"Includes two frying pans that have a hard-anodized nonstick finish. review process here. Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, was used in the manufacturing process of PTFE, and some concerns remain about the safety of these chemicals in the long term and their effect on the environment. Our reviewer also found that adding thick sauces, which often stick or burn, was easy, even when using medium-high heat. Ceramic cookware sold in the U.S. and Europe are must also adhere to regulations that prohibit lead or cadmium.
Instead of a traditional nonstick coating, the inside of the pan has a black hexagonal pattern that creates "peaks and valleys". The company also recommends cooking on a lower heat than usual for best nonstick results, attributed to the pan's quick heating and distribution properties.
Founded in the 1950s, this popular French cookware brand—sometimes known as Tefal—takes its name from the combination of "Teflon" and "aluminum." Pans coated with PTFE are easy to use and clean, but the coatings eventually wear away with use. This set includes both an 8-inch and a 10-inch frying pan, so you’ll always have the pan you need. ", "Ideal for a vacation home, but they’re sturdy enough for home cooking, too. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, All-Clad Hard Anodized Fry Pans at Amazon, Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Fry Pan Set at Bed Bath & Beyond, Tramontina Professional Fry Pans at Amazon, T-fal Specialty 3-Piece Fry Pan at Amazon, All-Clad Stainless Tri-Ply Fry Pan at Amazon, GreenPan Paris Nonstick Fry Pan at Amazon, HEXCLAD Nonstick Stainless 12-inch Saute Pan at Amazon, Best Overall: T-fal Specialty 3-Piece Fry Pan, T-fal Specialty Nonstick 3-Piece Fry Pan Set Review, Best High-End:
Created by two school friends from Belgium, the GreenPan brand was born out of a need for a non-toxic alternative to traditional nonstick pans. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. While traditional nonstick pans need at least three coatings, ceramic coatings can require as little as just one layer, saving time and energy during the manufacturing process.
This piece was edited by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, a writer who specializes in global food and wine content and an avid cook who has personally owned the Calphalon and GreenPan options mentioned in this piece. Nonstick pans are a must-have for cooks of all levels—from fluffy scrambled eggs and golden pancakes to crispy fried rice, this kitchen essential does it all. It created a ceramic coating called Thermolon that posed no risk of releasing toxic fumes and did not use PFOA in its manufacturing process. If one nonstick frying pan is good, two is better. Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 10-Inch and 12-Inch Fry Pan Set, Best Professional Grade: Traditional PTFE coatings are generally safe to about 400 degrees; ceramic coatings can typically withstand higher temperatures (over 500 degrees with some models); hard-anodized cookware can fall somewhere between 400 to 500 degrees, depending on the manufacturer.
You will want to avoid overheating your pans, as excessive heat can start to break down your nonstick coating. As for the interior, there's polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), hard-anodized aluminum, and ceramic, which we'll cover later. If you’re ready to pick up a piece (or an entire set) of nonstick cookware, consider how often you’ll be cooking with it. It has a wide flat base and a low profile with flared sides that’s ideal for sautéing, flipping foods in the pan, or reducing sauces. Today, GreenPan is a worldwide leader in ceramic nonstick cookware. Calphalon’s mid-range price points make it a popular and attainable brand for avid home cooks.
A good starting point for a skillet is a 10-inch model: it’s roomy but not too bulky to store in a small kitchen.