Best Non Stick Pan

Non Stick Pan

The T-fal E93808 Professional  is our best non stick pan, which  has a Thermo-Spot heat indicator so it is easy to know when it is ready for cooking when you preheat the non stick pan. In addition to that, the stainless steel disc makes the non stick pan very balanced when it comes down to heating or cooking anything. The riveted handles of this non stick pan ensure stability and safety when you are handling food.

Our step-up pick is the Cuisinart 622-36H and if you want an industry standard skillet or non stick pan then this is a good style to have. It can survive up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit due to the durability of its materials. Its rims are also tapered in terms of design so that you can provide a leak free environment for whatever you are cooking.

The budget pick is the Cooksmark Copper Pan and being a dishwasher safe non stick pan, it has a hanging loop for when you need to store the pan when it is not currently in use. It is also scratch resistant and is free from cadmium, lead, PFOA, PTFE and the like so you can assure that your family experiences cooking that is safe, healthy and toxic-free.

A Little Background

A non stick pan is a kind of kitchen tool that is used to cook flat foods such as eggs, fish and the like. Non stick pans are known for decades due to their ease of cleanup that makes cooking easier. To have this capability, it should have a non stick coating. The non stick coating could be made of Teflon or some other material.

Do remember that a non stick pan should only be used with the right kitchen utensil, such as a wooden spoon to make sure that you don't damage the coating. You also need to make sure that the coating is eco-friendly and of food grade. Most non stick pans are free from PBDEs and other harsh chemicals that may contaminate your food.

Cooking food in a non stick pan is a time saver because you do not have to worry about cleaning it up later. The non stick action helps separate the food from the actual cooking surface so the result is that your food sort of floats

There are tests on how to know if your nonstick coating is working, such as when you place a drop of water or oil. This test also determines if the pan is already hot enough for cooking. Knowing this test makes it easier for you to cook with a non stick pan.

How We Picked

If you want the best non stick pan, you should consider the following:

Size of the pan: the non stick pan should have a decent size for your stove or cooker. Some stoves are bigger while there are those with a third component for smaller non stick pans so you can fit those in that part. You have to know what you frequently cook and how much do you cook in a day in the kitchen so you can find the appropriate non stick pan for you.

Coating: some non stick pans have Teflon coating while some have alternative coating. Whichever you choose, you should consider a coating that is not easy to remove and also food safe for your daily use. It should not be easily scratched and should not be made out of harmful chemicals so that it will not interact with your food items.

Color or design: you should consider a good color or design for your non stick pan that will match your kitchen decor or your kitchenware. Find a color that will not easily fade. You should also consider a design for the non stick pan that will be made of food grade materials so that your food items will not be contaminated at all.

Type of stove: do consider if your non stick pan is compatible with other types of stoves such as induction types and electric stove types. Some non stick pans are designed to work with all stove types but be careful as some materials cannot be used on induction types due to the reaction to the system.

Square or round: while it is true that most non stick pans are round shaped, there are also special types of non stick pans that are made with a square shape for cooking certain recipes like lasagna or square omelet. If you like a unique non stick pan then you should consider the square shaped one.

Material used: some non stick pans are made of certain types of materials and this can dictate its durability, weight and ease of maintenance. You should consider a non stick pan with good durability and quality materials.

Free from harsh chemicals (food grade): you should consider a non stick pan that is BPA free and also PFOA free. There are also some non stick pans that do not contain lead so they are safer for your cooking. Any kitchen utensil that does not contain harmful chemicals for your food means that it is very safe to use.

Durability: you should have a non stick pan that is highly durable because if you don't, your food will spill all over the place and you will hurt yourself. The handle should be stable enough to hold and the whole pan itself should last for many years to come so that you will not have to easily replace when the time comes.

Ease of handling (stay cool handle): you should have a stay cool handle that does not conduct heat at all. It should not easily melt as plastic either. In the long run, it should not make the handle too hot so you can use it for a long time of cooking without getting too uncomfortable.

Amount of food you can cook it with: consider how many omelets you prepare every single day with the non stick pan so that you know how big your pan should be.

Our Pick

The T-fal E93808 Professional is our best non stick pan, measuring at 12.5 inches in diameter. This non stick pan comes with silicone handles for ease of handling and it can cater to all cooking methods so that you don’t have to worry about the type of stove that you want to cook with the non stick pan. It has a comfortable grip as well for easy cooking anytime.

Being easy to be preheated for cooking, this non stick pan is also capable of cooking with other dishes as it is oven safe to 400 degrees F. It can provide you with an even heat distribution and it has a Prometal Pro nonstick interior.

In addition to that, the non stick pan is PFOA, lead and cadmium free so your family is totally safe from harm. It is also deemed safe for induction cooking so if you have a stove like that then this non stick pan  is applicable. It is made with durable materials and is also dishwasher safe.

As a scratch resistant non stick pan, it has been tested to be safe for metal utensils and is quite ready for your induction stove as it is suitable for all cook-tops. The non stick pan also provides protection against warping unlike other pans and has a limited lifetime warranty to back it up.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

The only concern but not a deal breaker with the T-fal E93808 Professional is that it may not be suitable for heavy duty restaurant use, so it is only okay for home use.

Step-up Pick

Our step-up pick is the Cuisinart 622-36H, which measures 14 inches when it comes down to its diameter. It has a helper handle so it can also act as a sauté pan due to the handle design. It has a hard anodized design so it is not easy to break due to excessive usage.

Food release with this non stick pan is so easy due to the titanium reinforcement of the pan that makes it stand out from the competition. The spreading of the heat is as even as possible and there are absolutely no hot spots in this non stick pan. The solid grip ensures an accident free cooking experience.

The stay cool handles make this open skillet non stick pan applicable for really fast cooking situations and the riveted configuration of the handles make it more durable. The nonstick interior is made with durability and wear resistance in mind. It is also completely free of aluminum on its cooking surface to protect your family from the bad taste of metal.

Budget Pick

Our budget pick is the Cooksmark Copper Pan, which measures 10 inches in its diameter. It can be anything other than a skillet, such as a sauté pan. In addition to that the non stick pan is also compatible with an induction cooking stove. It is also capable of being placed in the oven.

It can withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit of cooking and it has an ergonomic set of stainless steel handles that do not corrode in time. The base ensures heating that is fast and easy and also very even. The nonstick coating also keeps the oil to a minimum for less grease in your food.

Best Non Stick Pan with a Stone Derived Coating

The Ozeri Stone Earth is a stone derived non stick pan that is PFOA free and looks very authentic. It is made with a coating that resists scratching and can also be used for induction stoves. There are three rivets in this non stick pan and the handle is coated in silicon to keep it resistant against heat.

Best Non Stick Pan with a Hard Anodized Construction

The All-Clad E7859664 HA1 is a hard anodized non stick fry pan that has an aluminum construction. It can be used for various types of cooking stoves, such as ceramic, induction, gas, electric and even halogen stoves. It can be heated in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and has an even heating surface due to the base that does not warp at all.

Best Non Stick Pan for Restaurant Use

The Tramontina 80114/535DS Professional measures 10 inches and is made with aluminum. It is ideal for professional and restaurant use and can be heated up to 400 degrees F in the oven. It is NSF certified, PFOA-free and is made with 3004 grade aluminum material.

Best Non Stick Pan for Omelet Making

The Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized also measures 10 inches across and is great for frying omelets and other egg dishes. It is great for rolling and tossing without spilling due to the sloped sides. It has a stay cool handle and has a nonstick surface that keeps fat to a minimum.

Best Non Stick Pan made of Ceramic Material

The GreenPan Rio 10Inch has a nonstick surface that uses less oil so it can make your foods less greasy. The handle stays cool with an easy to grip design and it is also PFOA and PFAS free. The Thermolon material makes the nonstick food safe.

Best Non Stick Pan made of Stainless Steel

The All-Clad 4112NSR2 Stainless is a triple-ply bonded non stick pan that measures 12 inches across. It is a nonstick pan that is PFOA free and can be heated up to 500 degrees F. It has a contoured design so that food does not easily spill over.

Best Non Stick Pan for Induction Stoves

The Scanpan PRO IQ measures 8 inches so it is great for small foods such as frying eggs. It can be used on induction stoves and preserves the flavor of your food easier due to being PFOA free. It can allow you to sear, deglaze or brown foods and it has a limited lifetime warranty.

The Competition

Other non stick pans did not make it to our list because they lacked in a stay cool handle, didn’t have a reliable and food grade nonstick coating, and were also flimsy in material.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I make sure that the non stick pan that I buy is safe and effective?

A: A safe and effective  non stick pan should have the following:

Free from PTFE and PFOA: polytetrafluoroethylene and perfluorooctanoic acid are two things that should not be in your non stick pan because of their possible health effects in the long term. A non stick pan should be made only from substances and materials that do not contain these harmful ingredients that might possibly cause cancer. To keep your food and your family safe, consider alternative non stick pans with different materials that are eco friendlier.

The right size for your cooking job: some non stick pans are too big for most stoves while some are too small, so make sure that you use the right pan for the right job. In addition to that, you need to consider how many eggs or food items that you want to cook with the non stick pan on a daily basis. It is important to know your cooking norms so you can use it for various purposes.

Coating can take higher temperatures: because a coating for a non stick pan can easily fade or crack when you heat it up, it should be a stronger coating so that it will not easily melt or crack when you cook with it. A good non stick pan should not only be eco friendly and food friendly but should also be able to cater to high temperatures, because some food recipes might require a higher heat to cook, like meat.

Q: What are the different choices for the size of a non stick pan?

A: A non stick pan  should have the right size for you to easily use it anywhere. If you are planning to buy two, go for smaller sizes or one big and one small. If you're planning on a multipurpose one, go for a larger size to cater all dishes. Here are some good sizes of a non stick pan that you can choose out there:

Size of Pan

Best Uses

8 inches

Egg dishes

Small fish

Pancakes

Frittatas

10 inches

Fish

Meat dishes

Fish fillets

Hotdogs

12 inches

More eggs

Large pancakes

Larger fish and meat

Q: What can I do to make my non stick pan last longer?

A: There are some tips  that you can do to make it easier to maintain the lifespan of your non stick pan, such as the following:

Keep the preheating for your non stick pan in medium or low, so that it will not mess up the coating really bad. Make sure you don't always use the high heat option, unless it is necessary and unless your non stick pan can take it. Make note of the highest temperature that your non stick pan can take with its coating so that it will not come off and contaminate your food.

When you cook food, make sure to maximize the space in the non stick pan, so that you don't heat up the coating element too much. When you put less food in the non stick pan, your pan tends to heat up more due to the unoccupied space. This is why you should prepare or plan what you want to cook before you actually do it so you know what to place in the pan.

Consider not using higher heat stoves and burners of up to 12,000 BTUs or more. This makes the coating of the non stick pan easier to get damaged and come off so it might contaminate your food. Make sure that the heat of the stove is okay for the non stick pan, as some pans are made with super durable coating that will not come off even in high heat.

Price is not always a basis for the non stick pan's quality so make sure you get a good quality pan, even if it is a step up in expenses. If you chance upon a cheaper non stick pan then its coating might come off and it might ruin your food. Some of these cheaper non stick pans are also not safe due the lack of certifications for not including certain harmful chemicals. Durable/thicker non stick pans last longer.

If you really need to cook any food with high heat, consider not using a non stick pan. Instead, use ceramic pans or similar pans that do not contain non stick coating. This is for your safety and for the food not to be contaminated, even if it means having to scrub the pan later. While offering a convenience, the coating of the non stick pan should be preserved because that is what you pay for in the pan itself.

One of the things to look for in a non stick pan is if its coating can last for a long time. While it is true that high heat is a no-no for a non stick pan, there are actually some non stick pans that are capable of high heat. You should consider asking the manufacturer whether the non stick pan that you want to buy is capable of high heat or only capable of low to medium heat.

The right materials for your non stick pan should be used to avoid ruining it. Use wood utensils or silicone for your non stick pan. Using metal can make it scratched and damaged and this can go into your food. In addition to that, when cleaning the non stick pan, you should consider avoiding steel wools and use softer pads. Additionally, putting towels between if you decide to stack them up can prevent the nonstick coating to crack and crumble.

For a non stick pan to last longer, you need to reconsider the kitchen utensils that you choose. It is common knowledge that wood or ceramic is the best kind of utensil to use for a non stick pan.

The temperature of your kitchen might also affect the non stick pan so make sure it is properly ventilated. Consider a ceiling fan or an A/C unit if it is really hot when you cook. The temperature can potentially make cracks on the non stick coating so it's a good idea to keep your kitchen cool and comfortable.

Dishwashers are a no-no for a non stick pan. There is a reason why they have nonstick coating - they need to be washed manually. While some non stick pans allow for dishwasher use due to the durability of their coating, majority will tell you that you should not put the non stick pan into the dishwasher for safety purposes.

If you don't always have the time to peek into your stove to check on what you cook, a non stick pan might not be a good idea for you, since you might not check the temperature of your pan after all. Instead, use alternatives like ceramic cookware or the good old seasoned cast iron pan.

Cooking often with your non stick pan can make it go through enough wear and tear, so consider replacing it every 3 to 5 years or so. Everyone needs to cook, and things can happen, accidents might occur and nobody is perfect. Excessive usage can also lead to the non stick pan losing its coating, so if ever the time comes, make sure you replace it. Using a damaged non stick pan is dangers to both you and your food.

Q: How does nonstick cookware compare to stainless steel cookware?

A: Both non stick and stainless steel  pans and cookware have their pros and cons for different aspects, and here are some of them:

Criteria

Nonstick

Stainless Steel

Price

Nonstick is cheaper because it is more widely available and easier to make, but some can be pricier.

Stainless steel is usually more expensive because it is of heavy duty.

Safety

Nonstick coating can sometimes be dangerous to food if they are not PFTE and PFOA free.

Stainless steel is pretty much safe for cooking in general.

Cleaning

Nonstick coating is the easiest to clean up.

Some stainless steel cookware can be easy to clean up, but not as easy as nonstick coating for grease.

Searing and browning

Some nonstick cookware can do it but most cannot do it as well as stainless steel does.

The best for searing and browning to perfection for restaurants or homemade meals.

Durability

Nonstick coating can be prone to breakage when exposed to high heat and temperatures.

Durability for stainless steel is the best for all cookware.

Ideal food types

Best for pancakes and egg recipes.

Versatile for almost all types of food, especially sauce recipes.

Q: When should I use a nonstick pan versus stainless steel and cast iron pans?

A: Different kinds of pan materials  are all tailored to their specific purposes. For instance, cast iron is meant for pizza and oven foods, nonstick is for eggs and stainless steel for frying. Here are guides on where to use the different kinds of pan materials:

Stainless steel: consider cooking stuff that you wouldn't normally cook on cast iron or nonstick pans, such as caramelized sugar, frying and browning anything. Basically, if you are cooking anything that has some sort of acidic content, the stainless steel pan is the best way to go because of its durability and steadfast non-reaction against acids.

Cast iron: consider cast iron if you want to cook pizza in the oven. Anything that is oven worthy will be good for a cast iron, especially for camping or cooking outdoors. Cast iron is an old time favorite and when properly seasoned, it will have a similar nonstick coating to nonstick cookware. You can also cook some frittatas, veggies, meat and the like in cast iron. However, don't use it for acidic foods.

Nonstick coating: anything that has a nonstick coating such as those Teflon pans can be great for omelets, fried eggs, crepes, pancakes and the like. While they are great for such, those things can also be done with a cast iron, although most cast irons can be troublesome to season versus nonstick Teflon pans. Just be careful and purchase a nonstick pan that is capable of high heat so it doesn't leak out harmful elements to your food.

Q: Why is it dangerous to store foods in your nonstick pan?

A: A nonstick pan  can run into trouble with its coating if you keep storing your cooked foods for a long time. The acids from the food can potentially wreck the coating later on and the stuff from the coating can seep into your foods, which is dangerous altogether. Make sure you transfer your cooked food from the pan to a container or plate right away.

Q: How is a skillet or frying pan different from a sauté pan?

A: A frying pan  or skillet is different from a sauté pan based on the following properties:

Criteria

Frying Pan or Skillet

Sauté Pan

Design

Frying pans are not completely flat so you don’t get to maximize all of the cooking areas.

Sauté pans are flat on the bottom so they stick well to your stove for maximization of cooking areas.

Weight

Frying pans are usually lighter in material and in construction as well.

A sauté pan is usually heavier due to including a lid and because of its materials as well.

Lid

Nonstick pans and skillets usually do not have a lid.

Sauté pans are those with a lid, mostly for simmering and sautéing.

Tossing

Frying pans are the best if you want to toss food, such as rice, noodles, omelets, eggs, crepes and pancakes.

Sauté pans are heavier so they are not very ideal for when you want to toss the food.

Evaporation

Skillets give you a faster evaporation for searing in general.

Searing is better in a sauté pan due to the flat surface area.

Q: What is Teflon and why is it important for nonstick cookware?

A: Nonstick cookware  started out with Teflon. This is a kind of chemical that is artificially made and is placed on pans to make them nonstick so that your food will float instead of sticking into your pan's surface, making the pan easier to clean for eggs, pancakes, crepes and the like.

There are some studies that suggest that nonstick cookware that are made of Teflon can be dangerous to your health. There have been studies that this Teflon material, which is made out of PFOA (sometimes) can potentially increase the risk of, or is related to the following:

·         Cancers and tumors

·         Kidney cancer

·         Testicular cancer

·         Bladder and prostate cancer

·         Thyroid cancer

·         Ovarian cancer

Remember that it is not Teflon itself that is cancerous, but the PFOA that might be used for making Teflon can make it carcinogenic. This is why you should consider Teflon nonstick pans that do not contain PFOA material to make your food safe overall.

Q: Are there cookware brands out there that specialize on nonstick pans as well as other cookware that don't contain toxic chemicals?

A: Yes, some brands  of cookware do specialize on nonstick pans and cooking materials that don't contain toxic chemicals, such as the following:

Mercola - while this is known as a health site, they also do sell special cookware that are nontoxic so you can use them for various purposes. They mostly have ceramic materials so they are not harmful for your food at all.

GreenPan - they also sell nonstick coated pans and the like but are also made out of ceramic. The good thing about their nonstick coating is that they can withstand up to 450 degrees Celsius, so it's okay for high heat foods.

Beka Eco-Logic - they offer nonstick frying pans as well as woks and other kitchen utensils. They are unique for using bamboo powder and renewable materials to make their cookware stand out and become more eco friendly.

Cuisinart Green Gourmet - Cuisinart also has a green cookware section that is free from PFOA and PTFE due to the nonstick "Ceramica" coating that makes it stand out from other cookware out there. The ceramic coating makes it last longer as well.

GreenLife - they use Thermolon, which is an alternative to Teflon for coating their nonstick cookware. They can be used at high heat and can also be cleaned with baking soda and the like, making them more durable than others.

Ozer Green Earth - this brand also sells high heat capable products up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit so they are great for other types of recipes. You can also use it for induction stoves and electric stoves other than for gas stoves.

Scanpa - they also have ceramic cookware that is free from PFOA and also contains titanium coating other than ceramic. It resists scratching and is also made from recycled materials due to its cast aluminum construction that is lightweight yet durable and good for heating.

Q: How do I determine if my cookware is leaking chemicals into my food?

A: A good way to test  if your cookware is leaking chemicals into food is to use acidic cooking ingredients such as pasta sauce. You can test it for different cookware that you have and if the pasta smells a little off or smells metal-like then the coating or the metal might be leaching into your food. You can also have it tested at a laboratory for better inspection.

Q: How do I clean a non stick pan properly?

A: You need to clean the non stick pan  from the inside and from the outside:

Cleaning oil from the inside:

1.       Add half a cup of vinegar with water and pour into the pan, if it's covered in grease.

2.       Boil this mixture for a couple of minutes. This will make the oil rise up above.

3.       Toss the oil and the water into the sink and then use a nylon scrubber (that isn't harsh for your non stick coating) to wash it with warm water and soap.

4.       Rinse and let it dry, or wipe with any kitchen cloth. Return it where you place your pans.

Cleaning residue from the outside and inside:

·         Make a paste mixture by putting together baking soda and water.

·         Use this paste to scrub the pan with a nylon scrubber so that the residue can be gone without the non stick surface being damaged.

·         Use soap and water to wash the pan, rinse and then dry it.

Q: What can happen if you put the non stick pan into the dishwasher?

A: Some bad things can happen  if you put the non stick pan into the dishwasher, such as the following:

The detergents can ruin the non stick coating. Any strong detergent that you might end up putting in the non stick pan will be okay for some ceramic dishes but not in a non stick pan. If you don’t have a good pan then there is a good chance that it might get cracked or chipped off because of the detergent having strong chemicals. This can be dangerous for your food due to the chemicals.

The heat can also ruin the non stick coating. Because the dishwasher can heat up at times due to the warm water, you should consider not using the non stick pan in this dishwasher at all. Heat is a potential breaker for the coating of the non stick pan, so you should consider avoiding cleaning it in the dishwasher. This is much like ruining your non stick pan due to the excessive heat of the stove.

When the non stick coating is ruined, you will have an unsafe non stick pan that might leach chemicals into your food. If any of these factors make your non stick pan coating crack or get chipped off, it can be a potential threat to your family and for your business as well. You should make sure that the non stick pan does not get exposed to things that might ruin your food’s quality.

Overall, our advice is that it is important that if you pick a non stick pan, it should be dishwasher safe or for safety, just don’t put it in the dishwasher at all.

Q: What are the different kinds of cookware, their uses and typical sizes available?

A: There are various types of cookware  that you can use in your kitchen, such as the following:

Type of Cookware

Purpose

Features

Sizes Available

Frying pan or skillet

·         Frying

·         Browning

·         Searing

·         Flipping

Has a handle and a flat round surface, but not as flat as a sauté pan.

·         8 inches

·         10 inches

·         12 inches

Sauté pan

·         Stirring

·         Sautéing

·         Quick cooking

·         Tossing

·         Shaking

Has a flatter bottom than the skillet and has a helper handle and a lid to cover it up.

·         4 quarts

Sauce pan

·         Poaching eggs

·         Simmering

·         Grain cooking

·         Boiling

·         Soups

·         Sauces

Has a long handle and a helper handle but is more like a small casserole.

·         4 quarts

·         3 quarts

·         2 to 2.5 quarts

·         1 to 1.5 quarts

Multipot

·         Veggie steaming

·         Straining pasta

·         Cooking corn

·         Boiling

·         Making stock

·         Soups or stews

Two pots on top of each other, with the bottom pot for making soup stock due to the perforated design on the first pot.

·         6 quarts

·         8 quarts

·         12 quarts

Griddle

·         Grilling

·         Making steaks

·         Pancakes

·         Eggs

·         Bacon

·         Breakfast items

Smooth cooking surface that looks like a rectangular tray and is also nonstick like pans.

·         Most are standard size but has grease catching rims

Roaster

·         Oven roasting

Has a set of grills and has two handles on each side.

·         Most are standard size

Grill pan

·         Searing

·         Grilling

·         Cooking foods in high heat

Usually made with a cooking surface that looks like a grill but diagonally placed. Looks similar to a griddle.

·         Most are standard size and are either cast iron or enameled

Q: Should I season my non stick pan?

A: Yes, a non stick pan  will also need to be seasoned once in a while if you want it to last longer. Here is how you season your non stick pan properly:

1.       First, rinse the pan under tap water as you normally would.

2.       Let the non stick pan dry with a soft cloth or let it air dry.

3.       Grab some paper towels for applying the seasoning.

4.       Use 1 teaspoon of oil and pour it into the non stick pan.

5.       Wipe the oil all around the pan so that it will be seasoned completely.

6.       Do this each time you need to use the pan or at least when you think it needs some seasoning.

Q: Why is it bad to use non stick spray on my non stick pan?

A: A non stick pan  can have bad effects if you use a non stick spray on it. The effect on your pan is that the lecithin, which is the component found in non stick spray, can damage the non stick surface and make your non stick pan leach chemicals into your food.

You can remedy this by using oil to season your non stick pan instead of a non stick spray. You can use any kind of oil, such as grape seed oil or vegetable oil, or any kind of oil that you often use for cooking.

Q: Why should you not preheat a non stick pan that is empty?

A: A non stick pan  that is empty and being preheated can be dangerous. Because you do not have anything on the surface, the temperature can get so hot that it might make the non stick coating crackle or get chipped off. Consider adding oil or butter before you preheat the pan so that you do not mess up your pan at all.

Q: What is the highest possible heating temperature for a non stick pan?

A: A non stick pan  can have a temperature of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while some cheaper ones can go for up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure that you check the label indicated in your non stick pan before you use it for high temperature heating. Too much heat can make the non stick coating ineffective.

Q: Do I also need to preheat a non stick pan when I season it?

A: Yes, in most cases , preheating your non stick pan can make it much more effective and longer lasting if you preheat the pan first, to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit or so.

Q: On nonstick cookware, should I place the butter or oil before or after I turn on the stove?

A: A non stick pan  should have oil or butter beforehand when you place it on the stove and turn the heat up. This is so that the pan will not get dry when you heat it up. Heating can make the nonstick coating come off easily.

Q: Should I use hot water or cold water when washing my non stick pan from egg cooking?

A: When cooking eggs , it is best to use cold water to rinse off the egg residue from your non stick pan. Hot water may damage the non stick coating because the protein in eggs will most likely fuse with the coating.

Wrapping It Up

Overall, the T-fal E93808 Professional  is our best non stick pan that measures 12.5 inches across, oven safe up to 400 degrees F and PFOA/lead/cadmium free.