ConsFirst / Nonstick pans
Nonstick pans: the downsides, first
Every nonstick pan eventually loses its slickness; the question is how fast. In expert tests, an inexpensive pan was the top pick, while several pricey ones were dismissed. Here are the most popular nonstick pans in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared16 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 nonstick pans, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Tramontina
$PTFE nonstickScore 4.6/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The consensus best nonstick pan: Wirecutter, Serious Eats and CNET all pick it for slick release, even heat and a light, comfortable build at about $35. The trade-offs are no induction support, bare rivets that catch food, and a rough bottom that some owners say scratched a glass cooktop.
Top complaints
- Not induction-compatibleVery common
Wirecutter, Serious Eats and CNET all note the all-aluminum pan doesn't work on induction.
- Uncoated rivets collect foodMentioned often
Wirecutter says food sticks to the bare stainless rivets, and Good Housekeeping says they collect residue and are tricky to clean.
- Thin pan, rough bottom, shipping damageMentioned often
CNET lists a thinner pan that could warp and a rough bottom that could scratch glass stovetops. Lowest-rated Walmart reviews include a scratched glass cooktop, bent or dented pans on arrival, and one coating scratched after a single use. Amazon's summary says some owners find it wobbly when heated.
What owners love
- Superbly slick
Wirecutter says omelets and fried eggs slid out effortlessly; Serious Eats says no ingredient stuck. Non-stick performance is a top theme in Amazon reviews.
- Even heat, comfortable handle
Wirecutter found it distributed heat more evenly than other nonstick pans thanks to thick cast aluminum. It weighs under 2 lb and has a removable silicone handle sleeve.
- Holds up for years
Wirecutter's first test pan still released eggs after more than four years of home use, and staffers report years of near-daily use. Good Housekeeping calls it highly durable for a pan under $40.
Skip it if…- You cook on induction
- You have a glass cooktop and worry about scratches
- You want a lid included
Good for- Eggs, omelets and fish on gas or electric
- Best value for money
- Light, easy-to-flip pan
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release5.0
Why 5.0?
Superbly nonstick per Wirecutter; nothing stuck in Serious Eats tests; Amazon owners praise the non-stick performance. - Even heating4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter: more even than other nonstick pans. Serious Eats saw some unevenly colored crepes. - Handle & weight4.5
Why 4.5?
About 2 lb, well balanced, with a comfortable silicone-sleeved handle (Wirecutter, Serious Eats, CNET). Some Amazon owners report it becomes wobbly when heated. - Coating durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Still slick after 4+ years in Wirecutter's long-term use; Good Housekeeping calls it highly durable. A few Walmart owners report early scratches. - Value5.0
Why 5.0?
About $35; Wirecutter says it often outperforms pans more than triple the price. Amazon owners consider it great value.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated April 2026): slick PPG Eclipse coating, the most even heating of the group, easy to maneuver, about $35. Flaws are no induction support and uncoated rivets.
- Serious Eats: Best nonstick skillet (July 2026): quick, even cooking of eggs and nothing stuck. Some crepes browned unevenly, it isn't induction-compatible, and it is oven-safe to only 400°F.
- CNET: Best nonstick pan overall: great value, light and easy to maneuver. It is a thinner pan that could warp, and the rough bottom could scratch glass stovetops.
#2
All-Clad
$$PTFE nonstickScore 3.6/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing is the 2-piece 8" + 10" set.A sturdy, induction-ready pair that Wirecutter found on par with its top pick for release and even heat. It is heavier, with more upright sides, and some owners say the coating wears out within about a year.
Top complaints
- Coating wears or scratchesVery common
CNET says the coating scratches easily if not handled properly. Amazon's review summary says some owners report the non-stick coating wearing out within a year.
- Heavier, with upright sidesMentioned often
CNET lists it as heavier than other nonstick pans; Amazon owners are split on the weight. Wirecutter found the more upright sides cramped spatula flips.
- Some find it not very nonstickOccasional
The lowest-rated Walmart reviews of the HA1 Expert set say eggs stuck and oil beaded up instead of spreading (small sample of 18 ratings). Serious Eats dismissed an All-Clad hard-anodized 10-inch pan because crepe batter wouldn't spread and hot spots browned them unevenly.
What owners love
- On par with the top pick
Wirecutter says the 8- and 10-inch pans performed on par with the Tramontina, with a slick coating and even heating.
- Works on induction
A bonded stainless steel bottom makes it induction-compatible; CNET names it the best nonstick set for induction.
- Well-liked by owners
Amazon owners praise the quality, the non-stick surface and good heat distribution, and many say it is better than expected for the price.
Skip it if…- You want the lightest pan to flip with
- You want the absolute best value in one pan
- You are hard on coatings
Good for- Induction and other cooktops in one pan
- Getting two sizes for about $100
- Cooks who like a heavier, sturdier pan
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release4.0
Why 4.0?
Slick coating on par with the Tramontina per Wirecutter, but Amazon feedback on the non-stick surface is mixed and a few Walmart owners say eggs stuck. - Even heating4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter: even heating. Amazon owners praise the heat distribution. - Handle & weight3.0
Why 3.0?
Riveted cast stainless handle, but heavier than most (2.5 lb per CNET), and the upright sides cramp flipping (Wirecutter). - Coating durability3.0
Why 3.0?
CNET: scratches easily if mishandled. Amazon: mixed, with some coatings wearing out within a year. - Value4.0
Why 4.0?
About $100 for two pans; CNET calls it good value for a legacy brand and Wirecutter a decent value.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Worth considering for all cooktops: performed on par with the top pick. The sides are more upright, and the set is on the expensive side but a decent value.
- CNET: Best nonstick set for induction and good value for a legacy brand. It is heavier, and the coating scratches easily if not handled properly.
#3
OXO
$$Ceramic nonstickScore 3.5/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The 17,487-rating listing (an older ASIN still titled 'Good Grips') may include reviews of earlier OXO pan versions.The best ceramic pan in both Wirecutter's and Serious Eats' tests, with easy release and a balanced, comfortable build. Wirecutter still warns that many owners say it loses its nonstick within months or chips, and that some warranty claims were denied.
Top complaints
- Loses nonstick or chips over timeVery common
Wirecutter has seen a concerning number of owners say their pan stopped being nonstick after a few months or chipped after rough cleaning. Amazon's summary says some report food sticking and the coating chipping.
- Warranty claims deniedMentioned often
Wirecutter says some customers' coating warranty claims were denied; OXO told Wirecutter that gradual loss of nonstick performance is generally considered normal wear.
- Not perfectly flat, not inductionMentioned often
Wirecutter saw an egg slowly slide to the edge because the surface isn't completely flat. Serious Eats notes it isn't induction-compatible and is oven-safe only to 430°F.
What owners love
- Best release of the ceramic pans
Wirecutter says it released food with almost no residue and kept fish fillets intact. Serious Eats says sticky foods like over-easy eggs released easily.
- Balanced and comfortable
Wirecutter calls the design balanced with a comfortable handle. Serious Eats notes the cool stainless handle and a weight of about 2 lb.
- Even heating, scratch-test pass
Serious Eats found no hot spots and no scratches after scraping with metal utensils; Amazon owners also say it heats evenly.
Skip it if…- You want years of slick performance
- You cook on induction (look at OXO's Professional line)
- You want the slickest possible surface
Good for- Avoiding PTFE while keeping good release
- A light, balanced pan (about 2 lb)
- Even cooking of eggs and crepes
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release3.5
Why 3.5?
The best of the ceramics (Wirecutter, Serious Eats), but Wirecutter says ceramic is stickier than PTFE and Amazon feedback on sticking is mixed. - Even heating4.0
Why 4.0?
Serious Eats: no hot spots. Amazon: even heat without hot spots. - Handle & weight4.5
Why 4.5?
Balanced, with a comfortable rounded handle (Wirecutter); about 2 lb with a cool stainless handle (Serious Eats). - Coating durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Serious Eats' scratch test found no marks, but Wirecutter and Amazon owners report loss of nonstick within months and chipping. - Value3.0
Why 3.0?
About $60, nearly double the PTFE top pick (Wirecutter); Amazon opinions on value are divided.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): The best ceramic pan it tested, though not as good as PTFE. Wirecutter doesn't recommend ceramic overall because coatings tend to stop being nonstick within about a year.
- Serious Eats: Great budget pick: easy release, comfortable, no hot spots, and no scratches in its durability test. It is oven-safe only to 430°F and not induction-compatible.
#4
T-fal
$$PTFE nonstickScore 3.3/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The 8", 10" and 12" listings show the same 2,147 ratings, so the histogram pools all sizes.A slick, induction-ready budget-brand pan that passed CNET's tests without failing grades. Wirecutter's testers found the handle too bulky, and Amazon owners are split on whether it feels well built or flimsy.
Top complaints
- Bulky handle that can get warmVery common
Wirecutter's testers agreed the handle was too big, especially with folded towels or hot pads. Amazon's summary says some owners find the handle gets too warm.
- Build quality mixedMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says build quality gets mixed feedback, with some owners calling it flimsy.
- Heat distribution not universally praisedOccasional
Some Amazon owners report good heat distribution, but it is not a consistent theme. No expert measured its evenness.
What owners love
- Slick surface and flared sides
Wirecutter says the flared sides are great for tossing and flipping and the surface is nice and slick.
- Stays nonstick, easy to clean
Amazon's summary says owners find it remains non-stick, is easy to clean, and works well on induction.
- No failing grades
CNET says it didn't receive any failing grades and would be a fine nonstick pan to own.
Skip it if…- You like a slim handle
- You grab the handle with towels or pot holders
- You want an expert top pick
Good for- Induction cooktops on a budget brand
- Tossing and flipping (flared sides)
- Seeing when the pan is preheated (Thermo-Spot)
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release4.0
Why 4.0?
Nice and slick per Wirecutter; Amazon owners say it stays non-stick. - Even heating3.0
Why 3.0?
There is no expert evenness test; Amazon feedback on heat distribution is mixed. - Handle & weight2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter: the handle is too bulky. Amazon: some say it gets too warm, and build quality is mixed. - Coating durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners say it remains non-stick throughout its life; there is no expert long-term test. - Value3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners call it good value; CNET calls it a fine pan without failing grades.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: great flared sides and a slick surface, but testers agreed the bulky handle was too big.
- CNET: Also tested: no failing grades, a fine nonstick pan to stock, but not a top pick.
#5
GreenPan
$$Ceramic nonstickScore 3.3/5
17%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (709 ratings); the listing includes a lid.Good Housekeeping's best ceramic pan, with top marks for even heating and a 600°F oven rating. Release fades as the pan gets hotter, and Amazon owners often report chips and a coating that doesn't last.
Top complaints
- Coating chips or loses slicknessVery common
Amazon's summary says multiple customers report chips in the coating and that it becomes less effective over time. A low-rated Walmart review says everything started sticking after the first two uses. Good Housekeeping notes it may show wear faster.
- Sticks more as it heatsMentioned often
Good Housekeeping says it released the first few eggs easily, but food sticks a little more as the surface gets hotter.
- Unlevel surface, high sidesMentioned often
Wirecutter found the Valencia Pro's cooking surface unlevel and its sides too high.
What owners love
- Top marks for even heating
It got top marks in Good Housekeeping's heat-distribution test, and Amazon owners praise its even heating.
- Comfortable, sturdy, oven-safe to 600°F
Good Housekeeping likes its comfortable handle, sturdy yet light 2.18 lb build and coated rivets. At 600°F it has the highest oven rating on GH's list.
- Lasted 3+ years in GH's lab
Good Housekeeping has used one for more than three years with hand-washing and no abrasive tools, and says it is still in good shape.
Skip it if…- You want long-lasting slickness
- You want a perfectly level cooking surface
- You cook eggs at high heat
Good for- Ceramic fans who want even heating
- High-heat oven finishing
- Cooks who baby their pans (hand-wash, no metal)
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release3.0
Why 3.0?
Easy at first, but it sticks more as the pan heats (Good Housekeeping); Amazon non-stick feedback is mixed. - Even heating4.5
Why 4.5?
Top marks in Good Housekeeping's flour test; Amazon owners praise the even heat. - Handle & weight3.5
Why 3.5?
Comfortable handle and a light 2.18 lb (Good Housekeeping), but Wirecutter found the sides too high and the surface unlevel. - Coating durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Good Housekeeping's careful 3-year use went fine, but scratch resistance is a negative aspect on Amazon (chips), and Walmart owners report early sticking. - Value3.0
Why 3.0?
Listed around $80 by Good Housekeeping; value for money is mixed on Amazon.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best ceramic (March 2026): top marks for heat distribution and a comfortable handle. Food sticks more as it gets hotter, and ceramic may wear faster.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: decent nonstick properties, but an unlevel cooking surface and too-high sides.
#6
HexClad
$$$HybridScore 3.2/5
17%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)With-lid listing (10,229 ratings). The no-lid 12" listing B07W62FH16 showed 21% (5% 2-star + 16% 1-star). Ratings likely span both the older PTFE and the newer ceramic coating.A tough, induction-ready stainless/nonstick hybrid that sears better than regular nonstick and resists metal tools. It is not as slick as true nonstick (eggs can stick without oil), it is heavy for its size, and at about $180 it has the highest 1-2 star share here.
Top complaints
- Not as nonstick as true nonstickVery common
Serious Eats' over-easy eggs stuck until oil was added; Wirecutter's eggs stuck to the steel grid and tore. CNET lists it as not as nonstick as fully nonstick pans, and Amazon feedback on sticking is mixed.
- ExpensiveVery common
Serious Eats says you could buy separate nonstick and stainless skillets for the price of one 12-inch HexClad ($180). CNET and Good Housekeeping also call it pricey, and Amazon owners are split on whether it's worth it.
- Coating peeling for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners report the nonstick coating peeling off. Serious Eats questions its long-term durability because the ceramic in the valleys wears over time.
What owners love
- Sears well, heats fast and evenly
CNET says it gives a better sear than typical nonstick. Serious Eats boiled water in under two minutes, and Good Housekeeping found even heat distribution and an even steak sear.
- Durable surface
Whisking left no scratches in Serious Eats' test; an editor called it the best durability he has seen in a nonstick pan. Good Housekeeping was impressed with its durability, and CNET says it resists metal utensils.
- Comfortable, cool handle
Serious Eats found the handle comfortable, balanced and cool. CNET also praises the sturdy build and comfortable handle.
Skip it if…- You mainly want oil-free eggs and omelets
- You're on a budget (a cheap nonstick plus a stainless pan costs about the same)
- You want a light pan
Good for- Searing and everyday cooking in one pan
- Metal utensils and the dishwasher
- Induction cooktops
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release3.0
Why 3.0?
Eggs stuck without oil (Serious Eats) and on the grid (Wirecutter), but slid out easily for Good Housekeeping; Amazon feedback is mixed. - Even heating4.0
Why 4.0?
Even heat distribution (Good Housekeeping) and fast heating (Serious Eats); Amazon owners say it cooks evenly. Good Housekeeping warns it gets hot very quickly. - Handle & weight3.5
Why 3.5?
Comfortable, cool, balanced handle (Serious Eats, CNET), but about 3 lb, which Good Housekeeping calls heavy. - Coating durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Strong durability in expert use (Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, CNET), but some Amazon owners report peeling. - Value2.0
Why 2.0?
About $180 for one pan (Serious Eats); experts call it expensive, and Amazon owners are split on worth.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Liked it and found it durable, but it's not entirely nonstick and is expensive; a stainless skillet plus a cheap nonstick may serve you better. Notes HexClad's 2025 $2.5M settlement over 'non-toxic' marketing.
- CNET: Best for high-heat cooking (8.4/10): better sear, metal-safe and dishwasher-safe, but expensive and not as nonstick.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: eggs stuck to the uncoated stainless grid, breaking yolks and tearing omelets.
#7
Made In
$$$PTFE nonstickScore 2.5/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A premium 5-ply, induction-ready nonstick pan that CNET rated a close second among premium pans. Wirecutter found it tips back toward the handle, and Serious Eats struggled to flip an egg without fat, so it is hard to justify at about $149.
Top complaints
- Expensive for a nonstick panVery common
CNET says the $149 price kept it out of its top picks. Wirecutter notes it costs over $100, and Serious Eats says pricier models like it didn't have a truly nonstick surface.
- Balance: tilts toward the handleMentioned often
Wirecutter found the pan tilts back toward the handle and doesn't sit flat, which it calls a safety issue with hot oil and a problem on induction.
- Eggs stuck without fatMentioned often
In Serious Eats' no-fat test, it was really difficult to flip an over-easy egg in the Pro Coat pan.
What owners love
- Close second among premium pans
CNET says it was a close second for best premium nonstick pan.
- 5-ply clad and induction-ready
Made In says it is made in Italy with 5-ply stainless clad construction and stay-cool handles, is oven-safe to 500°F, and works on induction.
Skip it if…- You want the best release for the money
- You need a pan that sits perfectly flat on induction
- You expect to replace nonstick every few years
Good for- Induction cooks who want a heavy clad pan
- High oven use (oven-safe to 500°F per Made In)
- People who prefer buying direct from the maker
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release3.0
Why 3.0?
Serious Eats had trouble flipping a fat-free egg; CNET rated it a close second premium pan. - Handle & weight2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter: it tilts back toward the handle and doesn't sit flat. - Value2.0
Why 2.0?
About $149 (CNET); Wirecutter and Serious Eats say the price isn't justified for nonstick.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: over $100, with balance issues; it tilts toward the handle and doesn't sit flat.
- Serious Eats: Dismissed: in the fat-free test it was really difficult to flip an over-easy egg.
- CNET: Close second for best premium nonstick pan, but the $149 price kept it out of the top spots.
#8
Caraway
$$$Ceramic nonstickScore 2.2/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A stylish, PTFE-free ceramic pan that releases food well at first, but three test labs were unimpressed: Wirecutter saw it lose its slickness within months, CNET found it slow to heat, and Good Housekeeping couldn't get an even sear. It costs $125.
Top complaints
- Loses slickness fastVery common
Wirecutter says the Caraway pan it tested lost its slickness within a few months, and it explains that ceramic coatings deplete with use.
- Heavy, unbalanced, high straight sidesVery common
Wirecutter calls it one of the heaviest pans tested (almost 3 lb), unbalanced and hard to maneuver, with very straight, high sides. Caraway lists it at 2.7 lb.
- Slow, uneven heating; exterior stainsMentioned often
CNET found slow conductivity in its ice test. Good Housekeeping says it didn't sear steak evenly and the exterior stained.
What owners love
- Releases food well when new
CNET says it released food well.
- Easy to clean
A Good Housekeeping analyst who has used one for years loves that it is easy to clean.
- PTFE-free, stylish
Caraway says the pan is made without PTFE, PFOA and PFAS. Good Housekeeping agrees its cookware is stylish.
Skip it if…- You want long-lasting nonstick
- You want a light, well-balanced pan
- You want a good sear
Good for- Looks and color choice
- Avoiding PTFE (Caraway says it is made without PTFE, PFOA and PFAS)
- Gentle, low-heat cooking
Scores (tap for why)
- Nonstick release3.0
Why 3.0?
Releases food well when new (CNET), but Wirecutter's tested pan lost its slickness in a few months. - Even heating2.5
Why 2.5?
Slow conductivity (CNET); no good, even sear (Good Housekeeping). - Handle & weight2.0
Why 2.0?
Among the heaviest tested and unbalanced, with high straight sides (Wirecutter). - Coating durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Lost its slickness within months in Wirecutter's use; the exterior stained in Good Housekeeping's tests. - Value1.5
Why 1.5?
$125 from Caraway; Wirecutter and CNET both call it expensive for its performance.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: almost 3 lb, unbalanced, straight high sides, over $100, and it lost its slickness in a few months.
- CNET: Also tested: released food well, but slow conductivity in the ice test, and expensive.
- Good Housekeeping: Also tested: stylish and easy to clean, but no good, even sear on steak, and the exterior stained.