The 13 Best Non-Toxic Cookware Options You Can Buy, According to a Food Editor
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If you’re still sautéing kale with the same non-stick skillet you bought when you moved into your first apartment, we have some news for you: It’s time to invest in new cookware. Did you know that your old, scratched-up pots and pans could be leaking toxic chemicals into your otherwise impeccable meals? Yikes is right. Here, we’ll explain how you may be (inadvertently) serving up harmful chemicals and how to replace your current cookware with safer options, with expert input from Lisa McManus, executive editor of ATK Reviews at America’s Test Kitchen. Our faves range from eco-friendly enameled non-stick from Le Creuset to tried-and-true cast iron from Lodge. Read on for 13 non-toxic cookware options that won’t let you down.
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Caraway Sauté Pan vs. Our Place Always Pan: Which Popular Skillet Is Right for You?
The Best Non-Toxic Cookware at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Lisa McManus is the executive editor of ATK Reviews and has been at America's Test Kitchen for 17 years. She is the co-author of the new book, Kitchen Gear: The Ultimate Owner's Manual, written with her colleague and co-host of the YouTube series ATK Gear Heads, Hannah Crowley.
What Does 'Non-Toxic' Even Mean?
Sure, you might buy organic, pesticide-free produce, but did you know that what you cook it in is just as important? For a long time, Teflon (also known as PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene, if you’re fancy) was the gold standard for ultra-slick, non-stick pots and pans. But over the past quarter-century, the FDA has discovered that certain chemicals (specifically PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid) used in manufacturing Teflon are actually toxic to the environment and our health and can build up in our bodies over time. (According to McManus, it wasn't PFOA in the pans that was the problem, but rather the runoff wastewater from manufacturing. "There's evidence that the chemical has gotten into and contaminated groundwater," she explains.)
Thankfully, Teflon made with PFOA has been phased out of production, but it’s still important to read the label on any non-stick cookware before purchasing. It’s also important to abide by the manufacturer’s directions when cooking with non-stick, since many of these materials aren’t meant to be heated past a certain degree.
How We Chose the Best Non-Toxic Cookware
We tapped our food team and editors for their favorite non-toxic pieces, then scoured the internet for customer ratings and reviews of popular brands. From there, we made sure to include picks of various materials, prices and styles to suit every need. Here are our top 13 recommendations.
1. Caraway Cookware Set
For the home cook who wants her kitchen to look as good as the food she’s making in it, there’s Caraway. It comes in a slew of muted, cheerful colorways like perracotta (a creamy brownish rose) and sage (a calming green), but it’s not just Instagram-friendly: It’s made with a ceramic non-stick coating that can handle temperatures up to 550°F, it can go from stove top to oven and it won’t add unwanted chemicals to your meals. Every piece in the set is stove-top agnostic, a fancy way of saying it works with induction, gas and electric ranges, plus they ship in recyclable, environmentally conscious packaging. (Psst: We rated the set 90 out of 100 in our PureWow100 review.)
2. All-Clad D3 Stainless-Steel Weeknight Pan
McManus is a big fan of All-Clad. The brand's products are as timeless and good-looking as they are functional. The stainless-steel cookware is not coated with non-stick material, but it can actually behave like non-stick if you preheat it sufficiently. (Hot tip: If you add a drop of water to the pan, it will bead up and skate across the surface when the pan is ready.) "I love that it's durable and cooks food really evenly with no hot spots," raves senior food editor Katherine Gillen. "And since they’re not coated with anything, you can use any type of utensil without scratching them. Plus, they clean up like new!"
Need more convincing? It’s oven- and dishwasher-safe, won’t scratch if you accidentally take a metal utensil to it and comes with a lifetime warranty. We like the Weeknight Pan, which is like a hybrid sauté pan and saucier, because its high sides and ample surface area can handle braising, sautéing, searing and simmering with ease. (And with a little cooking oil, it can do anything a non-stick pan can.)
3. Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet
Like cast iron, carbon steel cookware is made from an alloy of iron and carbon—the difference is that it contains less carbon than cast iron. It’s just as non-toxic, but much more lightweight and a better heat conductor than its clunkier cousin. And thanks to that lower carbon content, it’s smoother and slightly more non-stick, even though it’s seasoned the same as cast iron. We like the Lodge carbon steel skillet because it’s pre-seasoned, it heats quickly and evenly, is super slick with regular seasoning, goes from the stove to the oven and works on gas, electric and induction burners. It’s also a cool $40 for a 10-inch pan, which is a steal considering it’s meant to last a lifetime.
4. GreenPan Valencia Pro Skillet Set
GreenPan is arguably the O.G. of non-toxic, non-stick cookware. The brand uses a silicon-based coating called Thermolon, which is slippery and scratch-resistant and won't release harmful chemicals into your food, even if you accidentally overheat the pan. (It can withstand temperatures up to 850°F, but for your safety, we don’t suggest trying that!) "It's budget-friendly, durable and eggs truly slide right off," claims VP of editorial Candace Davison. "Even though it's dishwasher safe, it's better to hand wash—I've found the non-stick surface doesn't last long if you toss it in there."
While there’s no shortage of styles to choose from—GreenPan even makes non-toxic grill pans—we’re partial to the GreenPan Valencia Pro two-piece set, which includes 10- and 12-inch skillets with a stainless-steel outer finish.
5. Our Place Always Pan
If you’re short on storage space and don’t want to invest in a gigantic 12-piece set (yet), the Always Pan by Our Place can do the heavy lifting of eight different cookware pieces. The 10-inch skillet—which is made from ceramic-coated aluminum—comes with a nesting steamer basket, a spatula with its own built-in spoon rest, and a lid that allows you to choose whether to keep steam in or let it out. It gets an A-plus from us for versatility and convenience (not to mention cuteness), but be aware that the outer surface can discolor over time. (If you love the aesethetic but the potential discoloration is a deal-breaker for you, skip to No. 12 on our list.)
6. Scanpan CS+ Skillets
Scanpan is highly recommended by plenty of chefs working in professional kitchens. “I love and use Scanpan all the time,” says Barbara Rich, culinary arts lead chef at the Institute of Culinary Education. The Danish cookware is non-stick, heats evenly, is lightweight enough to flip pancakes and omelets and is oven-safe up to 500°F, in case you’re more of a frittata person. The CS+ line has the look of brushed stainless steel, but its interior actually has a food-safe, micro-textured, ceramic-titanium finish for a slick surface that’s ideal for searing and browning. We suggest choosing a la carte pieces from the brand’s robust lineup if you don’t want to commit to an entire set.
7. Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven
Yep, the fancy French brand that you lust after on Pinterest also happens to be non-toxic. And while it’s certainly not cheap, the price can be justified when you consider how the cookware is famous for being so durable. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, Le Creuset’s ceramic-coated cast iron conducts and holds heat like a dream, goes from stove to oven to table, is scratch- and chip- resistant and is incredibly easy to clean (say goodbye to the infamous overnight soak). The brand makes skillets and pots of all sizes, but we’re partial to the 5.5-quart Dutch oven for its versatility. The only hard part? Choosing a color.
8. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
For a do-it-all pan that’s easy on your budget and will last you and your grandkids a lifetime (if you take care of it), look no further than a cast iron skillet. Why? Because after just a few uses it becomes seasoned, creating a non-stick coating. ("When you heat a very thin layer of oil, the hot oil polymerizes, or links together on a molecular level, and bonds to the pan’s surface," explains McManus.) Lodge’s pans have been a favorite among home cooks for years—probably because they’re inexpensive and durable and hold heat like no other. (It doesn’t hurt that they look rustic-chic, too.) "My eggs slide right off, and anything that might stick is easily scrubbed away with chain mail," asserts associate editor of SEO Marissa Wu. "You can put it in the oven, over a fire; it's a versatile cookware staple."
A 10-inch skillet is a good all-purpose size for daily cooking, but for feeding crowds and tackling bigger tasks like roasting whole chickens, we also like the larger 12-inch version. Not sure how to wield cast iron the right way? We have a few tips.
9. Made In The Non-Stick Set
Some people prefer pretty colors, while others want their cookware to look über-profesh. For the latter camp, there’s this non-stick set from Made In. The small set comes with a 4-quart saucepan with a lid and a 10-inch frying pan, while larger sets include sauté pans, stockpots and more. All pieces feature a five-ply stainless clad exterior and a PFOA-free non-stick inner coating for easy cooking and cleanup. "Pans heat evenly and cook food perfectly at much lower temperatures. Clean up is a breeze. Best pans I have bought," raves one reviewer.
10. Material Kitchen The Coated Pan
Most copper cookware will try to bankrupt you and run, but Material’s non-stick pan plays nice. It’s made with a copper core and stainless-steel outer, so it has all the even-heat benefits of traditional copper cookware without the hefty price tag (plus, it won’t warp or scorch). The non-stick surface is made of a non-toxic stainless-steel alloy, the pan works on all types of stovetops and it’s available in two elegant colors. "The pan heats up faster that traditional pans and also stays hot longer. Food spread out throughout the pan cooks evenly. I liked the curved lip, which allows for smooth pouring or sauces and stews," writes one Amazon reviewer.
11. HexClad Frying Pan
Unique among non-stick cookware brands, HexClad is a hybrid material made from tri-ply stainless steel and non-stick. It features a laser-etched surface that allows the ingredients to come into contact with both the stainless-steel and non-stick surfaces, so you get better browning and less sticking. "I absolutely love that this pan is scratch-proof and dishwasher safe," says senior director of special projects and royals and HexClad fan Rachel Bowie. "It's a breeze to use and even when you accidentally burn something like a scrambled egg, the laser-etched surface makes it a total breeze to clean."
It’s also PFOA-free, oven-safe up to 500°F, stovetop and induction cookware compatible and strong enough to withstand the force of metal utensils.
12. Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan
For as culty as the original Always Pan has been, we have to be honest: It’s not *perfect.* We love the functionality and design, but we’ve had mishaps in our own kitchen due to the outer coating not being flame-resistant. (It can discolor and scorch if exposed to heat.) Our Place’s cast iron Always Pan, however, eliminates this issue with its enameled cast iron construction, while retaining all the thoughtful touches of the O.G. skillet. It’s still free of PFOAs and PFTE, plus it’s compatible with the brand’s accessories (like the steamer and fry deck) and oven-safe up to 500°F. One PureWow employee who tested the pan said she especially loves the protective holders that are included for safe handling while the pan’s hot.
13. Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set
This best-selling four-piece set—including a fry pan, sauce pan, sauté pan and Dutch oven—will show you why stainless steel is that girl in the eyes of chefs and seasoned cooks. The pieces are crafted from five-ply, non-toxic stainless steel, which is as easy to clean as it is cook with. "These Caraway pans are not only gorgeous, but their high quality ensures heat retention for even cooking," claims director of affiliate strategy Pam Masin. "I found these to be much easier to cook with than other stainless steel pans I've used in the past (my meal wasn't getting stuck to the pan and creating a burnt mess)." Even better, these pieces work on any stovetop and in the oven and they come with a storage solution to keep your cabinets tidy.
What to Consider When Shopping for Non-Toxic Cookware
Above all, McManus says quality should be your top priority. "You don't want to have to keep replacing your cookware every few years," she says. "It's better to buy a few high quality, versatile pieces and build on that core over time than get a lot of cheap, poorly functioning, non-durable items that end up in a landfill and don't perform well anyway."
Note that quality isn't always about price, though. It's more about the construction of the pieces and the material they're made from. "For instance, an excellent 12-inch cast iron skillet can cost you just about $30, and it will last forever," she adds.
What Is the Safest Cookware for Your Health?
Plenty of cooking materials aren't harmful. They include:
Is Ceramic Cookware Non-Toxic?
Nowadays, yes. Ceramic cookware is naturally non-stick and usually crafted without PTFE or PFOA. If you have some old or cheap non-stick cookware potentially made with PTFE that you still want to use before replacing it, just be sure not to heat it above 500°F or place it under a broiler, says McManus. "Studies have shown that these high temperatures can cause non-stick coatings to degrade and emit toxic fumes." Non-toxic or not, you should replace your non-stick cookware every few years or when the coating wears off.
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Non-Toxic?
"Stainless steel is never really going to be non-stick but it’s definitely durable and safe," says McManus. Not only is it incredibly durable, but it also emits no toxins when heated and doesn't react with food.
What Cookware Materials Should You Flat-Out Avoid?
When choosing cookware that’s both high quality and good for you, always check the manufacturing notes and avoid PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, which is sometimes just labeled with the catch-all term “non-stick.”
What’s the Best Way to Avoid Potentially Unsafe Cookware?
Just steer clear of items labeled “non-stick” without any further indication of what they're actually made of. The bargain pan without a tag that you found in the sale section of your favorite home goods store? You might want to skip that deal in favor of something that's clearly labeled, even if it happens to be a little more expensive.
How to Take Care of Non-Toxic Cookware
Each type of cookware has different care instructions. (For instance, you’ll never catch us putting our cast iron skillet in the dishwasher!) But there are also a few universal best practices when it comes to extending the life of any non-toxic pot or pan. That includes:
The Definitive Guide to Every Type of Pot and Pan (and What You Can Make in Each)
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
