According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly every American has the toxic class of chemicals found in Teflon non-stick pots and pans in their body, including infants and children. And as consumers learn this information, we want solutions, and to make meaningful choices (however small they may be) in our homes to protect ourselves. The good news is, we can! Each dollar we spend is a dollar towards our new, safer economy.
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase. This helps support my writing and website costs, thank you!
Stainless Steel, Cast Iron & Carbon Steel (My Top Recommendations)
These are my top three recommendations for non-toxic cookware. Stainless steel is easy to use, lasts a lifetime, is non-toxic, has no finishes and is relatively non-stick if you use the right oils and fats when cooking. Cast iron is even better for non-stick alternatives because a well-seasoned pan can be just as effective (if not more) than Teflon, minus all the health effects. In addition, carbon steel takes time to season like the cast iron, but provides a great pan for cooking meats, tofu, etc.
Both the cast iron and carbon steel are heavy, so please consider that into your decision of which option to buy.
- Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet (Made in USA) – $27.00
- Cuisinart Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set – $48.00
- Kirkland 13-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set – $174.00
- All Clad Stainless Steel – Starting at $300
Ceramic Finish: GreenPan (Safe, but Unsustainable)
I used to love GreenPan by Sur la Table, as it’s great for anyone who loves their Teflon pans, but want a safer option. Unfortunately I no longer recommend this brand since the coating doesn’t last long on the pan and I find it to be very unsustainable, cookware should last years if not a lifetime!
Calphalon (Jury Is Out on Safety)
The popular company Calphalon introduced a “safe” non-stick pan in 2013, that uses ceramic rather than PFCs (a good thing). What concerns me about this brand however, is their website states definitively that non-stick coatings (PFCs) are safe and goes as far as to say that the FDA and EPA have raised no concerns about the coatings.
Here’s the kicker: the EPA and FDA don’t have the authority to ban or regulate these chemicals under our broken federal laws and there are endless studies showing harm from PFOA and similar chemicals. I emailed the company asking about the safety of their non-stick pans and they went as far to say that PFOA coatings on pans were of no concern. So at this time I cannot confidently recommend Calphalon pots and pans.
Unidentified Non-Stick Coatings (Avoid)
Some other brands that claim to have safe non-stick pans are using similar fluorotelomer coatings, raising red flags for both health and safety. Make sure your non-stick pans don’t use fluorotelomer coatings of any form, and encourage companies to fully disclose all of the chemicals used to make their non-stick coatings. If a company fails to tell you what is in their product, consider that a red flag and move on.
For a great article on how to care for your cast iron skillet, check out Lori Alper’s blog here.
Small choices like switching out your cookware can be very meaningful. Jane Goodall said it best,
You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.”
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I I sell for beauty counter also I was reading your article which all of your articles are great by the way what do you think a pampered chef pans?
I will take a look at those pans and write back!
Thank you!
Have you heard of Salad Masters? I think it’s just surgical-grade steel, but not 100%.
Great post. Cast iron is the only frying pan I like to use.
What do they use in restaurants? One more reason to eat at home?
Cleaning tip for stainless steel pans: While the pan is still hot after cooking, pour enough white vinegar in the pan to cover the bottom. Later when you wash it it will clean easily and end up shiny and spotless.
Hey Lindsay! looking at buying a GreenPan. wanted to read that article you linked to, but link doesn’t seem to work …
What do you think of the green pan sold at Costco?
Not that I have seen!
Hi Lindsay! What about bakeware/cookie sheets/muffin tins/casserole dishes- that sort of thing. Any recommendations specifically there? We have switched over to cast iron and stainless for pots and skillets but are struggling to find the right alternative for baking.
An easy solution is to use parchment paper in muffin tins etc. Thats what we do!
Awesome tipos, it really helped
Hi Emily,
Did you ever find any great, safer alternatives? We’re in the same camp as well. My baking sheets are about done and I’m looking to replace. We use parchment paper already but since I’m making the swap anyway, I’d like to switch with something safer.