Best Non Stick Pan Without Teflon

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Nothing is as frustrating as a pan that your eggs or pancakes always end up sticking to. And that’s why a non stick pan is so helpful in a modern kitchen.

Nonstick pans vary in types. They can range from Teflon to natural ceramic coatings.

Of these coatings, Teflon is one of the most debated. While regulators allow it, there are safety concerns. If there is a suitable alternative, it is better to use that.

Stick around if you want to find the best non stick pan without Teflon.

In a hurry and just want to know my favorite? I recommend the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan as the best non stick pan without Teflon. If offers even and precise heating, is affordable and durable for non-stick cookware.

Here’s my list of safe nonstick pans:

Contents

What Is Teflon?

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the active component of the nonstick coating branded as Teflon. PTFE is a synthetic chemical first made in the early 20th century. This chemical is used in the culinary world, as well as in the industrial sector.

Cookware may contain other nonstick coatings not branded as Teflon, yet if they contain PTFE, the concerns will be same.

Teflon-coated cookware provides a non stick and non-reactive surface. This makes it easy to use and clean. Being non stick, it is especially useful for frying eggs, flipping pancakes, and browning sausages.

Warning: Contains PTFE (Teflon)

However recently there has been a trend in replacing Teflon pans with PTFE-free cookware.

Is Teflon Safe for Cooking?

Teflon coated cookware is regarded as unsafe above a specific temperature range. Always keep it below 260 °C (500 °F) to avoid the risk of it disintegrating into potentially harmful compounds.

Overheating Teflon when cooking food causes it to release toxic fumes.

In fact, using a PTFE non stick pan around pet birds, can kill them.

There are also concerns about the safety of some new materials such as GenX included in Teflon non stick cookware. Since some of these chemicals are new, and replaced toxic chemicals that are now banned, it’s reasonable to have a question mark around them.

However there is nothing that proves Teflon is dangerous, if used correctly. The evidence is that, if used correctly, Teflon is safe for humans.

This guide is to help you find a new Teflon-free frying pan you can be confident is healthy. Yet if you’re currently cooking with Teflon-based non-stick, don’t worry about it until your frying pans need replacing. Avoid harmful fumes by not cooking on high heat and never heating and empty pan.

What Is PFOA?

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) is a chemical previously used in the manufacture of Teflon. However, in 2015 it was banned entirely due to concerns about its safety. 

Today, all Teflon products are PFOA free, and anybody still talking about it is well behind the times.  GenX is the new PFOA!

Unfortunately, too many products label themselves as “PFOA-free” or sometimes “lead, cadmium, and PFOA-free.” Personally I think this is meaningless – all cookware from a reputable brand will be PFOA-free—it has been banned of years. It’s all well and good to say your cookware doesn’t include harmful chemicals, but I kind of take that as a given.

If a cookware product page goes on about it being healthy and free of various things but doesn’t mention PTFE, there is a good chance the cookware has Teflon or something equivalent. This is the case even with some of the “healthier” pans.

Why use Teflon nonstick pans?

You don’t need a nonstick pan every time you cook food. If your are going to boil water, for example, a stainless steel pan will do just fine.

Searing steaks? I like to use cast iron or carbon steel pans. Cast iron and carbon steel pans can hold up to high heat, perfect for searing.

Yet, some things, such as fish, or eggs, are better cooked with nonstick pans. I know from experience that you can end up spending hours scrubbing fish skin out of a stainless steel pan. Not fun!

Nonstick pans release food easily without special techniques, which makes them great for sticky foods that don’t require high heat. Eggs are the best example.

It’s also true that the best nonstick pans include Teflon pans.

So Teflon can be a good choice for cooking food. Non-stick frying pans are among the most used cookware in the world. They’re inexpensive, too, which makes them appealing to all budgets.

Here’s the thing though: Cooking fish has so many health benefits. Do you really want to risk this even slightly with potentially harmful chemicals? I mean it’s probably fine, but somehow I’d rather use something else.

Well, when looking at nonstick cookware, there are other options. That’s where non-stick pans without Teflon come in.

Non stick coatings that are free of teflon

Types of Non Stick Coatings That Don’t Use Teflon

Enameled Cast Iron Coating

Loved for its excellent heat distribution, easy maintenance, and even heating, enameled cast iron is the choice of many chefs and cooks.

Enameled cast iron pans contain a porcelain coating that renders them non stick, a widely sought out property in modern cookware. This coating also prevents iron from leaching into your food during cooking.

(Iron in your food is only dangerous if you have hemochromatosis or regularly cook for children under 6. For most people it’s a plus)

I also love that the enamel is available in different colors, which is a nice change from the typical black or grey cookware.

As always, ensure the enamel coating is safe.

If you find enamel particularly appealing, I’ve written a full enamel cookware set guide.

Carbon Steel and Cast Iron

There’s a debate as to whether bare carbon steel or cast iron pans can be considered non-stick. The answer: if properly seasoned, maintained and used they can approach a non-stick level of performance.

Ceramic Non-Stick Coating

A ceramic coating is one of the most popular alternatives to Teflon used by many of the best nonstick pans. Being a natural component, it should 100% healthy.

However, there is very little pure ceramic nonstick cookware on the market. Hence, it’s always prudent to look into what is actually included. Plenty of ceramic pans actually have PTFE when you dig deep!

How many people thought they were getting the best non-stick pan without Teflon, only to buy a pan with PTFE in?

cooking meatballs in a ceramic pan

Ceramic non-stick coated pans aren’t always the most durable. They can be prone to cracking or shattering when dropped or exposed to a sudden temperature change. There are also reports of ceramic cookware losing its non stick properties after a while.

Nevertheless ceramic pans are usually attractive, and many don’t have PTFE / Teflon. Read my guide to the best ceramic pans for more information.

Silicone Coating

Silicone is a durable and flexible alternative to Teflon cookware. You will commonly find silicone-coated pans in modern cookware, bakeware, and utensils. Although there’s not much evidence around it, it’s regarded as safe and non-reactive.

The main downside is its low thermal stability. You should never use it above 300 °C (572 °F).

The other downside is that it can be a little bit too flexible. If you are baking a square cake, you don’t want the sides bowing out. Unfortunately that often happens with silicone bakeware.

Silicone doesn’t come as an inner coating for a pan.  This means that silicone cookware tends to be either bakeware or utensils.  (Since you can’t expose silicone directly to the heating surface on the stove).  I haven’t including silicone cookware in my search for the best non-stick pan without Teflon for this reason.

Mrs. Anderson's Baking Silicone 9-Inch Square Cake Pan, BPA Free, Non-Stick European-Grade Silicone, 9 x 9-Inches

Yet, if you are looking for a silicone cake pan – check this one out.

Thermalon

Thermalon is a relatively new type of non stick material made from ‘natural materials’ and is PTFE free. As such, there isn’t much information about it; hence I can’t say for sure how safe it is.

The thing that I love most about it is its high heat stability (up to 450 ℃ (840℉), which I find more than enough for most oven uses.

It’s the best non-stick pan material I’ve been able to find.

This is a promising alternative to Teflon, that might even end up replacing PTFE.

Superhydrophobic Coating

With a superb ability to repel water, this is an excellent option for a Teflon free pan. Its coating is genuinely non stick and also relatively easy to clean.

Standard bases used in this coating include Zinc oxide polystyrene, Silica nanocoating, and Carbon nanotube structures.

How safe these materials are, is something I can’t say for sure.

Stone Cookware

An egg being fried in a stone pan

One of the most natural looking surfaces is stone. It looks like something that might have been used in, well, the stone age.

But if you look closely at the product descriptions, most of these stone pans contain PTFE. To me, that means they are a form of Teflon.

There are exceptions to this, and there are some nice PTFE-free stone pans out there, like this one by Koche.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel doesn’t contain PTFE or Teflon and is used many professional chefs because of its durability. But those chefs also have a someone else to wash the dishes on their team. Stainless Steel is not non-stick.

Things to Consider with Non Stick Teflon-free Pans

Health and  safety is always the top priority when it comes to the best non-stick pan without Teflon. Yet it’s not the only thing that matters. Below are some of the things worth considering:

  • Safe oven temperatures
  • Cost
  • Compatible cooking tops
  • Durability
  • Handles (are they cool to touch?)
  • Dishwasher safety and ease of cleaning
  • Utensils to use (can I use metallic tools?)

Now let’s take a look at some of the best non-stick pans without Teflon.

Best Non Stick Cookware Without Teflon

Best Non Stick Pan Without Teflon

To help in your search for the best non-Teflon non-stick pan, I have reviewed some of the best PTFE free cookware on the market.

MICHELANGELO 10-Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan with Lid (Best Non-Stick Pan without Teflon)

The Michelangelo nonstick fry pan features a durable die-cast aluminum body crafted with a titanium and ceramic coating. It thus conducts heat quickly and evenly with precise temperature control and no hot spots.

I also love that this 10-inch fry pan comes with a tempered see-through glass lid enabling you to keep an eye on your food for the perfect finish.

MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan with Lid, Nonstick Copper Frying Pan with Ceramic Interior, Nonstick Frying Pans, Nonstick Skillet with Lid,10 Inch Copper Pans Nonstick, Induction Compatible

Its stainless steel handle is designed to provide a comfortable grip and stays cool during cooking. The pan additionally has an induction-compatible spiral bottom to work on gas, electric, or halogen stovetop.

My main concern is that the pan is a little convex, and the oil tends to form a ring around the outside edge. While I find this great for frying eggs, it may be a significant flaw to those looking for entirely flat bottomed pans.

I’m not too impressed with the whole “Dishwasher Safe – handwash recommended” business.  Yet, in my experience, you can occasionally wash these sorts of pans in the dishwasher as long as you are careful.  Make sure nothing can touch the interior while it is in the dishwasher.

Try to hand wash as much of possible. It shouldn’t be a big deal–that’s the whole point of non-stick.

MICHELANGELO Nonstick Frying Pans, 12 Inch Frying Pan with Lid & Nonstick Stone-Derived Coating, Granite Frying Pan, 12 Inch Skillets with Lid, Stone Pan Nonstick, Granite Rock Pan, Induction Ready

If you are looking for a similar but bigger pan, then the Michelangelo 12-Inch (30cm) Frying Pan with Lid & Nonstick Stone-Derived Coating is worth looking at.

Pros:

  • Beautiful ceramic interior
  • Heats quickly and evenly
  • See-through glass lid
  • Induction friendly
  • Oven safe to 230 °C (450 °F) (without lid)
  • Genuinely non stick
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons:

  • Handwash recommended
  • Reports of the handle getting hot during cooking

GreenPan Chatham 10” Ceramic Non-Stick Open Frypan

Whether you are looking to sauté vegetables or sear pork chops, this is the perfect all round pan for you. Made from a Thermalon healthy ceramic coating, this pan is free from Teflon, so you can fry, sear, braise, and deglaze worry-free.

The pan additionally features a durable hard-anodized aluminum for maximum strength, scratch protection, and chip resistance. However, I still advise against using metal utensils to enjoy the ultimate durability.

GreenPan Chatham Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 10" Frying Pan Skillet, PFAS-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe, Gray

Cleaning is a breeze with this pan as all you need is to wipe it gently with a sponge. I also love that it’s also dishwasher safe.

I like the drip-free edges that allow easy pouring and contain the food in the pan without messing up my cooking area. Its durable steel handles are oven safe and give you a secure grip.

Pros:

  • Oven and broiler safe up to 315 °C (600 °F)
  • Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
  • Metal utensil safe
  • Suitable for all stovetops except induction
  • Lightweight
  • Thermalon ceramic coating

Cons:

  • Reports of the pan losing its non stick ability over time
  • No lid

Green Pan offers a nice selection of other cookware lines, if you are interested, check out my Green Pan Reviews, or check out my review of the smaller Green Pan mini-ceramic frying pan below.

GreenPan Mini Ceramic 5″ Egg Pan (Best Single Egg Cooking Pan)

This one-egg wonder non-stick frying pan is super cute.

The pan features a Thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick coating and is PTFE (Teflon) free.

Despite its small size, it performs excellently, although there are a few reports of sticking. If this happens to you, try cleaning the pan with baking soda, or Bar Keeper’s friend.

I would be careful with the handle, though. Since it isn’t entirely covered, there is a risk of your fingers sliding down to the hot bare part.

GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 5" Square Egg Pan, PFAS-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, Black

Thermolon, the ceramic nonstick coating, is supposed to be scratch resistant. I would advise being careful though; avoid metal utensils and consider hand washing.

This ceramic nonstick fry pan is ideal for people who like one fried egg at a time, perhaps for a sandwich or light breakfast. It’s the best non-toxic pan for eggs – as long as you are cooking them one at a time!

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Perfect for one egg/omelet
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons:

  • Not induction compatible
  • Some reports of sticking
  • The bare handle gets hot
  • Perhaps too small for most uses.

Vesuvio Ceramic Coated 9.5 inch Nonstick Frying Pan

Featuring superior European quality and Italian design, this 9.5-inch (24 cm) frying pan is built for heavy-duty performance even with constant and regular use.

Its 0.15 inch (3.7mm) thick aluminum base ensures even heat distribution and fast cooking. 

As for handling, this ceramic-coated beauty also performs excellently. It features a comfortable silicone handle that remains cool even at high temperatures.

Professional 9.5 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan | Italian Made Ceramic Nonstick Pan by DaTerra Cucina | Sauté Pan, Chefs Pan, Non Stick Skillet Pan for Cooking, Sizzling, Searing, Baking and More

I like that this pan provides a perfect slope and generous depth, allowing effortless flipping. Cleaning this pan is also fast as it wipes easily with a sponge, and is dishwasher safe (just in case).

To enjoy its maximum performance and durability, I advise you to stick to medium heat and avoid metal utensils. Be careful if you put it in the dishwasher.

The only gripes I have with this pan is it doesn’t come with a lid, and there are reports of it becoming sticky after several uses.

Pros:

  • Oven safe up to 230 °C (450 °F)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Cool-touch silicone handle
  • Even heat distribution
  • Easy cleaning
  • Beautiful design

Cons:

  • No lid
  • Pricey
  • Reports of it losing its non-stick ability over time
  • Handwash recommended

Koch Systeme 11 inch Copper Nonstick Frying Pan (Best Non-Stick Pan with Copper Style)

With a high capacity plus a superior titanium and ceramic coating, this frying pan easily tops in my list of the best PTFE and PFOA free cookware.

11" Skillet for Frying - Copper Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid, 100% PFOA-Free, All Stove Tops Available, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Stainless Steel Handle, Cooking Skillet with Lid. Pan for Oven & Stove

Everything slides off the superior non stick interior, which also makes cleaning a breeze.

I also love that the pan comes with a stainless steel handle that is easy to grip and a glass lid that allows you to monitor your food while avoiding a mess. The skillet is also suitable for use on all stovetops, including induction.

CSK 10" Red Frying Pan-Non-Stick Skillets with Whitford Granite Nonstick Coating, PTFE and APEO Free, Durable Bakelite Handle, Aluminum Alloy, Superior Omelet Pan Suitable for All Stove.

If you aren’t a copper fan but are impressed by the build of the pan, this Stone Earth Frying Pan by the same manufacturer offers superior performance in a different design. For more non-stick copper cookware, visit my complete guide.

Pros:

  • Genuine non stick interior
  • Induction suitable
  • Great capacity
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Oven safe up to 230 °C (450 °F)
  • Easy to grip stainless steel handle that can resist high-temperature cooking

Cons:

  • The handle can get hot
  • Handwash recommended

Cuisinart CI22-24CR Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 10-Inch Round Fry Pan (Best Non-Stick Skillet)

This classic enameled cast iron fry pan is a decent quality traditional pan.  It looks pretty nice and stylish.

Cast iron isn’t for everyone, and you need to cook differently.  It takes longer to heat up and longer to cool down.  If you know what you’re doing, you’ll probably cook better food.

Otherwise, you need to practice.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 10-Inch Round Fry Pan, Cardinal Red

The enamel surface doesn’t have any special chemicals or coatings.  You might think this makes it safer.  Perhaps it does, but it’s also a bit more sticky than some of the other pans reviewed here.

Unfortunately, another problem with enamel is it does tend to chip eventually.  This nonstick pan won’t last forever.

Pros:

  • “Natural” non stick
  • Cast iron itself is durable
  • Even and efficient heating
  • Beautiful look
  • Lots of size and shape options

Cons:

  • Reports of the enamel chipping
  • Porcelain enamel is a bit more sticky than other “non stick”

If you like the idea of an enamel pan, but aren’t convinced by this Cuisinart pan, then take a look at my guide to the best enameled cast iron skillet.

T-Fal -Thermo Spot 10.5 inch Ceramic Pan

Like most T-Fal, this ceramic frying pan is built to take a lot of punishment, including the dishwasher and oven. It’s not always available, so you might struggle to find it. If you can, however, it’s an affordable non-stick option without Teflon.

One of the coolest T-Fal features is the thermo spot. It’s the red dot in the middle of the non-stick frying pan with black markings on it.When the black markings turn red then the pan is warm enough to use (preheating nonstick helps stop sticking). Personally, I don’t use the red dot as I just wait until I see small bubbles start to form in the oil.

T-Fal offers one of the strongest non-stick pans without Teflon. Yet there is a small defect – sometimes the pan will arrive a bit warped. Personally, I don’t think this is a big deal as little bit of a slope won’t affect most cooking. If it bothers you though – just return the pan.

The best way to do this is to examine it on arrival. Drizzle some water over and see if there are any spots the water either gathers in or flows away from. If there are then the pan is probably warped–it should be returnable if you haven’t used it for cooking.

Pros:

  • Great Value
  • Dishwasher & oven safe
  • T-Fal Thermospot
  • Sturdy

Cons:

  • Sometimes the pan comes a bit warped
  • No lid with regular version

If you are thinking about getting a full Teflon-free non-stick ceramic cookware set then take a look at my T-Fal Ceramic cookware review.

Copper Chef 10 Inch Diamond Fry Pan with Lid (Best Oven Safe Non Stick Pan Without Teflon)

Oven fans, this 10-inch copper nonstick pan is for you. This non stick ceramic skillet is heat resistant up to 450 ℃ (840℉), allowing a seamless transition from stovetop to oven. 

Plus, thanks to the diamond-shaped ridges on the pan’s surface, you’ll get that coveted heat distribution and the best non stick cooking experience.

Like all the products in this list, this beautifully made copper cookware is free from PTFE and other potentially unsafe materials.

This diamond fry pan is large enough to cook for your family and guests.  If interested in a similar small sized pan, take a look at the Copper Chef 8” 8” Round Fry Pan, that boasts the same features at an even lower price range.

Copper Chef Non-Stick Fry Pan, 8 Inch

I like that the pan also comes with a tempered glass lid providing faster cooking and allows you to keep an eye on your food. The lid is made with thermal shock resistant technology, so it is ultimately durable with minimal chances of shattering.

This pan is a solid choice, but it’s not always available. So I can’t make it a top recommendation for that reason.

Pros:

  • Oven safe up to 450 °C (850 °F) (without lid)
  • Great value
  • Tempered glass lid made with thermal shock resistant technology
  • Diamond-shaped ridges for the ultimate non stick experience
  • Even heat distribution
  • Thermalon ceramic coating

Cons:

  • Not metal utensil safe

BK Cookware Carbon Steel Skillet – Best Carbon Steel Skillet

Is a carbon steel or cast iron pan non-stick? These materials, which are very similar, sit in a kind of hybrid world. The answer is–yes with proper care, maintenance, seasoning and cooking. So maybe not quite as easy as a traditional non-stick frying pan.

Yet cast iron and carbon steel pans are always Teflon-free, and are the healthiest frying pan material.

This BK Cookware skillet comes pre-seasoned, eliminating some of the initial set up work for you.

With proper maintenance and care, this skillet is durable and ideal for new home cooks who may feel hesitant about carbon steel skillets.

There’s no real practical limit on the heat for carbon steel, making this the best non-stick pan for high heat.

BK Pre-Seasoned Black Steel Carbon Steel Induction Compatible 10" Frying Pan Skillet, Oven and Broiler Safe to 660F, Durable and Professional, Black

It’s not perfect and there are some complaints about uneven heating and hotspots. My advice is to let the pan warm up first. Carbon steel does heat evenly, but can take time to reach the desired temperature throughout the pan.

Some people see carbon steel as an alternative to non-stick cookware as it might be a little bit more sticky than traditional non-stick, but able to take more abuse.

This pan will last longer than traditional non-stick pans, but is a little bit more work.

Pros:

  • Pre-seasoned
  • Oven safe up to 600°F (315°C)
  • Very durable compared to non-stick
  • Compatible with all stove types, including induction

Cons:

  • Only provides a 2-year limited warranty
  • You should top up seasoning before use
  • Some maintenance and care required
  • Some warping reported and complaints of poor customer service
  • Skillet described as having uneven heating

I’ve recommended this pan here for people looking for non-stick options as it’s easier than other pans. However this isn’t actually my preferred carbon steel skillet! If you are willing to look ate more advanced skillets, check out my carbon steel skillet roundup.

FAQ

What is the best non stick cookware that is non toxic?

Non Toxic

Well firstly, the Teflon non-stick coating, if used correctly, is almost certainly non-toxic. Unless you have birds, I wouldn’t be overly concerned about the health effects of PTFE. Be sure to cook on low or medium heat, and always buy from a reputable manufacturer–companies aren’t allowed to sell toxic cookware these days.

If you want to avoid Teflon, then check that the cookware says it is “PTFE-free”. PTFE is the active ingredient in the Teflon non-stick coating. Many cookware companies will advertise their pans as “PFOA-free.” Manufacturing PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) has been banned in the U.S.A. for several years, so that label means little.

For a concrete recommendation, the best non-stick pan without Teflon is, in my opinion, the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan.

Are there nonstick pans without Teflon?

Yes, there are plenty of PTFE-free nonstick pans! But make sure you check that the product is labeled “PTFE-free.” As I mentioned, “PFOA-free” is fairly meaningless as PFOA has been banned for many years.

Here’s where is can get a little tricky. Generally, ceramic nonstick pans are a good choice, but some ceramic cookware has a non-stick coating that contains PTFE. So just because a pan has a ceramic coating does not mean it’s free of Teflon.

As I noted in another review, the Carote Pan is a good example of a nonstick pan that includes both ceramic and Teflon in the coating. If you want to be absolutely certain a pan does not include Teflon, it needs to be “PTFE-free.”

I recommend the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan as the best nonstick pan without Teflon. If you want more options–read my guide to the best non-stick pans without Teflon, above.

What is the safest non stick coating?

The absolute safest non-stick coating is no coating at all. A non-stick cooking surface is always more fragile and more likely to get damaged. A cast iron pan is very safe for example, and if properly seasoned, isn’t very sticky.

But as you might know, cast iron is higher maintenance than non-stick pans. It requires more care and more time in cleaning. If you want cookware you can clean in a matter of seconds, cast iron is not going to work.

A good compromise is to mix and match. Use nonstick pots and pans for sticky food that you find hard to clean up (e.g., eggs). Use cast iron cookware where it works (e.g., searing steaks), and especially if high heat is needed. Use stainless steel for simple tasks like boiling water or pasta where nothing is going to stick.

I personally have a cast iron skillet, a non-stick frying pan, and a stainless steel sauté pan. This is the best combination for my cooking habits, but it does depend on what you’re cooking. Choose the pans that make the most sense for you.

Are ceramic non-stick frying pans healthy?

White and red ceramic pan with a wooden utensil
Frying pan on old wooden background

Ceramic non-stick frying pans can be healthy, but some do contain PTFE, the active ingredient of Teflon. Teflon is believed to be safe unless overheated above 500°F (260°C).

If you are looking for nonstick frying pans without Teflon then look out for the words “PTFE-free.” However, the best non-stick pans often do contain Teflon which tends to be more durable.

What is the best alternative to Teflon?

Either PTFE-free ceramic cookware, carbon steel or cast iron is the best alternative to Teflon. PTFE-free ceramic cookware will be less “sticky” but won’t last as long as cast iron.

Carbon steel and cast iron, when properly seasoned, have a natural nonstick coating.

Essentially, you have to choose between durability and low maintenance. If you don’t want to season your pan, I would go with PTFE-free ceramic, knowing that I’ll have to replace the pan in a couple of years. If you don’t want to replace cookware frequently, you’ll have to put in the time to properly season and care for your cast iron or carbon steel pans.

Don’t be fooled by manufacturer claims of a “PFOA-free nonstick frying pan”. PFOA is banned and no longer used in Teflon. Look for “PTFE-free” nonstick cookware.

If you are interested in the different types of nonstick cookware, my ceramic vs Teflon guide is a good start.

Why is Teflon not banned?

Teflon isn’t banned because it is safe–if used correctly. The element of a Teflon coating that was dangerous, PFOA, was banned years ago. Teflon pans are safe to use-just don’t overheat them or use metal utensils.

However if you want to be safe then buy ceramic PTFE-free nonstick pans from a reputable manufacturer.

You should be aware that, in my experience, a non-stick coating using Teflon is often more durable than alternatives.

Are Teflon frying pans safe now? Is Teflon Safe?

Yes Teflon pans are safe if used correctly. There were health concerns about Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in the past but it has been banned since 2015. So any Teflon nonstick pan you bought after 2015 should be safe, as long as:

  • It isn’t chipped
  • You don’t heat it beyond 260°C (500°F)
  • You follow manufacturer’s instructions

However recent concerns about GenX mean the absolute safest approach is to avoid Teflon nonstick pans. If you mush have a nonstick coating, the best nonstick pan is ceramic. I recommend the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan.

Does DuPont still use PFOA?

No. Chemours, the manufacturer of Teflon, and a subsidiary of Dupont does not use PFOA to make Teflon any more. It hasn’t done so since at least 2015.

So non-stick pans have contained PFOA since at least 2015.

However concerns have been raised about GenX which replaced PFOA. So the safest option for a nonstick pan is a PTFE-free ceramic pan.

The ceramic coating can act as a non-stick coating without Teflon.

Is Teflon banned in USA?

PFOA vs Teflon

No Teflon is not banned in the USA. Chemicals previously used in Teflon have been banned, but Teflon has changed its formulation.

In reality some of the best nonstick cookware is made using a Teflon coating, so it’s unlikely to ever be banned completely. If a chemical is banned, then a substitute is likely to be found.

If you want to avoid Teflon, the best nonstick pan without Teflon is, I believe, the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan.

What are the safest frying pans to cook with?

Cast iron, carbon steel and stainless pans are the safest pans to cook with. Unless you have hemochromatosis (iron overload) or children under 6.

If you are trying to avoid excess iron, Teflon non-stick pans are not dangerous if used correctly. Alternatively consider Teflon-free ceramic. I recommend the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan as the best nonstick pan.

However in any case, non-stick pans from a reputable manufacturer, used correctly, should be safe.

What pan is best for cooking eggs?

In general, nonstick pans are the best for cooking eggs, but there are exceptions. Check out my best pans for eggs guide.

What is the safest non-stick surface in cookware?

The safest non-stick cooking surface is seasoned cast iron or carbon steel. This approaches, but doesn’t reach, Teflon like performance and is safe to everyone who doesn’t have excess iron.

The second safest non-stick cooking surface is PTFE-free ceramic non-stick. PTFE is the active ingredient of Teflon.

However Teflon is safe if used correctly. The most important thing, in all cases, is to buy from a reputable manufacturer.

You should also be aware that no non-stick pan is completely dishwasher-safe. Most can take the occasional dishwasher cycle, but the non-stick coating can damage if repeated cleaned in the dishwasher. If you do use the dishwasher, ensure the cooking surface of the pan can’t come into contact with anything else in the dishwasher.

Are non stick pans really bad for you?

No-one wants harmful chemicals released when cooking food. Yet that doesn’t normally happen. Non-stick pans from a reputable manufacturer are safe. They are not bad for you.

However, as with any equipment, non-stick pans can be misused, and misuse can be dangerous.

The biggest precaution is to never overheat a nonstick frying pan. Normally using a low smoking point oil, like olive oil, always adding it before heating, and ensuring it doesn’t smoke is enough. “Never heat empty nonstick cookware.” This goes double for Teflon pans where toxic fumes are released if the pan is overheated (which is actually hard to do.)

Other than that, nonstick frying pans make for versatile, useful cookware. The nonstick surface really helps with difficult foods, and they can handle most cooking scenarios (except high heat.)

Do professional chefs use non-stick pans?

Do professional chefs use non-stick pans? Sometimes. It’s not unheard of, but generally professional chefs prefer stainless steel.

Stainless steel is durable and low maintenance, making it ideal for the tough restaurant environment. It can be a pain to clean up, but the chef leaves that to the dishwasher!

My Verdict: The Best Non Stick Pans Without Teflon

Michelangelo Pan Bottom

What is the Best Non Stick Pan Without Teflon?

I would choose the MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Nonstick Copper Frying Pan as the best non stick pan without Teflon. I love that its induction compatible, comes with a see-through lid and an easy to grip handle.

Best Oven Safe Non Stick Pan Without Teflon

If looking for a high-quality Teflon free nonstick pan that can withstand high oven temperatures, I recommend the Copper Chef 10 Inch Diamond Fry Pan with Lid.

For more teflon-free cookware, check out my guide to ceramic pots and pans.