The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
Which non-stick frying pan is best for sizzling good value? Our experts put a range to the test
Some non-stick pans can be bunged in the oven for next-level cooking versatility
Every kitchen needs a reliable non-stick frying pan, but swerving metal utensils during cooking can be annoying. Luckily, Ninja has delivered a non-stick pan that not only doesn’t need any oil to cook, but is also strong enough to withstand any utensil.
Proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a pan that does the job right, this Progress pan can be used on induction hobs, is safe for metal utensils and yet somehow costs less than £20. Though it can’t be used in the oven, we really liked its soft touch, non-slip handle and, while pleasingly weighty, is not too heavy to move around the kitchen comfortably. Call us shallow but we were also partial to the slight glitter effect on the non-stick coating too.
Buy a decent frying pan and it will last for years, making it more sustainable than many household products. But choose this Kuhn Rikon pan and you can feel even better about your cookware. It’s made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium sourced from Europe and is produced in Switzerland with up to 95 per cent less energy than traditional aluminium pans.
Cast iron pans might cook beautifully and last a lifetime but they are seriously heavy. If you want all the benefits without needing two hands to cook, try this pan made of toughened carbon steel. Like cast iron, it’s built to last with a lifetime guarantee, is rustproof and has a naturally non-stick surface that is harder than stainless steel and will improve with time.
Non-stick pans are great for whipping up a quick fry-up, but serious cooking needs a pan that means business. This one will impress anyone that comes into your kitchen. It looks as good as a frying pan can, made of shiny uncoated three-ply stainless steel with the Le Creuset name imprinted on the helper handle.
Chefs may love stainless steel pans but, let’s be honest, they weigh a ton. If you have wrist or shoulder issues or simply don’t feel like tackling a weight-lifting session every time you cook dinner, this forged aluminium pan is a dream.
If you prefer to buy products that last, the good news is this pan will likely outlive you. Samuel Groves has been making quality cookware since 1817 and this hand-cast pan is made from 70 per cent recycled material in Birmingham. It arrives fully seasoned and ready to use and will work anywhere – even on the barbecue or an open fire. Over time, it should develop a natural patina, which will make the pan virtually non-stick without any chemicals too.
This frying pan from ProCook is definitely a cut above your average non-stick. Featuring 3mm tri-ply construction and an aluminium core to maximise heat distribution, it can be used almost everywhere, including on induction, ceramic and gas hobs and even in the oven up to a scorching 260C. It’s extremely sturdy, so can withstand almost anything you can throw at it, and is even safe to use with metal utensils.
Frying pans are among the hardest working items in the kitchen. They can be used for just about anything, from perfectly seared salmon to a humble batch of pancakes. If you purchase the right one, you’ll continue to use it time and again.
Some pans are aimed at specific types of foods or cooking methods but, essentially, there are three different types of frying pans: non-stick, cast iron and stainless stee.
Cast iron pans will last you a lifetime and are almost impossible to damage but are extremely heavy to use. Meanwhile, stainless steel options are popular with chefs but amateur cooks may struggle to stop food sticking to them. Non-stick pans, however, are the most common and the easiest to cook with – and clean afterwards.
Should you be drawn to the latter type, bear in mind that metal utensils are traditionally a no-go with non-stick pans. Some with tougher coatings do now promise to withstand any utensil so be sure to choose one that does, though we’d still recommend proceeding with caution. It can also be a good idea to avoid putting the pan in the dishwasher even if it says you can, as this can wear away the non-stick coating.
A decent frying pan should have a flat base and a hard-wearing surface, and beware of very cheap options, which will have a thin surface that will quickly wear away and need replacing. You’ll also want to consider the size of the pan you buy, too, with most coming in a range of sizes between 20cm and 30cm.
Finally, make sure the frying pan you choose will suit your hob. If you have an induction hob, it must specify it can be used on one or it won’t work at all. You might also prefer to choose a pan that can be put in the oven, under the grill or even on the barbecue for maximum versatility.
We used all these pans in our kitchen to find the one we’d turn to for every meal. For each one, we cooked a variety of dishes, including steak, pancakes and, of course, the quintessential fry-up. We judged how evenly each pan cooked our food, how well any non-stick surfaces were cleaned and how good the food tasted at the end. We also considered how heavy the pan was, how much oil we needed to use when cooking with it and how easy it was to clean afterwards, to determine which one was truly the perfect pan.
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Every kitchen needs a reliable non-stick frying pan, but swerving metal utensils during cooking can be annoying. Luckily, Ninja has delivered a non-stick pan that not only doesn’t need any oil to cook, but is also strong enough to withstand any utensil.
The brand’s zerostick coating is precision engineered at 17,000C to fuse plasma ceramic particles to the surface of the pan, creating a textured cooking surface that is scratch-resistant, lead- and cadmium-free and dishwasher-safe. We haven’t really got a clue how it works, but we’re seriously impressed.
Cooking results are nothing short of outstanding. The pan delivers a perfectly even heat, so everything cooks at the same time, and we ditched the oil completely when making some dishes, yet food never stuck to the bottom or burned. Our steak was beautifully seared, while the pan’s high sides make it perfect for chilli or risotto, however, it is a little deep for pancakes. It’s also heavier than the average non-stick pan, so anyone who struggles with mobility may find it too hefty, but the smooth metal handle is a delight to use otherwise. We reckon it’s a genuine frying phenomenon.
Proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a pan that does the job right, this Progress pan can be used on induction hobs, is safe for metal utensils and yet somehow costs less than £20. Though it can’t be used in the oven, we really liked its soft touch, non-slip handle and, while pleasingly weighty, is not too heavy to move around the kitchen comfortably. Call us shallow but we were also partial to the slight glitter effect on the non-stick coating too.
Forged aluminium means this pan is durable and heats nice and evenly. Our pancake cooked perfectly but was also easy to toss, thanks to the fantastic non-stick surface. Yet the pan is also deep enough to cope with curries and stir-fries without spilling over the side. Really, it’s everything you could want in a pan, at a great price.
Buy a decent frying pan and it will last for years, making it more sustainable than many household products. But choose this Kuhn Rikon pan and you can feel even better about your cookware. It’s made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium sourced from Europe and is produced in Switzerland with up to 95 per cent less energy than traditional aluminium pans.
Like some of the most expensive frying pans we tested, the non-stick coating is slightly textured as it’s reinforced with ceramic particles. We did need to use a little more oil than with some other non-stick pans but it retained heat so well, we also found that we could cook on a lower temperature than normal. This meant we were saving energy, and makes this pan ideal for slower cooking and simmering rather than sautéing. Perfect for cooking with a clean conscience.
Cast iron pans might cook beautifully and last a lifetime but they are seriously heavy. If you want all the benefits without needing two hands to cook, try this pan made of toughened carbon steel. Like cast iron, it’s built to last with a lifetime guarantee, is rustproof and has a naturally non-stick surface that is harder than stainless steel and will improve with time.
The surface is also chemical- and toxin-free and won’t flake or peel. It’s silky smooth inside too, so a fried egg will just slide onto the plate – ideal for a fry-up for one. We also used it to chargrill vegetables and the high temperatures this pan can reach meant they turned out beautifully. Just remember you must season it before use.
Non-stick pans are great for whipping up a quick fry-up, but serious cooking needs a pan that means business. This one will impress anyone that comes into your kitchen. It looks as good as a frying pan can, made of shiny uncoated three-ply stainless steel with the Le Creuset name imprinted on the helper handle.
Given how heavy the same brand’s casserole pots are, we expected this pan to be extra weighty too but it was surprisingly manageable, while the smooth stainless-steel handle is a joy to use too. Without a non-stick coating, we did find food stuck a little when we first used it, and we definitely ended up using a little more oil than we would have preferred, but there’s also no chance it will warp or scratch. Still, this is a lovely looking pan that feels like a real treat to use.
Chefs may love stainless steel pans but, let’s be honest, they weigh a ton. If you have wrist or shoulder issues or simply don’t feel like tackling a weight-lifting session every time you cook dinner, this forged aluminium pan is a dream.
Made by the UK’s oldest housewares brand, it’s blissfully light and easy to manoeuvre, with a soft touch TPR bakelite handle that’s suitable for all hobs – but not the oven. The megastone non-stick coating is excellent too – we cooked an entire fry-up without using any oil at all, while we only added a drop to cook chicken breasts and salmon fillets.
Amazingly, for this price, it’s even suitable for metal utensils, though it will probably last longer if you give them a miss. It’s worth being a little more careful when using induction hobs, too, as these get to very high temperatures very quickly, which can eventually damage the mesh metal base commonly used on more reasonably priced pans like this.
If you prefer to buy products that last, the good news is this pan will likely outlive you. Samuel Groves has been making quality cookware since 1817 and this hand-cast pan is made from 70 per cent recycled material in Birmingham. It arrives fully seasoned and ready to use and will work anywhere – even on the barbecue or an open fire. Over time, it should develop a natural patina, which will make the pan virtually non-stick without any chemicals too.
We expected this pan to be a whizz at searing steaks – and they certainly were among the best we’ve ever eaten. However, we were also pleasantly surprised to find it worked for other food, including top-notch bacon and even sliced halloumi. Obviously, it’s no good at cooking an omelette but this pan is sure to delight any true chef who will be desperate to try it out. Just a word of warning: as you’d expect, it’s exceptionally heavy and we couldn’t actually lift it using just one hand, so it might not suit everyone.
This frying pan from ProCook is definitely a cut above your average non-stick. Featuring 3mm tri-ply construction and an aluminium core to maximise heat distribution, it can be used almost everywhere, including on induction, ceramic and gas hobs and even in the oven up to a scorching 260C. It’s extremely sturdy, so can withstand almost anything you can throw at it, and is even safe to use with metal utensils.
Heat distribution is truly excellent and it sauteed vegetables perfectly without leaving raw ones on the edge. Salmon also cooked a treat and in no time, while everything just slid straight onto the plate from the pan’s remarkable non-stick surface. We especially love the fact the base is solid stainless steel too, so won’t warp with use, particularly on the high heat delivered by an induction hob. Our only complaint is that we found the 30cm pan we tested quite heavy which, while lovely to cook with, does mean tossing pancakes in this pan is a complete no-go.
Not all non-stick frying pans are made equal, so, before you commit to buying one, check to see if it's safe to put in a dishwasher.
If it’s not, you’ll need to hand wash it to keep it clean, using mild soap with a brush or sponge and warm water to gently clean the surface.
Avoid using scouring pads, as they can scratch and remove the non-stick coating, rendering the pan useless. Harsh detergent and water that’s boiling can cause the coating to deteriorate, too.
The non-stick coating of your pan may, well, stick for numerous reasons, including the use of high heat and aerosol cooking sprays, which can cause food build-up and damage. You can preserve the non-stick coating by using medium heat to cook, using olive oil, peanut oil or other non-aerosol oils to cook, as well as using warm soapy water after every use, so food residue won’t build up.
Generally, non-stick cookware has been coated with a material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon. First made in the 1930s, Teflon provides a non-stick, nonreactive, low-friction surface, making it easy to use and easy to clean. Teflon, back then, was made with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has since been linked with types of cancer and health concerns. However, today, all Teflon products are PFOA-free, so it’s fine to get cooking.
We were really impressed with the high quality of all these frying pans and all would be a valuable addition to any kitchen. However, if you’re looking for a non-stick pan that will last, needs little to no oil when cooking and can even be used in the oven, you won’t be disappointed by the Ninja zerostick stainless steel 30cm frying pan. The Kuhn Rikon new life pro frying pan is also a great buy for anyone keen to shop sustainably and still use a pan that will deliver top-notch results.
Complete your cooking arsenal with the best induction pans and saucepan sets
Or if you would prefer:
Want an ad-free experience?
View offersHi {{indy.fullName}}