Nonstick cookware once had a reputation for being shoddily made, flaky (as in the nonstick coating could literally flake off into the food you were cooking) and crafted with unsafe chemicals. But as with many kitchen essentials, cookware has come a long way in recent years, and there are plenty of companies turning out durable, non-toxic pots and pans that cook food evenly and make simple work of plating and cleanup.
Whether you are looking to outfit a new kitchen or update your pot and pan collection, the best nonstick cookware sets deliver the ease of nonstick with the functionality you would expect from any high-quality cookware. From refined cookware collections that are oven safe up to 550 degrees to budget-friendly ones to gift your college-bound kids, there is a perfect nonstick cookware set for every kitchen.
- Best Overall Nonstick Cookware Set: All-Clad Essentials Nonstick Cookware Set
- Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set: Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set
- Best Oven-Safe Nonstick Cookware Set: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Cookware Set
- Best Affordable Nonstick Cookware Set: Farberware Performance Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
- Best Hard-Anodized Cookware Set: Oxo Good Grips 10-Piece Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set
- Best High End Nonstick Cookware Set: HexClad Hybrid Cookware Set
- Best Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cookware Set: Cuisinart Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
- Best Nonstick Cookware Set for Induction Tops: Circulon Premier Professional Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
- Best Dorm-Friendly Nonstick Cookware Set: Granitestone Diamond Stackmaster Cookware Set
- Best Nonstick Cookware Set On Amazon: T-fal Ultimate Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
- Best Nonstick Pan: Our Place Always Pan
Best Overall Nonstick Cookware Set
A Solid Cookware Set For Everyday Cooking
- .What You Get: 8.5- and 10-inch fry pans, 4-quart sauté pan with lid, 2.5-quart sauce pan with lid, 7-quart stock pot with lid and multi-purpose insert, 13-inch large square pan, two silicone trivets
- Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, ceramic
- Oven Safe: Up to 500 degrees
All-Clad’s all-in-one set includes the essential cookware items to cover all your cooking bases and more. The pans are durable, PFOA-free, flake-free and truly nonstick; from pancakes to saucy meatballs, everything you make slides easily from pan to plate. The pans are also oven- and broiler-safe up to 500 degrees, so you can pop that frittata or focaccia into the oven, worry-free.
Pros:
- Excellent size selection for most standard recipes
- Nests to optimize storage space
- Colander insert is great for pasta fans
Cons:
- Expensive
- Handwash recommended
Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
A Stylish Option That Delivers Superior Performance
- What You Get: 10.5-inch frying pan, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven, magnetic pan rack, linen lid holder
- Material: Ceramic with aluminum core
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction
- Oven Safe: Up to 550 degrees
With nearly 26,000 5-star reviews (and counting), home cooks have spoken: Caraway’s ceramic pots and pans are keepers. The ceramic coating is naturally nonstick and free of toxic chemicals and PTFEs. That means no potential harmful fumes in your home. It’s also more environmentally friendly, releasing up to 60% less carbon dioxide than traditional nonstick coatings. It also conducts heat beautifully for even cooking. The four-piece set includes a magnetic pan rack and canvas lid holder for convenient, elegant storage.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Pan and lid storage solution included
- Offered in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Expensive
- Handwash only
- Limited size range
Best Oven-Safe Nonstick Cookware Set
A Cookware Set That’s Built To Last
- What You Get: 8- and 10.25-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, large 6.5-quart stock pot with lid
- Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction
- Oven Safe: Up to 500 degrees (pots and lids)
Most nonstick pans are oven safe up to a certain temperature (usually somewhere between 350 and 500 degrees). Ninja Foodi’s pots and pans fall on the upper end of this spectrum, and better yet the stainless steel-lined, tempered glass lids do, too. The PFOA-free nonstick coating is also scratch, chip and flake free, which means you can pop steaks from the stovetop into the oven for years to come.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Oven-safe lids
- Metal utensil-safe
Cons:
- Handwash recommended
- Limited size range
Best Affordable Nonstick Cookware Set
A Cost-Effective Option For Everyday Cooking
- What You Get: 8- and 10-inch fry pans with lids, 1- and 2-quart saucepans with lids, 5-quart Dutch oven, cookie sheet, 11-inch griddle, baking sheet, six kitchen utensils
- Material: Aluminum
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric
- Oven Safe: Up to 350 degrees (450 degrees for the baking sheet)
This comprehensive set ticks all the boxes for a fully equipped kitchen at an exceptionally reasonable price. With quick-heating fry pans, shatterproof glass lids, sturdy saucepans, a Dutch oven, cookie sheet and griddle, it is hard to imagine an everyday stove task this set can’t handle. It also includes a whisk, spatula and four additional common kitchen utensils, so it’s a great starter set for recent college graduates, new couples or small families.
Pros:
- Excellent value, wide selection at an affordable price
- Great starter set
Cons:
- Smaller capacity pots limit batch cooking or large meals
- Lightweight construction may feel flimsy
- Limiting oven temperature
Best Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
A Sturdy Option Built To Withstand The Rigors of Daily Cooking
- What You Get: 8- and 9.5-quart fry pans, 2-quart sauce pan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 3-quart casserole with lid, 6-quart stockpot
- Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric
- Oven Safe: Up to 390 degrees
Oxo’s heavy-duty hard-anodized cookware set is built to withstand the rigors of everyday cooking. Each cookware piece is made with three layers of German-engineered PFOA-free nonstick coating that effortlessly releases foods even when you’ve used just a drop of oil. The durable stainless steel handles are wrapped in heat-resistant silicone for a comfortable non-slip grip, while the tops of the lids have similar silicone coated handles for added comfort. Best of all, the silicone-metal construction means you can move piping hot pans directly for stovetop to oven (up to 390 degrees).
Pros:
- Comfort grip silicone handles
- Stackable for easy storage
- Rounded bottoms are ideal for stirring
Cons:
- Capacity size on the smaller side
- Not induction cooktop friendly
Best High End Nonstick Cookware Set
An Expensive Pick For Effortless Cooking
- What You Get: 2-, 10-, and 8-inch pans, 12-inch wok, 2-, 3- and 8-quart pots with lids
- Material: Aluminum and stainless steel
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction
- Oven Safe: Up to 500 degrees
HexClad’s cookware pieces blend the superior conductivity of stainless steel, the ease of (PFOA-free) nonstick and the even temperature control of aluminum. HexClad’s proprietary laser etched surface gives the pots and pans a raised, beehive texture that protects against peeling and flaking and effortlessly sears steaks. The price tag is steeper than other sets, but HexClad’s professional-grade cookware will truly transform your cooking.
Pros:
- Excellent size selection for most standard recipes
- Metal utensil safe
- Versatile wok unique to this set
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires seasoning and some fat in the pan
Best Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cookware Set
A Cookware Set Built To Withstand The Rigors Of Everyday Cooking
- What you get: 1- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 6-quart saucepan with lid, 8- and 10-inch skillets, pasta insert
- Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
- Compatible cooktops: Gas, electric
- Oven safe: Up to 500 degrees (glass lids up to 350 degrees)
Nonstick pans are inherently easy to clean but being able to toss them into the dishwasher after dinner is next-level. Though many brands claim to be dishwasher-safe, the finer print instructions often recommend handwashing instead. But Cuisinart’s 11-piece cookware set can be washed again and again without flaking or warping. Meanwhile, the pots’ hard anodized construction makes them very durable and helps eliminate pesky hotspots.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Dishwasher-safe
- Pasta fans will love the 6-quart pot insert
Cons:
- Saucepan capacity size on the smaller side
- Stainless steel handles may get hot
Best Nonstick Cookware Set For Induction Tops
A Stylish Set With Induction Compatibility
- What You Get: 1-, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 8-quart stockpot with lid, 5-quart sauté pan, 8-, 10- and 12-inch French skillets
- Material: Aluminum
- Compatible cooktops: Gas, electric
- Oven Safe: Up to 500 degrees (glass lids up to 350 degrees)
This bronze-colored cookware set is equal parts stylish and functional. The heavy-duty aluminum construction heats food evenly on all cooktops including induction, which not all nonstick sets can do. The set comes with shatter-resistant lids and silicone-coated handles that stay cool while you cook. Circulon’s pots and pans are oven safe up to 400 degrees and dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning the pans as joyful as cooking in them.
Pros:
- Excellent size range for small and large recipes
- Comfort grip silicone handles
- Saucepans have convenient pour spouts with draining lids
Cons:
- The 5-quart sauté pan might be slightly too big for some cooks
- Unique color may be a turnoff
Best Dorm-Friendly Cookware Set
A Stackable Cookware Set With All The Essentials
- What You Get: o.75-quart saucepan with lid, 6.5-inch frying pan, 6.18-inch square frying pan, 5.75-quart wok
- Material: Granite and aluminum
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric
- Oven Safe: Up to 500 degrees
For dorm-dwellers who frequently whip up single-serving meals but are short on storage, look no further than this five piece set. All five pieces are stackable and easy to store when cabinet space is skimpy; plus, the unique granite stone cooking surface makes cleanup a breeze without a dishwasher (though these pieces are dishwasher safe). Lastly, the pot and pans are scratch-proof, so they’re sure to stand the test of time. If not, the set comes equipped with a 10-year warranty.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Stackable for easy storage
- Dishwasher and metal utensil-safe
Cons:
- Very small capacity and selection
- Only one lidded saucepan
Best Amazon Nonstick Cookware Set
A Customer Favorite With Rave Reviews
- What You Get: 8-inch, 10.25-inch, and 11.5-inch fry pan with lid, 10.25-inch square griddle, 1, 2 and 3-quart saucepan with lids, 3.5-quart deep sauté, 5-quart Dutch oven with lid, 3-quart steamer insert with 2 side handles and a 1 egg wonder fry pan
- Material: Aluminum and Titanium
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, glass
- Oven Safe: Up to 400 degrees
This 17-piece T-fal nonstick cookware set boasts 85% five-star ratings and plenty of glowing reviewers from happy buyers. Each piece of aluminum cookware is reinforced with titanium, so it’s all scratch-resistant. Thanks to the T-fal exclusive indicator, which turns red when the pan is preheated, you can begin cooking at just the right time. For the number of pieces you get, the T-fal set is a great value.
Pros:
- Offers great value, a lot of pieces for an affordable price
- Thermo spot indicator takes the guesswork out of preheating
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Requires more storage space for the large selection
- Not induction cooktop friendly
Best Nonstick Pan
One Pan To Replace Them All
- What You Get: One 10-inch Always Pan, a nesting beechwood spatula, a stainless steel steamer basket, a modular lid
- Material: Aluminum and ceramic
- Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, glass, induction
- Oven Safe: Not oven-compatible
If you’ve ever wished for a pan that can do it all, we have the perfect solution for you—and it’s gorgeous, too. The Always Pan replaces a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan and non-stick pan, so it’s great if you’re an avid home chef but short on storage. Plus, it comes with a nesting spatula that rests in an integrated spoon rest for added convenience. The pan is extra-deep, so you can cook up extra-large servings or even make sauces in it. Our Place also sells a larger pot, too, but you’ll have to buy it separately.
Pros:
- Space saving
- Multipurpose, can handle most major cooking techniques
- Offered in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Limits the ability to cook several or large capacity dishes
- Not oven-safe
- Handwash only
What To Consider When Buying A Nonstick Cookware Set
With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know what set might best suit your needs. We enlisted the help of gear pro and kitchen equipment tester, Sharon Franke, a 30-year veteran of the Good Housekeeping Institute who specializes in cooking equipment.
- Material: The vast majority of nonstick cookware on the market is an aluminum base with a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or similar nonstick coating on the interior. (The most famous brand name PTFE is Teflon, but most brands use their own proprietary versions now.) Traditional nonstick is a thin layer of aluminum with a porcelain exterior. There is also hard-anodized cookware which is an added process that hardens the aluminum to make it sturdier and corrosion-resistant. Ceramic is newer to the market and addresses safety concerns about chemicals and fumes by eliminating the use of PTFEs. Whether or not it actually is safer is still up for debate (Franke is “not convinced” at this point) but it does have superior nonstick capabilities while being more environmentally friendly.
- Weight: In general, hard-anodized aluminum and ceramic cookware will be heavier than regular aluminum due to its construction. If you have hand, wrist or upper body strength issues, you might want to consider a regular aluminum set, but understand you will compromise quality and performance. As Franke notes, “Heavier pans are more expensive but distribute heat more evenly. I suggest buying the heaviest weight you can afford and that is comfortable for you to handle.”
- Set Offerings: No two sets are alike, so think logistically about how and what you cook. “I think 8-, 10-, and 12-inch skillets [or fry and sauté pans] are essentials. The small ones are perfect for one or two eggs, omelets, crepes; medium size for burgers, sautéed onions, scrambled eggs for two or more people; larger size is great for one-dish meals, frittatas, pancakes,” explains Franke. As for saucepans, “a 2- or 3-quart for rice and hard-boiled eggs should be in every kitchen and “a 4- or 6-quart Dutch oven for soups, stews is another essential.” For larger batch cookers, consider sets with a larger stock pot in the 6- or 8-quart range.
- Size And Storage Space: Common sense will tell you the more pieces in the set, the more storage space you’ll probably need. With that said, if you lack space, either look for a smaller set or seek out sets designed to be stackable. In addition, think of how many portions you are cooking. “In general, sets with larger pieces are better buys unless you cook in very small quantities,” noted Franke. But of course, consider your kitchen storage as well. For instance, an 8-quart stock pot is great for batch cooking but if you don’t have room for it, a 6-quart might be a good alternative.
- Other Features: Expect that nonstick cookware may have certain limitations and then decide which of these features is a nice-to-have versus a need-to-have. The most common is being dishwasher-friendly. “Most [PTFE] nonstick cookware can be safely washed in the dishwasher,” explains Franke but warns “the manufacturer’s directions should specify whether or not the cookware is dishwasher-safe.” Read the fine print. Ceramic will often be handwash only and many brands will recommend handwash for the longevity of the product even if they tout being dishwasher-safe. If you plan to use your cookware in the oven at any point, keep the manufacturers’ suggested temperatures in mind, as they vary widely. Most recipes will call for the 375 to 450 degree range, so don’t pick something that only heats up to 350 degrees and expect success. Unless explicitly stated, you should not use metal utensils like whisks or spatulas on a nonstick surface. Silicone, plastic, nylon and wood are good options, but if you’re dedicated to your trusty wire whisk, look for a brand that advertises being metal-friendly. Extremely high heat is a no-no for nonstick but read the fine print of each brand to review the recommended temperatures. In general, you can use higher heat with hard-anodized than traditional aluminum, and ceramic will request low to medium heat only. Lastly, keep in mind that almost all brands will warn not to use nonstick sprays which may ruin the interior surface. If you need anything, use a little bit of real fat like oils or butter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonstick Cookware Sets
What Type Of Nonstick Cookware Is Best?
To recap Franke’s advice, look for the heaviest cookware at your price point and comfortability in handling. If you cook standard sized recipes, opt for a set that offers larger capacity sizes but that also fit in your storage space. A set like All-Clad will check all those boxes for most buyers with hard-anodized construction and a variety of sizes and shapes to tackle daily cooking tasks.
Is Nonstick Cookware Harmful?
“I use nonstick cookware widely in my own home,” notes Franke, adding, “nothing I’ve read convinces me that there are any health risks.” But if you’re still unsure, follow these simple rules and you should have no issues. First, look for a set that is free of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which is the chemical that is linked to health concerns and gave nonstick this bad reputation. All major reputable brands, including the ones we have on our list, will have this indicated. Second, if you are purchasing PTFE cookware, do not leave the pans on the heat with nothing inside or use super high heat because they may release fumes. (You can also avoid the fume concern by purchasing a ceramic set.) And lastly, follow the care instructions to avoid damage to the interior’s surface. That means handwash where necessary, avoid metal utensils and cook on low to moderate heat if the manufacturer indicates to do so.
