13 best non-stick frying pans, tested by experts

We tested a sample of the latest non-stick contenders against criteria that included temperature control, handle comfort and eco-credentials. We used the pans to make American pancakes and omelettes, as well as shimmying dry ingredients to test the shape. Read on to discover our pick of the best non-stick frying pans.

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Jump to:

• Best non-stick frying pans at a glance
• Best non-stick frying pans to buy in 2024
• How to choose the best non-stick frying pan
• How to care for a non-stick frying pan
• How we tested non-stick frying pans

Best non-stick frying pans at a glance

• Best non-stick frying pan: Ninja Foodi Zerostick 28cm frying pan, £47.99
• Best frying pan for versatility: Always Pan 2.0, £89
• Best frying pan for quality-build and good looks: Kuhn Rikon New Life Pro frying pan, 24cm, £69.30
• Best frying pan for safe handling: Saveur Voyage Series Non-Stick frying pan, 25cm, £80
• Best frying pan for smaller kitchens: ProCook Professional 24 cm Stainless-Steel frying pan, £39
• Best frying pan for a budget price that delivers well: Judge Essentials Radiant frying pan, 26cm, £33
• Best large-capacity non-stick frying pan: Meyer Accent Series Ultra-Durable Chef's Pan, £58.01
• Best hybrid frying pan: HexClad Hybrid pan, £134.99
• Best non-stick frying pan for long handles: Smeg frying pan, £71.96
• Best ceramic non-stick frying pan: GreenPan Venice Pro Extra frying pan, £45.83
• Best non-stick frying pan to splurge on: Samuel Groves Tri-Ply frying pan, £68
• Best versatile non-stick frying pan: Circulon Steel Shield C-Series frying pan, £56
• Best frying pan for stay-cool handles: KitchenAid Classic frying pan, from £22.66

Best non-stick frying pans to buy in 2024

Ninja Foodi Zerostick 28cm frying pan

Best non-stick frying pan

Pros:

• Generous size
• Good looking
• Excellent non-stick
• Long handle
• Energy efficient

Cons:

• Slight heating of the handle

Star rating: 5/5

We were instantly impressed with the Ninja Foodie Zerostick pan as we lifted it from its recyclable cardboard box and sleeve; this is a serious pan and we immediately felt this will be great when cooking for a crowd, given its generous size and depth. The polished stainless-steel exterior, sturdy riveted handle, and a manageable weight for the size give the pan a professional feel.

Ninja claims that their Zerostick, non-stick coating is 20 times tougher than regular non-stick in a third-party coating abrasion testing (2022), and their 10-year guarantee on the pan and the non-stick shows their commitment to this.

We found the heating of this pan super-fast and the heat retention so good, we had to turn the pan relatively low to cook with, which makes this energy efficient, too. Our first omelette was seriously overcooked, but on a lower heat, we were pleased with the results of a perfectly cooked, soft omelette with even colouring. Equally, the pancakes, though they cooked quickly, again were cooked right through with an even colour.

The Ninja frying pan is metal-utensil safe, dishwasher-safe, scratch resistant and oven-safe up to a vast 260°C (beware of the hot handle, though), so it could quickly become the workhorse pan in your kitchen without too much worry and at a bargain price, what’s not to like?

Always Pan 2.0

Best frying pan for versatility

Pros:

• Light
• Non-toxic non-stick
• Multi-functional
• Great colours
• Accessories included

Cons:

• None

Star rating: 5/5

It is fascinating to unwrap the Always Pan from its recyclable box as this is not just a non-stick frying pan but a multi-functional one. The Always can be used as a steamer with the handled steamer basket (included), which doubles as a colander; the well-domed lid makes it easy to roast a chicken yet shallow enough to fry and poach eggs and it is also designed to lock in steam when needed or release it when you don't. We also love the wooden spatula (also included), which nestles into the handle when not in use.

We, however, were testing the pan for its non-stick cooking and this one is impressive. The ceramic non-stick coating is super-smooth and silky, and contains no harmful toxins. The surface is so smooth, we had fun chasing the pancakes and the omelette as they skated around the pan. The omelette's cooking results were impressive in speed and had even browning. However, the pancakes spread further than others on the test; in part, we felt, because the pan was so smooth. The cooking again though was excellent.

This pan is incredibly light for its size and build, as it is made with 100% recycled aluminium. It slips seamlessly from hob to oven and is safe to 230ºC, though oven gloves must be used when removing the pan.

If it is possible to fall in love with a pan, this could be the one for us, especially as it also comes in 11 gorgeous colours.

Kuhn Rikon New Life Pro frying pan, 24cm

Best frying pan for quality build and good looks

Pros:

• Fast heating
• Great stay-cool handle
• Sturdy build
• Eco-credentials

Cons:

• May be a little heavy for some
• Price

Star rating: 4.5/5

The Swiss-made New Life Pro frying pan from Kuhn Rikon is a handsome and robustly built pan. It comes in a recyclable card sleeve and is made from 100% recycled aluminium, so it has good eco-credentials.

We love the handle, which is ergonomically designed to stay cool on the stovetop. However, the pan is also oven-safe up to 240ºC, and as the handle will also heat, it must be used cautiously.

The pan performed well with both omelette and pancakes and we found it cooked at a lower temperature than others on the test; it also cooked quickly and evenly, and we were impressed by how the pan responded to changing the heat. Thanks to its ceramic, highly reinforced, three-layer non-stick coating, both the omelette and the pancakes lifted quickly and easily when turning and plating.

A pan of this quality build will always be slightly heavy, and this one is, but the long stay-cool handle does help when moving the pan around. Though it's not recommended for the dishwasher, this pan is a dream to clean with just hot, soapy water.

The Kuhn Rikon also comes with a lifetime guarantee, which makes the hefty price tag worth considering.

Saveur Voyage Series Non-Stick frying pan, 25cm

Best frying pan for safe handling

Pros:

• Good looking
• Great non-stick
• Good balance
• Stay-cool handle with non-slip grip

Cons:

• Slight uneven colouring on the pancakes

Star rating: 4.5/5

The 25cm Voyage series non-stick pan from Saveur is a chefy, professional-looking stainless-steel pan which, though sturdy, is not as heavy as we would expect given its quality build. The pan is lovely to hold with its textured, stay-cool handle, which offers a secure grip, and although the handle isn't long, it is still comfortably balanced when carrying around.

Thanks to the tri-ply 18/10 stainless-steel construction and aluminium core, the Saveur pan has excellent heat distribution, so both our omelettes and pancakes cooked well wherever we moved them in the pan. The pancakes were a little patchy in colour but still tasted delicious.

Nothing sticks to the matte grey non-stick PFOA coating and at one point, we were chasing the pancakes around the pan to get them out. The gently curving side of the pan makes this lovely for flipping foods and for sliding the omelette effortlessly from pan to plate. And we love that the pan is dishwasher-safe, though we did find it easy to hand wash.

Though it's not cheap, the quality of the Saveur and what it delivers makes it a frying pan which, if looked after, will give many years of great cooking.

ProCook Professional 24 cm Stainless-Steel frying pan

Best frying pan for smaller kitchens

Pros:

• High grade stainless-steel body and handle
• Good weight
• Ultra Plus triple-layer, PFOA-free, non-stick coating

Cons:

• Handle is a little slippery

Star rating: 4.5/5

The ProCook Professional stainless-steel pan may be small, but it is a very useful, well-built model which could easily stand up to the rigours of the professional kitchen and the home. The pan has a lovely weight from the heavy-duty 18/10 stainless-steel construction and a 7mm impact bonded base, but because it's not a huge pan, it is easy to lift even with food in.

Using this pan is partly made easier by the well-balanced curved handle and a clever design that stops the handle from getting hot when used on the hob. However, we felt the handle was a little unsteady when carrying due to its shiny stainless-steel construction. The pan is oven-safe up to 260ºC, but the handle will get very hot and should be used cautiously.

The solid construction of the ProCook pan means it heats quickly; heat retention is good, which resulted in excellent results with both the omelette and the pancakes. Both cooked quickly, with even colouring, and we loved how fast the pan responded when we lowered the heat.

A small but super-useful pan to have, whatever the size of your cook space, but certainly a must for the smaller kitchen.

Judge Essentials Radiant frying pan, 26cm

Best frying pan for a budget price that delivers well

Pros:

• Budget price with good results
• Good non-stick
• Soft-grip handle

Cons:

• Pancakes took longer to cook

Star rating: 4/5

The Judge Essentials Radiant frying pan comes in at an incredible price of just £26 – at the time of our test – and delivered far more than we had expected for the price. The pan is a generous 26cm, so it's great for family cooking and deep enough to make it a versatile choice to have in your drawer.

The non-stick is scratch-resistant, PFOA-free and worked well in the test, as nothing stuck. The Judge pan is dishwasher-safe, but with the excellent non-stick, it washed up super-easily by hand. We particularly liked the soft-grip handle, which gave a secure grip when carrying and stayed cool during cooking. The handle, however, is only good up to 180ºC in the oven; this makes it quite hot, so it must be used cautiously.

When heating, we found the base became hot very quickly and took longer for the sides to catch up, so controlling this was a little difficult and to prevent the foods from burning, we had to keep lowering the heat. Because of this, the pancakes took longer to cook, which caused them to crack, plus the browning was uneven. The omelette fared much better, cooking quickly and evenly, and it slipped smoothly up the softly curved sides onto the plate.

At this price though, this pan is a bargain for what it does deliver despite the few niggles with the pancakes.

Meyer Accent Series Ultra-Durable Chef's pan

• Available from Meyer (£61.34)

Best large-capacity non-stick frying pan

Pros:

• PFOA-free non-stick
• Two ergonomic heatproof handles
• Versatile depth

Cons:

• Quite wide on the cooker, which dominates space

Star rating: 5/5

This is an unconventional pan to feature in our guide due to its wok-like sloping sides and depth. But it's precisely that shape that makes this pan incredibly versatile and could see you replacing two or three pans in your cupboard with just this one. Suitable for all cooktops, the hard-anodised aluminium triple-layer, non-stick body is supported by two silicone-protected handles that are ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The deep rim makes pouring smooth and easy to control.

Although dishwasher-safe, we found it was easier to simply wash by hand as everything wiped off easily under warm water making it a doddle to clean. It's also oven-safe up to 230-degrees.

Available from:

• Meyer (£61.34)

HexClad Hybrid Frying pan

• Available from HexClad (from £94.99)

Best hybrid frying pan

Pros:

• All recyclable packaging
• Impressive non-stick
• Comfortable handle
• Handle remains cool
• Controlled cook

Cons:

• Sometimes a little slow to cook
• Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

The concept of hybrid cookware is not a new invention, but the HexClad range seems to be a merging of three pan types, rather than two. It’s stainless steel and non-stick, plus the need to season the pan takes us into cast iron territory.

This is a pan that makes many demands of you; it’s not one you can just grab and whack on the stovetop at any old temperature. It needs to be seasoned before use – albeit not every time – and it should only be used at low-medium temperatures.

But once we’d got everything set up, this pan was nothing short of a joy to use. The handle is comfortable and remained cool throughout the entirety of our test. It cooked with delicacy and control when making an omelette. And our American pancakes were thick and fluffy, with even and consistent browning every time. Both test recipes slipped from the pan with total ease.

We liked this pan for many reasons – it’s ultra robust, cooks well and comes in a good range of sizes. Though we did have some gripes: it takes a while to heat up and cook, and it comes with a hefty price tag, but it does come with a lifetime warranty.

Available from:

• HexClad (from £94.99)

Smeg frying pan

Best non-stick frying pan for long handles

Pros:

• Available in a range of colours and sizes
• Great looking
• Can be used at high oven temperature

Cons:

• Expensive

Star rating: 4.5/5

From another brand well-known for their fantastic kitchenware comes Smeg’s first foray into the world of cookware. This non-stick frying pan is a more high-end offering, but it showcases some fantastic finishing details, as well as a long, sturdy and comfortable handle.

It cooks fantastically and nothing sticks to it at all. It’s dishwasher-safe, but that would be rarely necessary. Like the rest of the items in the Smeg cookware range, this non-stick frying pan is available in red, black and cream.

Read our full Smeg frying pan review.

Stellar Rocktanium frying pan

Best non-stick frying pan for an ergonomic design

Pros:

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Nicely shaped handle
• Oven-safe to high temperature

Cons:

• Some resistance when trying to remove omelette
• Pancake was a little patchy

Star rating 4.5/5

Featuring a speckled non-stick coating, the Stellar Rocktanium frying pan is available in a good range of sizes (20-30cm) and has an ergonomically shaped handle that comfortably fits the contours of the hand.

This frying pan has a brilliant non-stick surface; neither our American pancakes or omelette stuck to the pan. It didn’t brown quite as evenly as we’d hoped, but both foods were very well cooked.

For ease and added versatility, this pan is both dishwasher-safe and ovenproof up to 210C.

Read our full Stellar Rocktanium frying pan review.

GreenPan Venice Pro Extra frying pan

Best ceramic non-stick frying pan

Pros:

• Suitable for all hob types
• Oven-safe to high temperature
• Available in a good range of sizes

Cons:

• Short handle that gets hot

Star rating: 4.5/5

This non-stick frying pan is part of GreenPan’s upgraded Venice Pro range. This slightly weighty ceramic pan is suitable for all hob types, is dishwasher-safe and is ovenproof up to an impressive 260C.

We loved cooking with this pan. It was responsive to changes in temperature and cooked both our American pancakes and omelette brilliantly. We did notice some patchiness on the surface of the pancakes, but flavour-wise we couldn’t fault either of them. Do be careful of the base of the handle as it gets hot.

Read our full GreenPan Venice Pro Extra frying pan review.

Judge Vista frying pan

Best non-stick frying pan for large surface area

Pros:

• Comfortable handle
• Nicely balanced
• Sides are nice and tall

Cons:

• Not ovenproof to a high temperature

Star rating: 4.5/5

Equipped with tall walls and a large flat surface area, this pan is ideal for those dishes that require a hard sear, like a rump steak. This stainless steel pan is dishwasher-safe and available in four different sizes. The Vista is only ovenproof up to 150C and we found the handle a little short, so tossing ingredients in the pan wasn’t the easiest.

This Judge frying pan is responsive to changes in temperature and we were able to cook a soft omelette and evenly browned American pancakes.

Read our full Judge Vista frying pan review.

Samuel Groves Tri-Ply frying pan

Best non-stick frying pan to splurge on

Pros:

• Fantastic non-stick coating
• Well balanced
• 'Pan for life' non-stick refurbishment scheme

Cons:

• Not dishwasher-safe

Star rating: 4.5/5

This professional looking frying pan is beautifully designed and is intended to last a lifetime. It’s available for an expensive upfront cost, but we believe it’s worth the investment.

This Samuel Groves pan is perfectly balanced. Although it’s thin, it's reassuringly weighty and sits comfortably on the hob. It’s also oven-safe up to 260C – extra points for versatility.

Cooking with it is a joy. Both our omelette and American pancakes were evenly browned and easy to remove from the pan.

Read our full Samuel Groves Tri-Ply frying pan review.

Circulon Steel Shield C-Series frying pan

Best versatile non-stick frying pan

Pros:

• Unique non-stick design
• Comfortable stay-cool handle
• Metal utensil safe

Cons:

• Some sticking
• Some may not like the design

Star rating: 4.5/5

Designed to cook like steel and clean like non-stick, this frying pan is ideal for searing meat and veggies. It’s notable for its design, featuring a series of ridged circles inside the pan. For ease and versatility, its dishwasher-safe and ovenproof up to 260C.

We loved the slim ergonomic handle; it’s comfortable and doesn’t get too hot in use. Although this pan cooked very well, we noticed that the circular pattern imprinted onto our American pancakes and omelette. This didn’t affect the flavour, but may be off putting for some.

Read our full Circulon Steel Shield C-Series frying pan review.

KitchenAid Classic frying pan

Best frying pan for stay-cool handles

Pros:

• Comfortable handle
• Able to tighten handle
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Can't go in the oven to high temps
• Browning a little uneven

Star rating: 4.5/5

This design of this simple-looking non-stick frying pan from KitchenAid seems a departure from their usually brightly coloured kitchen appliances, but on closer inspection it’s clear to see this pan has a high-quality finish.

It features an impressive non-stick coating that neither our omelette or American pancakes stuck to. Both foods cooked very well, though we did notice some distinct cool spots on the pancakes. This frying pan is also dishwasher-safe, but only ovenproof to 160C.

Read our full KitchenAid Classic frying pan review.

How to choose the best non-stick frying pan

Whether you’re cooking up an indulgent pan-fried rib eye steak or a showstopping dish, like Barney Desmazery’s pan-fried scallops with parsnip purée & pancetta crumbs, a good frying pan can help you to achieve an intense sear and flavoursome crust. You can also use your frying pan as a mould and serving dish, like Anna Glover did for this frying pan filo tart.

A generously sized frying pan is a great way to reheat leftovers quickly. Take any leftover pasta sauce, like our pasta arrabbiata with aubergine, heat it through, then add your pasta, tossing the two together.

What’s the best material for a non-stick frying pan?

Choosing the right pan can be a bit of a minefield. To start with, you need to pick what materials you want your pan to be made of. All of the frying pans we’ve tested are made from aluminium or stainless steel.

Aluminium
Pros: lightweight, budget-friendly, good heat conductivity
Cons: can warp, scratches easily, can react to acidic food

Stainless steel
Pros: durable, produces weighty pans, does not react to any type of food
Cons: some cheap pans can transfer heat poorly and unevenly

What to look out for when choosing a non-stick frying pan?

• Suitable for all hobs/your hob
• Oven-proof to a high temperature
• Easy to clean or dishwasher-safe
• Comfortable handle that’s a good length and stays cool

How to care for a non-stick frying pan

If you want to maximise the lifespan of your new frying pan, a little care goes a long way. Here are a few steps to follow to ensure your frying pan stays in top-notch condition:

• Use the right utensils: Metal utensils with sharp edges can scratch the non-stick coating, so try to use to softer tools, like silicone spatulas or wooden spoons. Check the manufacturers' guidelines for specific recommendations, too.
• Wash with care: While some non-stick frying pans claim to be dishwasher-safe, most dishwashers use very hot water and powerful detergents that may slowly damage the coating. So, wash by hand if you can.
• Avoid high heat: High temperatures can also impact the effectiveness of a non-stick coating, so stick to low or medium heat levels when cooking with your frying pan.
• Store your pan carefully: To avoid scratching the non-stick coating, put a protective layer (like a pan protector) between non-stick pans when stacking or nesting them in a cupboard.

How we tested non-stick frying pans

How we test frying pans

Supreme temperature control

The ability to accurately adjust the temperature with subtle precision, even after cooking over high heat, will provide you with the greatest overall control, transforming your everyday cooking. It’ll mean that you can save food that you forgot about for a moment, cook every type of egg dish imaginable with precision, or perfectly simmer a midweek risotto or pasta sauce.

Design with cooking in mind

A large surface area for cooking with elegantly curved sides that are neither too shallow or too tall, alongside a balance between weight and size, and a comfortable, stay-cool ergonomic handle, are ideal. This will let you toss food – often the best way to mix ingredients – with ease.

Sustainability

We look at the packaging the frying pan comes with and whether it's recyclable or not. We also look at what the frying pan is made from and the length of the warranty.

Reliable, eco-friendly non-stick

An effortlessly slick non-stick coating with just a touch of grip will prevent spread when cooking pancakes or frying eggs. Look for scratch-resistant non-stick (often with a specific warranty for the coating) that’ll hold up to long-term wear and tear. Further, to avoid any health issues or chemical aftertaste, look for eco-friendly materials, particularly ones that are PFOA-free.

Recipe results

We cooked BBC Good Food’s basic omelette in each pan, making a note of how long the pan took to pre-heat. We then monitored how quickly the eggs cooked, how easy it was to lower and control the temperature, as well as checking how effective the non-stick was. Once cooked, we tasted each batch to check how evenly the eggs cooked, whether they held well – i.e. didn’t overcook when left to sit in the pan – and if the pan added any chemical notes to the flavour.

Finally, we made a batch of American pancakes, this allowed us to check how evenly the pan heated up, how efficiently it transferred to the food and whether the non-stick had the necessary subtle grip. For example, did the pancakes spread too much initially or were they nicely puffed? Was the surface of the pancakes evenly browned, or was it patchy?

After extensive testing, we also rated the pans on how easy they were to clean.

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Non-stick frying pan recipes

Frying pan filo tart
Pan-fried salmon
Pan-fried rib-eye steak
Pan-fried sprouts and crunchy chorizo crumbs
Pan-fried potato gnocchi
Paneer and chickpea fry
Pan-fried sea bass with ratatouille and basil
One-pan egg and veg brunch