We Spent Weeks Testing 14 Nonstick Skillets and Still Don’t Think You Should Spend a Ton on One

A good nonstick skillet can make a big difference in the kitchen. It allows you to cook perfect, over-easy eggs that slide effortlessly onto your plate. Without a nonstick skillet, you might find egg dishes sticking to the pan, breaking apart, and becoming a frustrating, yolky mess. The same goes for flipping pancakes, crepes, or roti—when your pan is up to the task, these foods release smoothly. But if not, you’ll be left with a sticky, doughy disaster. As kitchen gear reviewers and home cooks, we’ve experienced both scenarios.

We have tested over a dozen nonstick skillets by cooking over-easy eggs, omelettes, and crepes. We also put each pan through durability tests—scratching them with metal spatulas and steel wool—to see which ones could stand up to years of use. Our winning models are lightweight, easy to handle, and can tackle even the stickiest ingredients. Below, you’ll find our top recommendations, any of which could become your new go-to pan. The best part? We found that high-performing nonstick pans don’t have to be expensive—our favorites range from $28 to $66. We've also added a budget-friendly skillet from our ceramic skillets review for a naturally nonstick option.

The Tests

• Over-Easy Egg Test: We fried over-easy eggs and monitored whether each pan’s coating was actually nonstick. We compared how well the skillets performed in our over-easy egg test with and without butter, using a metal fish spatula to gently flip them each time.
  
• Omelette Test: We cooked diner-style omelettes to evaluate how well the nonstick skillets sautéed ham and allowed the egg batter to spread and cook evenly. Additionally, we observed how the skillets performed with sticky and melty ingredients like cheese, again using a metal fish spatula to flip them. 
• Crepe Test: We made crepe batter and poured it into the skillets, noticing how seamlessly it spread across their surfaces. After cooking, we noted how easily the crepes were released from the pans using a metal offset spatula and whether any hot spots caused uneven browning.
• Durability Test: We conducted a series of scratch tests to determine the durability of these skillets. In addition to using a metal spatula in the cooking process, we scraped it across the skillet’s surface 10 times, then rubbed steel wool on it for 10 seconds to see if any marks appeared.
• Usability and Cleanup Tests: We noted how easy it was to hold, lift, and tilt the nonstick skillets, tracking whether they were too heavy or if the handles ever got too hot. We cleaned the pans between uses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  

What We Learned

Lip and Handle Design Mattered

Leaving aside the rest of our criteria, when choosing a nonstick skillet, consider its design. First, look for one with a rounded rim around its lip, like the OXO model, rather than a flat one, like the Viking 3-Ply Nonstick 10-Inch Fry Pan. Rounded rims make it easier to slide food out of it without getting stuck. Opt for a pan with handles that are easy to grip and stay cool to the touch, even when the cooking surface is hot. Lightweight models excelled during our tests because they were easier to pick up and tilt around.

Aluminum Was Best for Quick Heat Distribution

We loved the aluminum construction of our winning models because it heated up quickly, helping food cook faster. Aluminum is ideal for recipes that require a quick sear and for maintaining the texture of delicate ingredients like eggs, which can easily get finicky when temperatures are too low. However, we did notice that aluminum skillets can sometimes develop hot spots. For example, the Tramontina Pro Fusion Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan slightly overcooked certain parts of our crepes. Most of our winners are made of aluminum, and as such, aren't compatible with induction stovetops. If induction compatibility is a priority, we did like the Misen skillet, which, while made of aluminum, does have materials that make it induction compatible.

Ceramic vs. Nonstick: Which is Better?

All of the pans we tested had slightly different nonstick surfaces, but the exact material makeup was impossible to nail down because manufacturers use proprietary coatings. Some surfaces were smooth; others were textured, but overall, the eggs behaved remarkably similarly across every pan we tested. (In fact, it was almost disappointing how similar the results were.)  

But if you’re concerned about PTFEs and off-gassing, then you might want to buy a ceramic nonstick skillet. A ceramic pan's coating is made from sand and won't release fumes, even at very high temperatures. But, as we noted in our ceramic skillets review, ceramic is more brittle than synthetic nonstick, which makes these pans vulnerable to cracking and scratches.

Our Winners Weren't Pricey

The models we tested ranged in price from $18 to $130, and we ultimately discovered that you don’t need to spend a lot on a nonstick pan. Some pricier models, like the Made In Cookware Pro Coat Nonstick Frying Pan (over $100), didn’t have a truly nonstick surface, making it difficult to flip over easy eggs during our tests. In contrast, our top performer, the OXO Nonstick Pro Fry Pan, which costs nearly half the price, excelled in all tests with no issues. Among the budget-friendly options, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan and Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set, we were especially impressed with the Tramontina, which performed well in our over-easy egg and omelette tests without any ingredients sticking or overcooking.

Oven-Proof and High Heat Capabilities Were a Nice Touch

When making oven-finished recipes like shakshuka or frittata, you’ll need a pan that can handle high temperatures and is made of oven-safe materials. For this reason, we recommend choosing a pan that has higher heat resistance.

Our top pick from Cuisinart can safely operate in temperatures up to 500°F. But you have to be careful because other models like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan are designed with wooden handles that can’t withstand temperatures above 300°F.

Nonstick Skillets Don't Make the Best Frying Pans

Frying pans are used with high heat to sear and sauté. For that reason, you shouldn't use a nonstick pan as a frying pan. Invest in a cast iron or carbon steel skillet, instead.

Most Nonstick Skillets Weren't Scratch-Proof

We found that most nonstick skillets gained scratches after being scraped with a metal spatula and steel wool. These skillets are not designed to last forever, and their surfaces naturally wear down over time. For this reason, we don’t recommend purchasing expensive ones like the Made In Cookware Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan. While subtle damage to your nonstick skillet is inevitable, to extend the life of your skillet, we suggest using silicone or wooden utensils instead of metal ones and replacing the pans once they show signs of wear.

How Long Do Nonstick Skillets Last?

No matter how well you care for your nonstick skillet, it has a limited lifespan. Its surface—whether ceramic or synthetic—can't stand up to years of use. That's why we recommend buying cheap nonstick cookware that can be replaced without much hassle. Of course, there are some great $100-plus nonstick skillets (we've reviewed and like the unique HexClad cookware). But if price is a factor in your cookware purchases, it's hard to justify a pricier option.

How to Clean and Care for Nonstick Skillets

Want to keep your pan in top shape for as long as possible? Follow these rules.

• Never put a nonstick skillet in the dishwasher! The high heat degrades the coating.
• Choose cooking utensils that are safe for nonstick pans, like silicone spatulas and wooden spoons.
• Nonstick frying pans are not good for high-heat cooking. Instead, use a cast iron or carbon steel pan for searing.
• Place a buffer (like a paper plate or kitchen towel) on the pan's surface if you're stacking it with other cookware for storage.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Nonstick Frying Pan

We recommend lightweight nonstick skillets with heat-resistant, grippy handles, which make them easier to lift and maneuver while cooking. The best skillets heat up quickly thanks to an aluminum-stainless steel composition. Their surface coating should help food release easily, even with sticky ingredients. Our top pick, from OXO, has a rounded rim around its lip, allowing you to lift or maneuver ingredients without them getting stuck in the corners of the pan. A reminder: No nonstick skillet is scratch-proof.

The Best Nonstick Pans

The Best Nonstick Skillet

OXO Non-Stick Pro 10-Inch Frypan

$60 at Amazon View on Sur La Table

What we liked: This model has a rounded lip and an aluminum base with a ceramic coating enhanced with diamonds (fancy!), allowing sticky and delicate foods like over-easy eggs to release easily. The stainless steel handle offers a comfortable grip and stays cool. Weighing just two pounds, it was easy to maneuver in our crepe tests. Omelettes came out evenly cooked, which indicated that there were no hot spots. It also performed exceptionally well in our durability test, with no scratches, even after scraping it with metal utensils.

What we didn’t like: Compared to other winners that can withstand up to 500°F in an oven, this one can only handle 430°F. It is not induction-compatible.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic
• Diameter: 10 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Maximum oven temperature: 430°F
• Induction compatible: No
• Care instructions: Hand-wash, dishwasher-safe
  

Another Great Nonstick Skillet

Tramontina Professional Fusion 10-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan

$60 $40 at Amazon View on Walmart $40 at Target

What we liked: The Tramontina has an aluminum surface that ensures quick heat distribution, and it evenly cooked over-easy eggs and omelettes. Plus, its nonstick coating prevented ingredients from sticking. It’s also one of our lighter-weight picks, weighing under two pounds, and it has a silicone sleeve for easy grip. After each test, this skillet took seconds to clean by hand with a basic dishwashing sponge.

What we didn’t like: Some crepes turned out unevenly colored during our tests. Additionally, this nonstick skillet is not compatible with induction cooktops. It can only withstand up to 400°F in the oven, which is lower than our other winners, such as the Cuisinart and Misen.

Key Specs

• Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel
• Diameter: 10 inches
• Weight: 1.97 pounds
• Maximum oven temperature: 400°F
• Induction compatible: No
• Care instructions: Hand-wash, dishwasher-safe

The Best Induction Compatible Nonstick Skillet

Misen Nonstick Frying Pan

View on Amazon View on Misen.com

What we liked: Most traditional nonstick skillets aren't induction compatible. This one from Misen is—it's also oven-safe up to 450˚F. We found that models with a slightly textured surface, like this one, excelled in durability. We scratched this nonstick skillet with a metal spatula and steel wool, yet it showed no signs of damage. There were no issues with sticking or uneven cooking. Weighing just over two pounds, it’s heavier than some of our other winning picks, but it still felt light enough and easy to maneuver on the stovetop. The handle stayed cool over heat, too. When it came time to hand-wash, leftover food bits came off in one go.

What we didn’t like: It’s nearly $30 more than the other winning models.

Key Specs

• Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel
• Diameter: 10 inches
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Maximum oven temperature: 450°F
• Induction compatible: Yes
• Care instructions: Hand-wash only

The Best High Heat Nonstick Skillet

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Hard Anodized Nonstick Skillet

$73 at Amazon $50 at Sur La Table View on Perigold.com

What we liked: This Cuisinart nonstick model lived up to its promise of being nonstick, and everything cooked evenly. Additionally, its nonstick coating reinforced with titanium helped sticky foods release from its surface. The stainless steel handle stayed cool and was easy to grip when lifting the skillet. One of its standout features is its ability to withstand temperatures up to 500°F in the oven. This makes it perfect for tasks like caramelizing the top of stovetop mac and cheese or eggplant Parmesan without damaging the pan. Cleaning is easy, too—just a quick swipe with a sponge is enough to remove any grime.

What we didn’t like: While the aluminum material in this pan heats up quickly, we noticed some hot spots during our crepe tests, which caused parts of the pancake to cook unevenly. It’s also not induction-compatible.

Key Specs

• Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel
• Diameter: 10 inches
• Weight: 1 pound
• Maximum oven temperature: 500°F
• Induction compatible: No
• Care instructions: Hand-wash only

The Best Ceramic Nonstick Skillet

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan

$115 at Amazon View on Target $115 at Sur La Table

What we liked: The best ceramic skillet comes from Caraway. We love its rounded corners and high sides, which make it great for simmering sauces as well as frying eggs or cooking crepes. Impressively, it came out unscathed when we used a metal fish spatula against its surface. You can get it in a coppery "perracotta" shade, or black, cream, gray, marigold, navy, sage, or white.

What we didn’t like: It's fairly heavy and around double the price of our traditional nonstick recommendations. Though this Caraway pan stood up to scratches in our durability tests, ceramic-coated skillets are still prone to chipping and scraping during normal use, and they usually need replacing within a year or two.

The Competition

• Kyocera Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan: This was our favorite affordable ceramic nonstick skillet, but the generation we tested has been discontinued. We're currently working on testing the new version, so stay tuned.
• T-fal Experience Nonstick Fry Pan 10.5 Inch: We noted major scratches during durability testing, including some shedding of its red logo.
• All-Clad Nonstick Hard Anodized 10-Inch Fry Pan: The surface of this pan wasn’t nonstick enough to allow the crepe batter to spread smoothly during our tests. And some hotspots resulted in crepes with uneven color.
• Zwilling Vitale 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan: This pan is no longer available. It was difficult to flip an over-easy egg in it without breaking the yolk in our fat-free performance test.
• Made In Cookware 10-Inch Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan: Although this model passed tests for over-easy eggs, omelettes, crepes, and durability, its price is significantly higher than other models with similar performance.
• Made In Cookware 10-Inch Pro Coat Nonstick Frying Pan: During our performance test, which didn’t use fat, it was really difficult to flip an over-easy egg.
• Viking 3-Ply Nonstick 10-Inch Fry Pan: The Viking is very heavy and difficult to lift compared to other models. It also has an uncomfortable handle and a conical rim around its lip. It failed our test because over-easy eggs stuck.
• Calphalon Classic 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan: This model failed to deliver an over-easy egg in a dry pan. Certain parts of the crepe came out overly brown due to hot spots. 
• SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan 10-Inch: This model could not pass our over-easy egg or durability tests.
• Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set: The over-easy egg clung to the skillet’s surface and wouldn’t release during testing. A few scratches appeared after the durability test.

FAQs

Should you season a nonstick skillet?

Seasoning refers to the buildup of polymerized fat on a pan, which creates a nonstick surface. This technique is most commonly used on cast iron pans and carbon steel pans. There’s no need to season a nonstick skillet with fat; in fact, trying to will likely damage your pan and make it less nonstick.

Are nonstick skillets compatible with induction burners?

It’s important to check the fine print in your nonstick skillet’s instruction manual, as not all models are compatible with induction burners. The Misen Nonstick Pan was our only induction-friendly winner. Luckily, most ceramic pans are induction compatible.

Are nonstick skillets safe to use?

Most nonstick skillets are made with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a synthetic material that prevents food from sticking. These pans are generally safe if they aren’t heated to excessively high temperatures. If overheated, the coating can break down and release harmful fumes. While more research is needed on PTFE, PFAS in general are considered toxic. Says the EPA, "Exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children."

Can nonstick pans go in the dishwasher?

We recommend washing your nonstick skillet (and, actually, all cookware, including stainless steel skillets) by hand.

What's an omelet pan?

An omelet pan (or omelette pan) is defined by its sloping sides, which allow the cook to maneuver around the eggs with a spatula. All of the nonstick skillets I tested have sloped sides, which makes them a good choice for cooking omelettes.

Why We're the Experts

• Ashia Aubourg is a writer with experience researching and testing cooking appliances and working in kitchens (and farms!).
• Her work with Serious Eats spans gift guides, educational pieces, and product reviews.
• For this review, Ashia tested 13 nonstick skillets to find ones that released food easily, were pleasant to hold and move, and had scratch-resistant coatings. We've also added the winner of our ceramic nonstick skillets review as an alternative option.