For our recommendations, we stick to stainless steel, cast iron, and enamel or ceramic coatings. If you're making the switch from traditional nonstick cookware, you should look into ceramic or enameled cookware.
For quick, precise heating, nothing beats copper pans. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is the perfect blend of aesthetics, durability, and excellent heat conduction. If you like non-stick pans but wish to avoid the typical Teflon types, ceramic is a good choice as it doesn't release toxic fumes.
Avoid PFOS
The most harmful cookware is going to be anything with a chemical non-stick coating, sometimes branded as Teflon.
Are Ceramic Pans Safe? Ceramic nonstick pans that are made without PFAS chemicals are safe to use. They don't release harmful chemicals when overheated and generally have a higher heat tolerance than traditional nonstick coating.
Our products are safe, and compliant with with all applicable federal and state safety regulations. We are proud to be able to offer our customers a variety of cookware materials to choose from, including stainless steel and nonstick ceramic.
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.
Nonstick cookware
Nonstick pans are made with a group of man-made chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are forever chemicals, meaning they never break down. Over time, levels can build up in the soil and the bodies of animals and people.
“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.”
Our pans are made with recycled aluminum and our coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so you can breathe easy.
“Stainless steel stands up to high heat cooking and requires very little maintenance,” she says. Stainless steel can also handle ultra-high heat that nonstick and other materials simply can't.
You can find nonstick cookware at much lower prices than HexClad. If you have the budget, however, HexClad is the better option. It's nonstick, it's more durable, and it provides a superior cooking experience.
In contrast, All-Clad's solid stainless steel pans without PTFE can last for many years, if not decades. There's no need to worry about scratching off surface coatings or releasing toxic fumes with high heat. In short, durability varies depending on the All-Clad collection.
Cuisinart is dedicated to prioritizing the quality and safety of our products. The presence of certain chemicals in a product does not mean a product is harmful or will cause harm through use.
For eco-conscious cooks, utensils made from FSC-certified wood ensure the materials are sustainably sourced. Wooden utensils, like wooden spoons and turners, are a great non-toxic option that's gentle on cookware and environmentally friendly.
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.
Our top picks for safest bakeware materials are: Ceramic: Available in beautiful colors and shapes and completely nontoxic. Cast Iron: Packs a boost of iron into your food and seasons to kick up your flavor profile. Stainless Steel: Look for high-quality with silicone- or mineral-based nonstick coatings.
A simple “Baking Soda Test” can be done to test the toxicity of your cookware. The test helps you check whether toxic elements that leach out of the cookware are altering the natural taste, flavours and nutrients of your cooked meals.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to retailers and distributors of cookware products to inform them that certain imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, demonstrate the potential to leach lead into food and ...
Be Careful with olive oil
Please remember that olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, butter and oil sprays quickly start to smoke and burn when the pan is hot. This causes carbonization of the pan, which can damage the non-stick layer.
GreenPan Lawsuit Dismissed
In 2019, a lawsuit was brought against GreenPan claiming false advertising and concluded with no findings of liability by the company. The case was dismissed. What we said about our products is true. Thermolon coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
Carbonization is Sticky
Here's why. Overheating + oils= carbonization (a.k.a. those little spots that cause your food to stick to the pan). But don't worry! You can use a melamine sponge (e.g. our Restore Sponge) to wipe them away.