Best Non-Stick Frypan: Everten’s Guide

Update April 2018: To view our Top 10 Nonstick Frypans for 2018 click here Everyday at Everten, we receive at least one customer who calls and asks “what is the best non-stick frypan?”. When we are asked this question we often have to back pedal and ask several questions before proclaiming which pan is best. We are often asked why we can’t just say which is best one and there is one very good answer – what I think makes the best frypan may not be what you think makes the best frypan! So let’s look properties and features are important with a non-stick frypan and we can tell you which is best depending on what are most important to you.

Durability

For us this is one of the most important factors (and probably you as well!), especially when spending a large sum on a frypan, is how durable it is and how long it will last. We have all purchased several non-stick frypans over the years to have them only end up in the bin either because everything we cook is sticking to the so called “non-stick” coating or the coating has started peeling away and we fear for our health. The Swiss and German non-stick frypans are definitely the most durable on the market because they are capable of being heated on the stove and in the oven up to 260°C. The reason many pans lose their “non-stick” properties is because they have been heated passed the safe threshold and the coating no longer performs. If durability is important to you, then we strongly advise you to consider the two most popular Swiss and German cookware brands known as Swiss Diamond and Woll. Swiss Diamond and Woll are two superior cookware brands, however, they are also the two most expensive non-stick frypans on the market. The price of these pans can be a factor which disqualifies them as being the best non-stick frypans for some customers. If you can’t afford several different sizes at this price tag, we recommend purchasing one size that is versatile, the most common being the 24cm. The 24cm non-stick frypan is perfect for just about everything whether you are searing a steak, pan frying fish, making a fried egg or even sautéing some asparagus.

Swiss Diamond Features:

Woll Saphir Lite Features:

Value For Money and Performance

When purchasing a frypan, if value for money is an important factor, yet you still want great performance non-stick frypans, you can’t look past the Danish cookware favourite, Scanpan. While they are not as durable as Swiss Diamond or Woll, you can in general purchase two pieces of Scanpan for every one piece of Swiss or German cookware. Scanpan is still the number one best selling non-stick cookware range in Australia because it is best in terms of performance and is mid-priced making it more affordable. Scanpan may not be as durable or long-lasting as others on the market, however they are backed by a 10 year local warranty, meaning you can expect your non-stick frypan with proper use and cleaning to last you at least 10 years. In contrast, if you purchase a non-stick frypan from your supermarket you will often notice they have only a 1 or 2 year warranty, which essentially is hinting at how long the pan is expected to last. Which Scanpan non-stick coating is the best? The short and honest answer is that they are all very similar. The original non-stick range is the Scanpan Classic range and the newest range is Scanpan Pro IQ and Scanpan Evolution. Does this mean the non-stick coating on Pro IQ and Evolution is far superior to the Classic range? In our opinion we have found the non-stick performance to be very similar and the main reason you should consider choosing the Pro IQ over the Classic is if you have an induction stovetop as that range is induction ready. If you have a gas, electric or ceramic hob you would be happy with the Classic range. Another reason why some customers have purchased the Pro IQ or the Evolution range over the Classic was simply for the design and aesthetic of these new ranges. Scanpan Classic 24cm
Scanpan Pro IQ

 

Scanpan Evolution

What About Other Brands?

Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick, Tefal Cookware and Pyrolux Cookware are still great non-stick cookware brands with high performing non-stick frypans. They just don’t rank best for durability or value for money and performance. Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick is actually a favourite at Everten, however to be completely transparent, many of our customers have been disappointed when discovering that their expensive French brand, despite having a durable and top quality non-stick coating is actually made in Asia and not France. The heavy price tag of the Toughened Non Stick range does make many customers assume automatically that this line of cookware and bakeware is made in France alongside their cast iron ranges. While Asia is historically known for producing below standard in terms of quality products, this is most certainly changing. In fact I have 3 Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick pieces in my kitchen and love the 24cm frypan. It is also important to know that Le Creuset's product development team in France is involved in all stages of production, even for their products that are manufactured elsewhere in the world. The weight and feel of their pans are also fantastic, the comfortable handles making it easy to spread oil in the pan or flip omelettes as well as manoeuvre when hand washing in the sink. So while you are paying for a quality non-stick pan, you are also paying a premium simply to have the feel and branding of Le Creuset. Tefal is endorsed by Jamie Oliver and the major point of difference is Tefal's iconic Thermo-Spot technology which indicates when your pan has reached the optimum cooking temperature for searing. Within Tefal Cookware there are a number of different non-stick ranges from entry level So Optimal all the way through to Tefal Reserve. Pyrolux is a great entry level range of non-stick cookware. If you aren’t an avid cook, using your frypan only once a week or need to stock a holiday home's kitchen, this is the brand for you. The different non-stick ranges over great value for money and the non-stick coating can be expected to last up to five years.

So what's the verdict?

Best brand for long lasting non-stick frypans – Swiss Diamond and Woll Best brand for affordable mid-priced and great performance non-stick frypans - Scanpan Which non-stick frypan’s are in my kitchen?

1. Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Frypan 24cm
2. Woll Saphir Lite Medium Frypan 28cm
3. Swiss Diamond Deep Grill Pan 28cm
4. Scanpan Pro IQ Frypan 20cm

This article was written by Carla Penn-Kahn, Managing Director of Everten.