Cooking is one of the oldest forms of art. The oldest civilizations had various methods of cooking that were not as modernized as the current methods. Despite these challenges, the cooking process seemed to be effective and delivered the desired results to the population. However, the modern man has revolutionized the art of cooking thanks to the new technological inventions. One of these technological advances is the nonstick cookware. This technology has significantly simplified the cooking process by ensuring the food does not stick on the cooking pan, making it easy for one to cook and serve food in a very short time.

Quick Comparison of our top Nonstick Cookware Set Picks

Picture	TOP PICKS	GREATNESS	PIECES	Check On Amazon
	Rachel Ray Cucina nonstick Cookware set	400 degrees Fahrenheit	12 Piece	Check On Amazon
	Circulon symmetry Hard anodized nonstick cookware	#8.5-inch french skillet	11 Piece	Check On Amazon
	Chef’s classic nonstick piece cookware	Hard-anodized aluminum	17 Piece	Check On Amazon
	Simply Calphalon nonstick cookware set	double-coated with Calphalon’s sturdy	10 piece	Check On Amazon
	Ultimate Hard Anodized Scratch Resistant Titanium Nonstick cookware set	Hard anodized aluminum	12 piece	Check On Amazon

Reviews of our 5 Top-rated NONSTICK COOKWARE

RACHEL RAY CUCINA NONSTICK COOKWARE SET

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Rachel Ray Cucina nonstick Cookware set is designed with a rustic interior that blends with its functionality to enhance overall performance. The set comes with three bowls, three pans and two nonstick spoons, each of a different size. It is made from the sturdy aluminum material that is most preferred due to its good heat conducting characteristics. In addition to that, the set comes with rubber handles and shatter resistant leads that make your cooking easy and hassle free. With the ability to withstand heat up to 400 Farenheight, the set is ideal for use in all stovetops except when used for induction. All these may not be enough were it not for the additional lifetime limited warranty that you get after purchasing this magnificent set of cookware.

Pros

• It comes in a complete set of three bowls and three pans which offers you variety to choose from.
• It is designed with a nonstick material that easily releases food and is not harmful to your health.
• It comes with a two spoons made of nonstick material which makes it easier to cook.

Cons

• The coating may peel off after a short time especially if you expose it to high temperatures.

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CIRCULON SYMMETRY HARD ANODIZED NONSTICK COOKWARE

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One thing that stands out with this set of nonstick cookware is the variety of the saucepans. It has three huge bowls and three huge saucepans, two with accompanying lids. It is designed with a stainless steel base which makes it ideal for use for all stove tops, induction included. The hard anodized material is a good conductor of heat which helps in even cooking of your food at all times. The handles are designed with silicon stainless steel material that is easy to grasp and can sustain the oven heat up to 400 Fahrenheit. The nonstick surface easily releases food and is easy to clean and store.

Pros

• It includes a comprehensive set of bowls and dishes that takes care of all your cooking needs.
• It is made of hard anodized material which is a good heat conductor. This allows for even cooking of food.
• It has silicon and castle handles that are comfortable to touch and can withstand the oven heat.

Cons

• The nonstick surface loses the nonstick quality after some time and the surface becomes sticky.

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CHEF’S CLASSIC NONSTICK ANODIZED 17 PIECE COOKWARE

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This set comprises of two saucepans, a stockpot, a sauté and a skillet. It is made from hard anodized aluminum which makes it sturdy and durable to sustain great heat exposure. The core is made of aluminum which not only strengthens the cookware but also conducts heat faster which helps in its durability. The riveted stainless handles are effective when handling the cookware. They are also oven friendly which means you are not limited in functionality. The set also comes with sturdy lids that are made of glass but are unbreakable.

Pros

• It comes with a sturdy glass lid that is break-resistant.
• It is made of aluminum material which is not only sturdy but also durable.
• It is made of anodized aluminum which is also a good conductor of heat

Cons

• The anodized finish could easily come off after a long time of use.

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SIMPLY CALPHALON NONSTICK COOKWARE SET

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Apart from its durability, the Calphalon nonstick cookware set is notable thanks to its aesthetics. It is designed in a stylish fashion that blends with most of your kitchenware. It is made of hard-anodized aluminum material that guarantees its durability and sturdiness. In addition to that, the aluminum material is also a good heat conductor which ensures that food is cooked evenly at all times. The interior surface of the cookware is designed with a double coated layer of nonstick material which offers it double strength. This means that it would take a longer period of time before the coat begins to peel off. The covers are made of tempered glass that make it break-proof and scratchproof.

Pros

• It is made of aluminum material which is a good conductor of heat. This ensures that the food is cooked evenly.
• The lids are made of tempered glass which makes them strong and durable
• The interior is made of double coated nonstick material which increases its durability.

Cons

• The set is not dishwasher friendly and may end up damaged if exposed to the dishwasher.

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ULTIMATE HARD ANODIZED SCRATCH RESISTANT TITANIUM NONSTICK COOKWARE SET

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This nonstick cookware stands out as one of the most popular nonstick cookware among its peers. This is because it comes with some of the best features seen in any kitchenware. To begin with, the set is made from hard anodized aluminum material to offer the much needed durability. The material is also a good heat conductor which ensures that the pan is evenly heated which in turn cooks the food evenly. In addition to that, the set comes with a thermo-spot heat indicator that allows you to monitor and control the heat. This is especially important because it will ensure the food does not burn and will also protect the cookware. The nonstick interior is made from high quality titanium which guarantees its durability and performance over a long period of time. The riveted handles offer a comfortable feel on the hands which makes you enjoy your cooking experience. It is also oven-safe which makes it one of the best nonstick cookware in the market.

Pros

• It is made of the sturdy aluminum material which is durable and a good conductor of heat.
• The interior is made of titanium which increases its performance and durability for a long time.
• It comes with a thermo-spot for controlling the heat.

Cons

• The anodized aluminum is not dishwasher friendly.

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WHAT IS NONSTICK COOKWARE?

Nonstick cookware refers to all cookware that incorporates a special material that is designed to prevent food from sticking on the surface of the cooking utensil during the cooking process. This special material is known as Teflon and is made in such a way that it allows food to brown as it cooks without necessarily sticking on the surface of the pan. Unlike other sticky surfaces, nonstick surfaces do not require oil to prevent food from sticking on the surface.

ARE NONSTICK COOKWARE SAFER TO USE?

Most people are usually concerned about the safety of nonstick cookware. A lot of people like the nonstick cookware technology because food does not stick on the surface when cooking and they are also very easy to clean. In fact, for people who do not consume fat at all, this is a dream cooking method. The unique coating on these cookware make it impossible for food to stick even without the use of oil. There are several formulas that can be used to ensure the surface remains non-sticky but the most common one is Teflon. This coating has been in use since the late 1940s. The coating is sprayed on aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron surfaces and then subjected to high temperatures to allow the Teflon to stick on the surface.

Most cooks have expressed their fears on the dangers of the Teflon to their health. The concerns have often been that the continued exposure of the Teflon to heat may cause some chemical reactions that may somehow end up in the human body through the food or it may evaporate and end up in the human body through inhalation.

Plenty of research has been done around this area. The final verdict has been that if used properly, nonstick cookware is considered safe. The safety of the material is to the extent that the Teflon should not be overheated as this may cause the material to melt and break the coating. When this happens, the melted material may end up mixing with food which may be detrimental to human health in the long run.

The maximum amount of temperature required for a nonstick pan is 500F. However, while this may sound high enough, it is important to note that this temperature can be reached in less than 5 minutes especially if nothing is on the pan. When the temperatures rises to a high of 660F, then fumes of Teflon will begin breaking from the surface into the air. You may end up inhaling this fumes which could make you sick in the long run. But research has shown that the fumes from this break are too negligible to cause any significant damage to your health. In cases where a person has ingested the particles of nonstick coating, experts have ascertained that the particles would easily go through the digestive system without causing any health risk.

Below are some of the tips you can use to stay safe from any risk that may be caused by the nonstick surface.

• Use the pan on low or medium heat temperatures. This is because if you overheat at high temperatures, the nonstick coat may break and release toxic particles.
• The food being cooked should cover most of the surface of the pan. This will help in keeping the temperatures on minimum.
• When pre-heating the pan, do it on low or medium heat. Avoid preheating on high temperatures.
• Power burners should not be used when using nonstick cookware.
• Go for high quality cookware. The market is saturated with low quality, light, nonstick cookware that heats up faster. When shopping for a nonstick cookware, make sure you go for the heavy, high quality material.
• Avoid using nonstick cookware if you prefer cooking on high heat.
• Ensure your kitchen is well ventilated when using a nonstick cookware.
• Avoid washing your nonstick cookware in the dishwasher.
• When washing the nonstick cookware, avoid scratching or chipping.

The choice of whether to use nonstick cookware or not rests on an individual’s preference. For some people, this seems to be the best choice of cookware while for some, it may not be the best choice. As far health is concerned, high quality nonstick cookware are generally a healthy option if used responsibly. By following the above listed tips, nonstick cookware should not be a problem at all.

ADVANTAGES OF USING NONSTICK COOKWARE

There are several benefits that are associated with using nonstick cookware. Although the material used in the manufacture of nonstick surfaces has been the subject of discussion for a while now, most experts agree that there are more benefits in using a nonstick cookware than not using them. So, is it worth the risk? The answer is yes. Below are some of the advantages of using nonstick surfaces.

 NO NEED FOR OIL WHEN USING NONSTICK COOKWARE.

Today, very few delicacies can be cooked without using oil. A lot of research has gone into trying to explain the disadvantages of cooking oil to the human body and the results have always been astounding. There are several illnesses that are caused by cooking oil and most of them are chronic or terminal. One of the main reasons why we use oil when cooking is to avoid the food sticking on the surface of the pan when cooking. Most foods will stick on the surface of the pan if little or no oil is applied when cooking. Thanks to the nonstick cookware, it is now easier to cook foods such as pancakes and eggs without using oil. Apart from the fact that you will enjoy the same meal without a single drop of oil, you will also get a better browning experience than when using oil.

EASY TO CLEAN

One of the worst experiences of cooking is cleaning after your cooking. The mess that is left behind after you are done with your cooking is usually disturbing. It becomes harder to clean your utensils especially if you had invested in the sticky surfaces. The food that gets stuck on the surface may require extra energy to remove. In some instances, you may need to soak the utensils in water to allow the food remains to soak up before you can do the final washing. Apart from the fact that it discourages one from going the extra mile during the cooking, it also wastes a lot of time and energy after you are done with your cooking. Nonstick cookware is easy to clean and requires less energy and time. This gives you the luxury of cooking a number of things at the same time because you do not require a lot of effort to clean and dry.

IT IS SCRATCH RESISTANT

Nonstick cookware comes with a scratch resistant surface that not only makes it easier to cook but is also healthy in the long run. When exposed to the right temperatures, the surfaces remains intact and do not scratch. It is advisable to use nonstick spoons when cooking food in a nonstick cookware to avoid scratching off the nonstick material. Also, being scratch resistant means the cookware will last longer which ends up saving you a lot of money.

MAKES COOKING STYLISH AND MODERN

Unlike other cookware, nonstick cookware makes your cooking enjoyable thanks to the stylish design and look of the cookware. Instead of using the dull aluminum and steel cookware that is common in most kitchens, using a nonstick cookware makes your cooking stylish and appealing. In addition to that, it also compliments the look of your modern kitchen.

EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION

The nonstick cookware are designed in such a way that they evenly distribute heat throughout the cooking surface. Unlike other surfaces where heat may end up being concentrated in one particular area of the cooking surface, the even distribution of food helps in cooking the food evenly. This makes the food cook faster which in turn helps in saving a lot of energy when cooking.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING NONSTICK COOKWARE

There is an increase in variety as far as nonstick cookware is concerned. The variety ranges from the underlying material to the durability and the overall quality of the cookware. In addition to this, there are other important factors that you should consider before taking home a nonstick cookware.

HEAT CONDUCTIVITY

As discussed, the materials used to make kitchen cookware ranges from stainless steel to aluminum and even cast iron. Each of these materials are designed to conduct heat differently. For instance, aluminum conducts heat faster than stainless steel. When this is put into consideration, you may want to pick a material that conducts heat faster but also loses heat faster. The other bargain would be to look for a material that conducts heat slowly but retains the heat for a longer period of time. A material that heats up faster and loses heat equally fast is a better option because it means it is much easier to control the heating. Additionally, it will also be easier to cook the food when heat can be controlled as opposed to when it is tougher to control the cooking.

AFFORDABILITY

Another important factor that needs to be considered when buying a nonstick cookware is the price and affordability. Some cookware will obviously be more costly than others depending on the material used and the overall quality. When buying cookware, it is important to factor in the exact budget that you need to spend on your cookware. Ultimately, your budget will determine the quality and type of cookware that you eventually carry home. But irrespective of the amount you are willing to spend, it is imperative to go for an item that is durable and will give you value for money in the long run.

DURABILITY

It is obvious that some nonstick cookware will be more durable than others based on factors such as the materials used in their manufacture. For instance, stainless steel is more durable than aluminum. When going for a nonstick cookware, it is important to consider the material used in their manufacture. Even though the material will determine the overall price, it is better to go for a durable product even if it means paying a little more than planned.

SIZE

Size is another important factor that needs to be considered when getting a nonstick cookware. The size of the cookware will heavily rely on the size of your family and the amount of food to be cooked on a daily basis. There are smaller and bigger nonstick pans and pots for instance. If you are considering the size of the pot, it is important to note that this will also have a direct impact on the price of the cookware. However, it is better to have a cookware that fits your cooking needs even if it will cost you more.

COOKING METHODS

While this may sound a little radical, your cooking methods will also determine whether you will buy a nonstick cookware or not. For starters, nonstick cookware do not require power burners when cooking. This is because the burner have high heat intensity that have the capacity to break the Teflon from the surface of the cookware. This may end up having a negative effect on your health if you inhale or ingest the chemicals.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR NONSTICK COOKWARE

Just like all other utensils, it is important to take care of your nonstick cookware. If well taken care of, the cookware can be a very handy tool to have in your kitchen. However, nonstick cookware would require special attention due to their very nature and design. Below are tips on how you can take care of your nonstick cookware.

AVOID EXPOSING IT TO HIGH HEAT

Exposing the cookware to high heat should be avoided at all costs. There are few reasons why this is the case. First, the high heat will destroy the nonstick material on the surface which will leave the cookware exposed. Second, depending on the material that was used to design the nonstick surface, it may end up being toxic to your health if this is ingested after breaking.

AVOID USING NONSTICK COOKING SPRAY

Using nonstick cooking spray should be discouraged. This is because the spray is not friendly to the nonstick surface. When this is done for a long time, the spray particles usually get lodged to the sides of the pan and do not dissolve when cooking. This may take time to remove and may require special kind of washing before it is removed.

ALWAYS SEASON YOUR PAN

The nonstick surface usually requires some form of maintenance. If this is not done, it may lead to damage of the cookware over a period of time. What needs to be done is you should season the surface before cooking and after cooking. In as much as you do not need oil to cook, some oil should be applied on the surface after cooking to allow the nonstick material to last longer. In addition to that, this will also improve the way food is cooked in the long run.

AVOID USING SHARP OBJECTS WHEN WASHING OR COOKING

The difference between nonstick cookware and the regular cookware is that the nonstick cookware has a layer of nonstick material that prevents the food from sticking on the surface. When you start using sharp objects on the surface – whether during washing or cooking – you will find that over time, the material will start peeling off. This material may be harmful to your health and besides that, it will also damage the surface. When this happens, it is advisable to replace the item altogether.

DON’T USE THE DISHWASHER

Although most nonstick cookware will claim to be dishwasher safe, it is highly advisable that you avoid exposing the cookware to the dishwasher. This is because the dishwasher contains several detergents and high temperatures that may damage the surface of the item in the long run. The problem with nonstick surfaces is that once the surface has been damaged, it cannot be used as it is no longer considered safe.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL TO USE?

There are three main materials you can choose from. The first one is aluminum which is the most common of them all. It is a good conductor of heat which means that food will be heated more evenly in the pan. Stainless steel is hard and durable. It is also nonreactive which makes it preferred for the surface of the pan. Hard anodized material is hard and conducts heat really fast. All these materials are okay but you have to choose which one works for you.

DO I NEED TO SEASON MY NONSTICK COOKWARE?

It is always a good practice to season your nonstick cookware. This is because it will help you maintain the nonstick surface which makes it durable. An alternative to seasoning is to use a little oil every time you need to cook.

CAN I PUT MY NONSTICK COOKWARE IN THE OVEN?

The oven has no effect on the nonstick material. You can therefore put your cookware in the oven without any worries. The only problem would be the handles of the pan. If they are made of stainless steel, then you are safe. Otherwise, if they are made of plastic, then they may be destroyed.

DO I NEED BUTTER OR OIL TO COOK FOOD ON A NONSTICK SURFACE?

Yes. It is always advisable to use a little fat when using your nonstick cookware. Apart from the fact that it helps in the maintenance of the cookware, it is also a medium of heat transfer between the pan and the food. So it is always good to use a little fat when cooking.

CAN I USE OIL SPRAYS?

No. It is not good practice to use oil sprays. This is because oil sprays contain some additives that cause them to burn at low temperatures which might damage the surface of the cookware.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY NONSTICK PAN?

To begin with, it is important to allow the pan to cool down first before cleaning it. Exposing a hot pan in cold water will lead to contractions that may damage the surface of the cookware. Once the cookware has cooled down, use a sponge with warm soapy water and clean the surface softly.

CAN I WASH MY NONSTICK COOKWARE IN THE DISHWASHER?

No. Dishwashers are not safe for nonstick surfaces. This is because the dishwasher contains a number of detergents that are harmful to the nonstick material. In addition to that, the heat from the dishwasher is also not recommended for the nonstick material. Also, the cookware may discolor after exposure to that amount of heat.

WHAT IS THIS BROWN LAYER ON THE COATING OF MY COOKWARE?

When oils and fats carbonize on the surface of the nonstick cookware, they form a layer. So you end up cooking your food on this layer of carbonized fat as opposed to the nonstick layer. When this happens, you may find that the food sticks on the surface. All you need to do is clean the surface with warm soapy water and a melamine sponge. The layer will disappear.

FINAL WORDS

Ever since the introduction of nonstick cookware, cooking has been made easier over time. It is no doubt that the nonstick technology has revolutionized cooking immensely. Even though the nonstick material has had its fair share of criticism, the material has been declared safe if handled with care. In addition to that the nonstick cookware, unlike other kitchenware, requires special attention and care in order for it to last long. It is also important to note that high temperatures are not recommended when dealing with nonstick cookware. All in all, the nonstick cookware is so far the way to go when it comes to cooking. We recommend that you embrace this cookware to see a difference in your cooking experience.