Non-Toxic Cookware: The Best Options on the Market

In the 1950s, non-stick cooking pans hit the market for the very first time. By the 1960s, cookware by Teflon (the brand name for these pans) was a staple in many households across the US. But today, questions have been swirling about their safety for some time. This is because much of the non-stick cookware on the market contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals that may be harming our health. Here’s what we know about the safety of PFAS, plus some of the best non-toxic cookware you can find on the market today.

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Is non-stick coating safe?

PFAS were invented in the 1930s, and since then, they have been used not just in non-stick pans, but also in many inventions, including waterproof clothing and firefighter foam. This is ultimately because of their extremely useful water-, grease-, and stain-resistant properties. But while handy, PFAS are far from perfect.

“[PFAS are] called ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t naturally break down,” environmental consultant Kimberly Kim told VegNews. “They’re the guests who overstay their welcome in our environment and within our bodies.” She added that because of this, they have been linked to “a laundry list of health concerns” including certain cancers, immune disorders, and birth defects.

But, despite this, there is still limited research into the safety of non-stick cookware. And if you look at leading organizations, the information is still unclear.

“Human health effects from exposure to low environmental levels of PFAS are uncertain,” notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This is a problem, because PFAS are, quite literally, everywhere. They have even been found in rain and drinking water. In fact, in August 2023, research suggested that millions of Americans are drinking water contaminated with PFAS. And they’ve even been found in vegetables, like kale. 

“Remember, the key is not to panic but to stay informed and make conscious choices about what we consume,” Kim says. And one of those choices might be to avoid PFAS in cookware. But does this mean saying goodbye to non-stick forever? Perhaps not.

RELATED: GreenPan Is On Sale for Earth Month and We Are Obsessing Over These 6 Eco Cookware Items

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Are there non-stick pans without PFAs?

Non-stick is convenient, there’s no doubt. It saves a considerable amount of time on the clean-up. But if you’re trying to limit your exposure to PFAS as much as you can, it is possible to find non-stick cookware without these chemicals. Belgian brand GreenPan, for example, has developed its own non-stick, PFA-free coating called Thermolon.

But, if you’re careful with your cooking method (preheating appropriately and using plenty of oil and butter), you can reduce the stick on materials like stainless steel, too. Stainless steel is already a go-to for chefs because it’s durable and long-lasting. 

The same goes for cast iron pans. If you adjust your cooking techniques, you’ll find that cast iron cookware can be naturally non-stick. In this case, you’ll want a lower heat (cast iron retains heat very well, meaning it can overheat and cause food to stick), and, again, plenty of oil.

The best non-toxic cookware to buy now

Looking to stock up on non-toxic cookware? We’ve compiled some of our top picks below.

Tramontina

1 Tramontina Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Brazillian brand Tramontina’s stainless steel premium cookware line is sleek, modern, durable, and non-toxic. For just under $300, you can get your hands on the whole set, which includes two frying pans, two saucepans, a covered braiser, and a sauce pot.
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GreenPan

2 GreenPan Ceramic Non-stick Skillet Set

Featuring Thermolon, this simple skillet set from GreenPan is ideal for those who want good, reliable, everyday-use frying pans. The brand’s sturdy, durable skillets have been praised for their sustainability credentials, too, due to the use of certified recycled aluminum in the design.
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Le Creuset

3 Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Le Creuset is one of the most popular (and expensive) names in the cookware industry, but it has a reputation for good reason: its products are high-performance, long-lasting, and durable. While it has many aesthetically pleasing pots and casserole dishes to choose from, you can’t go wrong with this reliable 10-piece cookware set, which is made from non-toxic stainless steel.
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Caraway

4 Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

If it’s a pretty cookware set you’re after, consider this 12-piece cookware set from Caraway. Available in several different colors, including Marigold and Cream, the pans are covered with a mineral-based, naturally slick coating, which, according to the brand, is also more eco-friendly than traditional non-stick coatings.
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Alva

5 Alva Stainless Steel Frying Pan

If you’re looking to invest in one solid, durable, professional quality frying pan that will last you a long time, check out this Chef Frying Pan from Belgian brand Alva. The stainless steel design has a satisfyingly smooth surface and can be used across multiple heat sources. Plus, it’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
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6 Field Company Cast Iron Skillet Starter Set

For a lightweight cast iron skillet, which is just as smooth and durable as the heavier options, check out this set from Field Company. It’s non-stick and non-toxic and comes with everything you need to keep it in top condition, including a chainmail scrubber and seasoning oil.
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De Buyer

7 De Buyer Mineral B Carbon Steel Fry Pan

If you don’t want heavy cast iron or stainless steel, carbon steel is another non-toxic option. It’s lighter in weight, natural, and heat conductive, and after seasoning well, it becomes non-stick, too. 
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Sensarte

8Sensarte Non-stick Ceramic Frying Pan

Another aesthetically pleasing ceramic choice is this frying pan skillet from Sensarte, which comes in three colors: White, Gray, or Toffee Brown. At 8 inches, it’s perfect for your favorite morning vegan omelets or tofu scramble. It’s another non-stick option, but don’t worry, it’s 100 percent free of PFOA (one of the most common PFAS used in non-stick cookware).
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9GreenLife Soft Grip Cookware Set

This handy set from GreenLife comes with 16 different pots, pans, and utensils, each complete with soft-grip handles for easy use. The pans also feature wobble-free bases, and they’re easy to clean, as they’re dishwasher safe. Not only are they PFOA-free, but they’re free of all PFAS, as well as lead and cadmium, too.
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10 Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro

Another popular name in the cookware world, Our Place is famous for its multi-use Always Pan range. One particular favorite is the titanium variety, which features the classic Instagrammable silhouette, complete with a hydrophobic, chemical-free surface called NoCo. It’s also incredibly resilient. In fact, according to Our Place, its 300 percent harder than stainless steel.
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11 Gotham Steel Ceramic Pots and Pans Set

This sleek-looking set from Gotham Steel features 12 pots and pans, each featuring the brand’s signature non-stick, non-toxic copper coating, which is made without PFAs or harmful chemicals. It’s so efficient to cook with, you don’t even need to add extra oil before you cook.
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Blue Diamond

12 Blue Diamond Cookware Set

Another popular PFA-free choice is this 14-piece cookware set from Blue Diamond, which comes complete with frying pans, utensils, and a steamer. The coating is actually infused with diamond, which makes it not only harder than many other cookware options but also more resilient and longer lasting, too.
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13Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set

For reliable stainless steel cookware, Calphalon is always a safe choice. Its pans are consistently reliable and durable, and efficient at distributing heat while cooking, thanks to the impact-bonded aluminum base. The handles are also extra long, which will help them to stay cool while they are on heat.
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14 Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet

Another carbon steel option, this skillet from Lodge will help you level up your cooking skills thanks to its impressive heat retention and distribution qualities. That said, it will need a little extra care than many other pans on this list. It’s pre-seasoned and will need to be gently washed by hand to keep this coating intact.
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15Kitchen Academy Induction Granite Cookware Set

This 12-piece, non-toxic granite set from Kitchen Academy has everything you need for your kitchen, from silicone utensils to casserole pots to frying pans. Thanks to the graniteware coating, it’s easy to clean and is also non-stick (without having to smother it in oil or butter). The core of each pan is also made with aluminum, which helps with efficient heat distribution.
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