From crispy bacon to caramel, the best non-stick frying pan is easy to use and clean. You butter let go of the oil, as non-stick cookware has a coating that lessens the friction between food and the pan, so you don't need that added layer of fat. The best pots and pans are defined by key features and benefits; whether its aluminium, ceramic or stainless steel their multi-layered construction offers efficient and even heat distribution.
Top-name brands, such as Tefal, ProCook and Le Creuset, have their own non-stick cookware range. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the features of their frying pans. You may or may not be familiar with the controversial history of non-stick coatings. The feature film Dark Waters (2019) is based on real-life events where an American town's water supply was contaminated by a toxic chemical – that was used in the production of Teflon. What has become known as Forever Chemicals (PFAS chemicals) and specifically PFOA, which were used in non-stick cookware, are no longer used.
Newer, more environmentally friendly non-stick coatings are used in cookware by reputable brands. It's always a good idea to check the product specification if you're unsure. Alternatively, cast iron cookware is all-natural and actually imparts iron into your food – helping to prevent anaemia. The caveat is that cast iron requires regular seasoning with oil and it's significantly heavier than other materials.
Best Non-Stick Frying Pans At A Glance
• Best non-stick frying pan with lid: Professional Anodised Frying Pan with Lid – View on ProCook
• Best non-stick frying pan for precise temperature: Tefal Precision Plus Non-Stick Frying Pan – View on Amazon UK
• Best aluminium non-stick frying pan: Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Frying Pan – View on Amazon UK
To ensure it's a frying pan that you want to stick with choose a diameter that fits the rings on your hob for efficient heat conduction. Frying pans range in size from 20cm–32cm. A 20cm pan is ideal for single servings, such as frying an egg. 24cm pans will accommodate a couple of eggs. If in doubt, go for a 28cm frying pan as it's perfect for making a meal for a small group. Larger still, 30cm and 32cm frying pans are great for families, cooking up stir-fries, making pancakes and frittata.
Best Non-Stick Frying Pans
Best non-stick frying pan with lid
www.procook.co.uk
Sear delicate fish in olive oil, with a squeeze of lemon, in ProCook's Professional Anodised Frying Pan with Lid. It's less common to get a frying pan with a lid, but the benefit is that a wider range of cooking is made possible. The self-basting glass lid helps to keep pork chops juicy – from hob to oven. This premium frying pan is forged from a heavy-duty 4mm aluminium disc and anodised for extra strength. In addition, it has a 5-star ProCook Ultra Plus triple-layer non-stick coating, so healthy cooking using less oil is a dream. The Cooltouch® handle is made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel. All in all, all-in-all it's a piece of cookware that will last a very long time.
Customer review: "I love using my new pan. So nice to get a stylish product with matching lid. Excellent easy to follow care instructions."
Pros
- Well-fitting lid
- Premium quality
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Largest available size is 28cm
Best non-stick frying pan for precise temperature
Get that delicious caramelised crust on lamb chops – and no burnt bits – with the Tefal Precision Plus Non-Stick Frying Pan. To get the perfect sizzle, it's all-important that the pan is at the right temperature. With Tefal's Themo-Spot Technology, the red indicator lets you know that the frying pan is at the ideal temperature. The Easy Plus non-stick coating is durable and scratch-resistant. The coating's on the outside of the pan too, making it a doddle to clean. Tefal's lightweight aluminium cookware also features a comfortable-to-grip Bakelite handle. It's a hugely popular product on Amazon, with almost 10,000 reviews rating it 4.7 out of 5.
Customer review: "We've been using this for a while now for frying steaks and salmon and so far it has been truly non-stick. I have learned that to keep it non-stick, let it cool naturally without adding water when still hot and always to wash it by hand. So far this has preserved the non-stick surface. There's a red pattern in the middle which changes colour when the pan is up to heat – a useful touch."
Pros
- Ergonomic grip for easy handling
- Durable non-stick performance
- Temperature indicator
Cons
- Not induction hob compatible
Best aluminium non-stick frying pan
Pan-seared steak Filet Mignon with shallots and red wine is par excellence in the Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Frying Pan. This lightweight yet durable aluminium pan has a toughened three-layer non-stick coating. It's a shallow frying pan that offers excellent heat distribution. Its wide bottom and low sides make it ideal for getting uniform browning on meat or tossing and flipping omelettes and pancakes. In addition, the strong stainless-steel handle is comfortable to hold. Le Creuset say this range has its best-ever non-stick coating.
Customer review: "Really think you get what you pay for here. Read instructions and make sure you take care of the pan and the pan takes care of you. Makes omelettes like a dream and sautés beautifully. Takes a little bit to heat up but be patient. Once heated it’s magic."
Pros
- Premium quality
- Toughened non-stick
- Range of sizes
Cons
- Shallow
Best set of non-stick frying pans
From blinis to crepes, there's no fear of sticking with the Tower Frying Pan Set in Rose Gold thanks to the Cerasure non-stick coating. Enjoy low-fat cooking with these elegant, high-quality aluminium 24 and 28-cm pans. The Rose Gold-plated stainless steel handles are durable, stylish and oven-safe. These frying pans are made of thickened, high-quality aluminium for excellent heat conduction. A bonded steel base is compatible with most hob types, including induction.
Customer review: "No oil needed even for eggs and omelettes, only thing is the handles get very hot."
Pros
- Induction compatible
- Cool-touch handles
- PFOA-free non-stick
Cons
- Water and food can get trapped in the lid
Best value non-stick frying pan
Fluffy omelettes and frittata are no-fuss in the Salter BW05746S1 Megastone Collection Non-Stick. Megastone is a rugged non-stick coating that Salter claims is seven times tougher than a standard non-stick coating. It's fine to use metal utensils with this frying pan and it offers ultra non-stick performance whilst being induction compatible to boot. Megastone lasts longer than standard metal cookware, making food taste fresh and retaining the stylish look of this granite-like cookware. Also, this frying pan has a soft touch TPR Bakelite handle so it feels lovely to use.
Customer review: "It's a great pan. Been using it daily for breakfast for several weeks, and it's maintained its quality and non-stick properties splendidly. I was even able to cook an egg on it without any oil at all, and while it took a little nudge to move it, it did not stick or leave any egg behind. With a bit of butter or margarine, the egg practically floats off the pan."
Pros
- Use little or no oil
- Lightweight
- Easy to cook with
- Compatible with metal utensils
Cons
- Screw in the handle can come loose
Best premium non-stick frying pan
www.kuhnrikon.co.uk
Over-easy eggs can be flipped with ease in a Kuhn Rikon Allround Frying Pan. The Swiss cookware experts are synonymous with high-quality cookware. From the riveted stay-cool 18/10 stainless steel handle to the tough titanium particle three-layer non-stick coating, this Allround frying pan has glowing reviews that are testament to its premium construction. Its encapsulated base spreads heat fast and evenly and is compatible with induction hobs. Expect a versatile, easy-to-clean and durable piece of cookware from a leading brand.
Customer review: "The quality of this frying pan is evident as soon as you pick it up you can feel the quality in the weight. This is the best frying pan I have ever owned. The quality of the product is second to none. It dry fries with no need for oil, then wipes clean."
Pros
- Premium quality
- Healthy frying
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- May be too heavy for some
Best budget non-stick frying pan
Pork chops, sautéed apples and onion is a comforting one-pan hack the Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Frying Pan With Non-Stick Coating will offer you. This budget frying pan features a lip for mess-free pours, Teflon non-stick coating and a mirror-polish exterior. The soft grip handle has a hole for convenient hanging storage. Be aware, it's recommended that you only use wooden and silicone utensils with this cookware. Otherwise, it ticks all the boxes of being compatible with all hob types and dishwasher safe.
Customer review: "So pleased I purchased this. I have always tended to buy the more expensive pans for the quality. But as I only wanted a small pan for omelettes I saw this and gave it a try. So glad I did as I have been pleasantly surprised at the excellent quality of this pan. It cooks equally as good as than the expensive famous French range of cast iron pans I already own but are lighter and much easier to use and a lot cheaper to buy."
Pros
- Value for money
- Low, flared sides allow for easy flipping and turning food out on to a plate
- Silver-polish exterior finish
Cons
- Limited range of diameters
Best ergonomic non-stick frying pan
Scrambled eggs and bacon is as synonymous with frying pans as the brand name: Tefal. This premium quality 18/10 stainless steel Tefal Comfort Max Frying Pan is part of a range of cookware that's designed with ergonomic comfort in mind. The soft and stay cool Bakelite handle is also anti-slip, making this a safer choice. Also, it features a thick anti deformation induction base for fast and even cooking. Tefal's durable Power Resist non-stick coating is free from Forever Chemicals, so it's a durable and healthy option for frying. The Chromium content in the stainless steel provides rust resistance, meaning this pan should last a long time.
Customer review: "Tefal non stick frying pan feels high quality from the moment you pick it up. It has a thick, solid handle easy-to-grasp handle. It's lightweight but durable. While the surface of a non-stick ceramic pan releases food with ease."
Pros
- Comfortable and safe handle
- Thermo-spot indicates when the pan is up to temperature
- Durable non-stick coating
Cons
- A customer review comments that the handle came loose
Best non-stick frying pan for durability
Fancy something a bit different? Serve up ginger soy-glazed salmon with pak choi in the Blue Diamond Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Pan. The ultra-durable ceramic and diamond-infused coating is five times harder and ten times longer lasting than standard non-stick. In addition, this aluminium pan offers four times better heat transfer. Incredibly, diamond is a more effective heat conductor than copper. In addition, the heavy-duty forged base won't warp or buckle in high temperatures.
Customer review: "After using so many non-stick pans, this is the best one. I am delighted with it. I highly recommended it."
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Metal utensil safe
- Effective non-stick
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some customers comment that the pan became sticky
Best non-stick frying pan for practicality and style
Crispy gnocchi with brown butter and sage is a stove-top treat, cooked up in the Blackmoor 67080 Classic Frying Pan. So good, we want to take a photo of it. The attractive hybrid stone coating has a stylish black marble effect. It's practical too, with a heavy-gauge aluminium base for fast and even heat distribution. It's an Amazon's Choice product, with over 4,000 reviews rating it 4.6 out of 5.
Customer review: "Since buying this pan I have actually stopped using oil or anything similar to prevent things from sticking to the pan. Really good and highly recommend."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy handling
- No oil required
- Wipe clean
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
Our Verdict: Best Non-Stick Frying Pan
We recommend ProCook's Professional Anodised Frying Pan with Lid. This versatile non-stick frying pan is made from premium 18/10 stainless steel and lightweight aluminium so it's durable and corrosion-resistant. With a 25 year guarantee, you'll be tossing noodles and flipping omelettes in this pan for a very long time. In particular, we love the versatility that comes with the addition of the self-basting glass lid. Succulent chicken breasts and pan-fried salmon will retain their juiciness and because the pan is non-stick, there's no need for loads of oil.
FAQs
How much does a non-stick frying pan cost?
The cost of a non-stick frying pan can vary depending on the brand, size, material and features. In the UK, you can find cookware at a range of price points.
Budget non-stick frying pans can cost around £10 to £20. They are typically smaller in size and may not be as durable as more expensive options.
Mid-range pans are in the £20 to £50 range. You'll find a wide selection of quality pans in this price range that are perfect for everyday cooking. Scoville Neverstick cookware is a great mid-range option.
Premium non-stick frying pans from well-known brands or those with advanced features can range from £50 to over £100. You may have a collection of Le Creuset cookware that you're looking to expand, or perhaps you're a ProCook completist. However, it's essential to consider your cooking needs and preferences when choosing a frying pan. Higher-priced pans may offer better durability and performance, while budget options may be suitable for occasional use or specific tasks.
What type of cooking are non-stick frying pans best suited for?
For lovers of the TikTok Egg Sandwich, a trusty non-stick frying pan is an indispensable item of cookware. The great news is that it makes cooking treats, such as pancakes and grilled cheese, a little bit healthier because little to no oil is needed. The smooth surface ensures even browning without sticking.
Non-stick frying pans are best suited for a variety of cooking tasks, including:
Making perfect omelettes, fried eggs and scrambled eggs.
Delicate fish fillets, like sole or tilapia, can be seared without breaking apart.
It's ideal for quick and easy stir-frying of vegetables and thinly sliced meats.
Non-stick frying pans are great for sautéing a wide range of vegetables.
You can easily slide a frittata out of a non-stick pan. It's a thrifty meal and a great way of using up leftover potatoes and vegetables.
Non-stick pans are excellent for rendering fat on pancetta or bacon and getting crispy results.
Achieve a perfect, evenly browned surface on your French toast – a yummy weekend brunch choice served with maple syrup and berries.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in kitchen appliances. When she's not testing coffee machines, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.