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.
247 comments
Maia James
I have not tried the new pan (so I can’t speak to how it performs), but it should be as non-toxic as their others:).
temperate
I know that Our Place has a new Titanium Always Pan Pro out now. This is supposed to be a new innovation in pans. Is it really non-slip & non-toxic? Do we have any info on these pans?
Graham Goss
Hey Nicole! I totally get it. The sad reality is that we are forced to pay much more to ensure that the proper certifications and safeguards are in place. Similar to organic foods, sometimes what we are paying for is the certifications and transparency of the “Good Stuff”. But if we find anything that is more affordable AND Good Stuff we will update this guide and let you know.
nicole.m.keller
I left a comment already but forgot to add, where can I find good quality baking pans that are less expensive? The good stuff (and even okay stuff) here prices a single loaf pan at over $50 and in some cases a few pieces of bakeware is $300 :( I’m struggling to find plain stainless steel that isn’t of dubious quality… thank you!
nicole.m.keller
Hello, any good choices for baking sheets? I need to order a springform cake pan, donut baking tray, a pie pan, and loaf pans. I don’t know where to find non-toxic ones! Thank you so much!
Angus Chang
Drawing from the insights on Iupilon (https://iupilon.com/cast-iron-vs-iron-cookware/), it’s important to note that while both cast iron and iron cookware have their merits, they are not the same. Cast iron, with its 2% to 5% carbon content, offers excellent heat retention and a natural non-stick coating. Iron cookware, on the other hand, is elemental and raw, adding a rustic flavor to food and enriching it with iron content. This information complements the comprehensive guide on Gimme the Good Stuff and provides additional context for those seeking the best cookware options.
LoriB.
Was your response an answer in regards to the Caraway cook/bakeware? Also, your statement,
“Sol-gel cookware is deemed safer mainly because it has been studied less.” What?
I find your response to whether or not you deem Caraway cook/bakeware safe confusing. Could you clarify?
LoriB.
I would like to add my request also for information about Caraway cookware and bakeware.
Meredith
Yes, please! I would love to know more about Caraway. They recently released a line of bakeware and I’d like to know if it’s safe…. I haven’t found any good resources for safe bakeware.
John Mullins
Great reviewing on choosing the Safe Non-Toxic Cookware. It’s always terrible work. Your post reminds me of the best cookware to keep in your collection.
Thanks.
Liz M.
I’m curious about the caraway brand too!!
Sherrill Callender
I would like to know too
tyler morz
euna cookware is also a good purchase to be considered.
FYI, https://eunaknife.com
Rachel
Hello. I wanted to follow up on the question about Caraway cookware. Is it good stuff? Thank you so much!
Larina
I have metal allergies (Nickel) but also react to 14K Gold and some other metals. I’m also highly allergic to mold. Would you say the l
Le Creuset Pan is the best choice for someone like me? (Read That Clay can very easily harbor mold). My issue with the Le Creuset is that I can’t find an SDS or info on what’s in the enamel (Borosilicate Glass: often Includes various minerals including magnesium, silica, or Zinc Oxides) but I have no way to very all materials. I do a lot of searing and Soups. I’m more confident in glass cookware but am worried about what’s best for searing for my circumstances – Thank you!
Mireya Sandoval
Hello everyone!
Any updates on caraway cookware? Have we deemed it safe? Thank you!Amber Boney
Is green pan safe? What about caraway? Which is better? I want to buy a couple boilers and a couple safe nontoxic nonstick frying pans. Thanks.
Angie
I am wondering the same thing about my mother’s revere ware
Marin Rankin
I keep seeing a new brand, Caraway, being marketed as 100% nontoxic. Any feedback on this brand?
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
I have no idea I have had them forever. I did a quick look on Amazon and found these: https://amzn.to/3nSpkZi
And this: https://amzn.to/3emzLBe
Suzanne Weaver-Goss
Oh goodness, I have no idea I have had them forever. I did a quick look on Amazon and found these. https://amzn.to/3nRaXoh for muffins. And these cookie sheets. Just avoid aluminum or non-stick ones.
Kim
Hello Suzanne,
What brand of stainless steel muffin tins & cookie trays have you found? I have been looking for a while but nothing has popped up.
Thanks!
Karen
Yes, I’m curious too!
Erin Elise
Hi! What do you think about silicone cookware? Like stasher bags that you can microware or use to cook sous vide?
Joanna
I have a question about le crueset non stick and its toxicity? Are they recommended? We have a full set. They’re great, but now I’m concerned if they are toxic.
Thanks.
Pamela
Yes!!! Baking sheets that don’t warp and are safe!!
Sue
I would love to know this too, please!
Liza
I would love to know this too, please!
Johnna
What non toxic coffee maker do you recommend?
I use a stainless steel French Press but for big family get togethers I need a drip or percolator coffee pot.
Melissa
Do you have a recommendation for safe baking sheets? Thank you!!
Kate
Tamara Rubin has a website where she posts lead tests she conducts and has conducted on various products. She says she does not trust Visions glass cookware due to some lead results she registered on their lids.
Kate
I recommend Trendglas tea kettle. Have had it for several years, works very well. Made in Germany. Made of heat-resistant (I believe science/medical-grade) tempered glass. Found it after some research. Wish they made pots!
Mel
I have a green pan I thought it’s coated with ceramic, is it?
Maria Smith
What do you think about this?
https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/household/922358-greenpan-class-action-says-non-stick-pans-contain-toxins/
Gregg
Have the Visions glassware pots been tested for lead, etc?
David W
Curious about all-clad pans as I try to use as much of this brand as possible. Always think of it as a high standard and made in the USA.
I have an iron disorder so have to avoid cast iron.Sally
Lead in pans and ceramic cannot be tested using the lead swabs you recommend. Many of the products you have listed do contain high levels of lead according to Tamera Rubin. She uses a specialized testing instrument Niton XRF.
Stephanie
How would you rank Hex clad with its diamond layer to Green Pan?
I was curious if the diamond layer helped the fact that they use PTFE?
Robin J
I am wondering the same thing as Lisa!! Specifically the research on the Always Pan and why it is safe.
Tiffany
I’m assuming Faberware isn’t any good? I had no idea about how non-stick T-fal or Teflon was until we started looking into getting a pet bird. Then we learned that no only is it toxic to birds but also humans! So, now I’m searching for the best pots and pans (with budget in mind).
Lisa
I saw you put the Always pan on your list for your mom. Can you tell us more about why you like it? I’ve been thinking about the Always pan or Caraway, but don’t know if one is safer and don’t understand the differences between them. Thank you!
alison
what about Stone Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri?
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GG5FBKW/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 THANKS!johnlockegoss
Hi Maria, Thanks for the questions. The most asked question regarding ceramic pans is if they’re safe to use.
The popularity of ceramic cookware actually first accelerated when the toxicity of PFOA-rich Teflon (used on nonstick cookware in the past) made headlines. Nowadays, you’ll often hear from marketers, “Safe under high heat and even when damaged, the ceramic coating applied to ceramic non stick pans provides a simple, non-toxic solution to chemical coatings.” This claim, however, is unproven. Sol-gel cookware is deemed safer mainly because it has been studied less. Sol-gel ceramic surfaces are “self-sacrificing” surfaces, which means their coating is released during cooking and ingested along with the food. There is not yet enough evidence or studies to determine conclusively whether or not ingesting small amounts of silicone oil is harmful to the human body.johnlockegoss
Hi Alison, 1. CLEAN CAST-IRON SKILLET AFTER EVERY USE
2. LIGHTLY OIL AFTER EACH CLEANING Dry skillet thoroughly (do not drip-dry), then heat over medium-low heat until all traces of moisture have evaporated. Add 1/2 teaspoon oil to pan and use paper towels to lightly coat interior surface with oil. Continue to wipe surface with oiled paper towels until it looks dark and smooth and no oil residue remains. Let pan cool completelyWipe interior surface of still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove any excess food and oil. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing with nonmetal brush or nonabrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food. (Use small amount of soap if you like; rinse well.) Need to remove stubborn stuck-on food and grime? See our more intensive cleaning tips for tackling them.
Alison
Thanks so much for this information! Do you have any specific suggestions for cast iron maintenance? I’ve heard coating with flaxseed or grapeseed oil is a good idea after cleaning but I’ve also heard that grapeseed oil is not something we should be consuming. Any thoughts? Thanks so much in advance!
Jill
Hi Maria,
As someone else also inquired, I’m curious about the Caraway cookware! Thanks!Allison
Hi, thanks so much for this article. Do you know anything about the Caraway cookware and if it’s safe?
Estella Trostle
Any comments or info on the Nuwave Air fryer?
Curious Reader
Pretty sure that you did the lead testing wrong on the enameled cast iron.
CheersGoing from your pictures the way you tested won’t ever result in a lead indication.
Alana Friedrich
I would like to know about Hexclad as well!