Scrambled eggs are a staple in my kitchen, so having a nonstick pan that's easy to clean is essential. While I primarily use my current pan for eggs, avoid cooking it at high temperatures, and use silicone spatulas, it will soon need replacing. The nonstick coating is etched and losing its slipperiness.
Before replacing it, I started asking friends and fellow food writers about their favorite nonstick pans, and they all cited the same brand. I shouldn't have been surprised that these smart people chose a pan with thousands of five-star reviews, and that costs less than $50.
Why Non-Stick Pans Need to Be Replaced Regularly
““My take on nonstick pans is that they are ultimately disposable: No matter how well you treat them, they need to be replaced every few years,” says Megan Scott, editor-in-chief of Simply Recipes.
All nonstick pans are treated with a nonstick coating that will wear off over time, no matter how well they are maintained. Once the coating begins to diminish, any nonstick pan will lose its grip, making it less effective for everything from eggs to grilled cheese.
Experts also warn that scratched or chipped nonstick coatings are harmful if consumed frequently, so replace your pan every 1.5 to 2 years or whenever it becomes less nonstick or shows visible signs of wear on the inside.
Simple Recipes / Amazon
The best nonstick pan under $40
Megan, along with Simply Recipe editors Myo Quinn and Laurel Randolph, and food writer and Food & Wine Testing editor Jennifer Zyman all recommend the Tramontina 10-Inch Professional Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan.
This pan has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, and many users have indicated that they've purchased it more than once. Myo shared that her mother is one of those customers, and she is now, too. “This has been my mother's favorite brand for as long as I can remember, so it's partly nostalgia and partly because it's the best nonstick pan on the market for a reasonable price.” It's currently selling on Amazon for around $35.
This Tramontina nonstick skillet is highly regarded for its heavy-gauge aluminum construction and its NSF (U.S. National Science Foundation) certification for professional kitchen use. This food writer favorite is used in many restaurant kitchens. It features a comfortable, oven-safe handle. The skillet is dishwasher safe (the handle is not), though the skillet is easy to clean by hand.
Myo's tip: The Tramontina nonstick pan is often on sale, so buy a few when they are. “Since I know I'll have to replace it every year and a half or so, I buy a bunch when they're on sale (about $20 to $25 for a 10-inch pan) and save them for later.” With this method, you may never need to buy a new nonstick pan when one wears out.
