We Think Every Kitchen Needs At Least One of These Pans

We updated this article in July 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Most of our original top-rated picks remain the same, with the exception of a new best ceramic nonstick pan from GreenPan and the addition of a pan from Made In.

A good nonstick pan is a handy tool in any kitchen. It's perfect for making eggs and other delicate foods like fish or quick sautés. The slick coating on nonstick cookware makes flipping and stirring foods easier than with stainless steel cookware. It requires less grease to cook, and it's very easy to clean since it's designed to prevent sticking in the first place. Some nonstick pans are made of or coated with ceramic, which, on its own, doesn't contain PFOAs or PFAs, the known toxins associated with Teflon. But don't worry: According to experts, the finish on modern nonstick cookware is safe when used properly.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've tested more than 80 nonstick cookware sets, including 15 additional nonstick pans to find the best ones — using over 120 eggs and 15 steaks. We evaluated how well each released fried eggs and scrambled eggs, how they handled, weight and balance, and how easy they were to clean. The best nonstick pans were durable, could withstand high temperatures, and, most importantly, very nonstick.

Our top picks:

Read on to learn about the pros and cons of each as well as how we tested and what to look for when shopping for nonstick skillets. And for more guidance, check out our quick tips for using nonstick cookware.