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Last Updated on July 26, 2022
Your favorite pans might just be made with aluminum, PTFEs, Teflon and more which can leach in your food. Some of the old fashion pans like cast iron make the best pan and here are the best non toxic cookware.
What Materials Do I Avoid When Choosing Cookware?
Do you want the best non stick cookware in your kitchen? You need to know what to avoid before purchasing your pots and pans. Non-stick versions are popular, but are they safe?
With rumors running wild on the internet warning of the dangers of using non-stick cookware, it’s understandable your apprehensive about buying your next pan. The last thing you want is to harm your family.
The issue with non-stick materials used to coat pots and pans is that they tend to leech out heavy metals and hormone-disrupting chemicals into the food you’re cooking. The non-stick debate is a hot topic in health circles at the moment, with camps divided on the outcome.
One side says that recent developments in coating technology and non-stick materials make modern pots and pans safe to use in the kitchen. However, there’s a counter-side to the argument, stating these materials are every bit as harmful as its predecessors.
It seems like we have a hung jury and no consensus on the issue. So, what are people going on about anyway? What’s all the drama with non-stick pans? Let’s look at the reasons why people are up in arms about this popular pan coating.
Are PTFE, PFOA, Teflon, and Non-Stick Coatings Harmful?
Modern non-stick pans come in a variety of coatings, depending on the manufacturer. PTFE, PFOA, and Teflon are the top three coatings used in non-stick cookware, preventing food from clinging to the surface of the pot or pan. Some kitchen supply companies even use Teflon in the manufacturing of cooking utensils.
What is Teflon?
Teflon, otherwise known as polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, is a synthetic compound, featuring fluorine and carbon molecules. Any surface with a Teflon coating provides a non-stick surface that’s capable of withstanding high temperatures.
There are plenty o industrial uses for Teflon, and it’s a popular choice in non-stick cookware. The non-stick coating makes the cookware easier to clean, increasing the lifespan of your pots and pans. Teflon cookware is getting a bad rap in the media due to the inclusion of the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA, in leading products.
What is PFOA?
If you want the best non toxic cookware in your kitchen, it’s a good idea to avoid any coatings featuring perfluorooctanoic acid. It was a popular feature in the manufacturing process of non-stick pots and pans until the early 2000s.
Research shows that repeated heating and cooling of Teflon-coated surfaces featuring PFOA cause the compound to leech into food cooked in coated pots and pans. If you eat food contaminated with PFOA one-time, it’s not going to do much to your body.
However, cooking 7-meals a week at home with your non-stick PFOA coated cookware accumulates these chemicals in your bloodstream. PFOA poisoning causes hormone imbalances, leading to thyroid problems and possibly infertility.
After reviewing the research on Teflon and PFOA, manufacturers around the globe decided to institute new manufacturing standards, banning the use of PFOA worldwide in 2013. So, if you have an old non-stick pan from a few years back, maybe it’s time to think about tossing it out.
Is Teflon Safe Today?
That’s a hotly debated topic in health circles, with science pointing towards the merits of wither case. I don’t know about you, but I’m not willing to take that chance.
How Do I Care for Teflon Cookware?
If you’re cooking with Teflon-coated pots and pans, it’s important to follow a few safety precautions. Here are a few tips for handling Teflon cookware.
Use scratch-free utensils – Avoid using steel, aluminum, or metal utensils on your cookware. These materials scratch the coating, causing it to start flaking into your food.
Never preheat an empty pan – Never sit an empty pan on a burner. The PTFE starts to gas-off, causing contaminati0on of the surface and your food when cooking.
Replace when worn – If you notice scratching or cracking on the Teflon surface, toss it out.
Cook in a ventilated area – Always cook with the kitchen windows open to avoid breathing in any VOCs from the cookware coating.
Handwash gently – Avoid using scourers and other aggressive cleaning tools that can scratch the coating.
The Bottom Line – I highly recommend avoiding any cookware with a Teflon, PTFE, or PFOA coating. Consider throwing out any pans you’ve been using for longer than 5-years. These pans could come from batches featuring these dangerous non-stick materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another popular choice for non-stick cookware, chances your grandmother used to serve your pancakes from an aluminum pan for breakfast. It’s a lightweight, durable material and easy to clean. So, what’s the issue with aluminum?
Aluminum occurs naturally in our environment, and we all get some level of exposure to this element. However, high-levels of aluminum in your blood lead to complications in the communication of the central nervous system connecting the body with the brain.
Research shows high levels of aluminum in your blood leads to dire health consequences. Therefore, cooking your meals on aluminum cookware might be convenient, but you could be damaging your health.
The Bottom Line – The science remains undecided regarding aluminum cookware’s safety. But once again, I’m not willing to chance it with my health. There are better non-stick cookware options.
Stay Safe with a Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re looking for the best non-toxic cookware, then you can’t beat a cast-iron skillet. It’s versatile and suitable for use at high temperatures in the broiler, the stovetop, or in the oven. Cast-iron spreads the heat evenly across the pan’s surface, making it the best choice for searing a ribeye or a salmon steak.
Here are my recommendations for the Best Non Toxic Cookware.
Best Budget All Around Pan
- 12 INCH CAST IRON SKILLET. This seasoned skillet is ready to use and is extremely versatile. It has a 12 inch diameter and is 2 inches deep. The ergonomic design allows this skillet to be taken from the campfire or stovetop to the table, making it essential for every kitchen.
- PRE-SEASONED COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge provides pre-seasoned cookware with no synthetic chemicals; just soy based vegetable oil. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning becomes.
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.
- MAKE EVERY MEAL A MEMORY. Lodge knows that cooking is about more than just the food; it’s about the memories. This dynamic skillet can be used for slow weekend mornings with bacon and eggs or summertime BBQ’s with roasted veggies.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America.
Best Luxury All Around Pan
- 11-3/4-inch enameled cast-iron skillet with dual pour spouts
- Chip- and crack-resistant enamel won't react to foods
- Integral iron handle and opposite helper handle for secure transport
- Hand washing recommended; oven- and broiler-safe to any oven temperature
- Measures approximately 18-4/5 by 13-1/2 by 2 inches; limited lifetime warranty
Best Budget All Around Pot
- YOUR GO-TO DUTCH OVEN: A flawless pairing of form and function that doesn't quit. The Lodge Dutch Oven not only makes your kitchen look good but is an enameled cast iron classic great for preparing and serving memorable meals. Broil, braise, bake or roast your favorite meals in the oven up to 500 Degree F.
- WHAT IS PORCELAIN ENAMEL ON CAST IRON. It is glass that becomes bonded to the cast iron at high temperatures. A particulate of glass, called frit, is applied to the cast iron vessel and then baked at temperatures between 1200 and 1400° F. The glass frit melts and fuses to the cast iron, forming a bond. Porcelain enamel on cast iron is heat tolerant and impervious to water and other consumables.
- EASY TO COOK AND CLEAN: The porcelain enameled interior has a smooth finish that minimizes sticking, promotes caramelization and resists staining. Although enameled cast iron is dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush is recommended to keep your Dutch Oven in tip top shape
- HEAT RETENTION: The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating throughout both the bottom and sidewalls. The tightly fitting lid seals in moisture for scrumptious pot roast, stews or a large batch of beans. Our heat retention also reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Products made with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
Best Luxury Pot
- 45% larger handles that provide a sure grip, even with oven mitts
- The superior heat distribution and retention of le creuset enameled cast iron
- An advanced sand-colored interior enamel with even more resistance to wear
- A larger composite knob that withstands temperatures up to 500ºF
- Colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel that resists chipping and cracking
Best Ceramic Pans
Caraway Homes is the best in this category. Read my full review here.
Best for Baking
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I honestly have never really thought about what mine was cooked in either. Thanks for the information.
I have anodized aluminum cookware that I think is a very safe alternative, but now I’m going to double check.
There is nothing like having good durable cookware that will last you a lifetime.
Amen to that!
My favorite pan is one that is ancient–it belonged to my parents, who probably bought it in the 50s or 60s. It’s cast iron and I love it!
Thanks for this! I need new cookware desperately but had no idea where to start.
I like cast iron. I have gone to the Lodge Factory Outlet store in South Pittsburgh, TN (where it is made). I was blown away by all of the cooking/baking products made of cast iron.
A great place to pick up cast iron pots/skillets are thrift stores. Many people do not realize their worth both in money and in useages. Clean it and restore… they will last you forever at a fraction of the cost.
Thanks Connie and so true, I get a lot of my kitchen goods from thrift stores.
I love my cast iron skillets – I have 2, a 12″ one and a 9″ one.
I use my stainless steel jelly roll pan for almost everything that I bake from chicken strips to cookies and even sheet cakes. I love that thing!
I’m saving up for some Le Creuset cookware!!
I would love some Le Creuset cookware.
Great recommendations! I’ll keep these choices in mind, because I’m need of good cookware.
Having good cookware is key to cooking, I think.
My mom uses cast iron all the time, I am still trying to talk myself into them.
I wish I could have everything in my All-Clad and Le Creuset… they are my FAVORITE cookware manufactures
I hear ya. I’m still saving up a Le Creuset french oven!
Nice side by side comparison. I’ve always kinda wondered what the pros, cons, and differences were. I’ve never had a pan that I really was attached to. I should probably get one.
I need to upgrade my cookware, it’s all cheap and burns my food!
I’m asking for new pots and pans for christmas this year!
Oh how I would love an entire set of Le Creuset cookware!
Thanks for sharing the budget options. I mostly use cast iron when cooking outdoors.
I never would have thought cast iron vs stainless steel would make a difference. Thanks for sharing this info.
I LOVE cooking in Cast Iron. I would really like to replace every pot and pan I have for cast iror…or reverewear, love that kind too.
I didn’t realize that cast iron would develop a non stick surface over time. Good to know!
I love my iron skillet, but I would love some Le Creuset cookware. 🙂
I love my Le Creuset pieces, just wish they didn’t cost so much 🙂