Keep your precious pans scratch-free by cooking with the best non-stick cooking utensils.
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10 Best Non-Stick Cooking Utensils to Use With Non-Stick Cookware
Updated on Sep. 24, 2024
With many different utensils available for your kitchen, choosing the right ones is important. While wood, stainless steel and plastic are all viable options for everyday cooking, non-stick kitchen tools are delightful when handling slippery or unruly foods. These slip-free utensils make portioning eggs, pasta, cupcake batter and vegetables a breeze and provide long-lasting use when maintained correctly. They are also easy to clean after use. We’ve assembled a list of our favorite non-stick cooking utensils to enhance your cooking experience.
On Sale
14-Piece Silicone Utensil Set
If you prefer acquiring all your non-stick cooking utensils at once rather than gradually collecting individual pieces, this 14-piece set is a reliable option. It includes essential daily utensils like tongs and a flexible silicone spatula, as well as occasional tools like a slotted turner and a pasta-serving spoon.
Supoon
Dreamfarm impresses us with their innovative hybrid tools like the Spina (a strainer and salad spinner) and exceptional pepper grinders. The Supoon is another winner. It features flexible squeegee sides and a flat tip, which ensures efficient scraping of delicious brown bits from pans without damaging the non-stick coating. Its deep scoop features convenient measurement lines for easy recipe adherence, too.
Spatula
While the initial price tag of this kitchen spatula may seem high, a closer look at its extensive list of five-star reviews and chef-tested accolades reveals why it is truly worth the investment. Material’s soft-edge turner is crafted from BPA-free silicone with a reinforced nylon core, providing stability beneath its soft and gentle surface.
Smood Masher
Dreamfarm presents another helpful cooking product with this innovative potato masher. Designed to flatten spuds to pancake-like perfection, it effortlessly creates velvety mashed potatoes in a matter of minutes. The coiled design ensures ease of use with minimal physical exertion, eliminating any discomfort or inconvenience associated with mashing foods.
Silicone Balloon Whisk
Conventional whisks with wire tines risk scratching the coating of non-stick pans, rendering tasks like emulsifying sauces or vigorously whisking omelets challenging. That’s precisely why owning a silicone version becomes essential. And when it comes to finding the perfect one, it’s hard to beat the performance of this OXO silicone balloon whisk.
Chopula
The Chopula is a light, flexible turning spatula that flips delicate foods like fish or pancakes without damaging them. Turn it on its side, though, and you’ve got a non-stick cooking tool that’s rigid and sturdy enough to break up foods as they cook, such as ground beef or frozen vegetables.
Pastry Brush
The Misen pastry brush is one of the top non-stick cooking utensils for basting and glazing foods. Its handle incorporates a sturdy nylon core wrapped in platinum-grade silicone, ensuring durability. The brush’s soft and resilient silicone bristles are easy to clean, dishwasher-safe and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tongs Set
Tongs serve as an extension of your hands during cooking, requiring effortless operation. This set offers three tongs in varying lengths to always get a proper grip on your food, whether you’re cooking in a pan, on the grill or in the oven. The silicone-covered tips prevent these non-stick cooking utensils from scratching your pans. Plus, a user-friendly lock at the end keeps them securely closed when not in use.
Pasta Fork
Rigatoni, spaghetti, tagliatelle or fettuccine are easier to handle with a non-slip pasta fork. Ideal for cooking and portioning, this BPA-free silicone fork withstands heat up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit and comes in three color options.
Wooden Spoon
Last, if you’re using a non-stick pan, one of the must-have cooking utensils is a large wooden spoon. It stirs, scrapes and has been an indispensable tool long before non-stick cookware. Wood, which is naturally soft and won’t damage pans, is ideal material for kitchen utensils for its ability to withstand extreme heat. Made In’s outstandingly crafted version will serve you for years to come.
What to Look for When Buying Non-Stick Utensils
Material and Coating
Non-stick utensils are typically made of silicone with a nylon core, offering durability and non-stick capabilities for tasks like portioning eggs, basting or mixing pasta in sauce. Some brands also include wood or metal handles, which add longevity and value. While silicone naturally has non-stick properties, additional PFTE or Teflon coating enhances this effect, providing a hydrophobic, nonreactive surface with minimal friction. Teflon, known for its use on cookware, gives non-stick utensils greater control and traction while cooking.
Intended Use
Non-stick utensils are versatile and excel at handling slippery or sticky foods. For example, non-stick spatulas work well with eggs, bacon and grilled paninis, providing a stable surface where foods won’t slip. Non-stick tongs handle dressings, sauces and grease easily and clean off quickly after use. Think about your daily recipes and how a non-stick utensil could simplify cooking and reduce clean-up time.
Maintenance and Durability
A key benefit of non-stick surfaces is their resistance to grease and stains, requiring only a quick rinse or light scrub. Most non-stick utensils are dishwasher-safe, adding convenience. However, silicone and nylon utensils have temperature limits and are less heat-resistant than wood or metal. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you don’t exceed the recommended temperature, which could lead to melting or damage.
Price
Single non-stick utensils generally range from $10 to $25. Complete sets with three to five tools can cost around $35. While buying individual tools works for many, investing in a complete set might be more convenient and cost-effective over time.
Why You Should Trust Us
Allison T. Robicelli brings over 12 years of experience in the food industry as a former bakery co-owner, professional chef, and food writer for Taste of Home, Bon Appétit, The Washington Post, Eater, The Takeout and Food & Wine. As a dedicated Taste of Home Test Kitchen member, she has extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of kitchen gadgets. Her expertise in food and kitchenware makes her a valuable source for insights on choosing the best non-stick cooking tools.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
How We Chose the Best Non-Stick Utensils
We reviewed various non-stick utensils, including full sets, individual gadgets and unique tools, to assemble a diverse selection for various cooking tasks. To determine our top picks, we assessed each candidate’s material and coating type, intended use and ease of maintenance. We prioritized non-stick utensils with PTFE or Teflon coatings and a nylon core or silicone construction for durability and performance. Our list includes a variety of tool types suited for different cooking tasks, ensuring versatility. Lastly, we focused on easy-to-maintain and clean brands, selecting dishwasher-safe and hydrophobic options for effortless clean-up.
FAQ
Are non-stick utensils safe for cooking?
Yes, non-stick utensils made with a PFOA-free coating are considered safe for cooking. When selecting utensils, check the type of coating to ensure it’s effective and free of harsh chemicals.
What is the non-stick coating on cooking utensils?
Most non-stick utensils have a PTFE or Teflon coating, which is hydrophobic and repels grease. This makes the utensils easy to clean after use.
Can you use non-stick utensils with high heat?
Non-stick utensils are versatile for cooking but can melt under intense heat. Keep the temperature below 500 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage to the coating and avoid melting the utensil.
What are the safest utensils for non-stick pans?
To protect the non-stick coating on your cookware—and make it last longer—you need to use the right utensils. For non-stick pans, this means avoiding metal utensils that can scratch the pan and damage the non-stick coating. It’s best to stick to plastic, wooden and silicone utensils when cooking in non-stick cookware.
