The Best Nonstick Cookware
Our Top Pick for 2018: T-fal C515SC Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware
Read our full review.
Nonstick cookware is not the style of pots and pans traditionally used by many professional chefs, but it is a style that many home cooks adore because of its ease of use. Typically, these types of cookware require less oil to cook with, and they are easier to clean than stainless steel varieties. There are many different types of nonstick cookware available for purchase, so deciding which one is best for your kitchen needs can be a daunting task. After doing diligent research into nonstick cookware, we have compiled a list of the three best options that we discovered as well as a budget friendly option for your consideration.
#1. T-fal C515SC Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
Back in the year 1956, T-fal became the first company to manufacture nonstick cookware. The idea for this revolutionary idea came from the simple suggestion to coat their pans with the same Teflon material that Marc Gregoire had used to coat his fishing gear. 60 years later and the company is still coming up with new and creative ideas to make nonstick cookware an even more useful invention. Our gold pick, which is the T-fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware, is one of the results from that endless pursuit.
The pots and pans in this set are comprised of an aluminum material that is designed to heat fast and efficiently. The exterior is a beautiful black that will go great with any kitchen décor, and the bottom of each piece in this set that comes in contact with the heat source has a stainless steel induction base. This is a nice feature that is designed to retain heat and help maintain a heating area that will cook your food evenly. In addition, this cookware can be used on any type of cooking surface. It can be used on induction cook tops as well as in an oven that does not exceed a temperature of 400 degrees.
The interior of these pots and pans are coated with a nonstick Teflon material that is designed to be durable and withstand high heat. You do not have to fear that the coating will chip over high heat, and you also do not need to be cautious while cooking your favorite foods. This cookware is so durable that you can use metal utensils to stir the food that you are cooking without creating unwanted scratches or damaging marks inside the pots and pans. One feature that makes this set of cookware stand out above the rest is the fact that it has a unique T-fal Thermo-Spot indicator in the center of each pot and pan in the set. This indicator will show you exactly when the pan you are cooking with is preheated to the perfect temperature, which means it will lock in the flavors of your meat and sear it perfectly.
Silicone handles are riveted onto the base of the pots and pans in an ergonomic way, which is designed to give you a comfortable grip while handling the cookware. In addition, these handles are complete with “stay cool” technology to makes them even more convenient to cook with. The lids that come with this set are glass with the same riveted handle design that you find on the pots and pans.
The T-fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware comes in a 12 piece set. It includes two frying pans; one of which is an eight inch frying pan, and the other one is a 10.25 inch frying pan. This set also comes with a one quart saucepan, a three quart saucepan, and a five quart Dutch oven. As an added bonus, this set comes complete with a one egg wonder, which is a small skillet that is the perfect size for frying an egg. It also includes a three quart steamer as well as two nylon cooking utensils; a spatula to flip your burgers and a spoon to stir your macaroni and cheese.
This set of cookware is completely dishwasher safe, and it comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, which proves that the T-fal C515SC is designed to be a durable cookware set that will last you for decades. The entire T-fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Thermo-Spot Cookware 12-piece set can be purchased on Amazon for about $123.
Insofar as reviews go for this set of cookware, 70 percent of all Amazon reviewers who rated this cookware set gave it five stars, and another 15 percent of them gave it a four star rating. You can’t go wrong with that approval rating and incredible testimonials like this one: “This is the best T-fal I have yet!! This Professional set is by far thicker and heavier than any of my other T-fal. The pans are nonstick and the bottoms are stainless steel. They have heavy glass vented lids, and cushion grip handles. Even the pan handles are put on sturdier with 2 rivets as opposed to most pans that have one screw that comes lose. I would definitely buy this professional line again. I’ve tried many brands of cookware and I love T-fal the best. I’m hard on my cookware because I cook and bake and can continually, T-fal holds up.” Many reviewers agree that the T-fal C515SC cookware set is a solid, valuable purchase to consider making.
#2. Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
Rachael Ray is a well known television chef who also hosts a day time talk show. She cooks down to earth meals that are capable of being recreated by you at your home in less than 30 minutes. What cookware could be better to recreate these meals than her Cucina line of pots and pans? The Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware is a set that comes complete with all of the important items that any kitchen needs.
The exterior of this beautiful cookware features a design and color combination that is both rustic and modern at the same time. It is comprised of a hard anodized aluminum substance that is efficient at heating the pots and pans in a quick, even manner that will help eliminate hotspots during the cooking process. The nonstick espresso colored coating is completely PFOA free as well. This cookware can be used on almost any cooking surface; however, the one limitation of this set is the inability to be used on an induction cook top. This cookware can be used in an oven with temperatures of up to 400 degrees. In addition, it can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher since the nonstick coating releases food easily, which makes it easy to clean.
The handles of each pot and pan feature a dual riveted design. In addition, each stainless steel handle is complete with a silicone cover that is colored in a way that will complement your kitchen décor. The lids are made from shatter resistant glass, which is encased with a stainless steel rim. The lid handles are also double riveted. Both the lid handles and the handles on the pots and pans feature “stay cool” technology, and they can be purchased in either red, orange, or blue hues.
The Rachael Ray Cucina Cookware 12-piece set comes complete with a one quart and a two quart covered saucepan as well as a six quart covered stockpot. It also includes an eight and a half inch skillet, a ten inch skillet, and a three quart sauté pan, which comes with a lid as well. This cookware set also comes with two utensils; a slotted nylon turner and a spoon to match. These utensils are the same color as the handle hue that you decide to purchase.
The Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware is available on Amazon for about $117, and the purchase includes a limited lifetime warranty on the cookware. 84 percent of all of the Amazon users who reviewed this cookware gave it a four star rating or above. Most reviewers seem exceptionally happy with their purchase of this cookware set, giving rave reviews from Amazon users like this one: “I’m no professional chef by any means, but I am a wife and a mom of four hungry teenagers and all their hungry friends. I am also very picky about decor and style. These pans are wonderful, cook evenly, the non stick is amazing. They clean up well and look beautiful on my stove (I actually bought these mainly because I love the color). I really don’t see how anyone could be disappointed with this set.”
#3. T-fal C111SC Signature Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Cookware
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
T-fal is once again seen on our list of the best nonstick cookware, so the original inventors of this technology must be doing something right. The T-fal C111SC Signature Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Cookware is another example of quality construction that provides a cooking experience that many home cooks desire in their kitchens. Our bronze pick is a great cookware set that includes many of the cooking essentials of any kitchen.
The T-fal C111SC cookware is designed to look nice with any kitchen décor. The exterior is made from a heavy aluminum material that is designed to heat quickly and efficiently disperse the heat evenly across the surface of the pan. It also has a scratch resistant coating, so using metal utensils while cooking will not cause any unsightly blemishes inside the cookware. In addition, this set can be used on almost any cooking surface. Induction cook tops are the only limitation set by the manufacturer. The pots and pans in this set can also be used in the oven, as long as the temperature is not above 350 degrees. Both the interior and the exterior of this cookware is easy to clean, and if you desire, you can even place them in a dishwasher to be cleaned.
The inside of these pots and pans are coated in nonstick Teflon, which means that you will not need to add extra fat like oil or butter to your food while it is cooking. Each piece of cookware that comes into contact with the heat source is branded with a signature T-fal Thermo-Spot heat indicator that is designed to let you know the best time to place your food in the cooking vessel. Adding the food once the skillet is slightly pre-heated helps you to create a perfect sear that will maintain all of the food’s flavors during the cooking process. In addition, all of the coating and material used to manufacture this cookware is free from PFOA, lead, and cadmium, which can all be harmful substances.
The handles of this set of cookware offer you a comfortable ergonomic design that is easy to maneuver safely around the kitchen. The handles also feature “stay cool” technology to ensure that accidental burns do not occur. The lids are made of glass, which makes it easy to see the food as it cooks without losing valuable heat. They are also fitted with vent holes to allow steam to escape and prevent your dishes from boiling over.
The T-fal C111SC cookware set comes complete with 12-pieces. It comes with a one quart saucepan, a two quart saucepan, and a five quart Dutch oven for cooking your sauces, soups, and stews. It also includes an eight inch sauté pan, an 11 inch sauté pan, and a 10 ¼ inch square griddle where you can fry or sauté to your heart’s delight. This set also comes complete with three vented lids that can each be used on multiple pieces of the set. It also comes with three nylon utensils; a spoon, a slotted spatula, and a ladle.
Out of the many reviews on Amazon for this product, 89 percent of the users who rated this set of cookware gave the T-fal C111SC a four star rating or higher. In fact, some reviewers even gave amazing testimonials like this one: “I needed something simple and basic and love love these. I don’t cook a lot as a single guy but when I do it’s very easy and I’ve used most all of the items. The heat indicator is perfect for a novice like me and the non-stick really works great. Plus I just pop them in the dishwasher and they come out clean, so easy and perfect.” Most reviewers verify that the set is a great set of cookware that any home cook would enjoy.
The T-fal C111SC cookware set can be purchased on Amazon for about $67. You can choose between two different shades, black and red, and your purchase will come with a limited lifetime warranty on the set of cookware.
#4. Cook N Home 15 Piece Non Stick Cookware Set
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
If you are looking for a new set of cookware that will not break your bank, then our ballin’ on a budget pick is worth considering. Many people think that cheaper cook sets mean that the quality of the pots and pans go down. That is not always true, and the Cook N Home 15-piece nonstick cookware set is one example that disproves that myth. The body of the pots and pans are constructed of heavy gauge aluminum, which is a great heat conductor that will cook your food evenly and keep hot spots at bay. In addition, the bottoms of the pan feature a grooved aluminum surface that is designed to prevent the cookware from slipping on the stove.
The interior of this set is coated with a nonstick surface that is designed to be durable for an extended period of time. It can be used on any type of cooking surface except induction. These pots and pans are extremely easy to clean, even when you do not use oil or other fats during the cooking process. The handles are made from a silicone material that has an ergonomic anti-slip design that will help prevent accidents in the kitchen. In addition, the “stay cool” technology will help prevent unwanted burns.
The lids that come in the Cook N Home cookware set are made from tempered glass, which allows you to easily watch your food throughout the entire cooking process. The lids also have vent holes where the steam can escape the cooking vessel, which will help prevent ingredients from boiling over and spilling.
The Cook N Home cookware set comes with 15 pieces, which includes an eight and a ten inch frying pan. It also comes complete with a one quart saucepan, a two quart saucepan, a three quart casserole, and a six quart Dutch oven. This set comes with four interchangeable lids and five nylon utensils. The included utensils are a slotted spatula, a spoon, a slotted spoon, a ladle, and a pasta fork.
Insofar as reviews for our ballin’ on a budget pick, 83 percent of the Amazon users who reviewed this cookware were happy enough with the product to give it at least a four star rating. In fact, 63 percent of those reviewers actually gave it a five star rating. One Amazon user gave this cookware a great review saying: “I love this cookware set. I bought it for my new house, as my mother is a chef I have used a range of different cooking spoons, pots and pans etc. I have not experienced the common issues that typically rise from using other pots and pans such as non stick pans that really do stick. My favorite feature is definitely the grooved bottom as it stops the pots and pans from sliding around on the stove.” The Cook N Home cookware can be purchase on Amazon for about $50. This set is available in black, green, or red.
Pre-purchase considerations
Durability
When you purchase a new set of cookware, the last thing you want is to buy a set that will need to be replaced in a few months. Make sure that the pots and pans are crafted from a heavy duty material that will not warp or become brittle under high heat. It is important to look for cookware that is has aluminum in the base, or if aluminum is not an option, then choose another highly conductive metal. This will ensure that the cookware you choose will last for a long time as well as create an evenly heated surface for cooking on.
Type of Nonstick Coating
Some brands of cookware will let you know right on the box what their nonstick coating is made from, while others are a bit more secretive. This is a touchy topic for some. There are two types of nonstick coating, which are PFTE and ceramic. PFTE is the traditional type of Teflon coating. It is extremely functional during the cooking process, but there have been some concerns that it releases dangerous gasses under high heat conditions. In addition to being dangerous for humans, the gas released from this type of nonstick coating can be hazardous to our pets, especially our feathered friends. When cooking with PFTE coating, you should never use high heat to be safe.
Ceramic coating is a newer option in the world of nonstick cookware. It is the more environmentally friendly option, and it can come in different colors that will accentuate your kitchen décor. It is not a proven theory, but some do feel that ceramic nonstick surfaces do not last as long as traditional nonstick coatings. In addition, the use of oil can cause build up to occur and age the cookware at a faster rate. One way to avoid this is to cook without oil or any other fat when you are using any nonstick cookware.
Handles and Lids
Handles and lids are an important consideration that need to be made when purchasing nonstick cookware. You may want to put the cookware in the oven, but that is not possible with all sets, especially those that have plastic handles. Do you want a glass lid? Are the handles comfortable in your hand? You do not want to purchase a new set of pots and pans that slip in your hand or are hard to maneuver on the range.
Care Required
Some nonstick cookware is scratch resistant, which means that you can use any type of cooking utensil, including metal options, during the cooking process. If the nonstick coating is not scratch resistant, what type of precautions will be needed to protect the pans? You don’t want the coating to be damaged on a piece of cookware you cook for your family on, so make sure that it is going to be easy to maintain and preserve. Also consider what cleaning the cookware involves. Is it dishwasher safe? If not, make sure it is at least easy to clean by hand.
Number of Pieces
Before you make a purchase, make sure that all of the pieces that you need are included in the specific set you choose. Some cookware sets include utensils in their count, so if you only need the actual pots and pans, do not pay extra for a few utensils. That is just a method that some companies use to make it seem like you are getting more cookware for your money.
Warranty
Nobody likes purchasing new cookware on a monthly basis. One way to ensure that the cookware you purchase is quality is to check and see if the manufacturer backs it with a warranty. Some warranties are lifetime, while others are for a limited time. Consider your needs, and make sure the cookware you purchase has some type of protection.
Conclusion (Wrapping it up)
Cookware is something that most of us need. Eating out every day is not a healthy option, so we often cook at home to offset that fact. Eating at home means that we need cookware to prepare our meals, but it is not always easy to know exactly what you need, especially if you are a beginning cook without much experience. Take a look at the pre-purchase considerations, and decide what you need in a set of cookware. Use this guide to help you get started, and then make a purchase that will provide you with a great set of cookware for years to come. If you can’t find the set that is perfect for you, try purchasing the pots and pans individually. Purchasing each piece may be a bit less cost effective, but you will get the nonstick cookware that best fits you and your style.