Both stainless steel and ceramic cookware are free of the same chemicals that are in Teflon cookware, making them both great options for investing in a new set of non-toxic cooking surfaces. However, it is worth noting that many products claim to be stainless steel but not all stainless steel is created equally.
While so many options contain dangerous metals and chemicals and can add unwanted flavors to your food, ceramic cookware has proven over and over again that it is a safe, healthy alternative to stainless steel cookware.
ceramic is among the safest material for pans
From dishes, to glasses, bakeware and cookware, ceramic bakeware is our pick for the best cookware material for health thanks to its non-reactive nature and resistance to high temperatures and acidic foods. Plus it's so pretty!
“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.
Chemical Concerns
Unlike traditional non-stick cookware that often contains harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE , stainless steel is naturally free from these substances.
The review concluded that stainless steels are likely to exert very low toxicity, and that their toxicity cannot be predicted on the basis of their bulk composition.
If you're not already a ceramic cookware convert (or you're just now learning about it for the first time), you probably have a few questions: starting with is it actually as safe as everyone claims? (Short answer: yes, ceramic cookware is 100% safe to cook with and eat off of.)
Based on this list, it is best to avoid Teflon and other nonstick pans, especially those made with either PTFE or PFOA, as well as aluminum pots and pans.
Ceramic provides a natural non-stick surface without the use of toxic chemicals in its production. The short answer is yes: there is no Teflon used in its production.
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.
“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.”
HexClad's nearly indestructible three-ply pans consist of stainless steel, magnetic stainless steel (for induction stovetop compatibility), and aluminum, finished off with laser etchings and diamond (carbon) dust.
304 and 316 stainless steel can be the best choice if you're looking for a stronger and safer food-grade metal.
The ceramic material gradually absorbs heat, releasing it over time – ideal for extended meals. Stainless steel has low heat retention and cools down quickly. While this can be a downside for hot dishes, it is advantageous for serving cold foods like salads, as steel remains cool to the touch.
When choosing healthy cookware, it is crucial to consider the materials used in its construction. Materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic are excellent choices because they do not leach harmful chemicals into your food.
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.
Both stainless steel and ceramic cookware are free of the same chemicals that are in Teflon cookware, making them both great options for investing in a new set of non-toxic cooking surfaces. However, it is worth noting that many products claim to be stainless steel but not all stainless steel is created equally.
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.
When heated to very high temperatures (melting or during welding operations), fumes may be produced. In contact with strong acids, stainless steels may release gaseous acid decomposition products (e.g. hydrogen and oxides of nitrogen) and chromium may be released in the form of chromium III.
Trusted for Generations. Calphalon is a brand our customers rely on. Our products are safe, and compliant with with all applicable federal and state safety regulations.
Our pans are toxin-free!
Some ceramic cookware may not be ideal for high-heat cooking methods like searing or broiling. Exposing ceramic to very high temperatures can damage the non-stick surface and cause it to break down. This limitation means that ceramic cookware may not be the best choice for anything higher than medium heat.
Consider ceramic and enamel-coated pans as PFOA/PTFE-free alternatives if you are concerned about nonstick coatings' possible health effects. While research is still ongoing in this area, choosing alternative materials can give peace of mind.