2024 Safe Non-Toxic Cookware Guide
Written by:
Maia James
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.
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.
1. Xtrema / 2. Lancaster Cast Iron / 3. 360 Cookware / 4. Visions / 5. Caraway / 6. Our Place/ 7. Le Creuset / 8. GreenPan
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.
Best Non-Toxic 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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. .
Carbon Steel Cookware
Carbon steel is a great non-toxic cookware material, but it’s hard to find brands that offer it! We like these Alva carbon steel frying pans.
Tempered Glass Cookware
If you want to try cooking in glass, we like this set from Visions.
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:
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:
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:
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
More About Nonstick Cookware
The main concern with nonstick cookware is a class of chemicals called perfluorooctanoic acids (PFAS), which have historically been used in the manufacturing process of many nonstick coatings.
There are two big problems with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals“:
- Health Risks. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a variety of health problems, including cancer, liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues in fetuses and infants.
- Environmental Risks. PFAS can persist in the environment for a long time and can accumulate in plants, animals, and the food chain. This can lead to contamination of drinking water supplies and other environmental problems. (We have a PFAS water filter in our store, by the way.) Worse, PFAS do not break down easily in the environment and are resistant to degradation. This means that even if their use is stopped, they can continue to be present in the environment and potentially cause harm.
If you choose to use traditional nonstick cookware with PFAS, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface of the coating. Overheating the cookware can also cause the coating to break down and release toxic fumes. Of course, our recommendation is that you switch to one of the less toxic types of cookware below.
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.
Stay sane,
About the Author
Maia, Founder & CEO
Maia grew up in a Vermont household without a TV or microwave. She has been researching and writing about non-toxic products since 2010, and has appeared in a variety of media outlets, including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, New York Magazine, and The Dr. Oz Show. Maia lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons, and you can follow along as she tries to live a less toxic, more planet-friendly life here.
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!
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247 responses to “2024 Safe Non-Toxic Cookware Guide”
Hi, Maia-
Do you have any information on the Swiss Diamond brand of cookware? I am looking for something for my daughter. My experience using the one SD skillet that I own is excellent.Thanks for your comments!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
John here…
Swiss Diamond, like many cookware manufacturers uses a proprietary technology to produce their nonstick surfaces. “Proprietary” is code for, “we’re not telling you what’s in it.”
For this reason we cannot know if it is toxic or not.We boil it down to this:
Any cookware called “non-stick” contains questionable or toxic materials.
If it says “non-stick” it is probably toxic.
If it is not toxic it is also not “non-stick”.Best,
John
Hi,
First I would like to say that I am very happy to have come across your website. I find the questions and answers were very helpful. My question for you is, would you by any chance know if
1) Le Creuset Dutch oven’s enamel contains any silicon?
2) The Staub’s manufacturer claims that the interior coating contains trace of quartz. Is cooking with quartz any health concerns?
3) Does Staub interior coating consists silicone?Regards,
Sou CHi Sou C,
Quartz is nontoxic and safe.There is no silicon in enameled cookware.
Hello
After I had a bad case of heavy metal poisoning from my cookware, etc. I did my own research and found that surgical steel pans were highly thought of. I almost bought a set of those, but then I found Dr. Mercola brand ceramic cookware. He is a licensed surgeon – watch his video on his sit. He tested the materials he uses in his pans and HIGH heat and there is NO leaching of any kind (he does give a guide that shows trace amounts that are insignificant – but it does show leaching in several other comparison products) he gives the data on his site. He sells a pans set, a soup set, and a knife set as well as other health products.
The only thing I don’t like about the pans is that they are BLACK in color – so they aren’t sold in different pretty colors. They are NOT decor, they are health pans. I’ve also noticed that it helps to heat up the pan first, then add butter, then add eggs, for example so they won’t stick so much. These are not non-stick pans, but they clean up nice and if the pan is heated first before adding the oils, that seems to help. After a very long search of trying green pans, ceramic pans, the ones that claimed there were NO toxic metals, but there were… I was so tired of false claims. This pan set seems to be the real deal. I’ve had it now for almost a year. You can cook on stove top, bake, and even transfer to the fridge if you want int he same pan. It is super easy to clean. If something does stick soak it in water to loosen, then use a plastic type scrubber and not steel wool for easy clean up.
Please consider adding Dr. Mercola ceramic cookware to your health products list. I have been muscle tested AFTER using his cookware and I am now free of heavy metal toxicity that was before showing up greatly when I was using so-called healthy pans from other companies.
here is the link.
http://cookware.mercola.com/Hi Melissa,
Dr. Mercola not only has many interesting things to say, but above all he is a great marketer. Indeed his ceramic cookware is the real deal, but it is not his. He got a licensing deal with Xtrema and simply sells their products under his name.
Mercola cookware and Xtrema cookware are the same thing. He buys from Xtrema, rebrands the products and resells to us.
The main difference is that he sells packages of cookware, whereas, if you go directly to Xtrema via the link found in our Safe Cookware Guide, you have the option to pick and choose exactly the pieces you want. You also can take advantage of any specials or sales that Xtrema might be offering.Go to our Safe Cookwear Guide here…
https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/cookware/Scroll down until you see “Ceramic” There is a link to Xtrema at the bottom of the review.
Super great to know that that Xtrema is the same thing as Dr. Mercola. It is probably cheaper too.. I’m going to check it out. Still want to get the soup ware cooking pots and other items.. Thanks for sharing this.
I’m not so sure Xtrema is as safe as it’s portrayed. The idea that it contains lead, even if it doesn’t leach, is off-putting: http://tamararubin.com/2017/06/mercola_pan/
I think CorningWare Pyroceram may be the best option. I ordered mine but they haven’t arrived yet (I also wish I could get Pyroceram lids for it instead of Pyrex).
Hello Maia. Are the pura kiki the safest drinking straw cups out there? We have a special needs son who only drinks from a straw; trying to avoid plastic. Is silicone better than typical plastic sippy straws? Also, are the eco vessel containers the safest option for taking food to school? I noticed that the tops are plastic. What about home food storage? I only find glass pyrex with plastic lids. Do you own any xtrema cookware; what are your thoughts on these versus stainless or Le Creseut?
Hi there-yes, in my opinion the silicone straw in the Pura cups is safer than plastic in other cups. I like the Eco Vessel food storage containers, but we also use and love these:http://amzn.to/2cwf7LP. At home we also use Pyrex. I think Xtrema is the safest cookware; Le Creuset and stainless steel are also fine!
Sandy,
Pyrex sells styles with glass tops (and silicone seals – no plastic), they are more challenging to find though. Hope this helps!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MW2BKU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hi Maia,
Thanks so much for all your hard work to educate us on such important issues. I just purchased your guide & can’t wait to get it! Just wanted to ask about Greenpan….since they are PTFE free & such, are they still on your nasty stuff list? Thanks!Greenpan is definitely better than old school Teflon, but still too unknown for us to confidently call it Good Stuff.
Maia,
I cannot say enough how I appreciate your research and advise. I too am trying to find Good muffin tins, but the reviews on the Fox Run brand posted above have buyers questioning if its really stainless. Of course we can’t believe everything we read…do you have any other recommendations? Thanks so much! Cannot wait for the bakeware guide 🙂Thanks for your kind words! Other than Fox Run, I don’t know a stainless steel brand. What about cast iron, like this? http://amzn.to/2cbeQig. Another option is to just use an aluminum one but put parchment liners inside.
Hi Maia
I’ve been using Roichen Natural Ceramic cookware (1st series) and Neoflam Ceramic Cast Aluminum cookware, also stainless steel pots and pans from Ikea. I’m badly in need of a wok and a pressure cooker. Thinking of a Black Wok and Zebra Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker in particular. Please give me your reviews on the cookware I’ve been using and my future black wok & pressure cooker. Thanks
Ps: I believe both Roichen and Neoflam is a Korean brand and Zebra is a Thai brand.
Thank you again
Parvin
MalaysiaWe will be sure to include these brands when we update this guide! Thanks!
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