People around the world regularly use non-stick pots and pans for cooking. The non-stick coating is ideal for delicate cooking such as flipping pancakes, flipping sausages and cooking eggs. While it may be convenient and easy, Teflon is associated with things that can harm your health.
Our goal was to list the best Teflon-free non-stick pans that are affordable, safe, and can be used for more than just frying eggs. Based on our research, we decided that the non-teflon GreenPan LearnSmart Stick Pan was the best option on the market due to its overall texture and heat resistance.
- Oven and broiler safe to 600°F
- Durable stainless steel handles allow easy transitions from stovetop to oven
- Suitable for all stovetops except induction
- Works on all stovetops
- Oven Safe for Versatility in the Kitchen
- Dual layer nonstick for easy food release, and quick cleanup
- Durable hard anodized aluminum construction
- Cast stay cool stainless steel long handle
- Dishwasher safe, but most messes wipe away
- Rivetless interior to prevent snags and food buildup
- Oven safe to 350°F
- For all stovetops except induction
1. SearSmart Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Pan:
- Works on all stovetops
- Has a textured surface
- Lightweight
- Has good heat retention
- Not compatible with induction
- Not dishwasher or oven safe
For more information and other options to suit your preferences, check out this buying guide, created to give you more information about Teflon and other non-stick coatings so you can choose your next pan wisely.
2. Best of all: non-stick GreenPan Sear Smart Teflon pans
SearSmart Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Pan:
- Works on all stovetops
- Has a textured surface
- Lightweight
- Has good heat retention
- Not compatible with induction
- Not dishwasher or oven safe
When you combine the simplicity of a non-stick coating with the aromatic texture of cast iron, you get GreenPan’s revolutionary non-stick Sear Smart Non-Teflon pan.
Above each aluminum base are several layers of textured Thermolon embedded with thousands of diamond pieces. That’s why this coating effectively dissipates heat like Valencia Pro. But because there are more layers, it lasts up to three times longer.
In addition, this model has a Full Efficiency housing, a special design that fits the flat surface of a 12-inch pot into a 10-inch pot. Therefore, you can save space by packing more food into a smaller pan. What really takes the crown, however, is the patterned surface of the pan. This gives meat, vegetables and eggs a crispier texture and better taste.
The peaks and valleys of the textured surface help release food during cleaning. As a result, cleaning takes even less time. Two sizes are available: one 8-inch and one 10-inch, ranging in depth from 1 ¾ to 2.5 inches.
The steel riveted handles of both weigh 1.4-2.3 kilograms and protect against burns. Many consumers agree that SearSmart outperforms its competitors in terms of durability and non-stick coating. In addition, GreenPan offers a limited lifetime warranty against damage.
3. Best value for money: the Calphalon Classic non-stick pan is made of hard-anodized aluminum
Calphalon Classic Aluminum Hard Anodized Oven Safe Nonstick 2 Piece Frying Pan Set:
- Large cooking area
- Bdget-friendly
- Easy to clean
- Double set
- The handle does not get hot
- Not good for easy pouring
This classic Calphalon pan has a German ceramic non-stick coating on the inside. It consists of two non-stick PFOA-free coatings bonded to aluminum, which provides excellent conductivity. The non-stick, Teflon-free pan is sturdy thanks to its construction and can be easily used to prepare meals every day.
The absence of PFOA, PTFE and other dangerous chemicals makes the coating safe and healthy to use in the kitchen. The hard anodized aluminum of these pans ensures that the heat is evenly distributed and the food cooks faster.
The sides and bottom of the Great Jones pan conduct heat evenly. In other words, you don’t have to constantly move the burgers to brown evenly or stir the sauce to keep it from burning where the bottom meets the edges. The handles are made long, so they stay cool on the hob.
The pan’s 450 degree Fahrenheit limit is great for both the planet and you, as its surface offers a wide area for cooking several things at once. Plus, it’s also available as a set of two pans (8-inch and 10-inch) for the low price of one pan.
4. The best light weight: GreenLife Soft Grip ceramic non-stick cookware set
GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet Set:
- Lightweight aluminum
- Dishwasher safe
- Stays cool
- Oven-friendly
- Takes a long time to heat up
It’s no surprise that the GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick Open Pan is a favorite choice in many homes and has been labeled “Amazon’s Choice” along with our top pick. This non-stick aluminum pan is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. The device reacts to heat, is light and adjustable.
Aluminum can react with some foods, which is a problem, but this pan has both an inner and outer lid, so it’s safe to use for almost any meal. It’s easy to match your style, as you can choose from several exterior trim colors, such as turquoise, blue, burgundy, lavender, pink or red.
The creamy white non-stick coating on this pan does its job very well. Thermolon is a ceramic non-stick coating that can be used in place of the dangerous Teflon. Unlike old non-stick pans, this one won’t stain or scratch over time, making it long-lasting.
The handle is Bakelite and is rubber coated for a secure grip to keep it cool even in the flame. Even better, as long as the oven temperature is below 350°F, this pan can be used for cooking. The pan is also machine washable, so it’s easy to clean after every meal.
Overall, this Teflon-free pan strikes a good balance between usability and price, making it a great buy for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a non-stick pan.
5. Ideal for grilling: Abbio pan with non-stick coating
Abbio Small Nonstick Skillet, Induction Ready Frying Pan with Scratch Resistant Non-Stick Coating:
- Durable, easy to clean
- More room to cook
- Versatile
- Preferable to only be used with rubber or silicone utensils
Stainless steel covers the aluminum core of this elegant Teflon-free non-stick pan. This makes the pan extremely durable and heat-resistant. In addition, the food cooks evenly without creating hot spots. The Abbio pan also lasts a long time.
The sturdy design of the hob with non-stick coating makes it sturdy and scratch-resistant for use in normal cooking. Cleaning is easy. So you don’t have to put it in the dishwasher. Thanks to the 8-inch cooking surface of the pan, you have enough meat for your family on the weekend.
In addition, the pan is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used with induction cooktops. This non-stick pan is a great investment in longevity and durability.
6. Ideal for camping: Green Life Healthy ceramic non-stick pan
GreenLife Soft Grip Diamond Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet:
The Healthy Ceramic Non-Stick Pan, another Green Life product, is available in three sizes: 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. The frame is made of ceramic reinforced aluminum, made without the use of lead, cadmium or PFOA/PFAS.
This ensures that even if the pan overheats during cooking, no dangerous odors are released. The product can be used in an oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to cook foods such as braising slow and slow cooked. This makes it a great camping equipment.
This pan is also compatible with all types of cookers, including electric, halogen and ceramic. Try cooking over medium heat with a few drops of butter or smokeless oil and only use the pan with wooden or nylon pans to ensure a long shelf life.
The diamond-enhanced technology is notable as it improves non-stick coating and speeds up reheating, which is great for cooking meats. It also makes things more sustainable. For best cooking results, the make-up base distributes heat evenly and is durable.
With the soft, cold handle you can easily turn objects and serve ready meals without worrying about them burning. All in all, this 10-inch pan is a versatile must-have for any kitchen and camping trip that can be used for frying, roasting, baking and frying, and is reasonably priced too.
What to look out for before buying a Teflon-free pan
Finding the perfect Teflon-free non-stick pan is not easy and there are many things to look for when looking for a pan.
1. Security Terms
Cooking is a very risky job and there is a high chance of getting injured if you are not careful enough. Safe utensils are essential, so the first thing to consider is that the non-stick pan you use is safe. Remember to check the pan material, coating and handle durability.
Make sure the surface of the pan is not made of PFOA (polytetrafluoroethylene), a material commonly used in the past to make non-stick Teflon pans, but has been shown to cause cancer in humans and is known to it causes cancer of the testicles or kidneys.
2. Material:
In addition to taking care of the Teflon, you also have to make sure that the pan is made of the right material. Non-stick cookware is usually made of aluminum or three-layer stainless steel.
They both have their pros and cons. Aluminum heats up quickly, but the heat does not spread evenly.
If you’re buying a non-stick pan, it’s best to buy one with at least 5 layers of metal coating. The number of layers is enough to distribute the heat evenly and give you a better cooking experience.
Make sure the pan is suitable for induction if you cook on your induction stove. This can be checked by using a magnet and attaching it to the base. If this does not happen, the pan is suitable for induction.
3. Durability
Pan durability is an important factor when looking for new cookware because you want a non-stick pan to last longer. Most people have the option of buying a Teflon pan or a ceramic pan. The latter is the safest option, but it is a sensitive potting material.
Therefore, it is best to use the brand name or the manufacturing process. Although after 2013, all Teflon pans were considered safe to use and PFOA-free, if you still don’t want to take the risk, you can choose sturdy but non-stick materials.
4. Use
Last but not least, your pan must be fit for purpose. Remember that the material it is made of will suit your lifestyle. Choose an oven-safe pan that is easy to clean and has at least a one-year warranty. Try to find a pan that also distributes the heat evenly.
Other things like size also matter if you use the pan every day. In many recipes, it is better to take the bigger one.
5. Price:
Since you are going to use your pan for a long time, it is a fact that you are investing in a new pan and you are getting good value for money. You should look for a brand that is both affordable and offers you the best surface for cooking. A good non-stick pan can be found anywhere from $25 to $35.
You should also watch out for cheap pans that are low quality, cheap and poorly painted. Such pans can lead to uneven heat distribution and a shorter service life.
How to care for the pan
When you’ve finally found the perfect non-stick pan for you, you want it to last. Although pans are fragile, proper care can extend their life. Below are a few ways you can maintain the properties of your non-stick pan.
Use non-stick dishes suitable for the pan
You don’t need to replace all cookware right away, but if you want to do everything possible, buying cookware that is compatible with non-stick pans is a good investment. Metals such as stainless steel, which are always around us, tend to be rough around the edges and can damage the pan.
Try to use utensils made of wood, heat-resistant plastic or silicone that are not rough around the edges to avoid scratching the surface of the pan. Even a small tear can cause food to stick and eventually all the layers start to come off. Therefore, using suitable kitchen utensils is a very effective way to take care of your kitchen utensils.
Grease the pan regularly before use
To prevent food from sticking, you can also grease the container before each use. You can do this by taking oil, margarine or butter and spread it on the surface before cooking. Never use cooking oil sprays as they may contain additives that will ruin the non-stick surface.
Keep the heat low to moderate
Remember to always keep the stove on a low or moderate level when cooking with a non-stick pan. The backing layer is not built to absorb a lot of heat and can peel or peel.
Some non-stick ceramic coated pans can absorb some heat, but high flame is generally detrimental to non-stick pans.
Keep it away from drastic temperature changes
Heat is big in non-stick pans when cooking, but you should also try to avoid sudden and drastic changes in the temperature of the dishes. Do not take the heated pan directly from the stove or place it directly under water or submerged to cool.
These sudden changes can damage the coating and even change the pan.
Always wash dishes by hand
This is a fact, but always wash the non-stick pan by hand. Scrubbing with dishwashing detergent can scratch or flake, so try to wash the dishes carefully by hand. You can also use a light kitchen towel for the same purpose, but never try to use items like steel wool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all non-stick pans have Teflon?
Yes, most non-stick pans have a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, more commonly known as Teflon. However, there are also other options, such as non-stick pans with a ceramic coating.
Does stainless steel cookware have Teflon?
Teflon can be used on stainless steel, but not all stainless steel cookware has a Teflon coating. In general, stainless steel is non-stick and cooked food tends to stick to the surface.
Can I use the non-stick cooking spray on non-stick pans?
Non-stick cooking sprays are an easy solution for pan coatings, but using them on non-stick pans should be avoided as the heat can cause the coating to peel off.
How do I know if my non-stick pan is Teflon?
Non-stick pans usually have a label stating what material they are made of. So the easiest way to know if a pan contains Teflon is to simply check the packaging and labels.
Final Thoughts
When looking for durable and affordable kitchenware for the home, it’s best to choose a brand that can offer you a variety of choices, materials, prices and promises. So we hope this buying guide will be helpful in giving you an idea of the best options available.
