Best Non-Toxic Cookware in 2024
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic cookware on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
Why to Consider Non-Toxic Cookware
Cookware is a kitchen essential we use daily.
But traditional cookware is often packed with harmful things like lead, cadmium, PFAS, and estrogenic chemicals like BPA.
When heated, these can seep into our food and environments and cause health issues like respiratory problems, autoimmune issues, endocrine problems, and even cancer.
The body naturally detoxes itself from some chemicals like BPA, but PFAS, aka forever chemicals, get their name because they persist in your body and environment indefinitely.
The good news? You can sidestep these health hazards by making the switch to non-toxic cookware.
Let’s dive in.
Non-Toxic Material for Cookware
Non-toxic cookware is typically made from materials like stainless steel, cast iron, copper, carbon steel, and ceramic. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Stainless Steel:
- Considered one of the safest materials for cookware.
- There are different grades and levels of quality available:
- Number of Plys: Indicates the number of layers of material. More plys often mean better heat distribution and durability.
- Steel Grades: Common steel grades found in cookware typically range from 18/8 to 18/0, with the first number representing the chromium percentage and the second number representing nickel. Nickel enhances durability, but individuals with nickel allergies should steer clear of cookware containing it.
- Core Material: Most stainless steel cookware features an aluminum core. This aluminum core aids in efficient heat distribution.
- Avoid cooking acidic foods in stainless steel, as metals like nickel and chromium can leach especially with acidic ingredients.
- Stainless steel does not provide a nonstick finish.
Cast Iron:
- Widely regarded as one of the safest metals for cookware.
- While some iron may leach into food, it's typically in small amounts. However, if you have a condition like hemochromatosis (too much iron), it's best to steer clear of cast iron.
- Pre-season your cast iron with oil to experience its nonstick capabilities.
Copper:
- Has a timeless appeal and heats up quickly and evenly.
- Ensure the cooking surface is stainless steel to avoid copper leaching into your food.
- Copper is not naturally nonstick.
Carbon Steel:
- Best described as a mix between cast iron and stainless steel, usually at a fraction of the price of steel.
- Suitable for the stovetop or the oven.
- Pre-season your carbon steel cookware to experience its nonstick capabilities.
Ceramic Coatings:
- Generally made from clay, ceramic nonstick coatings are considered a healthier alternative to Teflon.
- A somewhat controversial material, as studies have indicated it has the potential to leach nanoparticles into food during the cooking process.
- We recommend buying ceramic cookware from brands who conduct third-party testing on their ceramic products.
Caring For Your Toxin-Free Cookware
If you decide to go with a cookware set without a nonstick coating—extra TLC is key to maintaining its quality.
- Hand wash it with a mild, non toxic soap and warm water.
- Avoid harsh cleaning agents and overheating.
- Steer clear of metal utensils, as they can scratch the surface and lead to potential leaching.
- Many cookware sets are dishwasher safe, just be sure to check the care instructions prior to use.
Greenwashing in the Cookware Industry
Greenwashing is a widespread issue in the cookware industry.
For instance, labels like “PFOA Free” or “PFOS Free” don’t necessarily mean the cookware is free from all PFAS chemicals. PFOA and PFOS are just two of the nearly 15,000 (at the time of this writing) per- and polyfluorinated substances in the PFAS family. Similarly, BPA-free products may still contain other bisphenols.
Regrettably, the cookware industry lacks comprehensive regulation and certification agencies. It's unfortunate that, unlike food products, cookware isn't mandated to provide an ingredient list. Although the FDA oversees the safety of cookware materials, there’s clearly a lot of room for improvement.
Fortunately, positive changes are underway, as regulations are being developed to completely ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various consumer products. California has even implemented restrictions on advertising cookware as free from specific PFAS chemicals to avoid potential confusion, as mentioned earlier.
While these regulations are being implemented, how can we verify product claims?
Many reputable brands conduct third-party testing on their products and willingly provide the results to consumers. Additionally, there are independent testers who verify the claims made by different brands.
We highly recommend purchasing cookware from these brands to ensure that your products are free from potentially harmful chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Cookware plays a huge role in the daily kitchen routine, directly impacting the safety of our food. That's why choosing a nontoxic option is crucial.
Thankfully, there are plenty of excellent nontoxic cookware sets on the market that not only excel in performance and durability but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.
Happy cooking!
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