ultimate Hard Anodized, Durable Nonstick, Expert Interior, Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator, Anti-Warp Base, Dishwasher Safe, PFOA Free Oven Safe Cookware Set. This set easily offers the best value for money. While not as high quality as the Calphalon bundle, it is still a great product and excellent value for money when you consider what you’re getting for the price. This 17 piece set comes packed with features which make it an ideal purchase for someone who is new to the kitchen.
The unique T-fal thermo-spot heat indicator shows when T-fal pan is perfectly preheated for cooking
The most notable feature of the T-fal bundle is the Thermo Spot which features in the middle of every pan in the set. This feature makes frying super easy and separates T-fal products from their competition. What the Thermo-Spot does is it changes its pattern and color once the pan is evenly heated which lets you know that it’s time to start frying. When you place the pan on the burner, the red Thermo Spot will feature the T-fal logo. Once the pan starts to heat the logo will slowly disappear and you will soon have a solid red dot. When you can’t see the logo at all is when you are set to go. One of the hardest things when cooking with Fry pans is knowing when the entire pan is the right temperature. Start cooking too early and your food may cook unevenly. The Thermo-Spot helps solves this issue making it a great choice for beginner and intermediate cooks.
The surface of the pots and pans is very non-stick and easy to use. Many items don’t even require cooking spray or oil to be added to the pan before cooking, the surface is that good. This has the added advantage of making your food significantly healthier. The handle on the T-fal is comfortable and feels good to handle. It is covered in a silicon grip making it easy on the hand and heat resistant. It is bolted on securely to the cookware itself meaning you can use it with confidence knowing that it is never going to come off.
One of the big advantages of the T-fal is that it has a scratch resistant surface meaning you can use it with metal utensils. This means you won’t have to rely on plastic, non-stick friendly spatules anymore. What’s also great is that unlike many of its competitors, the T-fal is dishwasher friendly. This means you can put it in the dishwasher with the rest of your dishes and wait for it to be cleaned. There is no need to wash it separately. The only piece of advice given by the manufacturer to protect the products’ non-stick surfaces is to never put them on any temperature higher than medium.
The fact that it is such a high quality product which is easy to use and clean is what makes the T-fal such great value for money. Like stated above, it is well worth a look for anyone who is new to cooking or just wants a bit of an edge in the kitchen.
Best Non Stick Cookware on a budget
The final product we are going to be looking at is the Cuisinart 66-17 Chefs Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 17-Piece Cookware Set. The Set includes: 1-1/2, 2-, and 3-quart lidded saucepans; 8 and 10-inch skillets; a 12-inch lidded skillet; a 4-quart lidded saute and a 9-quart lidded stockpot. It also includes a 7-3/4-inch lidded steamer insert and a 9-1/2-inch pasta insert This bundle from Cuisinart is the ideal bundle for anyone who is on a budget, but doesn’t want to sacrifice quality. While cuisinart may be a lesser known brand, it is still highly reputable and known for producing high quality cookware. This set is no exception.
Set includes: 1-1/2-, 2-, 3-quart lidded saucepans; 8-, 10-inch skillet; 12-inch lidded skillet; 4-quart lidded saute; 9-quart lidded stockpot
The pots and pans in this set feature an anodized steel interior making them harder and more durable than stainless steel. The outer coating is wear resistant which will ensures that even over time, the cookware items will stay relatively damage and scratch free. The anodized steel heats up quickly and spreads across the pans evenly which ensures a professional performance every time you cook. The interior of the pan is made from high quality non-stick quantanium reducing the need for cooking spray and oils. It also makes cleaning very simple. The quantanium is also scratch resistant so you can use your metal implements with it without fear of scratching or damaging the surface.
The handles on the pots and pans are made of stainless steel and feature a contoured design to allow for maximum comfort when cooking. They also include copyrighted Stay Cool technology to ensure they stay as cool as possible, even when over the top of open flames. The engineers who designed the Cuisinart were also careful to get the balance of the cookware items right. Each one is perfectly balanced and won’t feel uneven when handled.
One of this bundles stand out features is their lids. The lids from Cuisinart fit super tightly over the top of each pot and pan. This ensures that both your foods flavor and heat gets locked inside. The lids also feature break resistant glass meaning they won’t shatter or chip easily. Unlike the handles however the lids do have a nasty habit of heating up slightly so just use caution when removing them. The pots and pans also featured tapered rims, so if you do need to pour something directly out of one of them, you should have no problems.
The two inserts for steaming vegetables and cooking pasta are great additions to the bundle. They make cooking those items really simple. Most other brands require you to purchase additions such as these separately.
Overall the Cuisinart 66-17 Chefs Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 17-Piece Cookware Set is a great purchase for those on a budget. While its specs are not quite as high as its competitors, it is still a high quality product which will improve your cooking immensely. If you’re trying to save money this is definitely the bundle to go for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I cook on with non-stick cookware?
Most manufactures will give guidance for their specific products but a good rule of thumb is to never put a pan on anything higher than medium. Super high temperatures can burn the bottom of the pan and reduce the cookware’s non-stick properties. Remember non-stick pans heat up faster and keep their heat better than conventional pans so their is no need to cook on high.
Do non-stick pans require cooking spray or oil?
Normally no. The non-stick surface is usually good enough that most foods won’t stick on their own. Infact, many non-stick pans can actually lose their non-stick nature over time if continually exposed to cooking spray, so it’s best to use it sparingly even when you do deem it necessary. A handy tip is to apply the oil directly to the food you’re going to be cooking if at all possible rather than the cooking surface itself.
My scratch resistant pan got a scratch, isn’t that supposed to be impossible?
Very few alloys are entirely impervious to scratches. Just because a surface is scratch resistant doesn’t mean it is impossible to scratch. When using any non-stick cookware it is advisable to be gentle, especially when using metal utensils. Just because some manufacturers say their pans are ‘metal safe’ doesn’t mean you are able to be careless. My advice is to use plastic utensils wherever possible. It’s just better to be on the safe side.
My Non-stick surface seems to have worn off, is this normal?
It depends a little on how long you’ve had your non-stick cookware for. If it has worn off within weeks of your purchase than you have either done something to wear off the coat or your product was faulty. If however your product is years old then it may just be natural wear. While the technology is getting better, even the best products are prone to losing their non-stick properties after a few years. If that’s happening to you, it may be time for an upgrade. Generally the more you spend on non-stick cookware, the longer its non-stick properties will last.
Do I need to buy an entire set or can I purchase individual items?
It is possible to buy most of the items featured in the above sets individually but it will end up costing you more. The sets offer by far the best value for money so there is very little reasons to want to purchase an individual item. So if you are looking to make a purchase, do yourself a favour and upgrade your entire kitchen, you will be thankful you did later on.
Don’t put up with sticky traditional pans any longer. Invest in high quality non-stick cookware today and you will be blown away by the difference it will make to your cookin
