Anyone have non-stick cookware that really works?

A few things:

1) Don't buy pans you see on TV. They are always shit. Also, don't buy the generic shit.

2) There are very, very few non-stick pans can you can use metal utensils and they are extremely expensive (talking top of the line at Bed, Bath, and Beyond here). The chances are you bought pans that you shouldn't be using metal in.

3) Never, never, never spray your pan with something like Pam. That will actually turn your pan from a non-stick to a stick.

4) Additionally, most non-stick pans are not dishwasher safe. I mean, they won't break, but some detergents will ruin the pan.

5) There is a type of pan that is generally called "stick-resistant". These are usually a dark metal and they'll say "hard-anodized" or "infused anodized". Calphalon makes a very good type of this. They are safe to use metal in and generally don't cause sticking. Many pans claim to be this, but they are just a standard Teflon-type inside with that on the outside. These are good pans, but, like I said, more expensive than your standard Teflon coating.

6) The heat that you set your burners at can be causing the stick. If you take food directly from the refrigerator and throw it in the hot pan, that can cause sticking, even on a non-stick pan.

7) The best producer of consumer cookware is All-Clad, but they mainly specialize in stainless steel. They do make the Emeril line, but that non-stick doesn't stand up to Calphalon. Calphalon One is a great set, but it is expensive. Calphalon Contemporary is their cheapest brand that also comes with a lifetime warranty, so I'd probably recommend that over anything.

8) Additionally, if you are just looking to make things like eggs and pancakes, consider a cast-iron skillet. A heavy skillet like that lasts forever, is generally easy to keep clean, transfers heat well, and a really good one is only like $20.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Typically, non-stick cookware only cooks poorly because:

1) Most cheap cookware is non-stick.
2) Most non-stick cookware is cheap.

You can get a non-stick pan made of the same material and thickness as a stainless steel pan and it will cook nearly exactly the same. A cheap stainless steel pan is just as bad as a cheap non-stick pan.

The knock on non-stick is that the coating is toxic and is harmful if it flakes off and the jury is still out on just how good or bad it is. But don't forget that stainless steel forces you to cook with more oil which, for someone who just makes eggs and pancakes, is incredibly difficult to do and get good tasting results. It is much easier to cook healthy in non-stick.

Stainless steel is the best, but if you aren't going to learn to cook, it is a terrible waste of money.

There's nowhere I can't reach.