The 8 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Since there are many of us who enjoy the kitchen but aren't exactly Top Chef status, nonstick cookware sets create opportunities for easy and pain-free cooking. Given the material (usually ceramic or aluminum), these pans are simple to use and clean because they distribute heat evenly, which shortens cooking time, and most importantly, they prevent food from sticking. 

In search of the best nonstick cookware sets for every type of home cook, we put 13 of the leading sets through a series of culinary tests.  We cooked up some of the stickiest foods we could think of — scrambled eggs and rice pilaf — while evaluating each nonstick pan for its design, performance, temperature consistency, and ease of cleaning.

Below, take a look at the best nonstick cookware sets that PEOPLE tested for any chef, in any kitchen.

Our Top Picks

Our Ratings

• Heating Ability

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5/5

• Performance

  4/5

• The nonstick surface is super slick.

• The ergonomically designed handles stay cool throughout the cooking process.

• The pans are dishwasher-safe, but they’re super easy to clean by hand, too.

When it comes to reliable cookware, Le Creuset is one of the most trusted names in the industry, and for good reason. The brand makes heavy-duty cooking equipment in a range of styles that suit both professional chefs and home cooks alike. If you're looking for a great Dutch ovens or frying pan, Le Creuset is known for high-quality equipment, and this set of super-slick nonstick cookware is no different.

We love using these pieces in our testing lab and at home. With six pieces to the set — including an 8-inch fry pan, 11-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan, 3.5-quart saute pan, and 6.3-quart stockpot — the set is comprehensive and versatile enough to tackle any task in the kitchen. Throughout the testing process, we noticed that the hard-anodized aluminum construction heated up quickly, evenly, and efficiently, so there weren’t any hot spots detected anywhere in the pan. The surface is super slick, so eggs and rice slid off easily without any sticking. We love that the ergonomically designed handles are easy to hold and maneuver, and we were pleased to see that they never got hot during the cooking process: They remained cool and comfortable to the touch.

This set is also super versatile, and each piece is oven-safe up to 500 degrees, or 425 degrees when using the glass lids. They’re compatible with all types of cooking surfaces and are even resistant to scratching from metal utensils. Keep in mind that these pieces are heavy-duty and super durable, so they’re not as lightweight as some of the other pans we tested. The price is on the higher end, but we think it's worth every penny.

Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Nonstick Coating Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Lid Material: Glass and metal | Oven Safe: Yes to 425 degrees with lids, 500 degrees without lids | Pans Included: 6 | Lids Included: 4 | Induction Safe: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Design

  4.3/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5/5

• Performance

  4.4/5

• The stickiest foods slide out easily of this set.

• The simple design means they’re super lightweight and easy to clean.

• The 15-piece set also comes with utensils, so it’s a great value for the price.

• Food was heated evenly and quickly without hot spots or burning.

• These pans can’t tolerate extremely high heat; be sure to use low to medium heat both on the stovetop and in the oven.

• They’re not dishwasher-safe or induction-compatible.

• The small handles aren’t particularly comfortable to hold.

If you’re looking to stock your kitchen with a simple set of pans that perform exceptionally well without breaking the bank, check out this set from Amazon Basics. With 15 pieces in total, it includes pots of varying sizes, lids, and utensils, so you can fully equip a new kitchen with one easy purchase.

Throughout testing, we were pleased to see that even the stickiest foods slid out easily, and we didn’t detect any hotspots in the pan. Each item heated quickly and evenly, so foods were cooked thoroughly without burning or crisping around the edges. They’re simple in design and do a wonderful job cooking sticky foods for an affordable price. This is a versatile and affordable option for beginner cooks who are looking for a few reliable pieces they can use for years to come. 

Keep in mind that this is a basic set, so it doesn’t offer any special features. It’s especially important to note that these pans aren’t dishwasher-safe or induction-compatible.

Material: Aluminum | Nonstick Coating Material: Aluminum | Lid Material: Glass and metal | Oven Safe: Yes to 425 degrees with lids, 500 degrees without lids | Pans Included: 6 | Lids Included: 4 | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Our Ratings

• Heating Ability

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5/5

• Performance

  5/5

• These are solid, heavy-duty pans that performed exceptionally well in all of our tests.

• The slick surface made sure no food got left behind.

• Each pan is PFOA-free and non-toxic.

• Each piece is larger and more spacious than the others we’ve tried.

• They’re a little on the heavy side, but they still feel balanced throughout.

• These aren’t dishwasher-safe.

Made In makes some of the most high-quality cookware available, and the brand’s line of cookware is beloved by industry professionals and home cooks alike. This 7-piece set is no different. The stainless steel pans conduct heat quickly and thoroughly throughout, and we did not detect any hot or cool spots in any of our culinary tests. The PFOA-free cooking surface is so slick that nothing stuck to the pan either. In fact, we even tried frying and scrambling eggs without the help of any oil and each item effortlessly slipped around the pan. These pans are a little on the heavy side, but we love that they are more spacious than some of the others so you can sear multiple pieces of food without worrying about overcrowding the pan. The chic set is available in three stylish colors and is made without any toxic chemicals or PFOAs.

Keep in mind that this set is not dishwasher-safe, and it’s not safe to use with metal utensils. Make sure to use silicone or bamboo utensils in order to properly preserve the nonstick coating.

Material: Stainless steel | Nonstick Coating Material: Aluminum | Lid Material: Glass and metal | Oven Safe: Yes to 500 degrees | Pans Included: 4 | Lids Included: 3 | Induction Safe: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Our Ratings

• Durability

  4.3/5

• Design

  4.2/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  4.5/5

• Performance

  4.1/5

• This set comes in four colors.

• It’s also available in a 10-piece set.

• It includes utensils in addition to pots, pans, and lids.

Most nonstick cookware requires the use of specific tools — either silicone or bamboo — to prevent scratching or dents on the surface, so we love that this set comes equipped with two spatulas and a spoon. For those who also need a nonstick baking sheet, this comprehensive set includes that as well — although we did note that it only came with two lids. This set is still an easy way to outfit your whole kitchen with high-quality nonstick cookware that's ready to tackle any task.

We love that each piece was slick enough that eggs and rice could slide right off. We also love that we didn’t detect any notable hotspots — each pan warmed up evenly and thoroughly throughout the testing process. Each pan features long, large silicone handles that stay cool during cooking, so there’s no risk of slipping or burning your hands. This affordable set is a great purchase for beginners or home cooks looking to get a versatile set of options at a good price. Keep in mind that the equipment is not dishwasher-safe and is not compatible with induction stovetops.

Material: Aluminum | Nonstick Coating Material: Aluminum | Lid Material: Tempered glass with silicone rim | Oven Safe: Yes to 450 degrees | Pans Included: 6 | Lids Included: 2 | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Our Ratings

• Durability

  4/5

• Design

  4.3/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5/5

• Performance

  4.6/5

• Each piece is super lightweight.

• Everything is dishwasher-safe but easy to clean by hand, too.

Sticky foods can be difficult to clean no matter what type of cookware you use, so having nonstick cookware that’s easy to clean is essential. Nonstick surfaces are generally more sensitive than other types of cookware — like stainless steel cookware — and it’s important to avoid metal utensils or harsh scrubbing. That’s why we love this set from Calphalon: The surface is so slick that food wipes out easily with a cloth. In our experience testing each piece with different types of food, we had no trouble wiping each piece clean or simply rinsing it with soap and water. The pans wiped clean easily after each test, no matter what type of food we cooked. Better yet, this is one of the most lightweight sets we tested, so it’s easy to maneuver in the sink when washing by hand. If you’re short on time, this set is also dishwasher-safe for hands-off cleaning.

Material: Stainless steel | Nonstick Coating Material: Aluminum | Lid Material: Glass and metal | Oven Safe: Yes to 450 degrees | Pans Included: 6 | Lids Included: 4 | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Heating Ability

  4.5/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Design

  4.6/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  4.3/5

• Performance

  4.5/5

• The nonstick coating is super slick, and the matte exterior is stylish.

• Large helper handles provide ample space to grip.

• Each pan is easy to clean by hand.

With a super slick surface, six versatile pieces, and an affordable price, this nonstick cookware set is a great value. Beginner cooks will love how easy these pans are to manage — the long handles are lined with silicone so they stay cool to the touch, and the helper handles on the pots are large enough to grip comfortably, even with oven mitts on.

At just $200 for the 10-piece set, this is a fantastic price, especially for beginner cooks looking to outfit their kitchen with some reliable nonstick cookware. The matte exterior is chic, and the nonstick surface extends from the bottom of the pan up the sides for all-around nonstick cooking. Each piece performed well in our tests — we saw minimal sticking and slight food residue that came off easily when washed with soap and water. Keep in mind that these pans are not induction-safe and should not be placed in the dishwasher.

Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Nonstick Coating Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Lid Material: Glass and metal | Oven Safe: Yes to 400 degrees | Pans Included: 6 | Lids Included: 4 | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Our Ratings

• Heating Ability

  5/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Design

  4.5/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5/5

• Performance

  4.3/5

• This is one of the most affordable sets on our list, and it includes the most equipment.

• The glass lids are shatter-proof.

• This set includes five nylon utensils.

• Angled edges make it easy to move food around the pan.

This very affordable set is completely comprehensive — it comes with pots, pans, lids, a sheet pan, and utensils. All you need is a good muffin pan and you are set! The nonstick surface is super slick, so we had no trouble cooking sticky eggs or rice. The edges are sloped, which makes it particularly easy to move food around the pan and makes it easy to transfer food from the pan to a plate.

This Farberware set is very lightweight, making it easy to move around even when filled with food. This is an incredible bang for your buck if you’re a beginner cook looking for affordable cookware. However, each piece is riveted, so we found the pans tricky to clean when food got stuck inside the rivets. Keep in mind that these aren’t the most durable pans we tested — the lightweight handles make them feel a little cheap, but if you're looking for an affordable, all-inclusive nonstick cookware set, this is still a great option.

Material: Aluminum | Nonstick Coating Material: Aluminum | Lid Material: Tempered glass with silicone rim | Oven Safe: Yes to 350 degrees, bakeware is safe up to 450 degrees | Pans Included: 6 | Lids Included: 4 | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Heating Ability

  4.6/5

• Durability

  4.3/5

• Design

  4.8/5

• Ease of Cleaning

  5/5

• Performance

  4.5/5

• The PFOA-free nonstick coating is super slick.

• A flared lip on each pan makes it easy to slide food out and onto a plate.

• These pieces nest inside each other for efficient storage.

Whether you’re making a French omelet or searing a flaky piece of salmon, serious home chefs know that high-quality nonstick cookware is essential in any kitchen. This set from Anolon is on the pricier side, but it comes with some serious tools that make cooking sticky foods so much easier. The 10-piece set comes with pots and pans of varying sizes, all of which nest together for easier storage. Each piece is slightly roomier than the other sets we tested, so you don’t have to worry about crowding the pan when working in batches. We love how slick the PFOA-free nonstick coating is, and each piece performed exceptionally well in our tests — nothing stuck to the sides, and even sticky fried eggs slid out with no assistance from a spatula. These pans are compatible with all types of stovetops and are safe to put in the oven up to 500 degrees. The pot handles do get hot when cooking, so make sure you use an oven mitt to prevent burns.

Material: Stainless steel | Nonstick Coating Material: PFOA-free aluminum | Lid Material: Glass and metal | Oven Safe: Yes to 500 degrees | Pans Included: 6 | Lids Included: 4 | Induction Safe: Yes | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Things to Consider Before Buying Nonstick Cookware Sets

Durability

When buying nonstick cookware, you should consider the materials of each pan and how long they will hold up over time. Aarti Sequeira, 2010 winner of The Next Food Network Star, chef, and author of "My Family Recipe Journal by DaySpring" tells PEOPLE that she recommends sourcing a pan with a "heavy bottom," as this will allow it to heat up more evenly and prevent overheating. She also loves a pan with a metal handle so that it can go in the oven, "if the manufacturer deems it oven-safe!" she adds. Our top pick, the Le Creuset 6-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set, is all of the above.

Function

How will you use your cookware set? Do you occasionally fry an egg and sauté vegetables or are you working your way through Julia Child's cookbook and need a serious cookware set to get you through it? The function of your cookware includes elements like heating consistency, nonstick capabilities, ease of cleaning, and overall durability. What you prioritize from these depends on your lifestyle and how often you like to cook (and at what level!). For example, Odette Williams, a Brooklyn-based Australian cook and author, looks for sets that include small frying pans, because that's the piece she'll use most when cooking eggs for breakfast. Her must-have for these pans is an easy cleanup — Williams looks for her food to "slide right off the pan."

Safety

This goes without saying, but safety should always be a consideration when working within a cooking space. Specifically, with nonstick coating, you should look for pans that are free of PFAs, a potentially dangerous chemical that could be released into the air if the pan is overheated and the coating begins to degrade.

Care and Maintenance

To preserve the life of your cookware, make sure you follow the instructions for care as many require hand washing. Most nonstick pans are easy to wash by hand, but if that is a dealbreaker you can also consider the dishwasher-safe Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set. Even for those sets that are dishwasher-safe, the coatings will stay intact longer if you wash them by hand. The coating will also scratch with metal utensils, so make sure you only use silicone or bamboo utensils to keep your cookware intact.

Weight

If you have hand or wrist issues (such as arthritis) you may opt for the lighter cookware sets, such as the Farberware Nonstick Cookware Set. However be aware that the lighter sets do heat food more quickly, so you will need to keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The heavier cookware sets, however, often heat food more evenly and can also withstand higher temperatures.

How We Tested

In search of the best nonstick cookware sets, our team of expert testers put 13 leading cookware sets through a series of culinary tests. For each piece of cookware, they considered the temperature consistency while cooking, overall performance, design, and ease of cleaning once the food was prepared.

• Design: To start, we looked at the overall design of the set, observing the materials, quantity, and quality of cookware pieces, storage capabilities, shapes, and any extra features.
• Performance: Next, we performed various culinary tests to evaluate temperature consistency and overall performance. We cooked boiled water and timed how long each pan took to come to a rolling boil. We also cooked fried and scrambled eggs and then observed the color and crispiness of each.
• Cleaning: Eggs are particularly sticky, so we assessed each pan’s nonstick surface by trying to slide the eggs out of the pan and onto a plate. Next, we made rice pilaf — another notoriously sticky dish — and watched out for any hot or cool spots and further observed the nonstick capabilities of each item.
• Durability: We also performed a scratch test to test the durability of each pan’s nonstick surface and washed each item according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Overall Value: After that, we rated each cookware set on a scale of one to five, with five being the best. We then compared the performance of the set to its price, and the best value picks made this list.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is nonstick cookware safe?

  Not all nonstick cookware is deemed safe, so you'll want to look for sets that are free of PFAs, PFOAs, lead, and cadmium. PFOAs or perfluorooctanoic acid is a type of PFA (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) that has been largely phased out of use in the U.S. You probably have heard of Teflon, which is a fluorinated coating used on nonstick pans which was made of PFOA before it was phased out. However, other PFAs are still used. While there can be a lack of transparency around the chemicals used in the nonstick coatings, spend some extra time researching the products before you buy. You can also limit your exposure by not overheating your pans and replacing them when they get scratched.

• How does nonstick cookware work?

  These pots and pans have a slick, nonporous chemical coating along the inside that creates a nonreactive surface that keeps food from sticking. The exterior can be made of aluminum (think the Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Cookware Set), stainless steel, and even ceramic.

• How long do nonstick pans last?

  Five years is the average lifespan of nonstick cookware. If the cooking surface is pitted or starts to peel, it needs to be replaced. But take it from Williams — it really depends on how much you use it. "On average, I'd say four years before it starts to get scratched up," she says. "Use a rubber spatula instead of metal utensils to help keep the surface effective for as long as possible."

• Do nonstick pans lose their coating?

  Yes, over time and with frequent use, the coating of nonstick pans will wear down. Based on the quality of the coating, how often you use the pans, and how well you care for them will influence whether they make it to five years or not. Remember to take a leaf out of Williams' book (literally, you can reference her recipe book "Simple Pasta") and use rubber utensils when cooking food atop your nonstick pans to preserve their coating.

• Does nonstick cookware work with induction cooktops?

  Not all nonstick cookware works with induction cooktops. If they have a magnetic base, they will. Our pick from Le Creuset, the Toughened Nonstick Pro Cookware Set, is one that includes induction-safe appliances — making it a versatile set that can work on several types of cooktops.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer at PEOPLE and wrote this article based on testing insights from our test kitchen. Alyssa Brascia, a commerce writer at PEOPLE, later updated with additional picks and insight. Laura Denby recently updated this article to include nonstick cookware sets from our latest round of testing. Denby is a food, home, and lifestyle writer specializing in creating thorough and analytical product reviews to help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions. She has a Culinary Arts diploma from the Institute of Culinary Education and a WSET Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits. Her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Verywell Family, Southern Living, and more.

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