The Highest Quality Non-Toxic Cookware Brands for Healthy Cooking 2024
When you’re cooking a meal for yourself, the last thing you want to hear is that your cookware is potentially dangerous. The effort of cooking dinner after a long day takes a lot of energy without worrying about what pots you’re using.
Luckily, everything that you need to know about non-toxic cookware is in this guide, plus some of my personal favorite eco-friendly cookware brands.
This post does contain some affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase The Honest Consumer will receive a commission. Our commission is at no additional cost to you.
Is cookware toxic?
Are toxic chemicals used to make cookware? The short answer is, yes. Frequently.
Most of these dangerous metals are coated to offer protection and are never designed to leach out into food. The same goes for coated ceramic. Yet the fact remains: they are still present.
Toxins could end up in our food, or escape as fumes that we then breathe in, eventually causing us harm.
Plus, they’re not exactly friendly to the environment either. Luckily there are a lot of great alternatives out there, but first, we need to know what to avoid.
Harmful Chemicals to Avoid
Many of our household goods are made with potentially toxic chemicals. When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, there are a few in particular that you should look out for when purchasing new cookware.
Are pans with Teflon safe?
Teflon was a game changer for cookware when it was discovered. Now we could have cheap nonstick cookware at our fingertips!
For many people around the country, nonstick pots and pans are their go to. Yet Teflon cookware is made of two toxic chemicals.
While not found in large quantities, everyone knows that the nonstick coating layer eventually scratches, and we’ll then ingest it.
Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE is the first dangerous chemical in Teflon products. PTFE coating can start to leach toxins, and the vapors cause something called ‘teflon flu’.
The second chemical is Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA which has been linked in studies to numerous types of cancers. This is unlikely to occur from one non-stick pan, but it is a chemical that should be avoided.
It’s not just our health that can be impacted, the environment is also at risk. Making Teflon is extremely resource intensive, and many of these processes release large amounts of greenhouse gases.
Is aluminum in cookware safe?
Aluminum used to be considered quite safe, but some people still avoid it.
The reason behind this all started with our cookware, and the fear that this metal was leaching into our food and poisoning us. Now, aluminum cookware is all coated, but there is always the risk of this chipping.
Aluminum can be a dangerous neurotoxic metal, and has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. So if you purchase aluminum cookware be sure it’s a big quality brand that is coated and won’t chip!
Other Toxic Found in Pots & Pans: Cadmium and Lead
These two toxins are usually found in coated ceramic dishes. It’s not the ceramic itself that’s toxic, but the coating covering it.
As with non-stick pans, this coating can chip over time. With a lot of use, it can even leach into the food that you’re cooking. This is where the dangers of cadmium and lead come in.
Cadmium can build up in our livers and kidneys over time, is a known carcinogen, and one of the most dangerous metals.
Everyone has heard of lead poisoning, and while you’re not likely to get it from your enamel casserole dish, it’s not something you want to ingest. It can affect both the kidneys and the brain.
Better Cookware Materials to Look For
The good news is that there are materials out there that are non-toxic, great for cooking, and a better option when shopping for safe cookware. A few of the best option are uncoated ceramic, stainless steel, and glass.
While every material has its pros and cons let's explore them, so you can know what type of cookware to look for when investing in new pots and pans for the kitchen.
Is Ceramic Cookware Safe?
Pro: Non-reactive to acid
Pro: Heats slowly and evenly
Pro: Can be used as a serving dish
Con: Can be prone to chipping
Con: Food can stick
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Good for Cooking?
Pro: No-leaching/non-reactive
Pro: Durable
Pro:Dishwasher safe
Pro: Scratch-resistant
Con: Can be expensive
Con: Sometimes difficult to clean
Is Cast Iron Cookware Non-Toxic & Good for Cooking?
Pro: Seasoned with vegetable oil and does not require synthetic chemicals
Pro: If seasoned correctly can be a natural non-stick option
Pro: Typically an affordable option
Pro: Durable
Con: Must take additional care of & hand wash for seasoning
Con: Heavy
Is Glass Cookware a Good Choice?
Pro: Doesn’t change the taste of food
Pro: Inexpensive
Pro: Great heat conductor
Pro: Easy to clean
Pro: Oven safe
Con: Not always good for stovetop cooking
Con: Can shatter at high temperatures
Con: Can easily burn food e.g. sugar
Best Non-toxic Cookware Brands to Shop for Pots & Pans
It’s always hard to know where to start when looking for eco-friendly non-toxic cookware, which is why I’ve put together a list of seven brands using safer materials, more conscious options for a nonstick surface, and a great option for cooks everywhere.
Caraway's Healthy Non Toxic Cookware for Home Cooks
Price Range: Individual pans range from $85-$145. Cookware sets range from $175-$545.
Not only is Caraway cookware non-toxic, it’s also beautifully designed with stunning colors.
Made from ceramic-coated aluminum and including a mineral-based non-stick coating, Caraway's cookware's coating does not include potentially toxic materials like PFOA, PTFE, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, or toxic metals.
This brand also refrains from using any form of hard anodization. All of their cookware is made with storage in mind, as well as the environment.
All Caraway pots and pans are shipped in zero-waste packaging, so eco-friendly consumers won’t find plastic anywhere.
I was gifted their Dutch oven and frying pan which I've been enjoying. I can tell this cookware is high quality and build to last a long time.
The Caraway cookware set is not only a safe and practical option for cooking, but it's also beautiful making this a great gift for newly weds or loved ones.
Be sure to check out my Caraway review and use my referral link for 10% off.
Great Jones Goods's Stainless Steel Kitchen Essentials
Price Range: Cookware sets range from $218-$615 and their individual pots and pans are $75-$190.
With a large range of fully clad stainless steel to choose from, Great Jones Goods has something for every type of cook.
Select pots and pans safe at up to 500 degrees fahrenheit and dishwasher friendly, this cookware is versatile, easy to use, and many even have laser etched measuring indicators on the inside to make your life easier!
Great Jones Goods makes their nonstick surface features a German ceramic coating that’s healthier for consumer and better for the planet as it's free from Teflon, PTFE- and PFOA. Along with their non-stick pans they also offer stainless steel and cast iron pans.
I have personally been using the Big Deal 8-quart fully clad stock pot from Great Jones Goods. I'm obsessed with this pan. It is my go-to pan for soups or boiling water for pasta.
This stainless steel pot boils water fast and is incredibly roomy for whatever you're cooking. I love that it came with a lid too! The Big Deal can be purchased for $115.
Lodge’s Affordable Cast Iron Cookware
Price Range: Classic cast iron skillets range from around $8-$60 depending on size. Consumers can purchase a whole cookware set for around $150.
Lodge is an iconic American cookware brand that has been making cast iron and other cookware products since 1896. Their vast selection of high-quality cookware includes cast iron skillets, dutch ovens, griddles, bakeware, and more.
All of their products are made with premium materials and attention to detail to ensure lasting performance for years to come. To season their cookware, it is sprayed with a soy-based vegetable oil, then baked in a large oven. There are no synthetic chemicals added.
Lodge has an abundance of resources on their website on how to clean and care for cast iron pans. This can be great if you’re new to cooking with cast iron as they require some extra love!
We’ve been using the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet for a few years now and love it! It is a bit heavy, but is great for searing steaks! It’s incredibly durable and has held up well.
Lodge cast iron pans are one of the more affordable brands on our list.
Xtrema Cookware's Eco-friendly Ceramic Pots & Pans
Price Range: Cookware sets can be purchased from $220-$540 and individual pans can be purchased for $50 to $200.
Xtrema® is 100% ceramic cookware, which means it’s 100% non-toxic cookware.
There are no glues, polymers, coatings or dyes in any Xtrema cookware products and most importantly, it will never leach chemicals or metal.
Not only this, it can also last for generations if cared for properly, which means less landfill waste! And no chemicals or non-stick coatings.
In addition to being better for you, Xtrema® cookware is also better for the environment. While metal mining, refining and manufacturing pollutes the air and wreaks havoc on the environment, Xtrema® is crafted from renewable raw materials using earth-friendly manufacturing methods.
360 Cookware's Stainless Steel Pans Made in the USA
Price Range: Cookware’s sets range from $400 to $2500 with individual pots and pans ranging from $99-$320.
360 Cookware is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and does not use any harsh chemicals while crafting their cookware and bakeware. These stainless steel pans use vapor cooking in order to keep all of the goodness in whatever you cook – instead of boiling it all away.
Non-toxic and hand crafted in the United States, 360 Cookware brings a whole new dimension to cooking. These stainless steel pots even come with a lifetime warranty, so cooks can enjoy the energy saving benefits of green cooking and better tasting food for life.
Sustainable shoppers can use the discount code HONESTCONSUMER25 for 25% off their 360 Cookware purchase. I’ve been using 360 Cookware’s bakeware set for years and it’s incredible quality, so I know their cookware is too!
Our Place: The Only Pan You Need
Price Range: $145-$550
Made with ceramic and a natural non-stick coating the Always Pan from Our Place can do pretty much anything. Using patent pending technology, this one pan can braise, sear, steam, strain, sauté, fry, and boil.
Our Place cookware offers a nontoxic, nonstick ceramic coating made without potentially toxic materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. Their pots and pans feature a sturdy aluminium body for fast, even heat distribution. Their cookware is also compatible with all cooktops including induction.
Made using only ethical labor, the Always Pan is a beautiful addition to any kitchen and a popular choice for sustainable consumers who believe in buying less. The Always Pan can be purchased for $145. This is a great gift for anyone who loves to cook or is a fan of minimalist living.
In 2023 Our Place launched an entire cookware set and has expanded their product line. Their cookware set is a 4-piece Always Pan and Perfect Pot set. It offers the same gorgeous colors and can be purchased for $550.
Made In’s Professional Cookware
Price Range: Cookware sets range from around $150-$3,000. Made In’s individual pots and pans range from around $79-$500.
Made In is a fourth generation kitchen supply business that works with high quality raw materials and multigenerational makers to craft each piece to last a lifetime. Founded in 2014, Made In was born from the belief that it should be easier for home cooks to access professional-grade tools.
Made In’s cookware features a range of options including stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, copper, and non-stick.
Their non-stick cookware is made with a stainless steel body plus a high quality non stick surface. It’s PFOA-free and completely non-toxic.
Along with offering a range of materials Made In also offers a range of pan types. Conscious consumers can purchase sauce pans, paella pans, frying pans, roasting pans, stock pots, dutch ovens, and more. Their specialty pans such as the paella pans and wok really make Made In stand out.
They also sell cleaning solutions and materials to make sure your pots and pans stay in tip top shape!
Legend’s Performance Cookware
Price Range: Cookware sets range from $200-$800 while individual pots and pans can be purchased for $40-$140.
Legend is on a mission is to craft solid, performance cookware that lives up to the heritage of time-tested materials — while being designed for the modern cook. Legend cookware focuses on copper core, stainless steel, and “legend slick” which is hard-anodized aluminum.
Finex Cast Iron Cookware
Price Range: $100-$350
Made with seasoned cast iron, Finex cookware looks and feels like a family heirloom right out of the box – so their dedicated fan base says!
Finex x Made Trade
With a Speed Cool stainless steel handles and a patented octagonal design to make cooking and serving even easier, it’s clear to see just how much care goes into every cast iron pan.
Their natural near-nonstick pans feature a cooking surface that’s simply cast iron and organic flaxseed oil. These high quality cast iron pans blend together elements of soulful cooking to create an amazing cooking experience.
Le Creuset's French Artisan Cookware
Price Range: Le Creuset cookware sets can be purchased from $180 to $1700.
Le Creuset cookware has been individually crafted by French artisans since 1925. This brand name cookware is well known for it's design and exceptional heat retention from stove to oven to table.
Le Creuset's cookware features a variety of materials including stainless steel options, enameled cast iron, stoneware, and non-stick cookware the features a textured triple-reinforced PFOA-free coating.
Proclamation Goods USA Made Cookware with a lifetime WARRANTY
Price Range: $495
Proclamation Goods prides themselves on making "cookware for people who give a damn." Proclamation Goods pots and pans are proudly made in America. This socially responsible brand has partnered with a multi-generation, family-owned manufacturer in Wisconsin to craft cookware in the USA and hand finish each product to ensure top quality.
This non-toxic cookware brand is putting an end to the need for multi-piece cookware sets and focusing on creating a product that can function together and separately.
Proclamation Goods' Sidekick Skillet and Hybrid Pot fit together seamlessly with the no-drip rim (say goodbye to splatters), and the handles hinge on one side and nestle on the other to create a Dutch oven.
Proclamation Goods cookware is designed to last a lifetime and even comes with a lifetime warranty.
Proclamation Goods
This duo features a stainless steel skillet, Stainless steel pot, and a Stainless steel lid. These pans are Induction Compatible and Oven + Dishwasher Safe. This three piece set also stacks beautifully to minimize storage.
Proclamation Goods is also a proud members of 1% For the Planet and gives back to their community and food systems by donating to nonprofits, organizations, and individuals who support Good Food movement efforts including sustainable agriculture, farm workers rights, and access to nutritious food for all.
How to Choose the Best Non-toxic Cookware for Your Kitchen
Replacing your old cookware with non-toxic cookware might seem overwhelming. There are lots of different materials to choose from and you probably have a lot of pans in your kitchen. Take it one pan at a time! It's okay if you can't go out and purchase all new pans right now. Consider these tips to help make your transition to non-toxic cooking a bit easier!
Look for Sales & Discount Codes
Sign up for the cookware brands e-mails to stay alert on sales and discount codes. Upgrading to non-toxic cookware can be expensive, but being on the look out for sales and coupons can help you save!
There are even a few discount codes in this post & we regularly update our Discount page, so you can find exclusive codes for some sustainable brands!
Consider this an Investment
Look at this as an investment and consider how long you want your cookware to last. In general non-toxic cookware is made with higher quality materials and will last longer. However, pans that contain coatings typically have to be replaced every five years.
If you're looking for something that will last a lifetime consider exploring materials such as stainless steel, ceramic pans, or looking for brands that offer a lifetime warranty.
Read Reviews
Since this is an investment, you’ll want to make sure you’re purchasing quality pans. Be sure to read the reviews and see what other buyers have to say about how the pans have held up.
Be Aware of the Care Instructions for New Cookware
Be sure to read care instructions for your new pots and pans. Select cookware requires hand washing. Depending on how you feel about clean up, this could impact what type of pans you purchase.
Consider the Heat Level
Think about how/what you will be cooking in the pans. For example, some materials are better for high heat and some are better on medium heat. By considering the types of food and heat level you'll be using this can help you decide what type of pan is best for your kitchen.
While there is a lot to consider when trying to choose the safest cookware for your home, hopefully through this guide now you know a little bit more about the potential toxins in your cookware.
What to avoid, what to look for, and what your best options are when upgrading your pots and pans.
Upgrading your cookware can feel like a chore, but knowing what to look for when picking out safer options is a great first step. Be sure to check out our guide on Eco-friendly Dinnerware to serve your food in sustainable style.
More Non-toxic Living Posts to Read:
MEET THE AUTHORS
Industry Research: Leslie
Product Trial & Recommendation
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, ethical fashion, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.
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