The 7 Best Non Toxic Cookware Brands: Healthy Cooking

*A previous version of this article recommended Xtrema and Green pan as non-toxic options for cookware, however due to a lead controversy in Xtrema pans and evidence of greenwashing by Green Pan, we no longer recommend these brands.

When I first found out what kind of toxic chemicals were in most cookware (even mine!) I was a pretty peeved. 😒

So we did a bunch of research to find the healthiest, non toxic cookware that will keep your family safe and help you ditch those toxic pans.

Don’t forget to also check out our related post about non toxic cooking utensils! As many utensils out there can also have toxic chemicals we want to avoid.

The Best Non Toxic Cookware brands are:

• Caraway- Best Overall
• Our Place
• Great Jones
• Made In
• Milo by Kana

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Non Toxic Cookware Materials (Ranked 1-5)

1. Ceramic-Coated Pans

Out of the main two types of non-stick pans, ceramic-coated is the safest one you will find.

It’s affordable, naturally non stick, easy to handle and clean, and can be pretty stylish!

Most of these pans use an aluminum or stainless steel core that’s covered with a ceramic-coating.

Treating them right is key! Avoid using any metal spatulas or spoons as they can scratch away the protective coating- more so on the cheaper brands, but it’s safe practice for all ceramic-coated cookware.

I recommend using silicone spatulas for a lot of your cooking on these as they’re very gentle.

With regular use, these ceramic pieces can last a good 3-5 years.

Pros:

• Safe non-stick alternative to PTFE/Teflon
• PFOA, PTFE, and GenX free
• Easier to clean compared to many other cookware types
• Available in a variety of colors and designs due to the versatility of ceramic coatings

Cons:

• The ceramic coating can wear off over time, reducing its non-stick properties.
• Not suitable for high-heat cooking as it might degrade the coating faster.
• Prone to chipping or scratching, especially when used with metal utensils

Here are some Ceramic-coated Cookware from some of our trusted brands:

2. Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron is probably the most sustainable cookware there is. It lasts forever! (with the right care)

They hold on to heat super well, spread the heat evenly, and don’t contain any toxic chemicals. You can even add a little extra iron to your diet by using cast iron.

Avoid cooking acidic dishes like tomato sauce as they can leach more iron out of the cookware and give your food a strong metallic flavor.

*Important: cast iron needs a little more TLC than other pans. However, if you care for it right, it will last so long you shouldn’t ever need anything else.

We’ve had our cast iron pan for years and while we do like to use other pans here and there, we honestly don’t need anything else!

Here is a great article on how to season and care for your cast iron skillet

Pros:

• Excellent heat retention and distribution
• Sustainable; can last for generations if properly cared for
• Can be used on stovetops and in ovens at high temperatures.

Cons:

• Heavier than other cookware
• Requires regular seasoning to maintain its non-stick properties.
• Can rust if not properly dried after washing.

Some Cast Iron Options From Great Jones:

3. Carbon Steel Pans

Think of carbon steel pots and pans as the cousins of cast iron pans.

They’re made of 99% iron and just a hint (1%) of carbon, which can give a tiny boost of iron to your meals. And unless you’re watching your iron intake closely, a bit of natural iron can be a good thing!

While they may not be as pretty as ceramic pans, they’re light, heat up quickly, and are super tough.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight and durable
• Safe in oven, stove, and microwave
• Mostly nonstick
• No toxic chemicals

Cons:

• Not dishwasher safe
• Lack of color variety

Some Carbon Steel Options From Made In:

4. Stainless Steel Cookware

Good ol’ stainless steel- one of the trusty materials in our own kitchen. Made from a mixture of steel, carbon, and chromium, it’s a durable and non-reactive option.

However, all stainless steel isn’t created equal. When shopping, it’s worth splurging a bit on the higher-quality stuff. You’ll not only get better quality but also avoid any nickel leaching into your food from cheap materials.

Pros:

• Highly durable and resistant to rust or staining.
• Non-reactive, making it suitable for cooking various foods, including acidic dishes.
• Easy to maintain
• No toxic chemicals

Cons:

• Might not distribute heat as evenly as other materials unless it has an added layer or core of another heat-conductive metal.
• Foods can stick to its surface, especially if the pan is not properly pre-heated.
• Lower-quality stainless steel might leach nickel or other metals.

Some stainless steel cookware options from Great Jones

5. *100% Pure Ceramic

Not to be confused with ceramic-coated cookware (which isn’t ceramic at all), full ceramic cookware is real ceramic made completely from natural clay.

And while this material is the most non-toxic for cookware (as long as it is lead and cadmium free), we haven’t found any reputable brands that offer real pure ceramic cookware.

We know. You’re thinking of Xtrema. However, a controversy in recent years about heavy metals in their cookware and a lack of transparency in the past about their glaze made us skip recommending this brand. We aren’t officially accusing them of anything, but the evidence made us lean toward leaving them out of our recommended brands.

Aside from them, we could not find any other brands that offer full ceramic with a non toxic glaze.

And without a glaze for full ceramic pans, its use in cooking is just not practical. Since full ceramic is very porous, a pan without a glaze would just keep the flavor of whatever food was cooked in it.

Pros:

• Made from natural materials and free from toxic chemicals.
• Even heat distribution
• Naturally non stick
• Easy to clean because of its smooth surface.
• Good for various cooking methods.

Cons:

• No available options
• Cheaper brands can contain lead or cadium
• Might not retain heat as long as metals like cast iron
• Can crack or break if dropped

Non Toxic Bakeware Options

Glass Bakeware

Now you can’t cook on the stove with glass but for bakeware, it’s the best there is. Apart from being visually appealing, glass cookware doesn’t leach any substances into food.

Glass is a staple in our kitchen for all sorts of uses.

Pros:

• Cheaper non toxic cookware option
• Chemically inert; doesn’t react with food or leach substances.
• Transparent, allowing you to monitor your cooking without removing the lid.

Cons:

• Can shatter if exposed to sudden temperature changes (thermal shock).
• Typically heavier than other materials.
• Doesn’t retain or distribute heat as efficiently as some metal options.

Some Glass Cookware Options From Amazon:

Silicone Bakeware

Most silicone bakeware is safe to use and isn’t very expensive. Its versatility and durability make it and glass our go-to for baking needs. Just avoid cheaper brands as they can sometimes use BPA (another toxic chemical).

Pros:

• PFOA, PTFE, and GenX free
• Easy to clean
• Flexible, durable, and stores well
• Is sustainable and lasts long

Cons:

• Cheaper brands could break off into food

Some Silicone Bakeware Options From Amazon:

Toxic Cookware Material To Avoid

You would hate to buy all organic, fresh food just to have toxic chemicals leaching from your pots and pans ruin the healthiness of your dinner.

That’s why it’s crucial to understand the potential risks of toxic cookware and make a switch to non-toxic options like ceramic and cast iron, ensuring that your efforts to eat clean and healthy are not undermined by toxic metals in your kitchen.

1. Teflon

Ever seen the movie Dark Waters? You should.

Teflon is actually the brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a “stable” PFAS that’s still known to be toxic.

Maybe you’ve also heard of PFOA, another PFAS. This more unstable molecule used to be used in producing PTFE, but because it’s so toxic, its use was phased out and replaced with “GenX” chemicals to produce PTFE now.

“So, it’s safe, right!?”

Not so fast.

According to the EHP, GenX is now known as the “regrettable substitute”. GenX trials on animals have shown negative health effects on the liver, kidneys, immune system, development of offspring, and an association with cancer.

2. Granite

Granite cookware, commonly known as “graniteware” or “porcelain enamel”, is not made purely of granite. Instead, it has a metal core that is coated with porcelain enamel.

While some granite cookware is made with ceramic-coatings, many options are made with PTFE and it can be hard to tell the difference if you don’t know what to look for.

3. Copper

Yes, I would agree that copper cookware is pretty to look at. However, copper pots and pans can cause excess copper to leech into our food, especially when they are old and chipped, or when cooking acidic foods.

It has been shown that chronic exposure to increased copper levels can lead to GI and liver issues.

Also, according to the National Institute of Health, some researchers argue that excess amounts of dietary copper are involved in the development of Alzheimer’s.

All in all, I think it’s safe to say it’s better if we just avoid those pretty copper pots and pans.

Now that you know which to avoid and what to look for, here are our favorite non toxic cookware brands below:

The 7 Best Non Toxic Cookware Brands

To sum up, all of these non toxic cookware options are great for new homeowners or those wanting to rid their homes of any unwanted toxins lurking where they might not expect. Happy Cooking!

Additional Sources:

Copper – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)

PTFE-coated non-stick cookware and toxicity concerns: a perspective – PubMed (nih.gov)

7 Nutrient Deficiencies That Are Incredibly Common (healthline.com)