Best Budget-Friendly: Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware Set

Yes, non-stick pots and pans sets can get pricey in a hurry—but there is good news. We asked our readers for their favorites and this easy-on-the-wallet set came up time and time again: Amazon Basics’ Non-Stick Cookware Set. 

If you want something simple that will get the job done without breaking the bank, this set is fantastic.

What We Liked

• Lightweight.

• Easy to clean.

• Works with gas, electric and glass cooktops.

• Good sizes—we liked the 10″ fry pan as the best of the bunch.

• Easy to use.

• Affordable.

• BPA-free.

• Soft-touch handles.

• Vented lids.

What Needs Work

• Not dishwasher safe. These pans have to be hand-washed.

• Not compatible with induction cooktops.

• Scratch easily.

Best Dishwasher-Safe: T-fal Signature Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set

For the best dishwasher-safe non-stick pots and pans set, we tried several brands before deciding T-fal’s is the best of the bunch. We liked the overall quality and even heat. And yes, these pots and pans are safe to put in a dishwasher.

What We Liked

• Durable.

• Oven safe up to 350 degrees.

• Hold heat evenly.

• Dishwasher safe.

• Affordable.

• Non-stick interior and exterior.

• Can be used for all methods of cooking except induction.

What Needs Work

• Bottoms can scratch glass cooktops.

• Can’t use these pans on more than medium heat—or else they can get damaged.

Best High Heat: GRANITESTONE 10 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

If you’ve made it this far in the article, you’ll note that some pans can only be used up to medium heat . . . turn up the heat any higher and damage can happen. That accounts for many unhappy folks.

If you need a set that can be used for high heat cooking, we would recommend GRANITESTONE’s 10-piece nonstick cookware set. Yes, it is a bit more money, but the quality is there.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to lean.

• Cool-touch handles.

• Can be used over high heat.

• Oven safe up to 500 degrees.

• Can use for all cooktops except induction.

What Needs Work

• Easy to scratch.

Best Ceramic Nonstick: GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Cookware

Ceramic cookware has increased in popularity in recent years, as folks look for pans that are free from PFA’s, PFOA, lead and cadmium. And yes, they look nicer than your standard affordable pot and pan set.

We researched a dozen ceramic cookware brands and even tried out a few of the top contenders ourselves, before deciding that GreenLife is the best bet for most folks. Here’s why:

What We Liked

• Easy to clean.

• Heat up fast.

• Even heat.

• Works on all cooktops except induction.

• No PFA’s, PFOA’s.

• Best for medium heat or lower.

• Look nice.

What Needs Work

• Damage (color comes off) may happen if used on high heat. 

• Spray oils aren’t recommended for use on ceramic. Instead, just use oil or butter.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money. 

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!