Most of the damage a nonstick pan takes never happens on the stove. It happens in the cupboard, when the bottom of one pan grinds against the coating of the one below it, every time you pull it out. A restaurant solves this by hanging its pans. A home kitchen, with one low cupboard and a stack of skillets, usually cannot.
Pan protectors are the cheap fix: a layer of felt or silicone between each pan. This guide compares the felt sets from cookware makers, the molded silicone sets and two plain felt packs, and explains what actually separates them. If you have the wall space, a pot rack may be the better answer, and for sheet pans, see the best baking pan organizer.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications, verified buyer reports and the makers’ own details. We have not used these products ourselves.
Quick verdict: which pan protectors to buy
For most cupboards, the best pan protectors are the GreenPan Felt Pan Protectors, a simple small, medium and large felt set sold by Amazon. For heavy pans and anyone who wants them to go in the dishwasher, the Misen Silicone Pan Protectors also work as trivets up to 450°F. If you own a full set of Made In frying pans, the fitted Made In Silicone Pan Protectors are the tidy choice.
Five pan protectors at a glance
Five picks side by side, with what each maker or listing states. All eight sets are reviewed below.
| Pan protectors | Best for | Material | Sizes (per listing) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GreenPan Felt Pan Protectors, Set of 3Best overall
|
Most cupboards | Felt | Small, medium, large | View on Amazon |
Misen Silicone Pan ProtectorsBest two-in-one
|
Heavy pans, double as trivets | Silicone, trivet use to 450°F | Flexible universal fit | View on Amazon |
Made In Silicone Frying Pan Protectors, 3-PieceBest fitted set
|
Made In frying pans | Molded silicone | 8, 10 and 12 inches | View on Amazon |
Le Creuset Felt Cookware Protectors, Set of 3Best for enameled ware
|
Dishes and enameled ware too | Felt | Set of 3; 16-inch listed | View on Amazon |
T-fal Premium Cookware Protectors, 6-PackBest for big sets
|
Large cookware sets | 100% polyester | 14, 16, 18 inches, two of each | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Sizes and materials are as stated on each listing; measure your largest pan before buying.
Our picks for the best pan protectors
We start with felt from cookware makers, then silicone, then two plain felt packs from brands without a cookware line. Several of these share a maker of record, which we point out below, so you do not pay more for a brand name on the same construction.
1. GreenPan Felt Pan Protectors, Set of 3 – Simple Three-Size Felt Set
GreenPan sells a plain set: small, medium and large, in long-lasting felt, designed to keep storage chips and scratches from wearing down your pans. There is nothing clever about it, and for most cupboards that is right. Felt is thin, so a stack of skillets barely gets taller.
GreenPan’s listing does not give exact measurements or care instructions, and you should expect felt to wear thin with use and replace it. It is sold by Amazon, which keeps returns simple.
Why we like it
- Three sizes
- Felt, from a cookware maker
- Thin, so it adds little height to a stack
- Sold by Amazon at last check
Key specifications
| Model | CC002582-001 |
|---|---|
| Material | Felt |
| Sizes | Small, medium, large |
| Count | 3 |
| Heat use | Not for heat |
| Fit | Generic round pans |
| Care | Not stated |
| Maker of record | GreenPan |
Why we recommend it
A simple set for a stack of nonstick or ceramic skillets, from a maker that knows those coatings.
Skip it if you need a measured fit or you want to wash them often; the listing states neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple
- Slim
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Exact sizes not stated
- Care not stated
- Felt wears over time
2. Le Creuset Felt Cookware Protectors, Set of 3 – Made for Dishes and Enamel
Le Creuset’s felt set says it goes between pots, pans, dishes or glass bowls, and provides a thin cushion to diminish unwanted markings and cracks. It also says it keeps items from locking together when stored for long periods, which is a real problem with stacked glass and stoneware.
It is machine washable, which many felt sets do not state. The set is plain felt, sold in black here. If you also stack glass bowls or baking dishes, this listing is the clearest about that use.
Why we like it
- Named for pots, pans, dishes and glass bowls
- Machine washable
- Helps stop pieces locking together
- Sold by Amazon at last check
Key specifications
| Model | FP300-31 |
|---|---|
| Material | Felt |
| Sizes | Listed as 16-inch diameter set |
| Count | 3 |
| Heat use | Not for heat |
| Fit | Generic |
| Care | Machine washable |
| Maker of record | Le Creuset |
Why we recommend it
A good pick for mixed stacks that include enameled pieces, glass or stoneware.
Skip it if you are after the lowest cost per pad, since other packs include more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Washable
- Covers glass and stoneware
- Reputable maker
Cons
- Only three pieces
- Single listed size
- One color here
3. All-Clad Pot and Pan Protector Set, 3-Piece – Star Shape for Large Pots
All-Clad’s name is on this polyester set in a star shape, with its size guidance given as 14, 16 and 18 inches, up to large Dutch ovens. The manufacturer of record on the listing is John Ritzenthaler Co., the same name that appears on the T-fal set below, which suggests a licensed product rather than one from All-Clad’s cookware plant.
The listing recommends hand washing or spot cleaning with mild soap. There is one oddity: it says “a pair of each size” but sells a three-piece set, so expect one of each. It is sold through a third party at last check.
Why we like it
- Star shape flexes into pots
- Sizes up to 18 inches, per the listing
- Soft polyester blend
- Spot clean or hand wash
Key specifications
| Model | 89498 |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester blend |
| Sizes | 14, 16, 18 inches, per listing |
| Count | 3 |
| Heat use | Not for heat |
| Fit | Generic; flexes to fit |
| Care | Hand wash or spot clean |
| Maker of record | John Ritzenthaler Co., per listing |
Why we recommend it
A reasonable option if you want to protect larger pots and like the All-Clad name, knowing the maker of record.
Skip it if you want the set for the All-Clad name alone; the T-fal pack lists the same maker of record.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers larger pots
- Flexible shape
- Simple care
Cons
- Maker of record is not All-Clad, per the listing
- Size wording is confusing
- Third-party seller at last check
4. T-fal Premium Cookware Protectors, 6-Pack – Two of Each Size
T-fal gives you six pieces, two each of 14, 16 and 18 inches, in 100 percent polyester that flexes to fit. The listing says it protects pots, pans and stoneware from scratching, chipping and sliding, and that it fits pans up to 14 inches and 4 to 6 quarts.
The maker of record is John Ritzenthaler Co., the same as the All-Clad set, so this is the better value of those two if you do not care about the name. It suits a full cookware set where six pads make more sense than three.
Why we like it
- Six pieces in three sizes
- 100% polyester flexes to fit
- Named for pots, pans and stoneware
- Fit range stated, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 92090 |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% polyester |
| Sizes | 14, 16, 18 inches |
| Count | 6 |
| Heat use | Not for heat |
| Fit | Up to 14 inches and 4 to 6 quarts |
| Care | Not stated |
| Maker of record | John Ritzenthaler Co., per listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose this for a complete cookware set where every piece stacks in one cupboard.
Skip it if you own only two or three pans, as you will not use six.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plenty of pads
- Clear fit guidance
- Flexible
Cons
- Maker of record is not T-fal, per the listing
- Care not stated
- Third-party seller at last check
5. Made In Silicone Frying Pan Protectors, 3-Piece – Fitted to Made In Pans
Made In sells molded silicone protectors in 8, 10 and 12-inch sizes, specifically designed for its own frying pans. They sit inside the pan, so the next one down has a defined place to rest. The listing says they are dishwasher safe and made in China.
If you own a stack of Made In pans, the fit is the argument. On other brands, a round 10-inch shape should still sit reasonably well, but the maker makes no such promise. The maker also sells larger sets for its full cookware ranges.
Why we like it
- Sized to Made In frying pans
- Molded silicone
- Dishwasher safe
- Sold by the maker at last check
Key specifications
| Model | KIT-3-PAN-PRO-PE-P |
|---|---|
| Material | Molded silicone |
| Sizes | 8, 10, 12 inches |
| Count | 3 |
| Heat use | Not stated |
| Fit | Made In frying pans |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Maker of record | Made In; made in China |
Why we recommend it
The tidy answer if your pans are Made In and you dislike felt fluff or fraying.
Skip it if you do not own Made In pans, as the listing promises a fit only for those.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Designed fit
- Washes in the dishwasher
- Sold directly
Cons
- Fit promise covers only Made In pans
- Bulkier than felt
- Only frying pan sizes in this set
6. Misen Silicone Pan Protectors – Stacks and Works as a Trivet
Misen makes a non-slip silicone protector with a universal fit that it says accommodates various pan sizes. It also doubles as a trivet up to 450°F, so you have a reason to keep one on the counter. The listing says it is dishwasher safe and names nonstick, stainless steel and cast iron.
The listing does not state how many pieces or the sizes in this pack clearly, so check the listing photos. Heavier silicone suits cast iron better than thin felt would, though it adds a little height to the stack.
Why we like it
- Doubles as a trivet to 450°F
- Non-slip silicone
- Dishwasher safe
- Named for nonstick, stainless and cast iron
Key specifications
| Model | MK-6202 |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
| Sizes | Universal; about 15.75 inches listed |
| Count | Not clearly stated |
| Heat use | Trivet to 450°F |
| Fit | Flexible universal fit |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Maker of record | Misen |
Why we recommend it
A good pick for heavy pans, or for a small kitchen that wants one item to do two jobs.
Skip it if you need to know the exact count before buying; the listing is vague on that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Heat use stated
- Washes easily
- Stays in place
Cons
- Count and sizes unclear
- Bulkier than felt
- Only one color listed
7. BYKITCHEN Felt Pan Protectors, 6-Piece – Thicker Felt in Three Sizes
BYKITCHEN’s pack holds six star-pattern pads in 12, 14 and 16-inch sizes, made of what the listing calls heavy duty polyester felt, thicker than common non-woven pads. The listing says it suits cookware, glassware and stoneware, and it can be washed and reused.
This is an Amazon-first brand, and the claims are its own. Affiliate lists often rank it near the top, but we could not verify the testing they claim. On the plus side, the sizes are clearly stated, and it costs little to find out whether felt pads solve your problem.
Why we like it
- Sizes clearly stated
- Heavy duty polyester felt, per the listing
- Washable and reusable
- Works for glass and stoneware, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester felt |
| Sizes | 12, 14, 16 inches |
| Count | 6 |
| Heat use | Not for heat |
| Fit | Generic |
| Care | Washable |
| Maker of record | BYKITCHEN |
Why we recommend it
A sensible low-stakes pack if you do not care about a cookware name.
Skip it if you want a recognized maker.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear sizes
- Six pieces
- Reusable
Cons
- Amazon-first brand
- Star pattern is decorative, not functional
- No independent test we could confirm
8. Evelots Extra-Thick Felt Protectors, 6-Pack – Wide Felt for Baking Dishes
Evelots, which describes itself as based in Vermont, sells six gray felt pads with an emphasis on baking dishes, glass, ceramic, stoneware and crockery. The listing gives rough oblong sizes of about 19 by 15 inches for large and 16 by 14 inches for medium, though its count of “4 large and 2 extra large” does not quite line up with that wording.
The oblong shape is why it is here: a rectangular baking dish does not sit well on a round pad. Evelots offers a 30-day return policy. It is an Amazon-focused seller, and the sizing wording is loose, so measure first.
Why we like it
- Shaped for dishes as well as pans
- Thick felt, per the listing
- Helps prevent locking, per the listing
- 30-day returns, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 5411 |
|---|---|
| Material | Felt |
| Sizes | About 19 x 15 and 16 x 14 inches, per listing |
| Count | 6 |
| Heat use | Not for heat |
| Fit | Dishes and pans |
| Care | Not stated |
| Maker of record | Evelots / Green Mountain Imports |
Why we recommend it
Handy if your stacking trouble is mostly baking dishes rather than skillets.
Skip it if you want exact measurements; the listing is inconsistent.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Oblong shape
- Covers dishes well
- Stated return policy
Cons
- Sizing wording is loose
- Amazon-focused seller
- Care not stated
How to choose pan protectors
1. Felt or silicone
Felt is thin, cheap and light, and it can be cut to fit. It also wears down over time and can hold moisture if you stack damp pans. Silicone is thicker, grips better and goes in the dishwasher, which is what Made In and Misen both state, but it adds height to a stack. Some affiliate guides claim silicone lasts longer, which seems plausible, but we did not find a test we trust.
2. Measure the largest pan
The pad should be wider than the pan’s base and reach the sides. T-fal’s listing states pans up to 14 inches and 4 to 6 quarts, and most others give only pad size. Remember that a star-shaped pad flexes, so the stated diameter is a maximum, not a guide to fit.
3. Count your stack
You need one pad for each gap between pieces, and you do not need one on top. Three pads suit a short stack of skillets. A full set needs six or more.
4. Think about what else you stack
If you also nest glass bowls, or stack stoneware, look for a set that names them. Le Creuset, BYKITCHEN and Evelots all do. Le Creuset also mentions locking, where two pieces stick together in storage.
5. Only stack clean, dry pans
Felt holds on to water and grease. Let pans dry fully before you stack them and wash the pads when they get dirty, following the maker’s advice where it is given. Le Creuset says machine washable; All-Clad’s listing says hand wash or spot clean.
Other ways to keep pans from scratching
If you have the space, stop stacking. Hanging pans on a pot rack or standing them on edge removes the contact altogether, and that is how most restaurants do it. Standing lids in an organizer also keeps them off your coatings. Pan protectors are the right fix when the cupboard is what you have.
How we picked these eight sets
We looked for pads and fitted sets made for stacking cookware, from identifiable makers, in stock from a new Amazon offer. We read each listing for material, size and care. We left out trivets sold under the pan protector name, such as Calphalon’s and Walfos’s, because their makers present them as trivets. We also left out Hestan, Woll and BOYAN: Hestan did not turn up, Woll was low in stock and BOYAN shares a seller with BYKITCHEN.
A search for independent tests turned up mostly affiliate lists making claims we could not check, so these picks rest on the makers’ and listings’ details. We have not used them ourselves. A CPSC recall search by brand name found nothing on any of these protectors; the GreenPan, Le Creuset and T-fal recalls we saw concern other products.
Pan protector questions, answered
Do pan protectors actually work?
They put a soft layer between hard surfaces, which is what the makers claim and what the physics suggests. They will not save a coating already worn by high heat or metal tools.
Are felt pan protectors better than silicone?
Neither wins outright. Felt is slim and cheap. Silicone is easier to wash and more stable under heavy pans. Choose by your cupboard height and how heavy your pans are.
Do pan protectors work with cast iron?
Yes, though a thicker pad helps. Misen names cast iron on its listing. Make sure seasoned cast iron is fully dry and lightly oiled before stacking, and clean the pad if it picks up oil.
Can you wash pan protectors?
Most, yes. Made In and Misen say silicone can go in the dishwasher, Le Creuset says its felt is machine washable, and All-Clad’s listing says hand wash or spot clean.
Can pan protectors go in the oven or on hot pans?
No, apart from Misen’s trivet use up to 450°F. Let pans cool before you stack them, because felt and polyester are not heat-rated on these listings.
Our final pick for the cupboard
Buy the GreenPan set for a short stack of skillets, the Misen set for heavy pans, and the Made In set if you own that brand. For the rest of your storage, see the lead guide to the best baking pan organizer and, if a new pan is overdue, our nonstick pan set guide. If tonight’s pans can stay in the cupboard altogether, Julia’s is at 5402 N Highway 6 in Houston: call to order.