There are a few simple tests I run on nonstick skillets for measuring even heating, surface flatness as well as each pan's nonstick properties and ability to release food.
Fried and eggs and omelets: classic nonstick fare
The first and arguably most important test shows us how well each pan releases sticky foods including eggs and pancakes. I cooked both a fried egg and whipped egg omelet in each. The hope is that each one releases the food completely once cooked with as little food left as possible. In truth, all of the fry pans released the eggs well during this test and with no single skillet flunking it. There were some slight variances in performance, however. The pans I've selected as my top picks in each category all performed as well or better than average.
This is the lift you can expect with a good nonstick skillet.
Pancakes reveal all. Well, a lot anyway
I also cooked a pan-sized pancake in each pan -- a test that does double duty. Beyond illuminating a pan's non-stickiness, it also shows how evenly a skillet heats and cooks.
After loading a cold pan with one cup of pancake batter, I turned the heat on and let it cook for two minutes. Normally, you'd add pancake batter to a preheated pan but here I want the batter to spread evenly and settle in the pan before cooking so I can really see if they have hot or cold spots. I flipped the pancake out of the pan and upside down. Yes, it was a messy business, but what was revealed on the other side were pancake gradients that shed light on each pan's ability to cook evenly across its surface.
Browning a pancake shows us how evenly a pan cooks and how well it releases a notoriously sticky breakfast food.
Other considerations
While performing these tests, I'm also careful to note other factors like a pan's overall size, weight and balance on the stove. I also consider the height and slope angle of its sides as well as the angle and construction of the handle. Some of these factors are admittedly subjective, especially handle comfort, so it might make sense to find a cookware superstore and test various handles before making a final selection.
It might seem like a small thing, but the handle angle can make a big difference in maneuvering the pan. I like the subtle slope of the Misen pan. The rubber sheath was easy on my hand.
Durability of nonstick coatings
This is a trickier factor to assess. Ultimately, you'll want your nonstick coating to last as long as possible, but you're really only able to gauge this with consistent use over time. In my experience, decent nonstick frying pans will last anywhere from three to four years before they really start to break down. While I don't have the luxury of testing each pan's durability over that timespan, I do look deep into reviews on each pan to see if there were any red flags or patterns that might suggest they corrode faster.
If your nonstick skillet looks anything like this, it's time to pony up for a fresh pan.
While no nonstick pan will last forever, our top pick the Misen as well as the All-Clad set feature three layers of nonstick coating which should conceivably give them a longer life.
Price was one of the biggest factors
Because of the short lifespan, you'd be wise not to spend a fortune on one nonstick skillet. Besides the HexClad which offers a unique hybrid surface intended to withstand metal utensils and wear and tear, I don't recommend spending more than $60 or $70 on a single nonstick skillet.
If you go too cheap (pans under $40 or so), you'll find that nonstick coatings start to corrode much more quickly and you'll need to replace them sooner. I've made this mistake before and it's simply not worth the hassle just to save a few bucks.
Cost and value were some of the biggest determining factors I considered when choosing the best nonstick fry pans for 2024.