Which nonstick pan should I buy? Teflon titanium or ceramic?

The easiest way to make a potato omelet is with a nonstick skillet. However, buying the best pan that food does not stick to is not easy. You need to choose a healthy pan because you don’t want to risk your health with pans that give off harmful metals. Some pans give off toxic fumes while you cook with them.

You have heard of Teflon, ceramic pans, or titanium. You don’t know which nonstick pan to buy. There are many questions in your mind:

• What is Teflon? Is it carcinogenic?
• Are there pans that do not have Teflon?
• Are titanium pans better?
• What is an ecological frying pan?
• What are the best induction cookers?

From this and much more, this guide goes where you will not only find a list of pans, but also an analysis of the main non-stick coatings that exist on the market.

Keys to buying a non-stick frying pan

If there is a confusing world, that is the world of non-stick coatings on pans. In a non-stick frying pan several things are “mixed”:

1. The chemical composition of the materials used
2. The number of layers with which they are made
3. The substrate on which the release layer is applied
4. Marketing 

For example, Teflon is a trademark. The one manufactured today is not the same one that gained a bad reputation decades ago. It is still wholly current, although it has its pros and cons. There are different types of Teflon, depending on the number of layers it has. The more layers, the greater durability (and also the price).

The material of the pan can be aluminum (pressed, forged, cast), stainless steel, or any other material. This must be taken into account because once the non-stick is lost, the problem may not be the coating, but cooking on an “unhealthy” material. The base of the pan is very important, especially if you plan to use it on induction cookers at high temperatures, to seal meat, for example.

There are all kinds of finishes. Each season, different colors and effects become fashionable, which often only serve to appear what they are not (stone effect, copper effect). It’s marketing, which isn’t always going to help you buy the nonstick pan you need.

8 tips for buying a healthy nonstick pan

You must buy the pan based on the use you plan to give it. Before selecting models, it is recommended that you take into account the following points:

A good nonstick pan is not cheap

Some pans promise too much. It is hard to imagine that a batch of 3 pans can be priced at 20 euros and have a good non-stick coating that does not come off in the first week of use.

Nonstick coatings are more high-tech than meets the eye, and quality materials don’t come cheap. That science is not within the reach of any manufacturer. Some patents materialize after years of research. Quality materials, such as titanium, are more expensive than PTFE. And the number of layers influences the final price.

What is the non-stick called?

Without knowing what characteristics the coating has, you can’t be right when buying a non-stick pan. There are “generic” non-sticks, of which you don’t even know the name. They will only indicate that it is very durable and does not scratch. Of this type, they are usually the cheapest non-stick.

The most reliable nonstick usually has a “proper name”. The brand serves to differentiate them and they are usually visible somewhere, as an advantage of the pan. The stone effect, copper effect, and other names do not tell you anything, they are just finished.

Don’t judge nonstick by looks

No matter how much clinical eye you have, the finishes of any pan will convince you while you hold it in your hand. And much more if you see it in photos on Amazon.

Problems can come after making the second tortilla. Even when extreme care is taken (do not use metallic objects or wash them by hand).

How many layers of nonstick does it have?

The best nonstick pans have multiple layers. With them, it is achieved that the material does not come off and flake after a few uses. A pan with 2 layers of nonstick is not the same as another with 7, because the durability will be very different. Some models also have the outside of the pan coated. This makes it easier to clean them.

What materials make up the cladding? does it have titanium?

The fact that it incorporates titanium in the final layer does not mean that in other layers it does not have the same PTFE as Teflon. The fact that it is free of PFOA does not indicate that it is better than Teflon since it does not currently have it either. There are nonstick pans that are PTFE and PFOA-free. They are usually ceramic.

What material is the pan made of?

One thing is the material that covers the pan (inside and outside), and another is the body of the pan itself. The best non-stick applied on a low-quality pan will end up flaking sooner.

It is also important to know the characteristics of the material, if it reacts with the food, or if it emits any type of particle because when it comes off, it is on the base that you are going to cook if you do not throw the pan. The material of the pan influences the weight of the pan, and course the price.

The most common are the aluminum ones, although there are pans that have a non-stick coating on stainless steel. It is important that you know the different types of aluminum pans that exist, as they are the most common.

What brands are the best for nonstick pans?

The manufacturers of pans of the best-known brands are not (necessarily) the same ones that manufacture the non-stick coatings. However, they reach agreements with the manufacturers of the coatings.

Therefore, it is important to know who makes the most important part of the pan, and the one that prevents food from sticking. Most of the best non-stick pans are manufactured in Germany, although if you are looking for quality/price, there are many options in national brands. The best manufacturers have been those who have traditionally put their stamp on the best pots and pans. Now, they also have range of pans that don’t stick.

The advantage of buying a frying pan from a well-known brand is that you know what you are buying.

What are you going to use the pan for?

There are non-stick pans that are better for making tortillas (potatoes, French), scrambled eggs, or crepes. They do not need high temperatures, and what you want is that when you make the tortilla, the pan does not stick to anything.

On the other hand, there are non-stick pans that are better for grilling meats. Their coating is of higher quality, and it withstands high temperatures (necessary to seal the meat), although they are not as non-stick as other pans, and the tortilla may not come out as expected, despite the price paid.

The diffuser bottom of the pan is important if you are going to cook at very high temperatures.

Best brands of nonstick pans

Just as important as the brand of the pan is the manufacturer of the nonstick coating. However, some brands stand out for one or more of the following sections:

• High quality – these are the best pans, the ones that last the longest and don’t stick to anything.
• Range of non-stick pans – they have a very extensive catalog so you can choose the model that best suits you.
• Value for money – they know how to offer a frying pan, which without being the best in the world, is worth the price you pay.

Check the section on non-stick pans because many of their patents are on very good pans from other brands, which is almost impossible to include in this section.

Tefal

Tefal is a great pioneer in non-stick pans. Its brand name makes its origin clear (Tefal, comes from the union of Teflon and aluminum.)

Tefal belongs to an important French group (SEB group), which also includes another well-known brand of pots and pans (WMF).

Although Tefal was the one who developed Teflon, which is the first non-stick coating on the market, it seems that it has sought to distance itself from that name since its best pans do not have Teflon.

Tefal is currently more geared towards titanium-reinforced pans, with several ranges, ranging from professional or intensive use to more basic lighter aluminum pans. Like most nonstick, they contain PTFE, although they are free of PFOA.

Tefal has patented a technology called Thermospot. It consists of a red dot that changes color when the pan reaches the ideal temperature to incorporate the food. This helps you not to overheat the pan. With Tefal, you ensure a quality standard and a good price.

Bra

BRA, along with Monix, is part of the Isogonal group. Both brands are specialists (among many other kitchen utensils) in non-stick pans. BRA is superior in range to Monix and has various pans where the star non-stick is Teflon. And not just any, but the best (Teflon™ PROFILE).

BRA’s nonstick pans are best sellers because they offer what most demand: quality and price.

Monix

Monix is ​​another of the brands that sell the most non-stick pans. Its price is very competitive. It uses various types of non-stick, such as the basic Teflon range, and other two-layer ones such as Greblon C2+.

WMF

The WMF Group (formerly known as “Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik”) is a German pot and pan manufacturer, founded in 1853. It is currently included in the same group as Tefal, although it is in a higher range.

It stands out for the quality of its pots and cookware, and for the quality of the stainless steel, it uses as a base. WMF has one of the best-selling pressure cookers on the market (perfect plus). In frying pans, it has several ranges, to which it has been incorporating models with non-stick coatings. WMF pans conduct heat very well, as they have several layers at the base, just like their pots.

It uses several technologies in its non-stick coatings, some of them without PTFE. In others, it uses ceramic non-sticks such as Ceradur. Its star coating is DURAQUARZ®, which withstands temperatures of up to 450º C (something that is difficult to reach when cooking in a frying pan). It does not contain PTFE.

Metaltex

Metaltex is a multinational founded in the 1940s in Switzerland. From there it quickly jumped to Italy, where it was consolidated and expanded across all continents.

Since the late 1980s, they have had a subsidiary in Spain (Riba-Roja de Turia, Valencia). In its pans, Metaltex uses Swiss technology for its non-stick coatings (ILAG). Metaltex non-stick pans are mid-range, being a good option for those looking for a guaranteed pan that is not too expensive.

Skk

The company was founded in Germany in 1985. It is focused on manufacturing tableware and utensils of the highest quality.

All of their pans are PFOA-free. It was one of the first manufacturers to produce with health standards, both for the consumer and for the environment.

Its non-stick coatings are reinforced with titanium, and it does not use nanoparticles in its production. Skk has several ranges of pans. In its high ranges are the best non-stick pans.

Woll

It is another German brand of high-quality pans with titanium. It combines traditional craftsmanship with the most innovative technology. The pans are practically handmade, although they use the most advanced and resistant non-stick coatings.

The coating of a Woll titanium frying pan is made up of several layers that you can see in the following image:

The first layer is the support on which the non-stick material is fixed. It is usually made of forged aluminum. On this substrate, sand treatment is carried out. From there, the 4 layers of which the non-stick itself is made up begin to be added.

The first 3 layers are to improve corrosion resistance, non-stick, and durability. The last one has titanium to further strengthen the non-stick material. This type of coating is free of PFOA, as specified on the Woll website. The same does not happen with PTFE.

The types of non-stick pans

It is not easy to classify pigeonhole nonstick pans into different types. Because many metals and compounds are involved in the manufacturing process, which is sometimes combined.

You can talk about a Teflon pan because it is a registered trademark. Although it is known what it can be made of, the same cannot always be said of all non-stick pans.

Non-stick pans can be classified into 4 types:

Nonstick coatings are like a cocktail. They can carry different ingredients. However, most have PTFE, because it is the one that has the best performance in terms of durability, resistance, and non-stick properties.

It is important to pay attention, not only to whether the pan is made of Teflon, ceramic, or if it has titanium but also to the quality of the coating. There are “Teflon” that are more durable and resistant than others. The same goes for ceramic or titanium reinforcement.

What is TEFLON®?

Teflon is the best-known non-stick material. It may not be the most ecological material, or the most innocuous. However, its bad press is hardly justified. Teflon requires a special section that I recommend you read before buying a pan of this type.

Teflon ( Teflon® ) is the trade name that the  Dupont company gave to  PTFE  (polytetrafluoroethylene) in 1946.

This compound has many uses and is even used in the manufacture of medical prostheses, pyrolytic ovens, or fabric manufacturing, among many other applications.

Characteristics of Teflon

Teflon has the following characteristics:

• Even if you accidentally ingest it, it will not cause you major problems because your body will end up eliminating it.
• It is a practically inert compound that does not react chemically when it comes into contact with other substances.
• Withstands extreme temperatures of cold and heat (-270ºC – 300ºC). It is used in the coatings of spacecraft and airplanes.
• It is not altered by the action of light.
• It is waterproof.
• It is non-stick.

So what’s the downside?

The problem arises that a compound called PFOA (perfluorooctanoate) was used to fix the Teflon to the pan, which is highly polluting for the environment.

PFOA is associated with different types of diseases (cancer, sterility, thyroid problems, etc.) so its use has been restricted and use was stopped in 2015 (in the USA and European Union).

Teflon is not synonymous with PFOA.

A frying pan can be made of Teflon in whose manufacture PFOA has not been used  (since 2009  Teflon platinum plus has been manufactured without PFOA);

PFOA is removed during the Teflon manufacturing process (nothing remains in the pan).

We know a pan is PFOA-free when we see a seal similar to the following:

What risk to your health does the Teflon in non-stick pans have?

You have already seen that Teflon is even used in medical prostheses and that it is a material that our body can eliminate when it is accidentally ingested.

So far there is no problem; however, we must take into account two situations:

1.-When we heat the pan above 260ºC.

At this temperature, PTFE begins to give off toxic gases that can affect the health of people (flu-like symptoms that disappear in a few days) or animals (can cause the death of small pets, such as canaries).

Tips:

• Do not use Teflon pans to cook at high temperatures (fried, for example).
• Do not leave the pan on the fire so that it heats up before adding the food.
• Open the window or turn on the smoke extractor.

2.- When the Teflon begins to detach from the pan.

When the Teflon coating (or any other non-stick coating) is lost, the food cooks in contact with the pan material, which is usually aluminum (pressed, forged, or cast).

It is not recommended that aluminum come into contact with food while it is cooking; especially when we use the same pan every day.

What types of Teflon are there in pans?

Not all Teflon is of the same quality. Depending on the manufacturing process, the Teflon of the pan can last you more or less time and can be more or less resistant to bumps and scratches.

Some of the types of Teflon that the pans carry are the following:

1. Teflon Classic  – the most basic of all. Nonstick pans with this type of Teflon are easy to clean and food doesn’t stick. The problem is that it scratches more easily and ends up coming off sooner. It is valid for people who do not cook daily and when they do they do not want to waste time cleaning the pan.
2. Teflon Select  – It is a Teflon that will last longer covering the pan. If you are going to use the pan with some frequency, it should at least be of this type.
3. Teflon Platinum Plus  – It is a more durable type of non-stick that better withstands scratches or bumps. If you need a pan to use frequently, it is better to have a quality Teflon.
4. Teflon Professional – superior to the previous one.
5. Teflon Profile  – The best of all in terms of performance. Also the most expensive.

Titanium

Titanium is the perfect material for pan linings. It is healthy, very resistant to corrosion or scratches, and is not excessively heavy. The only drawback is its price. Titanium is used in combination with other components to create the nonstick coating on pans.

Titanium brings everything you need to the non-stick layer. The pan may be more expensive, however, in the long run, you will pay for it.

Within the same brand, the amount of titanium and the quality of the coating can be easily compared.

Tefal titanium coating

Tefal titanium pans have various finishes and qualities in terms of non-stick. Durability is greater depending on the number of layers and the amount of titanium included. Within Tefal, the one with the most resistance is Titanium Excellence.

The layers of a Tefal non-stick frying pan with Titanium Pro are distributed as follows:

On the body of the pan, which is made of cast aluminum, there are 6 layers, one of which has titanium particles. As you can see in the drawing below, the information is a bit vague.

Tefal does not clarify anything about the composition of the layers. However, on his website they report that “All non-stick coatings contain PTFE, short for polytetrafluoroethylene, a plastic polymer”

Tefal also specifies that all Tefal non-stick products are PFOA-free.

Each brand of pan, and each manufacturer of non-stick coatings, has its composition. The trend is to include titanium inserts, although, in the other layers, there may be the famous “Teflon”.

The titanium of German frying pans

Skk has a 4-layer non-stick, reinforced with titanium particles. They do not have PFOA, although they do have PTFE.

Its coating does not have nanoparticles.

Woll, meanwhile, uses a proprietary procedure to apply the coatings. 

Using the most advanced technology: diamond or sapphire particles are blasted onto the cookware surface at 20,000°C, forming an extremely hard base layer that is impervious to cuts and scratches. Woll applies multiple coats for strength and durability.

Quantum

This non-stick material is made by Withford. Another specialist in non-stick frying pans.

You can easily recognize Quantanium nonstick by the logo:

QuanTanium can be of two types, basically:

• The one used in frying pans and kitchenware. It is not specified that it is free of PTFE
• The one used in bakeware (such as UNOLD brand bread makers) that is PTFE/PFOA free

In both cases, the nonstick has been reinforced with titanium for superior abrasion resistance and durability.

Non-stick pans containing PTFE (without titanium reinforcements)

It is the most abundant type of coating:

• They do not have reinforcements or titanium inserts
• They have PTFE as the main non-stick material
• They are PFOA free

Excluded from this group are ceramic coatings without PTFE (ceramic), which I will tell you about below.

Greblon

Weinberger Coatings GmbH is a German multinational that manufactures Greblon®. Its non-stick technology has various applications, one of which is in kitchen utensils. It can be one layer, two, or three. It may or may not contain PTFE…

In the following image you can see the 2 basic types of non-stick (with PTFE and Ceramic):

Greblon nonstick can have different qualities and compositions. It can even be reinforced with Titanium, although it is not usual. Within the Greblon with PTFE there are several types, in which the resistance and durability vary, being the C3+ the best:

LAGI

ILAG, the same company that made Ceralon for ceramic pans, makes various non-stick materials with PTFE: DURIT, DURIT DYNAMIC, GRAYSTONE, GRANITE, CORFLON. They vary in the number of layers of nonstick material and strength and durability.

Granite is one of the most frequently seen. It has 4 layers and is one of the best features in terms of strength and durability.

Xylan

It is another coating that contains PTFE. It’s made by Withford, the same guy who patented Quantanium.

The pans are distinguished by a logo like the following:

Ceramic coatings: the non-stick alternative to Teflon?

A ceramic frying pan does not contain PTFE and therefore does not emit PFOA in its manufacturing process. They are the most ecological pans. There are various manufacturers and brands, some of which you have already seen before.

Thermolon

Thermolom Ceramic Nonstick Pans are made by GreenPan®. A Thermolon non-stick frying pan has a label like the following:

The Thermolon does not contain PFOA or PTFE. It is resistant to high temperatures, even up to 450˚C/ 850˚F, does not release toxic fumes, and the coating itself does not lift or flake. The ThermolonTM coating is a single layer. The material is a derivative of sand.

GreenPan non-stick pans can be included within the ecological ones. Not only because toxic gases are not emitted during the manufacturing process, but because it is a very good conductor of heat, with a pan with Thermolon you will take less time to cook and save more energy.

It is an ecological frying pan in every sense, but you must take care of it and clean it with great care (among the advice for use, it is recommended not to use extra virgin olive oil and to use refined oil. The latter will not stain it.) Zwilling uses Thermolon as a nonstick in some of its nonstick pans.

DURAQUARZ® ceramic

The German HIFFICIENCY manufactures this non-stick coating. Made of quartz ceramic and PEK (polyether ketone) that resists very high temperatures. It is resistant and maintains its long-term non-stick properties. 

It is applied in multiple layers and is non-toxic. Up to 450°C temperature resistance is never reached by a frying pan.

This coating is characterized by:

• No toxic or harmful gases
• Teflon-free, PTFE-free, PFOA-free, and clean quartz ceramic
• Excellent long-lasting non-stick properties.
• Hard and robust, long durability
• dishwasher safe
• Suitable up to 450°C for short periods

Celeron

Ceralon nonstick is also manufactured by ILAG (a Swiss company that manufactures quality nonstick coatings).

To know if a frying pan is from Ceralon, you must make sure that it has the following logo:

Ceralon has good properties in terms of durability and resistance to heat or abrasion. During the manufacturing process, it is subjected to different types of tests to verify the results with the most problematic foods (as occurs with the tomato due to its acidity).

So that the Ceralon non-stick pan does not lose its properties, it is recommended to wash it by hand.

If the pan is Ceralon coated, it has two layers of coating. For example, ILAG manufactures 2 coatings with a very similar appearance with a stone or granite finish that it calls Granite. They correspond to the following stamps: The one on the right, green in color, is ceramic. The one on the left is not ceramic and has PTFE.

Greblon Ceramic

Greblon Ceramic does not contain PTFE and is distinguished by the following logo (which is the one that usually appears on the non-stick pan):

On the Greblon website, they use another logo to refer to the same type of coating:

The best nonstick pans

Now that you know the best brands, the healthiest non-stick pans, and how to differentiate them, it’s time for you to see a selection of the best non-stick pans.

1. SKK Titanium 2000 Plus

• Made in Germany
• Detachable handle
• Cast-aluminum
• Non-stick: Titanium 2000 Plus 4 layers

Despite advances in non-stick coating technology, the pan is made almost by hand, following the strictest quality control systems. The body is made of aluminum alloy and has a 10 mm thermal base, which will ensure that the heat is uniform and reaches all the foods you cook on it equally.

The 32 cm model weighs about 2.4 kg and has a height of 5.5 cm. The rim is reinforced to prevent spills. The pan supports temperatures up to 260º. It can be put in the oven. The non-stick material combines several layers with PTFE and titanium. It is free of PFOA and nanoparticles. Not valid for induction fires.

2. Woll Titanium Nowo

• Made in Germany
• Detachable handle
• Cast-aluminum
• 4-layer PFOA-free nonstick with titanium

High range of Woll, with detachable handle. Oven safe. It Withstands temperatures of 260º. The handle is removable so that when it is stored it takes up little space, or if you prefer to finish some preparation in the oven. It is available in diameters ranging from 18 to 40 cm.

The diffuser bottom in the models for induction plates is 10 mm (a little less than the rest). It has a height of 5 cm and a more consistent edge that prevents sauces from spilling or deteriorating.

It can be washed in the dishwasher, although it is not recommended. Keep in mind that these pans are some of the heaviest. If you choose a very large diameter, the weight of the pan may be too much for some people.

3. Le Creuset Nonstick TNS PRO

• Anodized forged aluminum
• Stainless steel handle
• PFOA-free, wear-resistant 3-layer nonstick coating

Based on magnetic stainless steel, a thick layer of forged aluminum gives it an optimal combination of lightness and solidity. It has 4 layers of non-stick, PFOA-free, although it does have PTFE. The pan is not excessively heavy. The 24 cm one can weigh 1,100 grams, which makes it easier to make tortillas or grilled food than with other quality pans. It has a height of 4.5 cm.

The pan withstands temperatures of up to 260º, is suitable for all types of kitchens, and can be washed in the dishwasher, but it is better to do it by hand. A good pan for cooking at medium temperatures.

4. WMF Steak Professional

• Made in Germany
• Triple-layer of stainless steel, aluminum, and steel
• Stainless steel handle
• Duraquarz mineral non-stick (PTFE and PFOA free)

With all the good things about WMF pots in terms of heat conduction. Thanks to the triple layer that combines steel and aluminum, it achieves great heat conductivity and bomb-proof resistance. It is a pan with a stainless steel handle, capable of withstanding high temperatures (400º C).

Nonstick is PTFE and PFOA-free. It is suitable for any type of cuisine and can be put in the oven to finish meat that has previously been sealed at a high temperature. The weight is balanced. A frying pan with a diameter of 24 cm weighs 1,100 grams.

5. Kuhn Rikon Silver Star

• Made in Switzerland
• 18/10 stainless steel with a superthermal bottom with an aluminum core
• Stainless steel handle
• Titanium-reinforced 3-layer non-stick (ILAG), PFOA-free

 The titanium particles are heated to extremely high temperatures and shoot out to the bottom inside of the pan. There, they are fused directly with the stainless steel to form the extremely resistant plasma hard primer layer.

This coating process is also used in the aerospace industry as well as in medical technology and is characterized by its high wear and scratch resistance. Based on this plasma layer, three reinforced ceramic layers follow.

The Silver Star frying pan is suitable for use on all types of hobs (induction/gas/cranium/cast iron/electric/halogen) and is oven-ready up to 180°C. Weight of the 28 cm diameter frying pan (1,540 grs.)

6. Fissler Protect Alux Premium

• Made in Germany
• Forged aluminum
• Protected Plus non-stick without PFOA
• Ergonomic safety handle

Fissler has one of the best non-stick pans in its premium range. This heavy-gauge forged aluminum model has a PFOA-free (and PTFE-containing) non-stick coating. It is suitable for sauteing vegetables, grilling meat or fish, and any preparation with little oil. The base distributes the heat evenly and is suitable for any type of kitchen.

The pan has interesting details, such as a measuring scale so you can control the amount of liquid or a protective handle that is perforated so you can hang it up for storage. Fissler has a glass lid compatible with this pan that fits the pan and handles perfectly.

7. WMF Permadur

• Made in Germany
• Cast-aluminum
• PermaDur Non-Stick (PFOA Free)
• TransTherm® base for all types of kitchens
• Synthetic ergonomic handle

They are WMF’s high-end non-stick pans. They use the TransTherm diffuser base patented by WMF and which gives such good results in your pots. The body is made of very thick cast aluminum, which gives consistency to the pan. Withstands temperatures up to 250º C (70º C in the oven).

The non-stick is of high quality, PFOA-free, although the base is PTFE. The reinforced edge prevents the contents from spilling when you tip the pan over. The set of 3 pans is a safe investment. If you wash them by hand you can have pans for many years.

8. Tefal Aroma

• Made in China
• Cast-aluminum
• Titanium non-stick (without PFOA)
• ThermoSpot to control the temperature

It is the high end of Tefal. For the price of a high-end pan, you get 3 pans in cast aluminum and reinforced non-stick with titanium inserts.

They have the best Tefal non-stick coating, free of PFOA, although with the usual PTFE. The advantage is that they have a red circle that alerts you when the pan has already reached the necessary temperature to cook. They have a pouring spout to facilitate the tipping of the pan without spilling the sauce or the preparation liquid.

Their support handles make handling the pan when it is full easier and more comfortable. They are valid for all types of kitchens, although for induction they are not the best option. They can be slower than other models, although they are compatible. The weight is in line with high-end pans. They are somewhat heavy. The 24 cm one can weigh 1270 grams. This is the best-selling model

9. Advanced BRA

• Cast-aluminum
• Teflon ™PROFILE non-stick without PFOA
• Heat-resistant bakelite handle

It is the high range of BRA, made of very thick cast aluminum at the base and with the best non-stick coating that BRA incorporates in its non-stick pans.

In their manufacture, they were put through the CAMUT simulation test, one of the toughest scratch tests in the industry for cookware coatings. This process mimics typical kitchen activities like cutting, scratching, scraping, and stirring while measuring the strength of cookware.

They got very high marks, showing virtually no visible scratches compared to a flat, smooth surface with a standard coating. They are suitable for all types of stoves, including induction.

10. Monix Mineral

• Forged aluminum
• Titanium-Reinforced Quantanium Nonstick (PFOA-Free)
• Bottom with AISI 430 “FULL-INDUCTION” steel plate
• Handle: ergonomic riveted stainless steel

It is the high end of Monix. You ensure a good price and a fairly acceptable quality. The body of the pan is made of forged aluminum, and thanks to a steel polish, it can be used on induction cookers without any problem.

The non-stick is of quality (triple layer). It is one of the best from Withford, one of the benchmark brands in the sector. PFOA is free and It does contain PTFE, although the reinforcements with titanium particles give it a longer useful life than other coatings.

Body suitable for use in an oven up to 220º C. They can be washed in the dishwasher, although it is always better to do it by hand if you want the coating to last longer.

11. Metaltex XPERT

• Cast-aluminum
• ILAG Ultimate 3-layer non-stick
• 6 mm thick ultra-speed full induction bottom
• Soft-touch handle

The metal tax XPERT range has one of the best non-stick coatings from ILAG. It is made of 3 layers and is free of PFOA and BPA. They have a 3-year warranty. The body is made of cast aluminum, on which a conductive base is placed on induction cookers so that heat transmission is very fast. They are the high range of Metaltex. A good option similar to BRA and Monix and very close to the top range of TEFAL.

12. Tefal Expertise

• Forged aluminum
• Titanium Excellence 7-layer nonstick
• High thickness for a homogeneous distribution of heat, with stainless steel ferritic disc
• Temperature Control with Thermospot

They are from the medium-high range of Tefal, more than enough pans for most households, and for those who are looking for a decent pan that lasts and does not stick.

The forged aluminum makes them somewhat lighter than other pans. They have a base that adapts to all types of stoves, including induction, and that improves the speed of the pan when cooking. The nonstick is Tefal’s high-end one. Without PFOA and with PTFE. The pans have the characteristic Tefal red dot to notify you of the optimum temperature.

13. Casey Induction

• Cast-aluminum
• Teflon Platinum
• Full Induction induction base.
• Detachable handle with safety thread fixing system.

For many, it is the brand with the best value for money. It is a brand that usually has loyal consumers for pans like this. Good and cheap.

The non-stick is a high-quality Teflon, PFOA-free.

The pan is made of heavy-gauge cast aluminum, which prevents it from warping when heated (something that often happens with cheaper pressed aluminum pans). It is for induction. It has the advantage that the handle is removable so that when it is stored it takes up little space.

14. BRA Dupla Premiere

• Cast-aluminum
• Teflon Classic (PFOA Free)
• 5mm thick base.
• Double pan available in 20, 24, and 26 cm diameters

To keep making an omelet from being a challenge, with this double pan from RBA, you don’t need any experience or skill to flip it. The two bodies of the pans close hermetically so that nothing falls out when turning.

They have a classic Teflon coating, the same as always, but without PFOA. You can use them separately. You are buying 2 pans.

The Premier range is similar to the Prior, both collections being very similar in quality.

15. Monix Cooper

• Forged aluminum
• Coating: Quantanium with titanium particles (PFOA free)
• 4 mm thick base.
• Riveted handle made of stainless steel

One of the best-selling pans sets on Amazon. One of the reasons is its price, although do not forget that it has a better coating than even more expensive pans.

The Quantanium is reinforced with titanium particles. In addition, it does not have the classic Bakelite handle, but a much more resistant stainless steel one. They are made of forged aluminum and are suitable for induction cookers.

Its copper finishes give it an elegant and modern look since it is a fashionable color in kitchen utensils.

16. Magefesa Stained Glass

• Stamped aluminum
• 100% PFOA-free two-layer nonstick
• Valid for gas, electric, glass-ceramic, and induction cookers.
• Bakelite handle

Light pans for those who cook occasionally. The non-stick is from the basic range, although it does not contain PFOA. They are valid for all types of kitchens, including induction.

Final advice before buying

1. Don’t be fooled by appearances in the pan. One thing is the finish and quite another is the material. A stone-finished nonstick skillet can be ceramic or PTFE.
2. Although titanium pans contain PTFE (aka Teflon), you should not think that they are a bad option. Titanium makes the coating take much longer to deteriorate because it better withstands bumps and scratches than other materials.
3. If you buy a non-stick pan, treat it very carefully and check that the non-stick coating is in good condition (that food does not stick and that the non-stick has not worn off).
4. Choose the best non-stick frying pan that your budget allows. Once the non-stick layer falls off, what usually remains in contact with the food is aluminum (and it is not recommended because it reacts with acidic foods, and eating them in large quantities is not recommended).
5. Buy the right pan for what you are going to cook in it. Stamped aluminum deforms faster if you have an induction cooker and put on a very strong fire, but for tortillas, they are lighter.
6. A frying pan does not have PFOA and they say that it is ecological and is no longer a differential element. Since 2015 PFOA mustn’t be used in the manufacture of any frying pan.
7. Learn how to use, clean, and maintain your nonstick skillet. It is not good to put it on fire without any food. You also don’t have to put it in the dishwasher. It is better to wash it by hand with liquid soap and a soft cloth. In the long run, it will last you longer.