The 11 Best Nontoxic Cookware Brands for Your Health (and Your Aesthetic)
Aug 26, 2022
You traded your antiperspirant for natural deodorant, upgraded your bedding to cooling bamboo sheets, but when was the last time you replaced your cookware? If you’re still cracking eggs into the same subpar nonstick pan from Target, the answer is probably too long ago. And aside from the annoying stuck-on food, your banged up pots and pans could actually be leaching toxic chemicals into your otherwise organic meals. Plus, if you haven’t noticed, today’s most high-tech, nontoxic cookware is extremely Instagrammable.
Here, we dive into everything you need to know to make the clean kitchen swap, and the top 10 nontoxic cookware brands that flawlessly merge style and function.
What Cookware Materials Should You Avoid?
Chances are, your years-old nonstick pans are made with Teflon (originally made with PFOA or perfluorooctanoic acid and later PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene) thanks to its non-reactive, nonstick, and stain-resistant qualities. But some 25 years after its introduction, the FDA warned that certain chemicals that create Teflon’s ultra-slick finish are actually toxic to both the environment and our health, especially when built up in our body over time. How, you ask? Every time your Teflon-laden cookware gets a new scratch, those aforementioned chemicals can easily seep into whatever you’re cooking. And while those chemicals have been slowly phased out of production since their toxic discovery, it’s still important to double-check what your nonstick cookware is made of before sauteeing up a storm.
What Is the Safest Nontoxic Cookware?
The term “nonstick” is certainly alluring for anyone who’s ever seared chicken thighs or attempted to make the perfect, runny, over-easy egg, but the thought of it coming at the expense your family’s health is enough to make you think twice about reaching for that old chemical-laden pan. Thanks to modern science, there is hope in the form of the below popular cookware materials:
- Ceramic: Ceramic has been used for centuries, and it also happens to be safe for food (and your health) at any temperature, which makes it a great option for both the stovetop and the oven. It’s naturally nonstick, scratch-resistant, and super easy to clean—just throw it in the dishwasher and go about your Netflix binge.
- Cast iron: There’s a reason things always taste better when cooked in cast iron—it retains heat like a boss for even cooking, every time. It’s also quite possibly the most versatile material, because it’s great for both the stovetop and oven. Plus, it’s meant to be “seasoned” and not scrubbed spotless after every use, which makes cleanup a breeze.
- Stainless steel: Though this material isn’t technically nonstick, it is durable, widely available, and less expensive than other options. There really isn’t anything you can’t cook on stainless steel, just keep in mind that you’ll have to use more oil to prevent food from sticking. Note: There has been some concern about nickel leaching (especially when it gets scratched), which can be of slight concern if you’re sensitive to this metal.
- Porcelain enamel: Think of it as a visually appealing upgrade to cast iron. Porcelain enamel is typically made of cast iron at its core, coated in enameled ceramic for that sleek, glass-like finish with ultimate heat retention, durability, and natural nonstick properties.
- Titanium: This material is so sanitary, it’s often used in the medical field. It’s great for cooking, because it won’t alter the taste of food or cause any sort of negative reaction to the human body (i.e. no leaching concerns). Plus, it’s much lighter and easier to maneuver than stainless steel while being just as durable, rust-proof, and scratch-resistant. It typically comes in the form of titanium-infused ceramic, which also helps to prevent sticking.
- Carbon steel: Love the idea of cast iron, but don’t want to get a bicep workout every time you move it from stove to tabletop? Carbon steel is its lightweight cousin, made from 99 percent iron and 1 percent carbon, for that even heat that handles everything from delicate over-easy eggs to steak tips.
Is All Nontoxic Cookware Nonstick?
Not necessarily. Because the original nonstick element is Teflon, most traditional nonstick cookware is laden with chemicals which can seep into food unknowingly. However, there are safer alternatives (like ceramic, porcelain enamel, titanium, and carbon steel) as well as new safer nonstick coating, like sol-gel made from silicon dioxide, and dubbed “ceramic nonstick” in the cookware industry. Nontoxic cookware brands like Our Place use this alternative, which is approved by both the FDA and EU standards as the safest nonstick option available.
How to Clean and Care for Nontoxic Cookware?
While certain cookware isn’t meant to be scrubbed (see: cast iron), most other options should be cleaned thoroughly after ease use with a gentle sponge—not anything abrasive like a steel-wool scrubber or hard-bristle brush. You should also avoid using metal utensils (even if the brand of cookware is said to be “scratch resistant”) to retain the smooth cooking surface. Use things like wooden spoons and silicone spatulas instead. And, while cooking obviously subjects cookware to extreme temperatures, just be sure you know the heat threshold it can safely withstand (check the box, website, or instruction manual) before throwing it on an open flame for long periods of time.
Now that you’re a nontoxic cookware pro, get to know (and shop) our favorite nontoxic cookware brands below.
Shop the Best Nontoxic Cookware Brands
1/11
Best Silicon Cookware: Greenpan
If you can’t tell from first glance, GreenPan is all about clean, “green” cooking. It’s nontoxic and nonstick thanks to a silicon-based coating called Thermolon, which can withstand temps up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit—so yep, it can handle everything while maintaining its slippery scratch-resistant finish. The brand makes everything from the perfect saute pan to entire 10-piece sets in a variety of photo-worthy hues, including sky blue and baby pink—we see you, millennials.
2/11
Best Overall: Our Place
This multi talented pan can go from stove to table in one fell swoop—it’s that chic (just check the brand’s Instagram page). But it’s more than just a pretty face. The 10-inch skillet is made with a nontoxic, nonstick substance called sol-gel, which is ideal for low to medium heat levels. But its best feature is its versatility—it replaces eight pieces of traditional cookware in one compact model thanks to the nesting steamer basket, wooden spatula with a built-in spoon rest, and deep, half saute pan, half fry pan design. Oh, and we can’t forget the fact that it’s dishwasher safe.
3/11
Best Sustainable Cookware: Equal Parts
With its natural nonstick coating, responsibly sourced materials, and extreme countertop appeal, Equal Parts cookware proves you truly can have it all. The nontoxic nonstick coating is made free from Teflon, PFOA, cadmium, and lead, so you can rest assured your fresh batch of Sunday sauce isn’t riddled with unbeknownst amounts of sneaky chemicals. The durable materials can also handle any type of stove (induction, gas, and electric) and are even oven-safe up to temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, if you find joy in a well-organized kitchen, the pots and pans are made to nest into one another for neat storage and easy access at all times.
4/11
Best Dishwasher Safe Nontoxic Cookware: Milo by Kana
Whether you cook and your significant other cleans (or vice versa), this minimalist enameled cast-iron cookware ensures everyone is happy. As far as its actual cooking capabilities, the French-inspired, California-designed range can handle nearly anything you throw in it—from stews to risotto to fresh rolls. It’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and it has a lifetime guarantee. As for the cleanup? This cookware is dishwasher safe, so there’s absolutely no need for the typical overnight soak and morning scrub. Teamwork makes the dream work.
5/11
Best Aesthetically Pleasing Nontoxic Cookware: Caraway
Why give up valuable cabinet space for a 10-piece cookware set, when you can do everything with these four pots and pans? Created after the founder experienced Teflon toxicity (Teflon flu) firsthand, Caraway was made to tackle the nontoxic cookware issue, and look good doing it. The brand comes in four muted colors (like sage and cream) with a ceramic nonstick coating that can withstand temperatures up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit, can go from stove top to oven, and works with induction, gas, and electric ranges. It’s also the ideal solution for the type A cook, as it comes standard with convenient storage solutions, like a magnetic pan rack and canvas lid holder.
6/11
Best Women-Founded Nontoxic Cookware Brand: Great Jones
If you care just as much about the quality and functionality of your cookware as you do about its good looks, then this is just the brand for you. Founded in 2018 by two women on a mission to empower home cooks of all skill levels, Great Jones gets its name from a mix of Judith Jones (a cookbook author and editor who championed the work of Julia Child) and New York City, where the business is located. As for the actual cookware? It’s some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen—from the stainless steel skillet and stock pot (with bronze curved handles) to the fan-favorite cast-iron Dutch oven, which comes in seven bold hues (our favorite being “broccoli”) to the ceramic-coated pans, completely free of Teflon and other harmful materials. Grab yourself the whole set of pots and pans, and while you’re at it, tack on the full bakeware set—it’s too gorgeous to pass up.
7/11
Best for Holding Heat: Le Creuset
Yes, the Le Creuset is nontoxic. Aside from being a wedding registry go-to and kitchen status symbol, the ceramic-coated cast iron excels at conducting and holding heat. Offered in a variety of colors—from cherry red to bold orange to polished navy—and types (dutch ovens to cocottes to grill pans), Le Creuset’s cookware is highly sought after for many reasons. Including, but not limited to, its ability to go from stove to table, its resistance to scratches and chips, and its easy cleanup (with nothing but a soft sponge and dish soap).
8/11
Best Budget: Lodge
Real cast iron doesn’t have to be passed down from your great, great grandmother. Lodge’s well-priced skillets are the real deal—plus, they’re naturally nontoxic and super durable. After just a few regular uses, they will be seasoned to perfection (a term that describes the cooking oil coating that’s never supposed to be washed off). And you wouldn’t think so, but cast iron is also surprisingly nonstick. It can handle any type of cooking surface, like stoves, grills, and even an open campfire, and does everything from frying eggs to making shakshuka and even baking fresh, gooey skillet cookies with the same pan—it’s a minimalist cook’s dream.
9/11
Best Free of PTFE Nontoxic Cookware: Cuisinart GreenGourmet
Not only is Cuisinart a household name, but now the brand is also getting in on the nontoxic cookware game with its GreenGourmet line. Made with exclusive Cuisinart Ceramica™ nonstick technology, (a toxin-free ceramic base), it’s completely free of PTFE and PFOA while still retaining extreme nonstick abilities. The cookware’s hard anodized construction means that it can combat and retain heat well over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so it requires less energy to reach peak cooking temps. Not to mention, the riveted stainless steel handles (made of 70 percent recycled stainless steel) stay nice and cool on the stovetop.
10/11
Best Chef-Approved Nontoxic Cookware: Scanpan
We get it. If you’re going to invest in new cookware, you probably want it to be chef-approved. That’s where Scanpan comes in. The Danish cookware brand is nonstick, lightweight, and holds a consistent temperature, even up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and has been recommended by plenty of professional chefs. Scanpan is also the first producer of nonstick, certified PFOA-free cookware, made with a patented ceramic titanium nonstick coating that requires barely any fat for cooking. Bonus: It’s so durable, it’s nearly impossible to scrape, even with metal utensils, and it won’t tarnish or rust in the dishwasher.
11/11
Best Quality: ZWILLING J.A. Henckels
For over 290 years, Zwilling has been creating products using the most advanced technologies and quality materials. This ensures they're the best of the best. The label believes that once the products are in the hands of the customer, whether they're a chef or not, all individuals will inspire you to pressure something that tastes extraordinary. From the nontoxic, nonstick saucepan to the wok, expect products that evenly heat, are well-constructed, good-looking, and last a long time.
