How to choose the best non-stick frying pan
Here’s what you need to consider before making your decision:
Size: Frying pans come in various sizes, usually 20cm, 24cm, 28cm and 30 cm. If you cook for a large family, the bigger, the better. However, if you only need a pan to fry the occasional egg, there’s little point investing money and cupboard space in a large pan.
Material: Frying pans can be made from cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium, anodised aluminium, copper and carbon steel. Each material has its pros and cons. Cast iron is heavy and needs seasoning to be non-stick but will last you a lifetime, whereas aluminium is lightweight, works well with a Teflon or ceramic coating and can be used on an induction hob.
Coated or not: A non-stick coating means your pan will be easy to use from day one but needs care to maintain its effectiveness. It will also need replacing after a few years of continuous use. A non-coated cast iron pan needs ‘seasoning’ (coated with a light layer of oil after every use), but it is easy to look after and will last forever.
Weight: A heavy pan full of bacon and sausages can be challenging to handle, especially if you have mobility or joint issues. Check the weight of your potential purchase and note that aluminium and stainless steel are lighter than cast iron and anodised materials.
Handle: An ergonomically shaped handle that doesn’t conduct heat is ideal. The handle must be ovenproof if you intend to finish off dishes in the oven.
Budget: A frying pan with a high-tech non-stick coating can be well over £100. If you’re on a budget, look at cast iron frying pan sets as they are much cheaper. They may take a while to build up a natural non-stick coating, but they will last for many years.
Guarantee: Many manufacturers offer extended warranties. However, these will depend on you following the care instructions to the letter. If you have put your pan in the dishwasher or used metal utensils, the guarantee will be null and void.
What’s the best material for a frying pan?
The best frying pan material depends on what you plan to use it for. Stainless steel pans are robust and lightweight; cast iron holds heat beautifully and lasts for years. However, it takes time to develop a non-stick surface, and a frying pan with a ceramic coating can be used at super-high temperatures without damage.
How do you maintain non-stick coating on a pan?
“Don't use washing up liquid or abrasive sponges/wire wool (looking at you ex) or metal utensils in the pans. I put some water in the base of the pan, let it simmer to soften any burned bits and wipe it clean with a cloth or kitchen roll.” - Advice from Mumsnet user Sparklfairy
The non-stick coating on a frying pan needs to be treated with care; otherwise, it will degrade quickly. Some non-stick frying pans can be washed in the dishwasher; this would be disastrous for some, so check the instructions very carefully. If you're unsure, always opt to hand wash with a gentle detergent and soft sponge; it's better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're dealing with a pan that can cost over £100!
Cooking with the correct utensils is also essential to how long the non-stick coating will last. Wooden or silicone spoons and spatulas won’t scratch your pan like metal cooking tools will. Once the non-stick coating starts to flake and become patchy, your food will begin to stick, so it’s essential you take proper care of your new pan.
Is it safe to use non-stick cookware?
For decades, non-stick cookware had a Teflon coating (polytetrafluoroethylene - PTFE). This coating was made with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) a chemical that has been linked to health problems. Modern Teflon is now PFOA-free and it is safe to use, though you do have to stick to usage guidelines.
That said, some people don’t like the idea of Teflon at all, as it can be damaged when it is exposed to high temperatures (above 260˚C). Because of this, many people prefer ceramic-based non-stick technology such as Green Pan as it is safe to use on very high heat. If you are using Teflon pans and trays, you can see the safety information from the brand here.
How we chose the best non-stick frying pans
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Mumsnet users love cooking for their families and friends and have lots of opinions on the best tools for the job. So, the first stop on our journey to find the best frying pans was the Mumsnet user forums.
We sought out their trusted opinions and recommendations. It was vital for us to know what they rated and used in their own homes. We also took note of the products they felt could have been better value, were poorly made and were ineffective.
Expert opinions
Next, we scrutinised the reviews and feedback from trusted food technology industry experts. We want to be sure that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we focused on award-winning frying pans and those well thought of by home economists, chefs and food writers.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, in our definitive list of the best frying pans available in the UK, we investigated comprehensive customer reviews on retailer websites such as Amazon, John Lewis and Partners and Argos. We wanted to take into account a wide range of consumer experiences.
About the author
Gemma Lumley is a Content Writer for Mumsnet; she writes consumer, home and lifestyle articles and specialises in product round-ups and reviews.
With many years of experience as a content and copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance.
Finding the products that will make parents' lives easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists.
Gemma is a mum of two grown-up children, has two dogs and a tortoise. Alongside her writing, she spent many years as a home and travel expert and breastfeeding counsellor at a leading nursery retailer.
When she isn’t writing in-depth product reviews, Gemma loves to hike and enjoy the great outdoors.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is crucial to us, so we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones our writers recommend to their friends and family.
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