Our best-of-the-best pots guide continues as we cover nonstick cookware.
Even though we recommend stainless steel for the majority of your cooking, many people like to choose a nonstick set for dairy/milchigs. This is because milky things tend to stick more to pots. Some people find them easier to clean, as there’s no scrubbing necessary. Like with stainless steel, there is good, better, and best.
If you have the type of household that only likes dairy/milchig meals occasionally or once weekly, then less expensive sets should be able to stand up to that infrequent use. However, if you cook dairy meals almost as often as meat (raising my hand), and you want something that’ll last forever, see our stainless steel picks here. Choose a different brand for dairy than you choose for meat. You can always add a nonstick frying pan to your dairy stainless steel set. With frequent use, even the most expensive nonstick won’t last forever.
One general note: The experts at The Peppermill tell us that they’ve seen how cooking sprays kill nonstick pans. They contain proponents that get baked on and eat into a nonstick finish. Alternatively, you can brush a pan with a paper towel dipped in oil, or use an EVO spray bottle, which can be filled with the oil of your choice, and sprayed without any propellants. The EVO bottles contain special spray mechanisms which prevent the oil from getting gunked up.
- The exteriors of some of these cookware picks are enamel and they come in fun colors, which make it exciting. If you’re looking for value sets for meat and dairy, they come in red and blue, which is very practical.
Rachael Ray 14-Piece Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set from The Peppermill
Rachael Ray 13-Piece Induction Nonstick Cookware Set from The Peppermill
Rachael Ray Cucina 12-Piece Hard Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set from The Peppermill
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Anodized Cookware Set from The Kitchen Clique
Circulon 10 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set from The Kitchen Clique
Middle Tier Nonstick: $330-$420
- Anolon offers a better quality, more durable, and heavier weight nonstick cookware. The anodized exterior means it’s never hot to the touch.
Analon Advanced Bronze 11 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set, also comes in Moonstone and Indigo from The Peppermill
High End Nonstick: $400 and Up
- For top of the line nonstick, Swiss Diamond pans feature microscopic diamonds in the coating, which creates a lasting durability. Unless you intentionally scratch it with a knife, the coating should last for many many years. It’s available for both traditional and induction stoves.
- The Black Cube cookware is really the exceptional pick when it comes to nonstick–this is the only one which will really never scratch and will last. It combines the cooking ability of Tri-Ply stainless steel and the easy cleanup of nonstick cookware. The interior is slightly raised with a honeycomb-patterned grid, so that utensils can’t scratch the nonstick finish; it will last many, many more years than traditional nonstick. It cooks well with minimal oil needed, and because it has a stainless steel exterior, you can scrub the outside beautifully. The 7 piece set might be all that you need for the perfect dairy set.
Black Cube Cookware Set from The Kitchen Clique - Scanpan is another brand that is popular, but the Black Cube is most recommended in the high end range.
Scanpan Classic Nonstick Cookware Set from The Kitchen Clique - Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro Cookware Set from The Kitchen Clique
- Henckels Stainless Steel Ceramic 10 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set from The Peppermill
We have 2 more complete guides for you to check out, stainless steel and open stock.
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Lisa says
Can you please explain the purpose of using a cast iron skillet vs. Any other skillet?