What is the Best Nonstick Frying Pan For Induction Cooktop? This article will help you decide on what to buy. There are many choices when it comes to frying pans, and we want you to make an informed decision about which one is best for your induction cooktop and your needs. We have reviewed and compiled a list of the top 4 Best Nonstick Frying Pans For Induction Cooktops in order from best overall to the most budget-friendly option.
In restaurants, we often use induction cooktops to help us with preparation. It became increasingly popular in recent years because inductions heat up so fast. It takes only a few minutes for a pot of water to boil, while it may take upwards to ten minutes to do so on a gas range.
I picked the best overall nonstick frying pan that will be a joy to use on induction cooktops. This 12 Inch All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid performs exceptionally well. The nonstick coating delivers great release both when gas and induction cooking. It’s oven-safe and has a large 12-inch cooking surface that is more than enough for a big family. It’s hard to get anything better when considering build quality, performance and price.
Our 4 Nonstick Frying Pans For Induction Cooktop Picks
Below are four of the best frying pans that are compatible with induction cooktops. You can pick from the best overall to the budget-friendly option.
- 12 Inch All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid (Best Overall)
- 10-Inch All-Clad 4110 NS R2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Non-Stick Fry Pan (Runner-up)
- EOE Nonstick Hard Anodized Aluminum Frying Pan (Best Budget)
- 8 and 10.25 Inch ScanPan CTX Stainless Steel-Aluminum 2-Piece Fry Pan Set (Best Nonstick Frying Pan Set)
Best Nonstick Frying Pan For Induction Cooktop in 2021
Below are four of the best nonstick frying pans for induction cooktops I reviewed for you to make the best purchasing decision.
Best Overall: 12 Inch All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid Review
- Material: Aluminum
- Oven safe: Yes
- Nonstick: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- PFOA-free: Yes
- Come with lid: Yes
- Induction compatible: Yes
This 12 Inch All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid is an excellent all-around option. I chose it as the best overall frying pan for induction cooking because it’s well priced; it has excellent nonstick properties while performing well both at conducting and retaining heat.
Build quality of this frying pan is at a premium end. Riveted stainless steel handle feels solid. The pan and the lid together are heavy, meaning they used quality materials to construct this pan. The anti-warp stainless-steel base adds the extra weight, but it’s necessary to keep the pan sturdy and, of course, to work on induction.
Heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum coated with three layers of a safe PFOA-free nonstick coating delivers excellent durability. The nonstick coating is hard to maintain in mint condition. After some time of using this frying pan, I did manage to scratch the coating. However, it did not affect cooking performance. Even though some manufacturers claim their cookware is scratch-resistant, still be careful when using metal utensils.
On a gas cooktop, I’ve noticed the stainless steel base is discoloring quite fast, but since you’re going to be using it for induction cooking, it shouldn’t be any problem. It sits flat on a glass top stove without discoloring.
The tempered glass lid with reinforced stainless steel rims is solid. It sits nicely on a frying pan and creates a good seal.
The cooking performance is fantastic. When using on induction, remember to place this large 12-inch pan on a bigger burner to even cook. The thick, durable stainless steel base is excellent since it retains heat well. Even in a full pan on medium heat, the pan can retain the heat.
Since aluminum is an excellent heat conductor, this pan responds to temperature changes instantly, especially when induction cooking.
This pan is large and heavy; therefore, it’s not that easy to maneuver with it around a kitchen, especially if you have an entire pan of food and a heavy lid on top.
The heavy lid creates a perfect seal without letting any vapor come out. This pan is also oven-safe. You can place it together with a lid which makes it even more versatile.
It’s effortless to clean this induction frying pan. The non-stick surface doesn’t allow for food stick; therefore, you can wipe the interior surface with a paper towel and then wash it with a bit of dishwashing soap to remove excess fat.
Pros
- Great heat distribution
- Excellent build quality
- Oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not scratch resistant as advertised
Runner-up: 10-Inch All-Clad 4110 NS R2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Non-Stick Fry Pan Review
- Material: Stainless steel with aluminum core
- Oven safe: Yes
- Nonstick: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- PFOA-free: Yes
- Come with lid: No
- Induction compatible: Yes
If it was cheaper than this 10-Inch All-Clad 4110 NS R2 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Non-Stick Fry Pan would be my best overall frying pan. However, since most home cooks would not spend that much money on the pan, it’s second on my list. Nevertheless, if you have a budget to spend, then this frying pan would be an excellent purchase.
Build quality is excellent, as you can expect. Durable stainless steel bonded with an aluminum core and three layers of PFOA-free nonstick coating makes this pan sturdy and durable. The riveted stainless steel handle is attached well to the pan. When you take this pan out of the box, you can feel it’s heavier than EOE Nonstick Hard Anodized Aluminum Frying Pan. It’s great because heavier pans are usually more durable and longer-lasting.
This pan can take a beating, meaning it’s durable. I was using it both on an induction stovetop as well as a gas range. It did not warp even at higher temperatures. The nonstick interior is holding up pretty well. It already developed minor scratches; however, it’s hard to keep a nonstick fry pan in mint condition. All non-stick cookware develops scratches easily, even the most expensive ones.
The cooking performance is fantastic. Magnetic stainless steel base ensures it performs well on induction stovetops. The aluminum core provides fast and even heat distribution, while a thick base is good for retaining heat. It’s one of the best nonstick induction frying pans on the market in terms of performance.
I like the thick stainless steel handle. It has a nice grip, making it easy to maneuver with this pan around the kitchen.
Most nonstick cookware is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while this non-stick frying pan can withstand heat as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, this pan is dishwasher safe. But I highly recommend washing it by hand. This type of pan’s surface is prone to chemicals, metal utensils, and abrasive scrubs. The dishwasher environment is too harsh for most non-stick cookware. So if you want to maintain a smooth surface, be extra careful with it.
Pros
- Even heat distribution
- Oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Premium build quality
Cons
- The lid is sold separately.
Best Budget: EOE Nonstick Hard Anodized Aluminum Frying Pan Review
- Material: Hard anodized aluminum
- Oven safe: Yes
- Nonstick: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- PFOA-free: Yes
- Come with lid: No
- Induction compatible: Yes
EOE Nonstick Hard Anodized Aluminum Frying Pan is an excellent budget nonstick pan for home cooks who look for a large induction compatible cookware without breaking the bank. Honestly, I was not expecting to get a pan in this price range that performs so well.
When considering the price, this pan is built well. It has a solid feel to it. Although it’s the lightest pan in this review, it has better-built quality than most Teflon pans I used. The riveted stainless steel handle is sturdy, and the anti-warp bottom ensures the pan withstands daily use and moderately high heat.
I was not expecting this pan to last for a very long time. Mainly because most cheaper non-stick frying pans have a short lifespan. But to my surprise, the nonstick interior is holding up well without flaking or chipping away.
The cooking process with this pan is impressive. Aluminum pans have one of the highest heat conductivity ratings meaning this pan has even heat distribution. A full pan of fried eggs cooks evenly. Even more impressive, this pan is oven safe and can withstand temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It would be even more versatile if EOE included a lid. Now you have to buy one separately, which is a shame.
Maintenance is easy. However, it’s not scratch-resistant, so you need to look after it. This pan is advertised as dishwasher safe, but I would stay away from using it. The dishwasher can easily damage the non-stick coating. I’ve seen some reviews online how home cooks complained about this very same issue.
Pros
- Excellent value for the money
- Durable
- Especially great for larger induction burners
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Lid is sold seperetely
- Best if used on low to medium heat
Best Nonstick Frying Pan Set: 8 and 10.25 Inch ScanPan CTX Stainless Steel-Aluminum 2-Piece Fry Pan Set Review
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Oven safe: Yes
- Nonstick: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- PFOA-free: Yes
- Come with lid: No
- Induction compatible: Yes
This 8 and 10.25 Inch ScanPan CTX Stainless Steel-Aluminum 2-Piece Fry Pan Set is an excellent purchase because it performs well on induction stoves and allows you to be a more versatile home cook. And what do I mean by that? Well, having a big and a small pan will enable you to use both pans simultaneously. One pan for your main course while a smaller one for searing vegetables or whatever you like. If you want to have a scrambled egg early in the morning, you don’t have to take out a big pan. Use a smaller one. It’s much more efficient and takes less time to heat up. Having two pans for home cooks who enjoy cooking is essential. Trust you’ll find both very useful.
Scanpan cookware products are well built. This 2-piece non-stick fry pan set is no exception. A 5-ply construction adds sturdiness to these pans. They do feel heavy though not as heavy as the All-Clad pan I reviewed. Stainless steel handles are well attached to the pot and feel sturdy. All in all, I have to say I love how these pans fell when holding them – fantastic quality.
Durability is outstanding. The 5-ply construction makes these pans sturdy and durable. A thick base ensures that these pans do not warp. I was constantly using it on both induction stoves and gas ranges, and they seem to hold up well. The bottom of the bigger pan does have scratches and some minor ones on the interior coating, but they do not affect the performance.
The performance is outstanding. A 10-inch frying pan distributes and retains heat exceptionally well. There are no hotspots, unlike most stainless steel cookware tends to have. The 8-inch frying pan is also a great performer. The aluminum does provide even heating throughout the entire interior surface area. It’s especially nice to use a smaller pan for omelets as they turn out evenly brown.
Thick stainless steel handles on both pans provide excellent grip. Though I noticed they do get hot when using on a gas stove. However, they’re fine when operating on an induction stovetop.
When it comes to cleaning, these ScanPan pans are easy to maintain. The leftover food comes off easily. Keep in mind to avoid using the dishwasher. I know it’s a convenient way of washing cookware; however, these pans will start to lose their nonstick properties if you often use them in a dishwasher. Instead, clean them by hand. This way, you’ll protect the coating, and the pans will last for much longer.
Pros
- Great nonstick properties
- Premium build quality
- Works well with induction stovetops
Cons
- Expensive
Guide to Buying Nonstick Frying Pan For Induction Cooktop
Take a look at our guide on how to choose the nonstick pan for an induction cooktop. Below you’ll find five key things to look for when picking a frying pan.
Material
Most nonstick frying pans are aluminum which is great because this material is an excellent heat conductor. Aluminum also ensures even heating. However, most nonstick pans are not compatible with induction cooktops. You should look for one with a magnetic base and thick to withstand a rapid heat transfer without warping.
Expect a cheaper nonstick frying pan to be not induction compatible, while a more expensive one should include this feature.
Stainless steel is the best material for induction stovetops. You should look for a tri-ply construction with a non-stick coating like this All-Clad frying pan if you want the best performance. It ensures excellent heat conductivity because of a bonded aluminum, and it has excellent heat retention. Indeed a frying pan like this is expensive.
Cast iron is an excellent material for induction stoves. It transfers heat across the pan evenly, and it’s incredibly durable. However, most cast iron cookware does not have a smooth flat bottom, which can damage the glass top stove. You surely want to protect your expensive glass top stove. Also, cast iron is difficult to clean and maintain since it requires seasoning.
If you’re wondering what material is the best in terms of performance, look at the table below, which shows how well each metal conducts heat.
| Metal | Thermal Conductivity [BTU/(hr·ft⋅°F)] |
| Copper | 223 |
| Aluminum | 118 |
| Brass | 64 |
| Steel | 17 |
| Bronze | 15 |
Durability
Thin nonstick frying pans are not durable and tend to warp. Look for a pan that is thick and heavy. A frying pan that has a reinforced base will ensure it will not warp.
Multi-ply construction is the best in terms of durability. Pans with three or more layers will outlast your typical nonstick hard-anodized aluminum pan by at least three or more years. Durable nonstick coating is typically found in more expensive premium cookware like All-Clad, Hexclad, or Scanpan products.
Maintenence
All nonstick frying pans are easy to clean. Try to pan-fry a steak in a stainless steel pan and then use a nonstick frying pan for steak. You’ll see how much of a difference does a non-stick coating makes in terms of cleaning. Stainless steel is by far harder to clean.
More expensive pans have a more durable nonstick coating that can be used in a dishwasher. You can use a cheap nonstick frying pan in a dishwasher; however, the coating will be damaged in no time compared to a more expensive pan. I advise you to handwash your pans no matter how good they are.
Nevertheless, opt for a more durable nonstick surface since it will make maintenance so much easier.
Size and Weight
Make sure to buy a frying pan that fits within the circular graphic marked on an induction cooker. It will allow for non-stick induction cookware to come into full contact with the glass surface. It will result in even cooking without having any hot spots on the interior surface of the pan.
Since the induction cooktop has bigger and smaller heating elements, it would be convenient to have a set of pans that are optimal for both large and small heat elements. I reviewed a set of ScanPan frying pans that will be optimal for both sizes.
Keep in mind that using a smaller pan on a bigger burner may fail the induction element while using a larger pan will not affect that.
Cast iron cookware is heavy, and the exterior surface is not as smooth as stainless steel. It can easily damage the glass cooktop resulting in a hefty repair bill.
Price
70 to 100 dollars is the best price range for an induction nonstick frying pan. Yes, you can get one for around 50 dollars, but if you’re looking to invest in more premium cookware, then aim above that.
I’ve included in my review a budget option that is surprisingly durable and performs well.
How Induction Cooktop Works?
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields for cooking food rather than direct heat like a gas or electric stovetop. If you noticed, inductions tend to cool down way faster. These electromagnetic fields do not heat the cooktop surface but transfer a small electromagnetic current in the metal of the frying pan instead. The energy from the current is converted into heat, and that is how food cooks (induction cooking).
Induction cooktops are much more energy-efficient than electric and gas stoves. That is why recently it became a popular choice among many home cooks.
Types of Nonstick Coatings
PTFE is the most common nonstick coating. Short for polytetrafluoroethylene, this is a synthetic polymer that reduces friction. Pretty much all nonstick pans contain it apart from ceramic nonstick frying pans.
In recent years Teflon pans have been under much scrutinies because they were produced using a polyfluoroalkyl polymer. It is known as PFOA. If you want to read more about this material, here is the article. Since you’re looking to purchase a frying pan compatible with your induction, I highly advise buying PFOA-free cookware.
Ceramic-like nonstick coating is yet another type of layer used in cookware. However, it’s not a ceramic; it is sol-gel which is silica-based. One of its biggest disadvantages is that its nonstick properties do not last very long, from what I’ve seen and reviewed.
FAQ
Take a look at the most frequently asked questions about induction cooking and frying pans.
Can you use nonstick pans on an induction cooktop?
If a nonstick frying pan has a magnetic base, you can use it with induction cooktops. However, most nonstick pans are made with a non-magnetic aluminum base which is not compatible with induction.
What are the disadvantages of induction cooking?
If you do not have cookware that is compatible with induction, you need to invest in one. Plus, prices of induction are higher than gas appliances.
Do chefs prefer induction or gas?
Most chefs prefer gas stoves because they don’t have glass tops that can break during busy service if something drops accidentally, like a heavy cast iron pan. However, chefs do love to use induction for preparation before service because of speedy heating and precise temperature control.
Is induction worth the money?
Yes, induction is worth the money because induction cooking is much more energy-efficient than electric and gas stoves. In the long run, you’re going to save money. However, keep in mind you should have cookware that is compatible with this type of appliance.
What happens if you use a normal pan on an induction hob?
If you place a non-magnetic pan on an induction hob it will remain cold.
How do you know if a pan is an induction?
If you place it on an induction hob and it remains cold, your pan is not compatible. There should be a symbol on the bottom of the pan or written in smaller letters if your pan is compatible with induction cooking. You can buy a stainless steel heat diffuser which you can place on the stovetop to make non-magnetic cookware work with induction.
Our Verdict
All four pans in this review would be an excellent addition to your kitchen. However considering the price, versatility, size, and performance the best overall pan for an induction stovetop is 12 Inch All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid.
