It is important to have a good non-stick pan that makes kitchen tasks easier. The best non-stick pan America’s Test kitchen will deliver fuss-free cooking results. Believe us, you will, without a doubt, enjoy its company and convenience.
In our opinion, the best thing about using a non-stick pan is that you do not have to commit to time-consuming and complicated cleaning at the end of the cooking process.
Given its significance, selecting the right non-stick pan is crucial. Although it is easier said than done, due to the vast range of options available in the market, our guide below will outline everything you need to consider to get your hands on the best non-stick pan America’s Test Kitchen!
Best Non-Stick Pan America’s Test Kitchen – A Buying Guide
Coatings
When it comes to non-stick pans, there are different types of coatings. The most common is PTFE, which is the abbreviation for a waxy substance that gives the pan its distinct non-stick feature.
Even though this feature is handy when it comes to washing off grease and food particles, PTFE can release toxic fumes under heating conditions of 464°F or 264°C.
If you are considering a PTFE-coated pan, remember to keep this heating threshold in mind. Make sure you are not using these pans for high-heat cooking techniques!
Ceramic coatings, a mixture of non-toxic components, are often preferred. However, these pans are less durable than PTFE and can chip over time. To enhance their durability, opt for gentle hand washing. It would help if you also used wooden utensils.
Thickness
For non-stick pans, the minimum thickness should be 1.5mm. Pans should be thick enough to withstand high cooking temperatures and other impacts.
However, if they are too thick, they may become heavy and uncomfortable for users to handle. Avoid purchasing pans that are too thin because these can be prone to dents.
Weight
This factor can actually “make or break” your non-stick pan’s ease of use. It is better to choose a light-weight pan, but it is frequently offered with smaller cooking surfaces.
The best option is a mid-weight pan. It would be best to avoid heavy, bulky pans as they will be difficult to grip during the cooking and cleaning processes.
Heat Indicator
Not all non-stick pans will have a heat indicator. However, if you can find a pan with this feature, it will be very useful. You can easily control your cooking temperature with ease.
Additionally, you will not have to prepare a separate thermometer.
Handle
Always choose a pan with handles that are solidly attached and comfortable to grip. Handles can set apart low-quality pans, so do not overlook this feature!
If you choose metal handles, you will have the option of placing the pan in an oven but note that they are likely to heat up. It may be better to opt for pans with handles that include an outer rubber “armor” as an extra layer of protection.
Cool-grip handles are typically made of Bakelite or silicone.
However, the latter is more preferable as they will not burn under high temperatures or emit toxic fumes when melted. Bakelite is not 100% oven safe, so you should opt for pans with silicone handles.
Brand
In the cookware realm, non-stick pans are sold by many brands. Some of the most reliable and economical brands are T-Fal, OXO, Ozeri, Cuisinart, and Carote.
It is better to purchase from well-known brands because they have already been verified by other users. Most of the pans sold by these brands also go with warranties for your peace of mind.
Price
A good non-stick pan may not be very cheap.
If you are under a budget, you should take the time to compare and cross-check prices offered by different stores and online shopping websites. Typically, you will have to pay at least $30 for an adept non-stick pan.
Conclusion
Choosing the best non-stick pan America’s Test Kitchen does not have to be rocket science. You just need to know what to look for and consider the relevant factors to make an informed decision.
Hopefully, our buying guide was able to help you narrow down your choices. If you have other tips or useful information on purchasing non-stick pans, do comment below.
We are always delighted to hear from you!
I like how you mentioned that there are different types of coatings when it comes to non-stick pans. My wife is mentioning the non-stick pan, and she doesn’t know where to buy it. I will share this post with her as a guide in finding non-stick cookware.