Scanpan's nonstick products contain PTFE which is included in the large group of PFAS substances. In cookware, these substances lend durability and superior nonstick properties and are completely bound in the hardened coating, so they will not transfer to food or the environment during use.
This surface is safe to use for food preparation and is FDA approved. PTFE compounds only begin to break down under excessive overheating, so when used correctly and under normal cooking conditions this ingredient is environmentally inert and completely safe for use.
GreenPan Cookware Set
It's oven-safe up to 600°F and compatible with all stovetops, and it doesn't release fumes when heated. You can also count on it being free of PFOA and heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium. Testing the set in our lab, we were impressed with its heating abilities and nonstick properties.
“Non-stick pans coated with PTFE are convenient, but unnecessary, and contribute to the serious problem of PFAS pollution,” according to Dr. Gillian Miller, senior scientist at the Ecology Center. “When you need a new pan, consider a more durable and less harmful replacement.”
Release of Toxic Fumes: When Teflon-coated cookware is heated to high temperatures, it can release toxic fumes containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other harmful chemicals. PFOA exposure has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems and potential carcinogenic effects.
Ceramic: Indeed the healthiest material for frying pan and ideal if you're cooking delicate foods like eggs or fish. Its nonstick and toxin-free surface makes ceramic a must-have in your kitchen. Stainless Steel: Use it for stir-fries and evenly cooking food at high temperatures without worrying of leaching toxins.
And remember, PFOA is one of only 4,700 chemicals in the PFAS class. On the other hand, so-called “PFAS-free” ceramic pans —Thermalon and Calphalon, for example — contain other perfluorinated substances, called perfluorosilicones.
While the Tramontina has three nonstick coatings, the Scanpan boasts five plies, making it arguably the most durable and easiest to use for the most extended period.
“The most nontoxic cookware that you can buy is stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel; things that don't have a coating on them,” says Alexis Pisciotta, culinary purchasing and events manager and cookware consultant for Food Network.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are part of a large group of lab-made chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Some of these chemicals have been in commercial use since the 1940s.
“Glass, like Pyrex cookware, is a safe option,” Perko said. “Cast iron is a safe option if NOT frying or using high-temperature cooking. If you have or can use or purchase stainless steel pots and pans, they are healthier choices for long-term/lifetime use.”
If possible, use stainless steel or cast-iron pans. These materials are safer alternatives to PFAS coatings and can be non-stick when used correctly. There are many coatings and materials marketed as healthy alternatives to non-stick, but cast-iron and stainless steel are time-tested and proven to be safe.
From his restaurants to his Emmys, Bobby Flay has an illustrious cooking career. While he's released pots and pans in the past, over the last few years, Flay has given his seal of approval to cookware from one of our favorite brands, GreenPan.
Gordon Ramsay, known for his high standards in the kitchen, is associated with both HexClad and ScanPan cookware.
Now known to professional and home chefs as one of the world's best nonstick cookware manufacturers, Scanpan limits their use of Teflon in Stratanium—a proprietary blend of titanium, ceramic, and PFOA-free Teflon, resulting in the highest durability on the market.
The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value eco-friendliness and quick, even heating, the Scanpan set might be the best choice for you. If you value aesthetics and easy cleaning, the GreenPan set might be a better fit. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these sets.
Then, we removed GreenPan entirely from our list of non-toxic cookware. There were two primary reasons: Competing brands began providing independent laboratory testing to prove their products are non-toxic. We became aware of lawsuits against GreenPan that cast doubt on the company's marketing claims.
These substances DO NOT migrate out during use of the cookware as they are completely bound in the hardened coating. This is confirmed by the Danish consumer council TÆNK, which states that the use of the product is safe.
Tramontina pressure cookers, frying pans and casserole pans are made of sturdy aluminum or stainless steel, favoring fast and even cooking. Best of all, they are easy to clean and PFAS- and PFOA-free, ensuring greater safety in your kitchen.
Analysis on Who's the Winner
In terms of performance, both sets offer even heat distribution and exceptional cooking results, making it a tie. For ease of cleaning, both sets are dishwasher safe and feature non-stick surfaces, but the Le Creuset set's PFOA-free non-stick coating might make it slightly easier to clean.
In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years. But you need to be particularly careful with nonstick cookware produced before 2015, as it may contain PFOA. If your cookware dates back to 2015 and earlier, it's likely time to replace it even if it doesn't contain PFOAs.
It's therefore important to clarify that stainless steel does not contain PFAS/PFOS.