Yes, Our Place cookware is generally considered non-toxic. Their products are manufactured without potentially harmful chemicals like PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
Thermakind®, our proprietary ceramic nonstick coating, is made without potentially toxic materials like PFAS (including PTFE and PFOA), lead, and cadmium. It is composed mainly of sand derivative, water, and alcohol, and is designed to be long-lasting, easy to clean, and made to perform.
The safest non-toxic, non-stick pans feature ceramic-based coatings free of PFAS, PTFE (Teflon), lead, and cadmium. Top-rated choices for everyday cooking include the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Fry Pan (around $125) and the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 (around $95). For absolute chemical-free safety, pure 100% ceramic pans like Xtrema offer zero coatings to flake or degrade.
Both Caraway and Our Place offer similar, high-quality non-toxic ceramic coatings free from PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium, making them comparable in safety. However, Caraway is generally regarded as having slightly better durability and higher oven-safe temperatures (550∘F550 raised to the composed with power cap F550∘𝐹 vs 450∘F450 raised to the composed with power cap F450∘𝐹), while Our Place focuses on multifunctional, space-saving designs.
No, Our Place cookware is designed to be completely PFAS-free. Their Thermakind ceramic nonstick coatings and NoCo technology are manufactured without the use of PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. You can verify the materials for specific items on the Our Place FAQ Page.
While there is no immediate medical treatment or magic pill to "flush" PFAS out overnight, your body eliminates them naturally over time through bodily functions like urination, sweating, and blood loss (such as menstruation).
Our Place delivers on its non-toxic promises with verified safety certifications. While it can't match Le Creuset's legendary heat retention, its lightweight design and easy maintenance make it ideal for modern home cooks.
Avoid traditional non-stick pans with worn coatings or synthetic "forever chemicals" (PFAS), as well as unlined copper and reactive aluminum. Scratched or overheated pans release toxic fumes or leach heavy metals into your food.
Stainless steel cookware is widely regarded as safe and non-toxic for everyday use. Stainless steel non-toxic cookware is a durable, corrosion-resistant alloy that's practical for a wide range of cooking tasks. By preheating your stainless steel pan and using a bit of oil you can help prevent food from sticking.
Yes, Gordon Ramsay is a major ambassador and official partner of HexClad, and he exclusively uses their hybrid pans in his home kitchen.
In family kitchens, non-stick pans are the first choice for many housewives and cooking enthusiasts because of their easy cleaning and anti-stick properties. However, professional chefs rarely use non-stick pans in kitchens, preferring stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel pans.
Not all nonstick pans have PFAS, but the vast majority of traditional nonstick pans do. While older, strictly regulated PFAS like PFOA were phased out, most conventional nonstick surfaces (such as Teflon/PTFE) are still made with modern variations of these synthetic chemicals.
In contrast to PTFE-coated cookware, ceramic-coated cookware is touted as being nontoxic because it does not contain PTFE or PFOA. However, there are other materials sometimes used in the production of ceramic-coated cookware that may make these pans less safe than they are advertised.
The healthiest non-stick pans are those made without toxic chemical coatings (PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE). Top recommendations include Ceramic-Coated pans (like Caraway or GreenPan), Titanium Pro pans (like Our Place), or naturally seasoned traditional Cast Iron and Carbon Steel.
Whether Our Place pans are "worth it" comes down to how much you prioritize kitchen aesthetics versus hard-core cooking performance. For those who want an attractive, non-toxic, and versatile pan for quick meals, it shines. For serious cooks who want a pan to handle high-heat searing or oven-roasting, other standard cookware may be better.
Quality matters. While reputable manufacturers create PFAS-free ceramic coatings, some lower-quality imports may contain heavy metals or other concerning substances. Traditional 100% ceramic cookware - the kind made entirely from clay and fired at high temperatures - has proven safe through centuries of use.
Tips for Choosing and Using Non-Toxic Cookware
Look for labels that explicitly state the cookware is non-toxic and free from these substances. Opt for cookware made from stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, and ceramic, as these materials are known for their safety and health benefits.
Neither is inherently "safer," as both are considered highly safe, non-toxic alternatives to traditional non-stick coatings. However, they perform very differently.
The best non-stick pan for eggs is the OXO Good Grips Pro 8-inch or 10-inch Nonstick Skillet. It features a lightweight design for easy flipping, a stay-cool handle, and a thick, multi-layer coating that releases eggs flawlessly. It provides an excellent balance of durability, performance, and affordability.
Health is personal, and the safest cookware for you may depend on a few different factors. If you want to avoid coatings, then your choices are pure ceramic, stainless steel (read about the differences between stainless steel and ceramic cookware), cast iron, and carbon steel.
Plastic cookware (plates, bowls, utensils, spatulas)
May leach harmful BPA and phthalates, especially when heated. Even “microwave-safe” plastic can leach chemicals into food.
If you're comparing cast iron vs ceramic cookware, here's the short answer: cast iron excels at heat retention and long-term durability, while ceramic nonstick cookware is lighter, easier to maintain, and designed for everyday cooking. Neither is universally better. They simply serve different purposes.
Yes, Our Place cookware is considered significantly safer than traditional non-stick brands, as their ceramic coatings are made without toxic "forever chemicals" like PFAS, PTFEs, and PFOAs, as well as lead and cadmium.
Sure it would be nice to see a big heavy well-seasoned black skillet up in there. But did anyone expect that? So Yes, Le Creuset is beautiful but it is not merely performative cookware." According to The New York Times, Meghan is frustrated by accusations that she is unrelatable and out of touch.
Tramontina's cast-iron Dutch ovens are now available at Costco in a budget-friendly bundle—two sizes for just $70. With enameled interiors, oven-safe construction, and rave reviews, they offer a great alternative to pricier brands like Le Creuset.