Best non-stick frying pan 2020: for easy frying and flipping

Every kitchen needs the best non-stick frying pan. Beginners might find it aids their frying and flipping, but even experienced chefs need the ease of non-stick. A non-stick coating makes a frying pan a joy to use (no matter what you're frying). With no messy scrubbing needed afterwards – this would ruin the coating anyway – a great non-stick pan is a must-have when it comes to cooking steak, eggs, tofu, vegetables and the likes.

Our list rounds up the best non-stick frying pans for all budgets and levels of cooking expertise – whether you’re working in a top restaurant or just working on your patented technique for flipping pancakes...

See our product recommendations below, then head to our kitchen hub page for heaps of advice.

Best non-stick frying pan

The Tefal Expertise Frying Pan is our top pick: it's durable, reliable, has an oven-safe handle and a handy feature to tell you when the pan's hot. 

Practicality

This non stick frying pan’s ‘Titanium Excellence’ coating offers ultimate toughness and longevity, and gets extra bonus points from Tefal’s lifetime guarantee (with the proper care, of course). The Bakelite handle is comfortable, secure and oven-safe – perfect if you're doing multi-stage recipes in one pan. Most ingenious of all, the distinctive ‘Thermospot’ in the centre of the pan changes colour when the frying surface is up to temperature. Clever.

What we don't like

It's chunky, so on the heavy side – but lighter than many of our picks.

As you’d expect from the Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Shallow frying pan, the quality is tangible, and it has the functionality to back it up, too, giving it our second spot in the frying stakes. 

Practicality

Its stainless steel handle both stays and looks cool, and is riveted for strength, meaning fuss-free transfers from pan to plate. The hard-anodised stainless steel pan body is incredibly tough, and is durable enough to be used on any heat source, including induction hobs and in ovens, giving it some real lasting power.

What we're not keen on

Like other Le Creuset pans, it's heavy.

Unsure about the efficacy of an eco-friendly pan? This GreenPan is a great all-rounder, so there’s no need to worry about sacrificing usability for recyclability. 

Practicality

Its hard-anodised base is suitable for all stovetops, including induction hobs. Its big selling point, though, is its Thermolon coating: a sand-derived non-stick layer that skips the lead, cadmium and other controversial chemicals in its manufacturing process, a bonus for eco-conscious cooks. It also has a wipe-clean finish both inside and out, making cleaning up a cinch.

What we're not keen on

It's a heavy pan, weighing 1.3kg. So probably not the best option for those who are elderly or struggle to lift things.

A clever combo of steel and aluminium means that the Scanpan feels impressively heavy duty, but light enough to handle easily and walk the walk when it comes to quick and even heating. 

Practicality

Its special ‘stay cool’ stainless steel handle won’t burn the hands of forgetful cooks, while its GreenTek coating, free from troublesome chemical, allows the use of any utensil, including the normally-outlawed metal (although we still recommend exercising caution).

What we're not keen on

It's the most expensive pan on our list.

This colourful pan immediately puts paid to the idea that shopping for pots and pans is a monotonous (and monochrome) experience. 

Practicality

Bringing a touch of glorious Technicolor to your kitchen cupboard is the Green Earth Frying Pan, whose green credentials aren’t just on the outside. Like the GreenPan, it’s free from nasties like PTFE, plumping instead for patented GREBLON technology. Plus, its high-quality anodised aluminium construction reduces risk of hot spots, and its magnetised bottom ensures quick heat transfer on induction stoves.

What we don't like

Some reviewers report that the non-stick coating isn't the most durable. 

The Tower Cerasure Colour Change Fry Pan has its colour-changing capabilities in common with the Tefal Expertise, making it perfect for home cooks still honing their stovetop skills. 

Practicality

This takes all the guesswork (well, almost all of it) out of hob-top cooking, including on induction hobs, with the non-stick lining changing colour as soon as it’s up to temperature and ready to go. The choice of three pan sizes is also a plus: hungry students will find the smaller size a versatile addition to their arsenal, while the 28cm model is perfect for one-pan family dishes.

What we're not keen on

Since the colour of the pan is white, it makes it very easy to stain and discolour. Some reviewers have also noted that while the pan itself is good for frying, the non-stick coating does deteriorate over time  – it's to be expected.

How to buy the best non stick frying pan

The right material make up = durability + low fat intake + easy cleaning

The best non stick frying pans have a robust construction (usually aluminium or stainless steel) topped with a durable coating (ceramic or Tefal). The benefits are manyfold: durability has obvious benefits; non stick efficiency means that those of us looking to limit our intake of fats and oils can do so, and cleaning will be easier, too.

Size

Family stir-fry-sized or egg omelette for one?

How comfortable to use?

Of course the handle needs to be heat-safe and comfortable, but you'll also want to check how heavy the pan is. If mobility is an issue, heavier pans will be awkward to use.

Toxicity

This is niche, but those with a growing nervousness about the number of chemicals given off by cookware will happy to see eco-friendly, toxin-free options below.

What is the best non-stick frying pan?

To recap, the best non-stick frying pan you can buy is Tefal Expertise Frying Pan. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, has a handy thermospot for help with checking the heat AND it comes in a huge range of sizes. It is well priced too, so you won't break the bank to get cooking enjoyment.

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