The 7 Best Saucepan Selections For Safe & Healthy Cooking 

A nice nonstick saucepan or two is essential to any home chef's repertoire of cookware. Don't let the name fool you, as the versatile pan can be used to cook a lot more than just sauces and gravies, including soups, stews, steamed vegetables, risotto, fondue, custard, and more. But without the right saucepan, you could be ingesting a whole host of harmful ingredients alongside your food. Conventional Teflon and nonstick cookware often contain PFAs and other toxic chemicals that leach into your food during cooking. These substances pose risks not just to human health but also to the well-being of our planet.

To help you navigate the growing number of healthy cookware brands out there today, we've rounded up 7 of the best non-toxic saucepans on the market. But first, let's ensure you clearly understand what makes for a good saucepan.

What Is A Saucepan?

Think of a saucepan as a miniature version of a stock pot. It's deeper than a frying pan and narrower than a saute pan, making it the perfect choice for cooking liquids. Many feature a pouring spout to minimize drips and assist with portioning when it's time to serve. Your average saucepan has a 2- to 3-quart capacity, making it versatile enough to use for cooking:

Sauces— A nonstick saucepan can do everything from pasta sauce and teriyaki glaze to caramel and custard.

Gravy— Pull your saucepan out this holiday season to whip up some gravy. Save the leftovers for a biscuit and gravy feast the following day.

Soups and Stews— Small saucepans are the perfect cookware to heat up to four servings of soup or stew, whether it's homemade or straight out of the can.

Pasta— While most saucepans are too small to cook long spaghetti and lasagna noodles, they can boil water and cook macaroni, penne, and other small shapes.

Rice & Grains— With a steam-locking lid, your saucepan can cook rice, quinoa, lentils, and other healthy whole grains.

What To Consider For When Shopping For A Saucepan

Material

Saucepans come in various materials, such as stainless steel, nonstick, copper, aluminum, and cast iron. Every material has its pros and cons. Stainless steel boasts durability and non-reactivity, while copper excels in exceptional heat conductivity. Nonstick pans are great for low-fat cooking, and cast iron provides even heat distribution. Prior to selecting a material, take into account your cooking preferences and requirements. To navigate this complexity, it's essential to focus on a few key materials:

Ceramic Nonstick Coating— Identifying safe nonstick cookware can be a daunting task due to the lack of clear definitions for terms like "healthy," "non-toxic," and "eco-friendly," often used as marketing buzzwords. Differentiating between genuinely safe saucepans and those that might be misleadingly labeled can be perplexing, especially when there are no specific legal standards for non-toxic cookware. Most "healthy" cookware is crafted with a metal core covered in a nonstick ceramic coating. Look for products labeled PFOA-free, PFA-free, and non-toxic. Avoid cooking with metal utensils that can damage the slick surface.

Stainless Steel Saucepans— Untreated metal pans made of stainless steel or carbon steel won't prevent food from sticking to the pan, but they will keep harmful PFAs out of your food. Use oil liberally during cooking and soak dirty pans immediately to minimize scraping and scrubbing. If cleaning is a big concern, there are nonstick-coating stainless steel pans and pots. This would make cleaning much easier but will need further investigation to ensure the coating is safe.

Cast Iron Saucepans— Made from iron and a small amount of carbon, cast iron and enameled cast iron cookware are naturally nonstick when properly seasoned. Though not the most common material for saucepans, it's always a reliable choice.

Glass Saucepans— Glass, being a non-reactive material, ensures that it won't interact with acidic or alkaline ingredients during cooking. This is especially important when working with ingredients like tomatoes, citrus fruits, or vinegar, as reactive materials can sometimes impart unwanted flavors to the food. Glass is also a natural material without harmful chemicals or toxins. This makes it a safe choice for cooking, as there is no risk of potentially harmful substances leaching into your food.

Size and Capacity

Saucepan sizes are typically measured in quarts or liters. To find the suitable size and capacity, consider the number of people you typically cook for and the types of dishes you frequently prepare. A 2 to 4-quart saucepan is a versatile choice for most households.

Lid

A good saucepan should come with a well-fitting lid. With the lid in place, heat and moisture are effectively trapped, leading to quicker cooking and improved outcomes. Look for a saucepan with a sturdy and heat-resistant lid handle.

Handle

The pan's handle must offer a comfortable grip and secure attachment to the pan. Additionally, it should be heat-resistant to prevent burns during cooking.

Heat Conductivity

Various materials possess distinct heat conductivity properties. Copper and aluminum pans stand out as excellent heat conductors, ensuring rapid and uniform heating. Stainless steel saucepans have a core of aluminum or copper to improve heat distribution.

Weight

Consider the weight of the saucepan, especially if you plan to lift it frequently while cooking. A too-heavy pan might be cumbersome to use, while an excessively lightweight pan may not have the sturdiness you desire.

Base

Check the base of the saucepan to ensure it is flat and thick. A flat base ensures better contact with the cooking surface, promoting even heat distribution and preventing hot spots.

7 Best Saucepans To Add To Your Kitchen

Caraway Saucepan

Best Overall

Elevate your cooking prowess with the top-rated Caraway Saucepan, deserving of five stars. Designed for the urban chef, its contemporary design comes in bright color options that bring a smile to your face and a pop of color to your stovetop. If you're looking for a high-quality, safe, eco-friendly saucepan that delivers exceptional results, look no further than the Caraway Home SaucePan.

The 3-quart saucepan is constructed with a premium ceramic nonstick coating free from harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, and heavy metals, making it a safe choice for you and your family. The anodized aluminum core ensures quick and even heat distribution, reducing hot spots and providing exceptional cooking results. Whether simmering delicate sauces or boiling pasta, this saucepan easily handles every task. Furthermore, it boasts oven-safe capabilities of up to 550°F.

One of the standout features of this saucepan is its sleek and thoughtful design. The minimalist aesthetic with a beautiful eight-color exterior for you to choose from, this saucepan will add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to any kitchen. The ergonomically designed stainless steel handle remains cool throughout the cooking process, while the lid effectively retains heat within the saucepan.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Performance: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.9/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5

The Risa Pan

Runner Up

The Risa Pan from Risa may just have it all. From its stylish and unique design to being made from non-toxic materials, it's impossible not to love this pan. Risa is the creation by celebrity and producer Eva Longoria, and it's possible you just may have a Desperate Housewives moment while using this pot.

Unlike traditional saucepans, The Risa Pan is designed with a lid resting on the side so you can save space and rest your lid on the nesting handles without needing to find counter space in the middle of your cooking. Crafted from a nonstick, sol-gel ceramic coating that is free of chemicals like PFAS, PTFE, PFOS, lead, and cadmium. You can also use less oil or butter, making cleaning a breeze. This oven-safe pan can pop directly into the oven at up to 400F and heats evenly with its aluminum body and stainless steel induction plate.

The Risa Kitchen Saute Pan has proven to be incredibly versatile, handling various culinary tasks effortlessly. From sauteing vegetables to searing meats and preparing delicate sauces, this pan delivers exceptional performance each time. The deep design with high sides minimizes splattering, allowing for mess-free cooking.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Performance: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.9/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 5/5

Green Pan Rio Ceramic Nonstick 2-Quart Saucepan With Lid

Best Value

Green Pan is on a mission to make the world's best affordable non-toxic cookware, and this GreenPan Rio Ceramic Nonstick Covered Saucepan stands out as the best value saucepan on the market. With its impressive nonstick technology, even heating, versatile design, and easy maintenance, this saucepan delivers exceptional performance that exceeds its affordable price tag.

This versatile Rio Ceramic Nonstick 2-Quart Saucepan with lid features the brand's proprietary Thermolon ceramic material, a healthy nonstick coating manufactured without PFAs, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. With its heavy-duty aluminum core, this saucepan heats rapidly and evenly, ensuring consistent and reliable results. Oven safe up to 350°F and dishwasher-safe, it proves ideal for preparing soups, sauces, and warming beverages. All for under $50!

With its 2-quart capacity, the GreenPan Rio Saucepan is the perfect size for everyday cooking tasks. This versatile saucepan effortlessly handles a wide range of recipes, from boiling pasta to simmering soups and stews. The tempered glass lid with a cool-touch handle allows me to monitor the cooking process without losing heat or flavor, adding to its practicality. Cleaning up after cooking is a breeze with the GreenPan Rio Saucepan. Thanks to its nonstick surface, you quickly wipe away food residues with a soft sponge and some soapy water. The nonstick coating remains resilient even with frequent use, and the saucepan maintains its sleek appearance with minimal effort.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 5/5

Made In Stainless Clad Saucepan

Best Stainless Steel Saucepan

The Made In Stainless Steel Sauce Pan is the epitome of premium excellence in the culinary world. If you are seeking stainless steel saucepans that are worth adding to your stainless steel cookware collection, you must check out this Made In Nonstick Sauce Pan. Its unparalleled quality, versatility, and stylish design make it a standout choice for passionate home chefs and professionals alike. 

The Made In Stainless Steel Saucepan is a true work of art. Meticulously crafted with precision and attention to detail, this saucepan proudly showcases the highest quality stainless steel construction. Its thick, 5-ply construction and 360° cladding ensures optimum heat distribution and retention, allowing for precise temperature control during cooking. Whether you are sautéing vegetables, reducing sauces, boiling eggs, or simmering delicate ingredients, the Made In Sauce Pan delivers outstanding performance in every culinary endeavor. Its versatility and responsiveness to varying heat levels make it a joy to work with, meeting the demands of even the most intricate recipes.

The Made In Sauce Pan's impressive durability extends to its oven and broiler-safe capabilities. It can withstand temperatures of up to 800°F, providing versatility for recipes that require finishing in the oven. Cleaning the Made In SaucePan is effortless, all thanks to its smooth and non-porous surface. A simple hand wash with mild soap and water suffices, and the saucepan maintains its polished appearance with little effort.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 5/5

Xtrema Traditions Saucepan

Best With Sizing Options

Xtrema Traditions Saucepan is undoubtedly the best saucepan with various sizing options that offers a customizable solution for all cooking needs. This saucepan has become an invaluable kitchen companion with its pure ceramic construction, non-toxic materials, and exceptional performance.

One of the standout features of the Xtrema Traditions Saucepan is the availability of various sizing options. Whether you're cooking for a small family or hosting a dinner party, Xtrema offers different sizes to suit your specific requirements. The ability to choose the perfect saucepan size ensures optimal cooking performance, minimizing waste and maximizing convenience.

The Xtrema Traditions Saucepan is crafted from pure ceramic, setting it apart from conventional cookware. Made without the harmful chemicals, lead, cadmium, and heavy metals you'd find in traditional metal and nonstick cookware. Each non-toxic saucepan is handcrafted by a skilled Chinese ceramic artisan using traditional techniques and finished with a modern, glossy black finish. This exceptional construction offers unparalleled heat retention and distribution, leading to consistent and even cooking results.

The Xtrema Traditions Saucepan proves its versatility time and again. From simmering soups and stews to searing meats and sautéing vegetables, this saucepan effortlessly adapts to various cooking techniques. The saucepan's wide base and high sides minimize spills and splatters, making it a reliable choice for mess-free cooking. Cleaning the Xtrema Traditions Saucepan is a breeze. The non-toxic ceramic surface is non-reactive and non-porous, preventing food particles from sticking. A quick hand wash with mild soap is all it takes to restore its pristine condition, but also dishwasher safe.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Ease To Clean: 5/5

Viking Professional 5-Ply 2-Quart Sauce Pan

Premium Choice

The Viking Professional 5-Ply 2-Quart Sauce Pan stands head and shoulders above the rest as the best premium saucepan on the market. Its impeccable construction, outstanding heat retention, and ergonomic design make it a culinary masterpiece that is a true pleasure to use.

The Viking Professional Sauce Pan features a 5-ply construction, combining layers of 304 stainless steel, 3-Ply aluminum, and magnetic stainless steel exterior. This design not only ensures even heat distribution but also enables quick and precise temperature control. The saucepan's professional-grade build guarantees exceptional durability, making it a timeless addition to any cooking arsenal.

Maintaining the Viking Professional Sauce Pan is effortless, thanks to its smooth and non-reactive stainless steel interior. Cleaning requires only a simple hand wash, and the pan retains its polished appearance even after prolonged use. Beyond its stellar performance, the Viking Professional Sauce Pan exudes elegance and sophistication. The mirror-finish stainless steel exterior elevates the aesthetics of my kitchen, turning it into a captivating focal point of admiration.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Ease To Clean: 5/5

Vintage Corning Visions Visionware 1.5L Amber Sauce Pan

Best Glass Saucepan

The Vintage Corning Visions Visionware Amber Glass Saucepan is an outstanding choice for glass cookware enthusiasts and anyone seeking a timeless classic with exceptional cooking performance. Its crystal-clear visibility, even heat distribution, and eco-friendly qualities make it a unique and cherished addition to any cookware collection.

The Visionware Amber Glass Saucepan is crafted from tempered glass with no coating, assuring that no toxic chemicals will leach into your food. The non-porous glass surface of this saucepan is non-reactive to acidic or alkaline ingredients, preserving the natural flavors of the food. This quality reassures me that my meals are prepared safely and without any risk of leaching harmful chemicals. The glass saucepan boasts remarkable heat distribution, ensuring even cooking throughout. From delicate sauces to hearty stews, the saucepan consistently delivers perfectly cooked dishes with minimal hot spots.

The Visionware Amber Glass Saucepan's versatility shines through as it transitions between stovetop, oven, and microwave use effortlessly. Its lightweight yet sturdy build makes it a breeze to handle, allowing for seamless cooking and serving. Cleaning the nonstick glass surface of the saucepan is a breeze. Resistant to stains and odors, a quick hand wash is all it takes to restore its pristine appearance, making it a hassle-free addition to any kitchen.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.4/5 Value for Money: 4.4/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5

How We Picked

Our collection of saucepans has been carefully curated, drawing from a blend of our personal experiences, thorough research of customer feedback from various retail platforms, and valuable insights shared by home chefs. Throughout the selection process, we prioritized specific criteria, including excluding PFOA and PTFE in the materials, ease of cleaning, size, and overall durability. These essential factors guided our meticulous approach to guaranteeing that we only suggest the finest saucepans currently available.