We shop for organic produce, we’ve swapped the toxic cleaners for safer stuff, ditched the artificial fragrances in our home, and moved to cleaner choices for our skincare routine. However, many are surprised to find that our cookware can actually be a major source of lurking toxic chemicals and can contribute to our body’s toxic load. The good news is that there are so many better non-toxic cookware options out there! And the best non-toxic cookware in 2023 makes clear: the options for healthier, safer picks are truly endless.
Materials and metals like aluminum, plastic, lead, and Teflon can pose serious risks to your health and are prevalent in a lot of cookware options. And if the cookware we constantly use is dishing out harmful toxins, we are doing ourselves and all that effort a disservice. So toss the toxic pots and pans and check out our guide to the best non-toxic cookware ahead. Stitching Ptfe Sewing Thread
Teflon is the trademarked coating that makes non-stick cookware non-stick. It’s incredibly convenient and was a gamechanger for cooking when it was introduced around 80 years ago. The issue is that these coatings (which contain compounds like PFOA or PTFE), are highly toxic and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, organ failure, reproductive damage, and other health issues. (Check out the film Dark Waters and the documentary The Devil We Know for a deeper dive into the health risks.)
Newer nonstick coatings, like Teflon, technically no longer contain PFOA and PFOS. But you want to keep an eye out for Teflon cookware that was made before 2013 as it could still contain these dangerous chemicals. And while most Teflon coated pans these days are PFOA-free, this often means that they still contain PTFE (PFOA or C8, which is used to make PTFE coating, and as we discussed, is considered a carcinogen). On top of that, high heat causes the chemicals to break down, releasing toxic fumes. Additionally, PFOAs and PTFEs don’t biodegrade, which means they can accumulate in our bodies increasing the risk of damage.
There is some debate over whether aluminum is safe. Aluminum exists in our environment and we all have some amount of aluminum exposure daily. However, research shows that aluminum is toxic at certain levels. Elevated aluminum levels have been linked to everything from anemia and other blood disorders, to ALS and Parkinson’s to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurological problems.
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Not all ceramic coatings are made equal. Skimp on the cheap ceramic coatings and instead look for one that’s certified by third-party testing and free of PFAs, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. All of us at Camille Styles are obsessed with Figmint, Target’s new line of functional (and super stylish) cookware. While the collection features cast-iron and stainless steel pots and pans, it’s the ceramic coated sets that have our hearts. The 12-piece set is great for everyday, medium-heating cooking—think eggs, rice, and your daily essentials. They’re nonstick, super affordable for non-toxic cookware, and hold up so well. And can we talk about the color options? So good.
Figmint™ 12pc Nonstick Ceramic Coated Aluminum Cookware Set
GreenPan Padova 10-Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
Ceramic is great as it’s completely inert—meaning it won’t leach any harmful toxins. Ceramic non-toxic cookware pans are generally free of heavy metals, polymers, coatings, and dyes, plus, they’re dishwasher safe! Easier to wash than cast iron, you can just use warm soapy water. If you’re interested in trying, Xtrema is a great brand to check out. A note: you do have to be more careful with these pans, as they’re more fragile than other types of pots and pans.
Not all stainless steel is created equal. When shopping you will see numbers like 200, 304, 316, and 430—the higher the number the stronger, longer-lasting it is and the less nickel content it will have. Be sure to use gentle cleaners as something harsher can damage the lining, which then can allow the heavy metals in the core to leach into your food.
All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless-Steel Traditional Covered Fry Pan
This is the OG non-toxic cookware. They take a bit of time to get used to if you’ve never tried them, but work so well once you figure it out and are budget-friendly! Some tips: heat before adding food, avoid soap when cleaning, and season regularly. (Check out this post for tips for seasoning.) There are many methods for cleaning cast irons, but my go-to is scrubbing with some salt and rinsing with water. I then dry thoroughly, drizzle with cooking oil, spread it around, and then set on low heat for a bit to ensure the pan is completely dry.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 10″
Lodge Seasoned 5-Qt. Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The main perk of glass cookware is that there are tons of budget-friendly glass options out there, Pyrex being the most common one. You can find everything from baking dishes, to round soup dishes to loaf pans.
Carbon steel is sometimes used for frying pans and woks. The non-toxic cookware option is similar to cast iron, and can output small amounts of iron into food, which is great if you happen to have someone with slight anemia in your home!
Lodge Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet 12″
Enameled non-toxic cookware is usually made of cast iron that has been coated in enamel (think Le Creuset). While not perfect in terms of low heavy-metal content, I’d say this is one of the “better” options. The perk of this cookware is that it won’t rust, in contrast, to cast irons, if not properly seasoned. Cleaning is super easy with mild soap, water, and a gentle scrub pad. It is a bit on the pricier side, but your investment will last you a long time!
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Fry Pan
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid
This post was originally published on May 21, 2020, and has since been updated.
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LeCrueset tested high for Cadmium. Check out Tamara Reubens blog, Lead Free Mama. She had it tested and it failed
You’re missing wrought iron. Lighter than cast, they don’t break if dropped, vented handles so no burning yourself. They’re perfect for non toxic, non stick! Solidteknics are my fav.
Oh amazing, good tip! Totally adding wrought iron on my list to check out.
You’re missing wrought iron from your list. Lighter than cast, won’t break if dropped, vented handles so handles stay cool. They’ll last forever, non toxic, non stick. Solidteknics is my fav!
Yes ! We’ve been using only cast iron for years because of this ! I’m really happy to have a guide to other options too – especially now that I’m n the midst of creating a wedding registry!! Thanks for this awesome resource ! I appreciate you ladies talking about environmental toxins too! It’s something I mention a lot to my patients and while some a receptive a lot give me the raised eyebrow – I can’t wait until this becomes more mainstream. Yes yes yes!
Perfect timing! Wish I could redo my wedding registry with a few of these! 😉 And such a great point – environmental toxins are such an important piece of the wellness puzzle. Your patients are so lucky to have such an aware care provider!
Hello! I have a question! You mention that stainless steel has different grades, and yes I have seen these numbers. So is it best to avoid the nickel content (is having nickel bad)? I’m not familiar with heavy metals – I don’t know which metals are considered heavy metals and I don’t know which ones are considered harmful. Is the stronger, more expensive stainless steel also the least toxic (I wasn’t sure if “better” in kitchen industry terms of quality will also translate to “less toxic”)? Please let me know which type of stainless steel you recommend as the safest!! Thank you for your post! 🙂
What cookware are you using in the pictures?
Yes, here in the U.K. The Netherton Foundry in Shropshire make spun iron pots and pans which are brilliant . Much much lighter than cast iron, which as you get older is more difficult to lift. It’s easy to clean and just needs a bit of seasoning with hemp oil and care when hot not to use cold water. But cooks very well, even eggs don’t stick and lovely traditional and attractive styles with videos on the site to show you how to use them,
What cookware do you use now? You mentioned Greenpan. Are you still using Greenpan? If so, which line? Thanks for all the info.
Hi! Great read. What pot are you using in the second photo with the soup? Thanks!
I have recently began to think ” cookware”, when trying to understand my long term unexplained anaemia. It is now considered endemic. I eat well! So, I have begun investing in cast iron. I am glad to hear of other options here. Thank you. My question, did you say carbon steel can release iron into your cooking? If so, does cast iron do likewise? Secondly, how do nickel plated cutlery stand. Safe or no? Thank you, I have been educated.
316Tiis what we are using. Frying without oil and cooking vegetables without water keeping its nutrients intact.
I buy cookware that is not made in China. By doing this, it limits brands, but I feel safer. I love All Clad and Made In.
Do ILAG pans have aluminum? Are they a good choice over aluminum pans for baking?
search on the internet type in greenpan false claims
fantastic for my clients, and just as importantly, for me! I really appreciate this helpful article. Have you heard of brabantia cookware? They are stainless steel with a ceramic coating but I’m not so sure how great they really are. They were gifted to me for Christmas 2021, but the more and more I learn, the more and more I’m trying to protect my family.
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