Preparation
If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of mangling a stuck egg in a frying pan, or a pancake that simply refuses to flip, you’ll know that a nonstick pan is a must. While you can’t use metal utensils with most nonstick pans (since they’ll scratch up the nonstick coating), taking care when cooking with and cleaning your nonstick pan will ensure it lasts for years.
When shopping for a nonstick pan, Ann Ziata, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, recommends looking for high-quality materials. “Look for a pan that has a thick base and is safe to use in the oven,” she says. Ziata recommends an 8-inch skillet if you’re cooking for one to two people, and a 10-inch one if you’re cooking for two to four.
Nonstick pans are ideal for cooking delicate foods without the need for excess oil or butter. Ziata uses them to cook eggs, pancakes, tofu, and delicate fish like flounder. “I also love my nonstick for cooking anything with melted cheese like a quesadilla,” she says.
The Best Nonstick Pans for 2022
Our Place Always PanAll-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Nonstick Fry PanOXO Good Grips Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Inch SkilletHexClad 8-Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Frying PanBlue Martha Stewart 10-Piece Aluminum Nonstick Cookware SetKuhn Rikon Recycled Aluminum Induction PanGreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet
