Non-Toxic Cookware Guide

Maia James
Non-Toxic Cookware Guide
247 comments
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Best Cookware Brands

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1. Xtrema

2. Lancaster Cast Iron

3. 360 Cookware

4. Visions

5. Caraway

6. Our Place

7. Le Creuset

8. GreenPan

I’m lucky to live in a neighborhood with lots of great “healthful” restaurants. I put that word in quotes because while organic French fries cooked in trans-fat free oil are better than what you’ll get at McDonald’s, they aren’t exactly kale chips.

So we try to cook at home most nights. My husband is much more of a chef than I am, so he is the one who purchases most of our pots and pans (and woks and stockpots and mandolins and 87 different knives…he loves kitchen gadgets!).

As with many products in our home (from toilet paper to laundry detergent to shampoo), Daylon is primarily worried about the performance of his cookware, and I am mainly worried about the safety. The good news here is that you really can have both. We’ve managed to find high-performing AND non-toxic cookware that both Daylon and I are happy with. And yes, nontoxic nonstick cookware does exist!

I hope this guide helps you decide what cookware to eliminate, and what non-toxic cookware to buy when it’s time for new pots and pans. And as much as we should avoid toxins in what we breathe and touch, we REALLY should avoid eating them! For this reason, we consider upgrading to non-toxic cookware an important step for those of you looking to make your homes safer.

Are There Toxins in Cookware?

Unfortunately, pots and pans might be introducing toxins into your food as you cook. The big takeaway from our research is that most types of cookware do infuse small amounts of material into our food. Some of those things are bad for us, some are good in the right quantity, and some are neutral. This matters with cookware because not only are you ingesting whatever leaches into your food, but leaching is increased by heat exposure, which is of course a factor when it comes to cookware.


In our home, we use a variety of types of pots and pans, including nontoxic nonstick cookware.

My Favorite Non-Toxic Cookware

You’ll find lots of details on a variety of non-toxic cookware options in this guide, as well as materials we’d rather see you avoid. If you’re short on time, here is a cheat sheet of the non-toxic cookware brands we love, including some nontoxic nonstick cookware brands.

Best Stuff

360 Cookware

360 Cookware is our top pick for non-toxic stainless steel cookware. It’s an 18/8 blend, made in the USA, and lasts forEVER.

My favorite non-toxic cookware pieces from 360:

Note: All-Clad also makes toxin-free stainless steel cookware, but their non-stick items should be avoided.

Buy from Amazon Buy from 360 Cookware
360 Cookware

Carbon Steel Cookware

Carbon steel is a great non-toxic cookware material, but it’s hard to find brands that offer it! We liketheseAlva carbon steel frying pans.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Alva Carbon Steel Pans
Carbon Steel Cookware

Great Jones

Great Jones meets all CA Prop 65 standards, but we still only recommend select products from Great Jone. We like their enameled cast iron as a more affordable alternative to Le Creuset. Their ceramic coated non-stick cookware contains PFAS, so that should be avoided.

My favorite non-toxic cookware pieces from Great Jones:

Buy from Great Jones
Great Jones

Heritage Steel

Made in the USA from titanium-strengthened 316 stainless steel with a fully clad aluminum core, Heritage Steel cookware is free of PFAS and other toxic coatings. The aluminum layer is completely encapsulated between stainless steel, so it never touches your food. We love that they’re manufactured domestically and come with a lifetime warranty.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Heritage Steel
Heritage Steel

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

We love Lodge for its reasonably-priced cast iron cookware that’s made in America.

My favorite non-toxic cookware pieces from Lodge:

Buy from Amazon
Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Lancaster Cast Iron Cookware

We love these high-quality pans, which are made in Lancaster, PA, and come pre-seasoned and with stout handles and large pour spouts. Each pan is handcrafted and has a beautiful glossy finish that you won’t find in most cast iron skillets.

My favorite non-toxic cookware piece from Lancaster Cast Iron:

Buy from LANCASTER CAST IRON
Lancaster Cast Iron Cookware

Xtrema Ceramic Cookware

Our favorite brand of ceramic cookware is Xtrema. This line contains no glaze, and each batch is third-party tested for heavy metals. If you’re worried about leaching when cooking acidic foods (like tomatoes) from cast iron or stainless steel, then this is a great choice for you. From a performance standpoint, I appreciate that this is much lighter than cast iron cookware.

My favorite non-toxic cookware pieces from Xtrema:

Buy from Xtrema
Xtrema Ceramic Cookware

Le Creuset Enamled Cast Iron Cookware

My friend recently called my from the emergency room after dropping her Le Creuset and breaking her toe. “Is there a more classic Brooklyn injury?” she asked.

In any case, I am sure many of you–wehter you live in Brooklyn or elsewhere–have a hefty piece of Le Creuset cookware in your kitchen. Good news: it’s Best Stuff!

One caveat: Le Creuset says that there are trace amounts of lead on the outside of the bright-colored Le Creuset pots (such as red and orange). They add that “these levels are very low, but the interior enamel is completely free of lead.”

The Le Creuset non-stick line should be avoided as it contains PFAS.

My favorite non-toxic pieces from Le Creuset:

Buy from Amazon Buy from Le Creuset
Le Creuset Enamled Cast Iron Cookware

Non-Toxic Crock Pots/Slow Cookers

Most crockpots/slow cookers contain a ceramic insert. Avoid any that specify that they have a non-stick coating on the ceramic, and avoid those that have an aluminum insert. .

There are two that we like: Green Pan and 360.

Buy from Amazon Buy from 360 Crock Pot
Non-Toxic Crock Pots/Slow Cookers

Titanium Cookware

We found just one brand on Amazon,Wild Peak, that doesn’t appear to be coated with any non-stick chemicals. As of 2024,Our Placemakes a titanium version of the Always Pan!

Buy from Amazon
Titanium Cookware

Tempered Glass Cookware

If you want to try cooking in glass, we like this set from Visions.

Buy from Amazon
Tempered Glass Cookware

Types of Toxic & Non-Toxic Cookware

Pots and pans come in a wide range of materials. Some cookware materials are okay, if you have the right variety, or if you don’t use them every day. Let’s go through these one by one, including the brands we recommend.

Nontoxic Cookware Materials

The following materials are always non-toxic. We will share our favorite brands made of these materials below, under The Best Stuff.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is sometimes used for frying pans and woks. It’s similar to cast iron, and can leach small amounts of iron into food, which is great if you have someone with slight anemia in your home!

Cast Iron

For most of human history, people suffered from iron deficiencies, so cooking with cast iron helped to prevent anemia. In modern cultures, the opposite is true. Most of us get plenty of iron, and there’s a point at which ingesting too much can be problematic. In our kitchen, we try to switch between cast iron pans and pans made of other materials throughout the week. If you want to be extra cautious, you could avoid cast iron for recipes with long cooking duration or acidic foods, as this will cause increased iron leaching.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel pans are generally Good Stuff. The only caveat here is that stainless steel is made with nickel (the more nickel in the mix, the more “stainless” it is). The problem is that our bodies can handle some nickel, but too much isn’t healthy. This means that high quality stainless steel cookware, which has higher percentages of nickel, is actually of more concern than lower quality stainless steel! We know that stainless steel pans do leach nickel (along with some chromium and iron), especially with longer cooking times and when cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes. To minimize the potential for nickel leaching, you’d ideally want a pan that’s 18/4 or 18/0 stainless steel (that first number is the percentage of chromium; the second is nickel). I wouldn’t be concerned about using stainless steel as long as you just switch up your cookware. If you sometimes using cast iron and enamel pots and pans, you won’t be exposing yourself to too much nickel from stainless steel. If you’re still worried, you could avoid stainless steel when cooking acidic foods for long time periods.

Tempered Glass

Glass is probably the most inert of any cooking surface, and you can even get pots and pans made of this ultimate Good Stuff!

Titanium

Titanium is a non-toxic and biocompatible metal, so it is used for medical instruments, dental implant devices, and joint replacements. Titanium is also lightweight and extremely strong. Titanium cookware uses an aluminum base for even heat transfer and distribution. The non-porous, non-stick titanium outer surface does not allow any aluminum to leach through. The only reason to be cautious about titanium cookware is that it seems that most manufacturers now coat their titanium cookware with non-stick finishes, rendering it “Bad Stuff.”

Materials That May Be Safe in Cookware

When shopping for non-toxic cookware, some of these materials come in safe forms. Other times, they are treated (or untreated, as the case may be) in a way that renders them less safe.

Clay

Without testing a clay pot for every possible contaminant, you have no way of knowing what might be leaching into your food. Without a glaze on the pot, there is no protective barrier between what’s in the clay and your meal. The risks of unglazed clay pots and pans outweigh the potential benefits of the good minerals that might leach into your food—calcium, iron, etc.

Coated Ceramic

Made from natural materials such as clay and minerals, ceramic cookware offers excellent heat retention and distribution. Its non-reactive surface makes it ideal for cooking acidic foods, and it is also appreciated for its nontoxic nonstick cookware properties, requiring less oil or fat during cooking. Furthermore, it is generally considered safer than nonstick alternatives since it doesn’t contain potentially harmful chemicals like PFOA or PTFE. Ceramic cookware can be considered a safe less-stick if not truly truly non-stick material. Some ceramic cookware is coated with materials that may contain harmful substances like lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals. To ensure safety, it is crucial to choose ceramic cookware that is labeled as free from toxic materials and is certified as being compliant with safety standards.

Enamel

In essence, enamel is a form of glass. Enameled cookware is most often cast iron with an enamel coating. This type of cookware is wonderful to cook with. Some people have worried about lead in the enamel cookware, since the enamel coating is often made of clay, which can leach lead. For this reason, we suggest choosing high quality enamel cookware from well-known brands.

Newer Non-Stick Materials

For more details on these materials, and the brands we like most (and which brands should be avoided), check out the Best, Good, Bad, and Sneaky brands that follow. You can’t necessarily believe brands that advertise themselves as nontoxic nonstick cookware.

Materials to Avoid in Cookware

The following materials are always unsafe when used for cookware. You’ll learn more about how to avoid them under the Bad Stuff and Sneaky Stuff, below. Look for cookware brands that they have tested under limits for California Prop 65 for more peace of mind.

  • Aluminum.
  • Copper.
  • Nonstick/Teflon
  • Plastic

Bonus: The Best Non-Toxic Teakettle

Lots of you have asked about the best non-toxic teakettle. Our picks are the kettles from Xtrema, Staub, or Caraway.

Bonus: The Best Non-Toxic Teakettle

Good Stuff

Nontoxic Nonstick Cookware

We are calling the following brands Good Stuff rather than Best Stuff only because they do not disclose exactly what they use to achieve their nonstick coating. The brands below all provide independent testing results that show that their cookware is not leaching toxins or heavy metals. However, it is important to note that this is only true when the cookware is not scratched or degraded. We recommend replacing even nontoxic nonstick cookware if it becomes damaged.

GreenPan Nontoxic Nonstick Cookware

We originally called GreenPan Sneaky Stuff, because they don’t disclose exactly what they use in their nonstick cookware line. They’ve recently provided the results of independent tests, and these are hugely reassuring regarding contamination with heavy metals.

GreenPan’s nonstick coating is the proprietary Thermion, which is “made by a Sol-Gel process that results in forming a coating layer on the surface of the pan. This layer comprises mainly Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), which is the same composition as glass.” We are now comfortable calling GreenPan Good Stuff!

My favorite non-toxic cookware from GreenPan:

Buy from Amazon Buy from Greenpan
GreenPan Nontoxic Nonstick Cookware

Caraway Nontoxic Nonstick Cookware

Caraway cookware is non-stick and does not contain PFAS. The company has provided reports on lead, cadmium, PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE, which show no detectable levels. One thing to keep in mind is that we do not know the exact composition of Caraway’s non-stick coating as it is patented. While this is not ideal, Caraway has reliable third-party tests that show no detectable levels of harmful contaminants, so we can consider it a good product. Most new non-stick brands use a Sol-Gel process to make their pans non-stick, so it is likely that Caraway does the same.

My favorite non-toxic cookware pieces from Caraway:

Buy from Amazon Buy from Caraway
Caraway Nontoxic Nonstick Cookware

Our Place Nontoxic Nonstick Cookware

Our Place is slightly less transparent than GreenPan, but I still consider this to be a reasonably non-toxic cookware brand. Our Place has disclosed the independent testing that reveals that their pan doesn’t contain heavy metals. It looks to me like they are using the same exact technology (Sol-Gel) as GreenPan. While we’d love them to be more transparent, we can’t call them Bad Stuff or Sneaky Stuff. I have and use various pieces of cookware from Our Place to cook for my family.

My favorite non-toxic cookware pieces from Our Place:

Buy from Amazon Buy from Our Place
Our Place Nontoxic Nonstick Cookware

Bad Stuff

Toxic Cookware

Plastic

Believe it or not, you can actually get a plastic pot. Don’t buy one.

Aluminum

Various studies have linked elevated aluminum levels to everything from anemia and other blood disorders to ALS and Parkinson’s, and even reproductive damage in mice. We recommend avoiding all aluminum cookware. Note that pans with an aluminum core within cookware made of safer metals (such as stainless steel) are fine—you just want to make sure that no aluminum touches your food.

Unprotected Copper

Like iron, copper is an essential mineral. A healthy diet supplies plenty of copper, but elevated levels of copper in your body can be toxic.

Many foods can react with unprotected copper cookware (where the food comes in direct contact with the copper) and leach too much copper into your food. Copper-core cookware is fine, though copper cookware that is “protected” with a coating of stainless steel is subject to the same concerns as stainless steel (see above, under The Good Stuff).

Nonstick (Teflon or PTFE)

You can read many reports claiming that Teflon is harmless, but the studies showing it to be toxic are far more convincing. The EPA told companies in 2015 to phase out some of the chemicals in their formulations due to health concerns, and the EWG advises consumers to avoid Teflon.

Most nonstick pans are aluminum coated with polytetrafluoroetheylene (PTFE), otherwise known as Teflon. The big issue with Teflon isn’t ingesting it, but rather breathing it in when it gets hot (it’s actually toxic enough to kill pet birds!). Teflon-coated pans should be avoided.

And yes, even expensive, high-tech non-stick pans (such as Circulon) contain Teflon. Here are a few examples of nonstick brands that have been found to contain PTFE:

  • Cuisinart
  • Hexclad
  • ScanPan
  • Zwilling

Sneaky Stuff

Greenwashed Cookware Brands

“Nontoxic” Nonstick Cookware

Newer “safe” nonstick pans are increasingly available, but unless we’ve included them above, under The Good Stuff, we advise you to proceed with caution.

Any nonstick pan that says it’s “PFOA-free” is sneaky, because no nonstick pans contain PFOA (it’s created during production but always burned off in the final product). Nonstick pans that specify that they are free of PFOA almost certainly contain PTFE, which is just another kind of PFAS.

One especially Sneaky brands is Ozeri, which claims to be PTFE free, but which was found to contain it in samples tested in 2020 by Ecology Center.

Another Sneaky brand, Hexclad advertises as PFAS-free when they in fact contain PTFE.

Hestan Culinary advertises that their non-stick pans are free of PFOA, but they contain PTFE, which is another kind of PFAS.

Made In does make some safe cookware, but they also make some PTFE coated pans that they (falsely) advertise as “100% safe” and “non-toxic.”

Unglazed Clay Cookware (“Earthenware”)

Companies like Earthen Cookware and Vitaclay have gained popularity because they contain no finish of any kind. However, the clay itself can provide a health risk, as it may contain harmful—albeit natural—things like aluminum, cadmium, and lead.

While both Vitaclay and Earthen Cookware do provide testing showing their products free of specific heavy metals, the actual composition of the clay in both cases is “proprietary,” which is why I’m calling both of them Sneaky Stuff.

Coated Ceramic Cookware

Under The Good Stuff, I mentioned ceramic cookware. This is just remember to avoid any ceramic pots and pans that are treated with nonstick materials, which includes brands like Caphalon and Farberware.

Stay sane,
Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

Tags:Kitchen

247 comments

Susan Pearce

Reply to REBA, regarding your April 8, 2018, comment:

Yesterday, I was reading things from this web page and I decided to contact Pampered Chef with my question: “I have a baking stone from Pampered Chef that I bought in 1996. Have you tested your stoneware with the California Prop. 65 test? I am concerned about unsafe metals that could be leaching out into the food. Thanks.” Today, I received this reply: “Hello, “Thank you for contacting Pampered Chef. “Our products meet and exceed FDA, Prop 65, EU, and Germany requirements. Please note that our stoneware is sourced from clay and will have some natural variation. “If your stoneware has a glaze: “The glaze mix is a proprietary blend. It uses a blend of water, the same clay components in the base, common solvents that are evaporated during the manufacturing process, and colorants. The Stoneware glaze is fired above 2000 F and will form a glass in its fired stage. In the finished, fired state, the glazed stoneware meets and / or exceeds FDA, Prop 65, and EU regulations. “If there is anything more we can do for you or should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the Customer Solutions Team.” I am not sure that the person who told me that was keeping in mind that I bought mine in 1996. I wonder if that makes a difference. Also, I am pretty sure mine does not have a glaze, since it is not shiny.

Cathy

I’m searching for healthier cookware. I am wondering your thoughts on the Goodful, which is made specifically for Macy’s? It’s ceramic cookware is a new line for Goodful. Wanted to know if it past your test for healthy “good” cookware?

Abigail

Thank you so much for this article! What can you tell me about Bialetti Aeternum ceramic, non-stick cookware? I read your section about the “sneaky” brands that say PFOA-free, and I was concerned when I read that on their label, but then it also says PTFE-free. In your expert opinion, is it still “sneaky”?

Thank you!

Alexis

I’d like to know more about this lavarock. I clicked the link and Amazon is not sure if it will be back again. Any other recommended brands or just this one (which is discontinued). Also any other carbon fiber brands you recommend?

Thanks in advance

Best Ceramic Cookware

Thanks for your information dear. I get to know some useful ideas about the product guide.

Angie

Wow nevermind I just saw that that is first on your list! Sorry for being so unobservant! I love this page – I refer back to it every time I am shopping for cookware!

Angie

What about Carbon Steel?

Steve

Calphalon made in China. All-Clad made in USA. All-Clad much higher quality.

Leesa

I’m looking into different brands for Stainless steel pans (All-Clad, Calphalon, etc) and it is really hard to find pans that are actually 100% stainless steel. They all have some kind of clad technology where the aluminum core is clad with stainless steel. Are these still fine? The ones that are 100% stainless steel have a heavy bottom that is made of aluminum and wrapped in stainless steel. What are your thoughts on these?

N

What about Usa Pans?

Jackie

Could you tell me if the “Instant Pots” are safe? I know you mention slow cookers, but since these are so new, I was’t sure if that was included.

Sean

What are your thoughts on boiling water for coffee and tea in a stainless steel kettle? I do this every day several times a day. Am I getting trace amounts of metal in every cup? I noticed you recommend kettles from xtrema and staub, but those are kind of pricey and heavy so I was just wondering if my cheap stainless steel kettle is ok. Since there is no scrapping of the kettle but just boiling of water, I wonder if any leaching is occuring. Thanks

Suzanne Weaver-Goss

Yes, it’s fine for short term.

Nereida

Hi guys
Just wondering is it ok to store food in the stainless steel pot that it’s been cooked in? I usually do that. I wonder if it’s a bad thing. Thank you so much

Steve

Vintage Pyrex ovenware was painted with leaded paint, which rubs off on the outside. If on the inside, like some white glass, it can leach into food. Anything made with clear tempered glass is safe, like pots, pans, glasses.

TuffToodle

Hello – I saw a few others mention that Greenpan’s coating is silicoN and not silicoNE – I was wondering if this changes your recommendation? I would love to buy the xtrema, but I have heard terrible things about how easy it is to break ceramic cookware – and unfortunately cookware is something I can’t afford to replace! My current set is terrible and I really need to settle on something healthy and durable.

Mina Edinburgh

I appreciate it when you said that it wouldn’t be dangerous to use stainless steel as long as the person changes the type that they are using every once in a while. If so, then it’s good since mom has a ceramic cookware available in the house. She just needs stainless steel for some dishes that seems better made if the cookware is made out of the material. I will mention this to her. Thanks.

Karen

Can you share thoughts on this?

https://www.amazon.com/Vremi-Piece-Ceramic-Nonstick-Cookware/dp/B071LSL3SP/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1535471451&sr=1-1&keywords=vremi Thanks, Karen

Karen Kopicki

I have a lot of Corning Ware casserole dish’s but have read some of them have lead in the design on the outside? Also some can have arsenic in them? The designs I have are Spice of Life and Country Festival. I also have a lot of Stainless Steel Revere Ware with copper on the outside bottom of the pans. Are there any health risk cooking with the above cookware?
Thank you

Candy

does anyone know if “red copper” cookware is toxic?

Candy

What about “ceramic copper infused cookware” otherwise known as “Red Copper”? Thanks

Kyra (kEARuh)

Hi! I’m looking for cookware that’s on the “safer” side, preferably non-stick (that i’m finding is not particularly safe even if it’s “safe”). At this point, the research has got me completely bonkers. The metals, the toxins, the tests, the results, warnings, recommendations to this use this pan for that, that pan for this… It’s overwhelming. I’m no expert cook, I don’t think about possibly using using cast iron for one dish and stainless steel for another. I just want a decent home-cooked meal without thinking I’m poisoning myself because of the cookware I’m using or double poisoning myself because I burned "whatever "the other day in the cookware i’m using. I’ve spent three and a half decades of my life eating what was put before me without a thought of what it was cooked in, and seem to be just fine, so I’m not sure why it matters, but it does! For whatever reason it does. I don’t own a microwave or use aluminum foil if I don’t have to and I don’t even remember why, haha… Ugh, I’m cookware babbling. In a nutshell, I’ve narrowed it down to two brands/three types. Le Creuset: toughened non-stick, and two GreenPan: Padova ceramic non-stick OR Paris Pro anodized aluminum ceramic. I did read about GreenPan and the use of silicone, but other articles have said it’s silicon, sans the e, and that there’s a difference. More to overwhelm me, sigh. But I must forge on! There’s mediocre pastas and soups and breakfast dishes to be made! Any words of wisdom/advice on the three I’ve listed? And knowledge regarding silicone vs. silicon?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Suzanne Weaver-Goss

Hi Joanna, We remain wary of any aluminum cookware. We don’t want to be alarmist. Having said that, almost every “non-stick” cooking surface that was once deemed “safe” has later been found to be concerning…at best.

Joanna

Do you know anything about circulon anodized cookware? It’s label non stick. Just want to make sure it’s bad before I ditch them.

Jackie

Hi, how can you determine if a ceramic coated or porcelain enamel pan is treated with a non stick chemical? I’ve seen many advertised at “Ceramic coating is naturally non stick”…which sounds like it hasn’t been treated with an added chemical but of course that can be misleading. Can you give any advice on how to determine this? Thanks!

Lesya

Hello,

I’m wondering if you ever heard of the brand The Rock by Heritage and what your thoughts are on that type of cookware.

EL Mehdi

Thanks for sharing this guide. It’s very informative.
I was wondering, which cookware type would you recommend for a beginner to start with?

John Goss

Hi Audrey,
John here…
We are not fans of any cookware that claims “non-stick”. There are several new-ish technologies out there but we are yet to be convinced that they are totally non-toxic.

Audrey

Hi Maia,

I’m looking to get a deal on safe cookware and found a couple at Costco. I’m wondering if they’re actually as good as they advertise. Do you have any knowledge on these brands? Green Pan- ceramic nonstick, and stainless steel on the the outside Henckels- ceraforce ceramic nonstick, PTFE and PFOA free, and stainless steel tri-ply clad Thank you!

Jessica

Hi Maia and John – Do you have thoughts on non-toxic cutting boards or plans to develop a guide? I’m having trouble finding anything that I feel confident isn’t filled with glue or, if it isn’t, would be safe for cutting meat. Thoughts? Thanks!

Reba

Hi there, I’m just seeing this so forgive me if already mentioned. To expound on The Pampered Chef’s products, above the original article it says non-glazed stoneware is deemed unsafe given it’s unknown what could be leeching into the food. I’ve been using The Pampered Chef bare stones (non glazed) for several years now. Do you suppose though they build up oils for a non-stick coating that they are still considered unsafe to use? (I use bar pan stone, pizza stone and similar as well as muffin pan stone) As with my cast iron pans I only use coconut oil or my own rendered lard from the farm to bake with (unless it’s a meat with it’s own oils.

John Goss

Hi Alyssa,
John here from GGS…
Thanks for the great question. I read the blog by Tamara Rubin and followed the back and forth email thread between
Tamara and Richard Bergstrom (Head of Ceramacor/Xtrema) until my eyes were falling out! :)
This is a classic example of just how difficult it can be to arrive at “THE TRUTH” when researching these sorts of things.
Here at Gimme the Good Stuff we try to arrive at conclusions, and make subsequent recommendations based upon reasonable,
real-world concerns. We’ve found that once we skew towards extremes it is a slippery slope into vast amounts of both data
and opinion. Once that starts most of our readers can simply sigh and give up. Our site exists to provide folks with
short-cuts to a realistic view that will allow them quickly make decisions about which products to buy/use while retaining
a sense that they are taking reasonable steps to reduce the toxic load that we are all exposed to.

As for the Ceramacor/Xtrema debate… It is true that lead is ubiquitous in the modern world. It is also true that we should avoid it whenever we can. The tests conducted by Ceramacor are done to discover if any heavy metals could leach from their products over time. This is the extractability test. The test used by Tamara is the XFR test which bombards an object with gamma rays and “reads” the atomic-level reactions for signatures of various compounds/elements. XFR tells us if there are ANY heavy metals in an object. Extractability tells us if any heavy metals are likely to escape from an object and thus present a threat. I believe that Mr Bergstrom is correct when he suggests that there is essentially zero cookware on the planet that is 100% free from any heavy metals or toxins. He is also probably correct that Xtrema cookware is likely the most rigorously tested cookware available. This does not mean that Xtrema is 100% free from lead and the heavy metals. It simply means that exposure to those substances is unlikely. In this particular case they discuss the label baked into the enamel on the bottom of the pan, It seems clear that lead paint may be used on that label. It is also possible that after extensive use/wear the lead in that label might become exposed. That is indeed a concern. The enamel coating applied to these pans is fired at around 2500 degrees…far far hotter than your pan will ever get sitting on top of a burner. This means that it is unlikely to simply melt and expose the offending label. But as we all know, the bottom of pans can become abraded over time and in that way the lead might become exposed. There is no reasonable way for us to determine how many months, years or decades it might take for that to happen. So it comes down to this: Xtrema is likely the most tested cookware on the planet and it appears to pass all the governmental standards. (many governmental standards are not as rigorous as some of us wish but that’s another conversation) Without similar tests conducted on cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, glass etc it is not a truly level playing field. People have been cooking with cast iron and stainless steel for a long time so we tend to think they are ok…and generally speaking they probably are ok. Generally speaking Xtrema is likely also ok. If I were in the market for Xtrema I’d probably wait to buy until Mr. Bergstrom changed the labels. Thanks, John Goss

Alyssa Lindsay

Hi Maia,

I really value your site and use it frequently as a tool for purchasing the healthiest items for my family. I recently went ahead a purchased a few pans from Xtrema and have generally really loved cooking with them, however, I recently came across an article by Tamara Rubin http://tamararubin.com/category/xtrema/ about her finding lead in their branding on the bottom of the cookware. What are you thoughts on this? I really do love the brand and I hope it is safe to cook with. Thank you.

Kristin clark

Is the Pioneer Woman porcelain enamel nonstick aluminum cookware safe or sneaky stuff? Thank you!

Bailey

Hello, thank you for the information. Is the Pampered Chef Stoneware line healthy? It seems like a good option that becomes nonstick over time with use. Thanks!

Mel

Hi Maia—

I also had that question about the Ziploc freezer bags. Can you share with us why you are okay with them? I would love to use but have a baby and want her to be safe, etc. Also: As long as I’m typing—one of your readers mentioned concerns with stainless steel from China on your FB page. Ever heard that?

Bee Healthy

SaladMaster makes uncoated titanium pans. They are unconscionably expensive but I love the one I have (bought used on eBay, i would never pay full price).

Maia James

Yes, I do!

Maia James

Hi there-
This is on Marcela’s label—which the Xtrema pan doesn’t have. But regardless, the label isn’t going to leach into food and isn’t of concern.

Maia James

We have not yet published a safe bakeware guide, but the rules are more or less the same—avoid nonstick, namely!

Maia James

We will be sure to add SCANPAN to our review when we update this post:)

Maia James

We will be sure to include these brands when we update this guide! Thanks!

Kelly

I too read this the other evening. We switched over our cookware to Xtrema over the last year and a half and now I’m concerned with our choice! I’m wondering your thoughts on this testing as well Gimme the Good Stuff.

Perene

Hi! For teapots do you recommend switching from aluminum to stainless steel? Thanks

Kathy Smith

Thanks for sharing this Content.What area unit your thoughts on the Green pan Diamond, specifically Diamond pots and pans?

Amanda Hat

Hi! Just wondering if you had seen the results of this test done on xtrema and if so whether you thought it was concerning? About to take the plunge and completely revamp our cookware and would love your thoughts on this before purchasing any xtrema products :-)

http://tamararubin.com/2017/06/mercola_pan/

Natalie

Currently we use All-Clad, borosilicate glass from France, a couple pieces of antique cast iron (a griddle and a skillet that we use daily), one large le creuset dutch oven and only a few remaining pieces of pampered chef stoneware. The stoneware is one that I’ve never been completely sure of. We had a ton of it and got rid of most all of it besides a few baking sheets. We do use them often, however, a lot of the time I find myself covering the surface with unbleached parchment paper. Do you have any info regarding the pampered chef stoneware?

Tom

Sorry, having no option to edit, I would like to provide the picture for my cookware set that I described above: http://www.imfweb.com/en/catalogo/producto/5575/6-pieces-cookware-set-basic

Tom

Thanks for the education. May I ask: I have a set of “ELKENS” (“Acero Inoxidable”) very light, not very high quality, received as accumulated bonus points from the store. It deveoped white spots on its bottom after a first oatmeal that stick to the bottom a bit. How bad is it? Or is it good? It smells from the beginning like some metal.

Deanna Coronato

Hi Maia,

Thanks so much for the cookware guide and all you do to find safe products! I was wondering if you have gotten to the bakeware yet. We are purchasing new pans now and are in desperate need for bakeware as well. Before I spend money, I would love some guidance. Thank you so much, Deanna

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