11 Best Non-Stick Frying Pans For High Heat Of 2024
While there are numerous options for non-stick frying pans, not all of them can handle the heat – pun intended!
But all jokes aside, paying top-dollar for a non-stick pan that starts chipping away and losing effectiveness after a couple of months can be infuriating!
Why do these pans chip? Well, the answer is surprisingly simple!
It’s because they simply cannot be used at temperatures above 400ºF (200ºC). And you’ll be shocked how low that actually is.
So, what are the best frying pans that can handle the high cooking temperatures? You should always try and choose pans without any harmful chemicals or materials like PFTE and PFOA. Furthermore, it should be of good quality, made from durable materials, and effectively non-stick.
In this jam-packed article, we will have a look at the best non-stick frying pans and what makes them efficient. We will also have a look at an in-depth buyer’s guide that will help you choose the best product for you!
Which Cooking Techniques Work With High Temperatures?
We thought that it would be good to first discuss which cooking techniques require a frying pan like this. Because if you don’t use any of them, then there’s no point in really getting this type of pan.
But believe us, your mind will be blown away when you see how many everyday techniques work in such extreme heat!
Cooking techniques that easily reach 400ºF (200ºC) include searing, stir-frying, shallow-frying, and sauteing. That’s basically every technique that you would use for a frying pan!
While all of these techniques can work at lower temperatures, they can also easily reach high ones using only medium heat.
When searing food, the minimum temperature at which the Maillard reaction takes place (browning of the food) is 300ºF (149ºC). It can also go as high as 500ºF (260ºC).
This technique is used to make food crispy, give it an appealing brown color, and to help develop delicious caramelized and meaty flavors.
Sauteing, arguably the lowest temperature you will use starts at around 320ºF (160ºC), but needs to gradually increase to properly cook the food.
So, as you can see, it is nearly impossible to avoid these temperatures. And therefore, it is almost essential that you get a frying pan that can actually handle the high heat.
Why Can’t All Non-Stick Pans Handle High Heat?
Most non-stick pans made before 2013 were made using toxic materials. This included the use of PFTE and PFOA. Now, you may or may not have heard about these, but bottom line is that they are bad!
When your frying pan is heated above 400ºF (200ºC), the materials start releasing toxic fumes. Simultaneously it weakens the non-stick coatings’ abilities and shortens the shelf life after every use.
And, on top of everything, the coating does eventually start chipping. While the chips themselves won’t really do anything to your body, the metals that they leach will have devastating effects over a period of time.
So, after knowing all that, it doesn’t sound like such a bad idea just to generally stay away from those types of frying pans.
Most frying pans that were made after 2013 don’t contain any of these toxic chemicals and materials. But, you should still check the packaging to make sure.
What Is A High Heat Resistant Frying Pan?
The best high-heat frying pans are made using hard materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel. While there are other modern material blends that have been created, who knows what their long-term effects may be of them.
For this reason, we just like to stick to the basics!
Furthermore, we like to get decently-sized pans. Especially because these can get quite pricey! So don’t even waste your money buying an 8-inch pan. Just go for a big one—it will be a lot more versatile!
The pan, while being able to resist high temperatures, should still be able to distribute the heat very well, evenly, and be able to retain it to a certain level.
Buyer’s Guide
Now, there are quite a few things to look out for when buying non-stick pans, especially when they must resist high temperatures. Let’s have a look!
PTFE, PFOA, And Lead-free
This is one of the most important factors to look at! Most non-stick coatings that are made from a blend of materials contain some type of toxic and hazardous chemical. They are also usually not very environmentally friendly.
So, avoid pots and pans that contain any of these. The packaging will usually state this as it has become a major selling point.
Good Heat Conductor
You would be surprised to find out how many frying pans are terrible heat conductors and distributors. Not to mention that some of these pans take incredibly long to heat in the first place!
So, make sure that your frying pan is made of a material that at least works well. Different materials do naturally have different pros and cons.
For example, cast iron is a fantastic distributor of heat and conducts it well, however, it takes a long time to heat.
Stainless steel also conducts heat well and heats very quickly, but it isn’t a very durable material and cannot handle as high temperatures as cast iron pans can.
If you come across a material you don’t know, make sure to research its pros and cons first before making the investment.
And of course, make sure that the pan can handle the extreme heats you are going to expose it too! This should be at least 450ºF (230ºC).
Good Design
We’ve all had to work with an extremely poorly designed pan. It’s awful! You just feel like throwing it away!
So, especially because these can be very expensive, make sure you choose one that has been designed in a way that you like.
Personally, we like the designs with flat bottoms. These create a much larger surface area for food to cook on and they heat a lot better.
And, don’t forget about the handle! Make sure that it is extra sturdy and easy to use.
An added bonus is if it is made from some type of material that can be placed inside of the oven. This way, you can sear an item on the stovetop and finish it inside of the oven.
Budget
Last but certainly not least, you, unfortunately, have to look at the price of your frying pan. A good quality frying pan that is both non-stick and able to handle high heat will be quite expensive.
However, you don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive product on the market! Sometimes, you can get a fantastic non-stick frying pan at a very affordable price.
The 11 Best Non-Stick Frying Pans For High Heat
Below we have compiled a list of the best non-stick frying pans that can all handle pretty high temperatures.
They are also all free of toxic chemicals and materials, so even when heated above the recommended temperatures, they won’t harm you or your food.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | All-Clad Hard Anodized Non-stick Frying pan Set | Easily reaches temperatures up to 500ºF (260ºC). Made from anodized aluminum with PFOA-free non-stick coatings. |
| 2. | Lodge Cast Iron 12-inch Skillet | Works at temperatures around 500ºF (260ºC). This cast iron material is extremely conductive and will last you a lifetime. |
| 3. | MICHELANGELO 10-inch Granite Frying Pan | Can use temperatures up to 450ºF (230ºC) and is lightweight yet sturdy. Easy to clean and comes with a lid. |
| 4. | EPPMO Hard-Anodized Non-stick 9.5-inch Saute Pan with Lid | Temperatures of up to 500ºF (260ºC) can be used. Easy to clean and well-conducting materials used. |
| 5. | Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Frying Pan | Will handle high temperatures of up to 500ºF (260ºC) without flaw. Also comes with a 10-year guarantee for chips, flakes, and scratches. |
| 6. | Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized Frying Pan Set | Can work with temperatures at 400ºF (200ºC). Is easy to use, lightweight, extra non-stick, and sturdy. |
| 7. | Black Cube Hybrid Stainless Steel 11-inch Frying Pan | Heat resistant up to 500ºF (260ºC). An extremely durable pan that works effectively too. |
| 8. | De Terra Cucina Vesucio Ceramic Coated Non-stick 11-inch Frying Pan | Easily reached temperatures up to 450ºF (230ºC). And, its unique high-low circle design makes it ultra non-stick. |
| 9. | Tramontina Aluminum Non-stick Frying Pan 12-inch | Can handle temperatures of 400ºF (200ºC) without a hitch. And, it is completely free of harmful chemicals or materials. |
| 10. | Anolon Advanced Hard-Anodized Pan | This pan can handle 450°F (230°C). It is lightweight and extremely good at conducting heat. |
| 11. | Sensarte 12-inch Non-stick Deep Frying Pan | The pan has a lower heat tolerance of only 302℉ (150℃), however, it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals so is safe to heat. |
1. All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non-stick Frying pan Set
Our first product on this list is a set of two All-Clad frying pans measuring at 10-inches and 12-inches.
There is also a set option of 8-inches and 10-inches.
These pans are made with an extremely conductive stainless steel base and a hard-anodized aluminum body.
The hardened aluminum body is then coated with 3 layers of non-stick material which is completely free of PFOA and other harmful chemicals.
And, before we forget to mention, these pans can easily handle temperatures up to 500ºF (260ºC).
This makes them an excellent choice for almost any stovetop cooking technique! The pans are also compatible with electric, gas, and induction stovetops, making them even more versatile!
The overall shape of the pan is relatively flat with a curved edge. This makes it heat very well while still allowing you to saute and toss food inside.
And finally, the handles of these pans are made from oven-safe stainless steel, meaning you can finish off your food items inside of the oven. The only downside is that they don’t feel exceptionally sturdy for the actual weight of the pan.
If you are looking for an overall well-built, durable, and budget-friendly option, then this set is the one to go for!
2. Lodge Cast Iron 12-inch Skillet
While a skillet technically isn’t a frying pan, it still often gets used as one.
The only difference really between them is that skillets aren’t as shallow as frying pans. But between you and me, we like it that way—it makes it more versatile!
This skillet is made from cast iron, which is an extremely durable material that is also an excellent heat conductor, distributor, and retainer. Lodge also has this skillet in a few other options so that you can choose your perfect size.
Cast iron is also a material that can be used in flames, so as you can imagine, 500ºF (260ºC) is easy to reach. All this, while being completely naturally non-stick! Amazing right?
It also comes with a nifty silicone handle to make it easier to work with.
But, unfortunately, the biggest downside to this material is that it requires regular seasoning with oil and some getting used to it.
It takes very long to heat up and the temperature cannot be quickly adjusted. Other than that, this option will last you a lifetime!
3. MICHELANGELO 10-inch Granite Frying Pan
If you are looking for a much more stylish option, then this granite-patterned frying pan is our top choice. This beautiful pan is also extremely efficient.
It is made with a copper-ceramic toxic-free coating that will make your cooking much safer.
And, the base of the pan is made from aluminum which allows which helps ensure that it heats quickly and effectively.
Furthermore, this pan is compatible with any stovetop (including induction), is light yet sturdy, and can easily reach temperatures around 450ºF (230ºC).
And, it comes with an incredibly handy glass lid. This lid will easily help retain more moisture in your food, making it juicy.
Unfortunately, the lid isn’t oven-safe. And, we’ve also read that some users say that the pan should be used a couple of times before it completely eliminates all hot spots on the surface.
4. EPPMO Hard-Anodized Non-stick 9.5-inch Saute Pan with Lid
This specific product comes highly recommended, but while we certainly agree with users, we prefer the previously-mentioned frying pans more.
Nevertheless, this is a fantastic option instead of the cast iron pan above.
This saute pan is made with a pure aluminum core and ultra non-stick coating. This coating is also completely free of toxic chemicals and materials like PFOA, PFAS, PFOS, and lead.
It is compatible with all cooking surfaces and is lightweight, making it much easier to use. And, it can even be used at incredibly high temperatures like 500ºF (260ºC).
To make this pan even better is that it comes with a tempered glass lid fitted with a steam hole. This will help maintain moisture without an excess build-up of it.
The biggest downside is that the base isn’t textured at all, making it quite slippery on smooth cooking surfaces like induction plates.
5. Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Frying Pan
This pan is another fantastic option to use that will last you at least 10 years—they even put a guarantee on it!
Ninja claims that this pan won’t have food stick to it, it won’t chip or flake, all thanks to their secret formula.
This pan is made from a heavy-gauge 4.5mm aluminum base, making it extremely effective at heating up and conducting that heat to food. It also comes with a hard-anodized exterior which helps also make it scratch-proof.
Their handles are also made with cast stainless steel and are super sturdy, especially for the weight of the pan. The entire frying pan is also completely safe to use inside of the oven, making finishing techniques a lot more versatile.
6. Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized Frying Pan Set
This set of two also includes a 10-inch and 12-inch frying pan. When looking ta the pan, you will immediately see its unique, yet functional design.
This high-low circle design helps make the surface extra non-stick and helps prevent utensils from scratching it up.
And, thanks to its stainless steel base, these pans will heat up extremely quickly and evenly.
It is also a much more durable material than aluminum or aluminum blends. The pan can handle heat up safely up to 400ºF (200ºC) and can be used on all cooktops.
For added comfort, the manufacturer made extremely sturdy handles coated with a rubber heat-proof layer.
While this pan is dishwasher safe, many users don’t recommend doing so with this particular pan.
7. Black Cube Hybrid Stainless Steel 11-inch Frying Pan
This is very uniquely designed frying pan that uses a secret construction formula to make the pan ultra non-stick.
They use (what they call) raised stainless steel pixels coated with a toxic-free non-stick coating.
This makes the pan distribute heat more evenly, get a more non-stick functionality, and make it easy to clean.
And, it is also very well-suited for high-heat cooking up to 500ºF (260ºC). And, it can even be used in the oven.
Furthermore, the material is very durable, scratch-resistant, and can be used on all types of stovetops, including induction.
8. De Terra Cucina Vesucio Ceramic Coated Non-stick 11-inch Frying Pan
This Italian-made frying pan is very conductive and easily adaptable. The coating itself is very unique.
It is a ceramic non-stick coating made with completely good-safe materials and chemicals. No PTFE or PFOA!
And, the 4 layers of coating allows you to easily cook at temperatures of 450ºF (230ºC).
And, the handle itself is coated with a heat-resistant silicone layer that makes it easy to handle and use.
The glass lid is also quite handy and is fitted with a silicone edge. This ensures an effective seal every time you use it. And, the steam hole allows just enough steam to escape that you don’t have to constantly monitor your food.
9. Tramontina Aluminum Non-stick Frying Pan 12-inch
This frying pan is made for kitchens specifically, so the design is more functional than pretty. But, it’s by far one of our favorites.
This pan is made from 3004 heavy-gauge aluminum with a reinforces non-stick coating. It will handle temperatures up to 400ºF (200ºC) without fault.
While this does seem low in comparison to other products on this list, because of the material it is made from, it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that release toxins at that temperature.
The frying pan is lightweight, dishwasher safe, and easy to use.
10. Anolon Advanced Hard-Anodized Pan
Now, this Analon frying pan is an excellent option for nights where you need to entertain guests with big flames, either under or on top of the pan!
Anolon’s nonstick products have very good performance with regards to their nonstick cooking ability, boasting triple-layer nonstick technology. Also, they’re free of all toxic chemicals.
The build quality of this pan is excellent for the price point it comes in at and is one of the best options for anyone looking for a nonstick pan that delivers good cooking performance.
The pan is made using hard-anodized aluminum which reduces hot spots and distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking surface of the pan.
Another killer feature of this pan is its handle. The durable, heat resistant nylon handle (which is BPA free too!) does not get too hot to touch and is safe to touch even when coming out of a hot oven!
According to the manufacturer, the handle is safe to be exposed to temperatures as high as 450°F (230°C).
11. Sensarte 12-inch Non-stick Deep Frying Pan
Sensarte is another good choice when it comes to nonstick frying pans. This pan has a very premium look and excellent nonstick performance.
And, because of its depth, it will also work great for shallow-frying and deep-frying!
The stainless steel base adds another layer of advantage in that it makes the pan usable on any stovetop. Stainless steel is also very durable and an excellent heat conductor.
The pan has a comfortable and ergonomic grip constructed from sleek-looking Bakelite.
However, although the manufacturer boasts that the handle has “StayCool” technology, it does sometimes get a little too hot to touch from the heat conducted through the pan. This pan is said to be “oven-safe” at 302℉ (150℃).
Overall, this is a superb option for its cooking performance. The pan’s nonstick performance is great, it is easy to clean and is free from PFOA & PFOS.
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