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 recently put over a dozen skillets to the test, cooking over-easy eggs, omelets, 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 all-star choices range from $28 to $66, and we have a variety of ones you can choose from. We've also added a budget-friendly skillet from our ceramic skillets review for a naturally nonstick option.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Nonstick Skillet

OXO Non-Stick Pro 10-Inch Frypan

$40 $36 at Amazon

This nonstick skillet has a ceramic coating, so over-easy eggs released without a hassle. It’s lightweight and designed with a comfortable stainless steel handle, which makes for easy maneuverability. In our durability tests, it withstood the harm from metal spatulas and steel wool.  

Another Great Nonstick Skillet

Tramontina 10-Inch Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan

$60 $31 at Amazon $32 at Walmart $33 at Target

This Tramontina pick is one of the more affordable models we tested. Despite its low price, it aced our over-easy egg and omelette tests. While some minor scratches appeared during the durability tests, the marks were not prominent enough to give any cause for concern. (Plus, we recommend replacing nonstick skillets every few years.)

The Best Splurge Nonstick Skillet

Misen Nonstick Pan

$64 at Amazon View on Misen.com

If you invest in a pricey nonstick pan, choose this one from Misen. Its coating has a textured surface with microscopic peaks and valleys, which, based on our durability tests, helped limit wear and damage from metal spatulas or steel wool.

The Best High Heat Nonstick Skillet

Cuisinart 622-24 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet

$40 $38 at Amazon View on Birchlane.com

This model from Cuisinart has a stainless steel riveted handle that stays cool on the hot stovetop so you don’t accidentally burn your hands. It’s lightweight, making it easy to maneuver quick-cooking crepe batter. In our durability test, some marks appeared after scraping it with a metal spatula and steel wool. But overall, this nonstick skillet performed well. Its most impressive quality is that you can put it in the oven up to 500°F, the highest temperature limit of our winners.

The Best Budget Ceramic Nonstick Skillet

Kyocera Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan

$67 at Amazon

In our ceramic skillets review, this was the cheapest pan to pass the durability test. The pan isn't very heavy, and eggs slid easily around its surface. It's a great deal for a high-quality pan.

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.
  
• Omelet Test: We cooked diner-style omelets 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, you can make a simple decision about the best skillet based on its edge 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 in crevices. 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.

Pay Attention to Material

We loved the aluminum construction of our winning models because it heated up quickly, helping food cook faster. This material 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. None of our winners are compatible with induction stovetops, as they are made at least in part from aluminum, but we believe the performance benefits outweigh this setback. If induction compatibility is a priority, know that we tested the T-fal Experience Nonstick Fry Pan but it didn't do well in our durability test.

Ceramic vs. Nonstick Skillets

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 similar 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 skillets. 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 successfully completed both our over-easy egg and omelet 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.

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 them 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 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.
• This is not a good pan for high-heat cooking. Instead, use a cast iron or carbon steel.
• 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 Skillet

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.

Our Favorite Nonstick Skillets

The Best Nonstick Skillet

OXO Non-Stick Pro 10-Inch Frypan

$40 $36 at Amazon

What we liked: This model has a rounded rim around its lip and an aluminum base with a ceramic coating enhanced with diamonds (fancy!), allowing sticky and delicate foods like over-easy eggs to maneuver through its surface easily. The stainless steel handle offered a comfortable grip and stayed cool during use, preventing burns. Weighing just two pounds, it excelled in our crepe tests when we had to tilt and swirl the skillet to spread the batter. Our omelets came out evenly cooked, which indicated that there were no hot spots. It also performed exceptionally well in our durability test, with no scratches after scraping it with metal utensils. You can safely use it on gas, electric, electric coil, halogen, and ceramic stovetops. After every use, cleaning it in the dishwasher or by hand took little effort. (That said, our dishwasher test was for experimental purposes only; we recommend hand-washing all pots and pans for longevity.)

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 10-Inch Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan

$60 $31 at Amazon $32 at Walmart $33 at Target

What we liked: The Tramontina has an aluminum surface that ensures quick and even heat distribution, allowing it to successfully complete our over-easy egg and omelette test without uneven cooking issues, plus its nonstick coating prevented ingredients from getting stuck. It’s also one of our lighter-weight picks, weighing under two pounds, and it has a silicone sleeve on the cover for easy grip, so you don’t have to sprain your wrist every time you lift up the pan. 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 slightly 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 Splurge Nonstick Skillet

Misen Nonstick Pan

$64 at Amazon View on Misen.com

What we liked: We found that models with a slightly textured surface, like this one from Misen, 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 still felt light enough and easy to maneuver on the stovetop. We also appreciated the handle, which stayed cool during use. When it came time to hand-wash, leftover food bits came off in one go.

What we didn’t like: It’s not induction-compatible. It’s nearly $30 more than the other winning models that performed just as well.

Key Specs

• Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel
• Diameter: 10 inches
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Maximum oven temperature: 450°F
• Induction compatible: No
• Care instructions: Hand-wash only

The Best High Heat Nonstick Skillet

Cuisinart 622-24 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet

$40 $38 at Amazon View on Birchlane.com

What we liked: This Cuisinart nonstick model lived up to its promise of being nonstick. The aluminum base performed excellently in our tests for over-easy eggs, omelets, and crepes, with no ingredients cooking unevenly. 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 Budget Ceramic Nonstick Skillet

Kyocera Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan

$67 at Amazon

What we liked: This pan was the least expensive one we tested in our ceramic skillets review, and it refused to show damage after being scratched with a metal spatula. Some ceramic skillets are heavy, but this one was easy to lift and maneuver. Eggs didn't stick to the pan's surface.

What we didn't like: The pan's walls are steeply angled, which made getting a spatula underneath some foods tricky.

Key Specs

• Materials: Ceramic, aluminum, stainless steel
• Diameter: We tested a now-discontinued 10-inch model; a 12-inch model is still available
• Weight: 1 pound
• Maximum oven temperature: 400˚F
• Induction compatible: Yes
• Care instructions: Hand-wash only

The Competition

• 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: It was difficult to flip an over-easy egg without breaking it in our fat-free performance test.
• Made In Cookware 10-Inch Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan: Although this model passed tests for over-easy eggs, omelets, 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.

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. If you’re looking for a skillet that works on induction burners, consider the T-fal Experience Nonstick Fry Pan or the All-Clad Nonstick Hard Anodized Fry Pan.

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. PFOA is considered a carcinogen by IARC. 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.

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. She recently churned out pounds of noodles to find the best pasta extruder.
• For this review, Ashia tested 13 nonstick skillets to find ones that released food easily, were pleasant to hold and move, and that had some durability. We've also added the winner of our ceramic nonstick skillets review as an alternative option.