The 4 best non stick frying pans to buy (2025)
In this article, you can read about the four best non stick frying pans in the United Kingdom, which we believe offer the best value for money, among more than 150 models from PriceSpy.
We have identified what we believe to be the best frying pan in stainless steel, the best in aluminum, the best in cast iron, and the best in carbon steel.
Don’t waste your money: If you don’t use or maintain your frying pan properly, investing more than £100 in a high-quality pan is a waste of money, as it may become nearly unusable after just a year.
A common mistake is exposing the pan to extreme and frequent temperature changes (it should be heated gradually) or using steel utensils on a pan with a coating designed for silicone, plastic, or wooden tools. Even if a frying pan is labeled as dishwasher-safe, it’s rarely recommended to clean it this way.
The best non stick frying pans
The best non stick frying pan for you
In our frying pan test, we focused on the most common and widely used materials such as steel, cast iron, and aluminum, including variations like iron and carbon steel, each with unique properties.
There are also pros and cons to choosing frying pans with or without non-stick coatings. A good frying pan should withstand high heat and wear, distribute heat evenly, be easy to handle, and prevent food from sticking without requiring excessive oil.
A frying pan with a thin base heats up very quickly, meaning food can burn faster, requiring closer attention, but these pans are lightweight and easy to maneuver.
A frying pan with a thick base takes longer to heat up but retains heat better and is more durable. However, they also tend to be more expensive.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel frying pans are durable, can withstand high heat, and are dishwasher-safe. If they have an aluminum core, they also distribute heat evenly.
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If you have a steel frying pan without a coating, you need to use plenty of fat in the pan and avoid flipping the meat too often. Steel pans without a coating can withstand maximum temperatures without damage.
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With a non-stick coating, you need less fat, and food doesn’t stick as easily. However, the coating doesn’t hold up well in the dishwasher and wears out more quickly. Use silicone or wooden utensils to preserve it.
Cast iron
Cast iron frying pans are extremely durable, tolerate high and stable temperatures, are oven-safe, offer excellent heat distribution, and improve with age.
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Cast iron frying pans without a coating require more fat to prevent food from sticking. They naturally develop their own non-stick layer (patina) from the fats in the food and are not damaged by high temperatures.
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Cast iron with a non-stick coating seals the pores of the cast iron, preventing flavors or odors from lingering. It also requires less fat, makes cleaning easier, and eliminates the risk of rust.
Aluminium
Aluminum frying pans are lightweight, conduct heat well, and have a natural non-stick surface that makes cleaning quick and easy. Heat them gradually and avoid using steel utensils.
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Pure aluminum frying pans do not work on induction cooktops because the material lacks magnetic properties. They can also become damaged or lose their shape when exposed to excessive heat.
Carbon steel
Carbon steel is a combination of cast iron and Teflon, offering a natural, long-lasting non-stick surface. It cooks evenly, is lightweight, and is commonly used in restaurants.
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Carbon steel frying pans work on all heat sources, but be cautious with very high heat, as it can cause the pan to warp. Carbon steel requires proper maintenance to ensure longevity.
Types of non stick coatings
Buying a frying pan with a non-stick coating offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for home cooks and professionals alike. Non-stick frying pans require less oil or butter, promoting healthier cooking while preventing food from sticking to the surface.
This makes them ideal for delicate dishes such as eggs, pancakes, or fish, where sticking can ruin the texture and appearance.
Additionally, non-stick pans are incredibly easy to clean, often requiring just a quick wipe with a sponge or cloth. Their lightweight design also makes them convenient to handle, making everyday cooking simpler and more efficient.
Ceramic coating
Ceramic non-stick coating withstands higher temperatures and is more resistant to scratches but doesn’t release food as easily as Teflon.
Titanium coating
Titanium non-stick coating is more durable, as it can withstand steel utensils, higher heat, and wear. It’s often combined with PTFE.
Hybrid coating
Hybrid non-stick coating is found on steel frying pans and is embedded into the surface, bringing the coating closer to the pan’s surface.
PTFE coating
PTFE non-stick coating are easy to clean but cannot handle temperatures above 250°C, or rapid temperature changes.
Tefal Quick & Easy - Stainless steel
Key features:
✔️ Stainless steel
✔️ Compatible with induction
✔️ Excellent heat conduction
✔️ Features a non-stick coating
Things to consider:
🔻 PTFE-coated pan
🔻 Not suitable for steel utensils
🔻 Handwashing is recommended
🔻 Price at the time of review: £28
Tefal Quick & Easy (in collaboration with Jamie Oliver) is the best non stick frying pan with stainless steel for its price, in the UK. It features an aluminum core that enhances heat distribution, and a Teflon non-stick coating reinforced with titanium particles.
Things to consider: Tefal seems to deliberately avoid mentioning that the non-stick coating on their frying pans is made of Teflon (PTFE), instead advertising it as titanium. The pan is not suitable for use with steel utensils and should be hand washed. Additionally, it’s recommended to use a small amount of fat in the pan, even though it has a non-stick coating.
Alternative: If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could consider the Onyx frying pan, which features a hybrid coating of Teflon, ceramic, and steel. Personally, I feel the Onyx pan is slightly overpriced compared to the Tefal Quick & Easy pan.
Stainless steel
The award winning non stick frying pan from Tefal is made of stainless steel, a highly durable material, combined with an aluminum layer to enhance heat conduction beyond what steel can achieve alone. The aluminum layer also helps retain heat better, as it gives the pan a thicker base.
Coating
As mentioned earlier, the non-stick coating on Tefal's frying pan is made of Teflon (PTFE), a material that simplifies cooking by requiring less fat to prevent food from sticking. It also makes hand washing easier but is more susceptible to damage when cleaned in the dishwasher.
The non-stick coating includes titanium particles, which strengthen the pan’s durability. If the frying pan were coated with pure titanium instead of Teflon, it would likely cost twice as much or more.
I believe the reason Tefal downplays the fact that their frying pans use a Teflon non-stick coating is due to negative media coverage and the potential confusion between PTFE and other similar substances that pose greater health risks. [Read more about the differences here.]
Tefal originally invented Teflon, and if you dig deep enough on their website, you’ll find the following statement: "Tefal's non-stick coating is a technical coating made of a polymer called Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)." PTFE is the same as Teflon.
Oven use
The frying pan is oven-safe but can only withstand temperatures up to 210°C. However, Tefal recommends using frying pans from the Ingenio series in the oven, as their handles can be detached. The optimal temperature for cooking on a stovetop is between 140°C and 195°C.
Maintenance
Avoid using metal utensils with sharp edges, and never cut food directly in the pan. Do not poke or cut into the non-stick coating.
Tefal recommends handwashing the frying pan and wiping away food residue with paper towels. While the pan is dishwasher-safe, this will cause the coating to wear out more quickly.
Dishwasher safe
All stainless steel frying pans can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but because this model has a non-stick coating, it is recommended to wash it by hand. This helps preserve both the pan and the coating, ensuring a longer lifespan before it needs replacement.
Scanpan CTX - Aluminium
Key features:
✔️ Aluminum frying pan
✔️ Compatible with induction
✔️ Features a non-stick coating
✔️ Safe for use with steel utensils
Things to consider:
🔻 PTFE-coated pan
🔻 Handwashing is recommended
🔻 Price at the time of review: £125,-
The Scanpan CTX frying pan is the award winner as the best aluminum non stick frying pan on the market, in the UK. It offers excellent heat distribution and, with a stainless steel layer, it’s compatible with induction cooktops.
The pan features a unique coating that can withstand metal utensils (rare for aluminum) and allows cooking with minimal fat.
Things to Consider: If this frying pan is not used or maintained properly, you may need to replace it within a year. Almost all negative reviews stem from user errors. Aluminum pans like the Scanpan must be heated gradually, and while they are dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended. Note that the pan contains Teflon (read more about Teflon here).
Aluminium standard
The Scanpan CTX test winner features an aluminum core, a material that conducts, distributes, and retains heat exceptionally well. It has a total of five layers, including one in stainless steel, which extends durability and makes it compatible with induction cooktops.
Coating
The Scanpan frying pan features a non-stick coating called "Stratanium," which is claimed to be so durable and effective that no fat is needed for cooking. It also allows the use of metal utensils and can be washed in the dishwasher.
But what is Stratanium?
Like Tefal, it appears that Scanpan avoids explicitly stating that their non-stick coating is made of Teflon (PTFE), instead focusing on marketing the benefits of the Stratanium coating.
On the Scanpan (UK) website, they disclose that the non-stick coating is PTFE-based but do not specify what other substances the coating contains. They also highlight that the coating’s uniqueness lies in how it is applied to the pan, which suggests it might solely consist of Teflon.
The most important point is that the coating is free from harmful substances like PFOA and PFOS.
I believe Tefal and Scanpan try to downplay their use of Teflon due to the significant misinformation and negative media coverage surrounding different types of Teflon (PTFE).
Oven use
The Scanpan CTX can be used in the oven at temperatures up to 250°C. However, this is not particularly practical due to its fixed handle. Additionally, since aluminum-core pans need to be heated gradually, placing it directly into a preheated oven could be detrimental.
Maintenance
To preserve the non-stick coating, remove all food residues, including oil and grease. This can be achieved by avoiding overheating the pan, which reduces the likelihood of fat burning onto the surface, which over time can damage the coating.
Even though the non-stick coating on the Scanpan pan is designed to withstand metal utensils, it’s best to use wooden, plastic, or silicone tools to be on the safe side.
Dishwasher safe
Although the frying pan is dishwasher-safe, Scanpan recommends cleaning it by hand with warm water and regular dish soap. Handwashing helps extend the lifespan of the pan and its non-stick coating.
Carl Victor - Cast iron
Key features:
✔️ Cast iron frying pan
✔️ Natural non-stick coating
✔️ Teflon-free frying pan
✔️ Can last for decades
✔️ Withstands high heat
Things to consider:
🔻 Weighs 2.7 kg
🔻 Takes longer to heat up
🔻 Requires regular maintenance
🔻 Steel handle instead of wood
🔻 Price at the time of review: £79
The Carl Viktor frying pan is the award winner as the best cast iron frying pan in the UK market, offering excellent value for money. The cast iron pan features a natural non-stick coating that improves over time, and is compatible with all heat sources, including induction and open flame.
Things to Consider: This cast iron frying pan requires proper maintenance and should only be cleaned by hand. Its natural non-stick coating must be treated with rapeseed oil and requires more fat during cooking to prevent food from sticking. If you prefer a cast iron pan with lower weight, we recommend the Ronneby Bruk UL Pro.
Cast iron skillet
The Carl Viktor award winner is a traditional cast iron frying pan, a highly robust material that can withstand high heat and heavy wear while providing excellent heat distribution and retention.
The pan works on all heat sources, including induction, gas, and open flame.
Coating
This frying pan features a natural non-stick coating treated with a protective layer of rapeseed oil to prevent food from sticking. However, it requires additional fat during cooking, especially at high temperatures.
Non-enameled cast iron pans like this one develop their own non-stick coating (patina) over time from the fats in the food, and they are not damaged by high heat.
Oven use
The Carl Viktor frying pan is safe to use in the oven, but some people have reported miscoloring of the handle, so do it at your own risk.
Maintenance
Cast iron frying pans with a natural oil-based non-stick coating (without an enamel layer) must be hand-washed and should not be cleaned with dish soap to preserve the vital oils in the coating. Rinse the pan with hot water and a scrubber before it cools down.
If stains or burnt-on food residues remain, you can use a small amount of soap or simmer water with dish soap in the pan for 10–20 minutes. However, this will remove some of the patina. After cleaning, it is recommended to heat the pan and apply a thin layer of oil to restore the coating.
Cast iron pans are compatible with all types of utensils, including steel, but many users prefer wooden, plastic, or silicone tools to avoid scratching the pan.
Dishwasher
Cast iron frying pans should not be cleaned in the dishwasher.
De Buyer Mineral - Carbon steel
Key features:
✔️ Carbon steel frying pan
✔️ Natural non-stick coating
✔️ Teflon-free frying pan
✔️ Commonly used in restaurants
Things to consider:
🔻 Weighs 2.2 kg
🔻 Requires initial seasoning
🔻 Needs regular maintenance
🔻 Price at the time of review: £62
The De Buyer Lyonnaise Mineral B frying pan is the award winner among the best carbon steel models on the market, offering excellent value for money. This is De Buyer’s top model—a genuine French restaurant-grade frying pan with an extra-thick base that ensures excellent heat distribution and compatibility with induction cooktops.
This carbon steel frying pan is very similar to the Lyonnaise Carbone Plus, which is slightly less expensive, but the Mineral B is treated with stainless steel. Carbon steel pans are a great alternative to cast iron. We recommend using utensils made of silicone, wood, or plastic.
Things to Consider: Carbon steel pans require proper and consistent maintenance with oil. Wash only with warm water and dry immediately. Avoid using dish soap or a dishwasher, and stick to utensils made of wood, silicone, or plastic.
The pan has a natural non-stick coating that improves over time but needs a bit of fat during cooking. Always heat the pan slowly and gradually. One downside for some users may be the weight, which is just over 2 kg.
Important – First Use: Clean the pan with plenty of warm water. Add about 1 mm of cooking oil to the pan and heat it until the oil starts to smoke and the base develops a light brown patina. Pour out the oil and wipe the pan with a kitchen towel. The pan is now ready for use.
Carbon steel
The De Buyer award winner is made of stainless carbon steel with a thick base for better heat conduction and retention. The pan is completely free of chemicals and even adds a small amount of healthy iron to your food.
De Buyer, a French manufacturer, has been producing high-quality kitchenware since 1830 and is considered one of the world's best and most popular makers of steel and cast iron frying pans.
Carbon steel pans are sensitive to rapid temperature changes, especially on induction cooktops, which can heat up very quickly. If the pan is exposed to excessive heat too quickly, it may warp and become uneven, rendering it unusable.
Coating
The pan has a natural non-stick coating that improves with every use, as long as you always use a bit of fat in the pan. Combined with the fat from the food, this creates a patina similar to that of a cast iron pan, preventing food from sticking.
To preserve and enhance the natural non-stick coating, it is crucial to always start heating the pan on low heat and gradually increase the temperature.
If the pan is not properly treated, especially during the first use, food may stick during the initial uses. If food continues to stick after treatment, use extra fat in the pan. The coating typically improves after 10–15 uses.
Oven safe
The frying pan can be used in the oven and withstands relatively high temperatures. It is also commonly polymerized in the oven to enhance its non-stick properties. To do this, coat the pan with a thin layer of oil and bake it in the oven at 220–250°C for about 2 hours.
Maintenance
Although the frying pan is compatible with metal utensils, we recommend using tools made of wood, plastic, or silicone to protect the surface.
If food becomes burnt onto the pan, it must be removed with a steel brush. However, this will strip the natural non-stick coating, requiring the pan to be re-seasoned with oil.
Dishwasher
Carbon steel frying pans should not be cleaned in a dishwasher. Wash them by hand with a brush and warm water only.
Are non stick frying pans safe to use?
Most non stick frying pans have a teflon (PFTE) coating.
Teflon (PTFE) is a polymer made from tetrafluoroethylene and is primarily used as a non-stick coating in cooking products such as frying pans, in clothing like shell jackets, and as a lubricant in various industrial applications.
It’s not the product itself that is harmful in most cases, but the production process.
While PTFE is a type of PFAS, it is considered less harmful to health and the environment compared to compounds like PFOA due to its stability and lower mobility in the environment. However, PFAS are required to produce Teflon (PTFE), and with a proposed ban on PFAS, Teflon (PTFE) could soon become illegal.
Simply put, some argue that PTFE is not harmful to health because it requires significantly higher temperatures than those typically reached during conventional cooking to become dangerous.
PFOS is a chemical compound similar to PFAS and is used in various consumer products for its water- and grease-resistant properties. PFOS has been linked to numerous health issues, including hormonal disruption, immune system damage, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
PFOS has been banned in Norway since 2007.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer goods, industrial processes, and firefighting foams. PFAS includes compounds like PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
Norway has proposed a ban on PFAS.
PFOA is a type of PFAS that was previously used in the production of many consumer goods, including Teflon pans and textile waterproofing agents. PFOA is known for its potential health risks and environmental impact, and its use has been heavily restricted due to its persistence in the environment and possible health effects.
Is Teflon safe?
If you ask companies that produce products containing Teflon (PTFE), such as DuPont and Chemours, they will likely claim that Teflon (PTFE) is entirely safe for humans, provided the production process is conducted correctly.
Chemours even took legal action against the EU when PFAS was classified as a hazardous substance—a case they lost.
Tefal also defends the use of Teflon (PTFE) in their frying pans, though it seems they attempt to downplay the fact that their coatings are Teflon-based.
They state the following:
"Public health authorities in Europe and the US (ANSES, EFSA, FDA) have tested PTFE and concluded that it is a substance that does not chemically react with food, water, or cleaning products. These public health authorities have confirmed that PTFE non-stick coatings on cookware are harmless."
They further add:
"In fact, PTFE is so safe that it is often used in the medical field to coat pacemakers and small tubes designed to replace arteries. It is also used in surgical procedures for patients with severe kidney disease, and some joint prostheses are partially coated with PTFE."
So, is Teflon safe?
The answer is both yes and no—it depends on who you ask!
More FAQs on frying pans
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Non-stick frying pans are typically made of materials such as aluminum or stainless steel and coated with a non-stick layer. The most common non-stick coatings are:
Teflon (PTFE): Provides excellent non-stick properties but should not be heated above 250°C (482°F).
Ceramic: Free from PTFE and PFOA, more eco-friendly, and tolerates higher heat but may wear out faster.
Hard-anodized aluminum: Offers durability and scratch resistance.
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The lifespan of a non-stick frying pan depends on the quality of the coating and how it’s used and maintained. On average:
A high-quality pan can last 3–5 years.
Proper care, such as handwashing and avoiding metal utensils, can extend its lifespan.
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Not all non-stick frying pans work on induction cooktops. Look for pans labeled as "induction compatible," which usually have a magnetic base (often made of stainless steel) to work with induction technology.
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It depends on the pan and its handle. Many non-stick pans are oven-safe up to certain temperatures (e.g., 350°F–500°F / 175°C–260°C). Always check the manufacturer's instructions.
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Handwashing with warm water and mild dish soap is recommended.
Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool to protect the coating.
Although some pans are labeled as dishwasher-safe, frequent dishwasher use can reduce the coating’s lifespan.
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While non-stick pans require less oil compared to traditional pans, using a small amount of oil or butter can enhance flavor and help maintain the non-stick coating over time.
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Most non-stick frying pans are not suitable for metal utensils as they can scratch the coating. However, some modern pans with reinforced coatings (e.g., titanium-infused) claim to be metal-safe. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.