Buying guide for best healthy cookware
Nobody wants toxins in their food. PFAS, PTFE, BPA and all the rest of the alphabet soup of forever chemicals are emphatically not welcome in our kitchens. The only heavy metals allowed around food prep should be the cook’s favorite band.
Luckily, what science took away, science still giveth. Most of the toxic forever chemicals hanging around the kitchen came from the original nonstick coatings, so manufacturers have moved to nontoxic ceramics, which let you fry an egg or a delicious piece of fish without pulling out your hair. Meanwhile, for those with a little skill and the willingness to use healthy fats, good old-fashioned stainless steel is as good and nontoxic as ever.
If you’ve been cooking with nonstick cookware and you’re concerned about exposure to forever chemicals and heavy metals, don’t fret. Get yourself a whole new set of healthy cookware, like our favorite Caraway 12-Piece Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set. It’s better for your family, better for the environment and even easy on the budget.
How to buy the best healthy cookware
What we eat has a huge impact on overall health and well-being, and because chemicals from cookware can leach into food, choosing safe cookware is crucial.
Health risks of unsafe cookware
Some materials that have long been used in cookware can lead to illness even if the cookware is used properly.
PFAS
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the nonstick chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can “affect reproduction, thyroid function, the immune system, and injure the liver.” Unfortunately, PFAS, which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), are used on many nonstick pans due to their ability to resist heat and oil.
Expert TIp
For the longest-lasting quality non-toxic cookware, wash by hand. Harsh detergents can damage handles and cooking surfaces.
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PTFE
The popular nonstick coating Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) is easy to cook with and clean, but it’s made of PFAS and may have similar health concerns. It can release toxic fumes in high temperatures. While PTFE may be generally safer than PFAS, it’s best to avoid this substance if possible.
Copper
Though popular for cooking because it heats evenly, copper is a heavy metal that can cause illness if it leaches into food. Copper cookware should be lined with a safe material.
Wood
This material absorbs liquids and odors and is easily damaged. Cracks and scratches in wooden cutting boards can harbor bacteria even if you clean them thoroughly. Wooden cooking utensils are less likely to become damaged and can help to protect your non-toxic cookware from scratches.
Features to look for in nontoxic cookware
Just like shopping for any cookware set, you want to consider the design, number, and variety of pieces you need. In addition, consider the materials that would work best on your range and how durable the set needs to be.
Materials
Each type of non-toxic cookware material has advantages. If you can, purchase pots and pans of a few different materials so you can use the right cookware for the right foods.
Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for cookware for a reason. It’s sleek and timeless, and most foods don’t stick to it. In addition, it’s difficult to damage and easy to clean. Stainless steel heats evenly, and most types work on an induction range.
Cast iron is a classic choice. Not only is cast iron free of chemicals, but it also adds a healthy amount of iron to your food. While caring for cast iron involves seasoning and scrubbing, it will last for generations. However, cast iron heats unevenly and cools slowly.
Enameled cast iron has most of the advantages of cast iron but without the need to season it. In addition, it comes in a variety of colors besides black. While the enamel provides a safe nonstick surface, it can lose its effectiveness over time. Enameled cast iron also can be expensive.
Aluminum does a good job of distributing heat, and these cookware sets are inexpensive. Anodized aluminum helps keep the metal from leaching into acidic foods. However, some aluminum cookware is coated with a nonstick layer that could leach PFAS into food. Aluminum also scratches easily.
Ceramic is a popular coating on metal cookware. While this is a safe nonstick option, it can be scratched by metal utensils. Ceramic-glazed cookware should be avoided because it can contain lead that can leach into food.
Expert TIp
Avoid stacking your cookware. It can inadvertently scratch pieces.
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Cutting boards and utensils
In addition to healthy pots and pans, you might want to replace a few other items in your kitchen to keep your food free of chemicals and bacteria.
Cutting boards: Even when wooden cutting boards are cleaned properly, there is always the risk of bacteria lingering in the wood. Plastic and glass are your best options for cutting boards.
Utensils: Many of the materials in non-toxic cookware also work well in utensils. However, you don’t want to scratch your pots and pans, so consider buying a silicone or wooden kitchen utensil set.
How much does healthy cookware cost?
Inexpensive
There are many sturdy stainless steel cookware sets available for $100 to $200. These include a variety of items, but they might not contain all the pieces you need. Some ceramic and cast iron sets are also available at this price.
Mid-range
Non-toxic cookware sets that cost from $200 to $400 are made of a variety of materials and include all the pieces a typical kitchen needs. Some of these sets also include utensils.
Expensive
Spend $400 or more and you can find cookware sets that include a wide variety of pieces that will last a lifetime. You can expect to see well-known brands at this price, but know that you might pay more for the brand name.
Expert Tip
Before you choose a set, think about what you like to cook. Lots of soup? Scrambled eggs for four? Ensure your chosen set meets your common needs.
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Tips
- Hand-wash your cookware. It might be tempting to put your pots and pans in the dishwasher, but hand-washing them in hot water is the best way to make sure your non-toxic cookware is clean and will last a long time.
- Soak cooked-on food. Fill the pot or pan with water and dish soap and leave it for a few hours or overnight to loosen cooked-on food and grease. Scrubbing burned-on food with baking soda and a little water can safely remove it without damaging your non-toxic cookware. Note that cast iron should never be soaked.
- Use the right cleaner on stainless steel. Whether you have a particularly tough cleaning job or you want to restore the appearance of your cookware, a stainless steel cleaner is safe and effective.
- Switch to glass or ceramic storage containers. While you’re upgrading your cookware to be healthier, consider ditching the plastic storage containers in favor of glass or ceramic ones.
FAQ
Q. What foods can damage cookware?
A. Acidic foods can damage aluminum pans and might remove the seasoning from cast iron pans.
Q. When should I get rid of worn cookware?
A. A crack can be difficult to clean and become a home to bacteria. Similarly, rust flakes can be harmful if ingested. If you can clean off the rust, your pots and pans will be safe to use. Otherwise, it’s best to dispose of rusty or cracked cookware.
Q. Should I throw out my nonstick cookware?
A. If the pots and pans are significantly scratched, it would be a good idea to get rid of them, but don’t throw them in the trash. Teflon is harmful to the environment. A local recycling center might be able to process your Teflon-coated cookware.
Q. Is nontoxic cookware harder to clean?
A. It can be. Nonstick cookware performs as its name indicates, but you might need to scrub non-toxic cookware a bit harder to remove oil and grease. Just be aware that abrasive sponges can damage materials like stainless steel.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol has written more than 100 articles for BestReviews, from tech to household appliances to kitchenware. In his free time, he enjoys smartphone photography and cooking.
Peter McPherson is a freelance writer and board game designer from Upstate New York. He enjoys biking, disc golf and game nights and tries to avoid forever chemicals as much as humanly possible.
Andrea Boudewijn is a Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef operating Superfine Bakery out of Los Angeles, California. Her work has won several awards as well as appeared in magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Brides, and more.
