Home cooks today are increasingly health conscious when it comes to what they’re cooking and eating. And as research on the subject increases, it’s becoming apparent that the Cookware we’re using is just as important as the ingredients themselves. Unfortunately, many kinds of Cookware can be potentially hazardous depending on how they’re used—especially if purchased from less reputable brands.
Fortunately, Stainless Steel is one of the safest options when it comes to Cookware. Below, we’re explaining why home cooks love Stainless Steel, how it differs from other Cookware options, and how it stacks up against them in terms of ease, safety, and functionality.
In the simplest terms, yes—Stainless Steel Cookware is safe to cook with. It’s one of the more versatile, adaptable, and low low-maintenance options available to home cooks. Safety-wise, it ranks especially high in our books for its nonreactivity, its lightweight maneuverability, and its impressive heat regulation capabilities, all of which help minimize risk for dangerous chemical leaching, physical injury, and accidental flare-ups.
While Stainless Steel is generally safe to cook with, not all stainless steel is constructed the same. For example, the premium-grade stainless steel we use for our Stainless Clad Cookware has a high bond strength, meaning that chemical leaching is unlikely. In other words, you can safely use our cookware without fretting over any of the construction materials leaching into your finished dish.
On the other hand, poorly constructed Stainless Steel with weaker alloys may allow for a small amount of nickel to escape into the food you’re preparing—and then into your body.
Stainless Steel is an alloy, or a metal composed of multiple metallic elements, that contains both chromium and nickel. Chromium is a metal the human body needs, albeit in small doses. According to the USGS, “[Chromium] is what hardens and toughens steel and increases its resistance to corrosion, especially at high temperatures.”
Nickel on the other hand, is something the human body has no use for and which can cause heavy metal poisoning if ingested in large amounts. We use an 18/10 stainless steel, which has a higher nickel percentage, for the shiny and polished top surface of our pan. This is a costlier, more attractive grade of stainless steel that’s more commonly used for high-end Stainless Clad Cookware and Flatware like ours.
Stainless Steel refers to a combination of metals, called an alloy, which typically includes iron, chrome and nickel. Our Stainless Clad Cookware also includes aluminum, which helps with heat conduction.
Cladding is a method of metal fabrication where different metals are layered and then bonded together to form a new, single sheet of metal. “Ply” refers to how many layers go into this new sheet—you may find options ranging from 3-ply all the way to 7-ply.
Our cookware is 5-ply, utilizing 5 sheets of 4 different metals (304, 18/10 Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Aluminum Alloy, and High Grade Ferritic 430). We rely on a highly conductive aluminum/aluminum alloy core to transfer heat efficiently and evenly across the cooking surface, and envelop this in a cladded exterior composed of different grades of Stainless Steel. This ensures induction compatibility, attractive shine, corrosion and rust resistance, nonreactivity, and overall durability for every single piece of Cookware.
At Made In, our mission is to provide home cooks with professional-quality cookware at an affordable price. While there is a slight risk associated with Stainless Steel in general, our line of Stainless Clad Cookware is constructed from high-quality materials with the consumer in mind.
They are a safe alternative to other, lesser quality pots and pans and if you care for them correctly, they should last for years with no adverse health consequences.
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When choosing cookware for your home it is important to know the risks of each type of cookware and decide which is the healthiest cookware for you. This list includes the safest cookware brands and materials, plus which types of pots and pans to avoid for your non-toxic kitchen.
Choosing the Safest Cookware
When it comes to actually choosing a non-toxic cookware set or even just a couple of pots and pans, it’s important to consider the options.
In this annual updated review, I share the best options that balance safe and tested materials with affordability and versatility. You don’t want to buy a set of a popular type of cookware only to have it wear out within a year or two (this has happened to me more than once).
Whether you’re a young person just starting out with your new kitchen or you’re a veteran home cook looking to replace your existing cookware, this is the only guide you need to make the best choice for your healthy kitchen.
Let’s review each of these healthy cookware materials in detail, including pros and cons of each, plus suggested brands.
Healthiest Cookware Material & Brands
For this review of the cookware brands I trust, I did hours of research combined with my own personal experience.
Who am I? I am the creator of Clean Eating Kitchen and I have a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. I received my graduate degree from a renowned and accredited university and am trained to review and interpret scientific studies. I also have nearly two decades of experience in writing about food and health. Read more about me.
I hope this guide is helpful in helping you make the best choice for your kitchen.
In addition to sharing the best materials for safe cookware, and I’ve offered my selection for the best brand for the healthiest cookware. Once you decide on the material that works best for you, then you’ll have to decide how much money you want to spend.
For a quality set of safe cookware with both pots and pans, you’ll expect to spend between $500 – $1,000. But, the idea is that most if not all of these options should last many, many years. Some brands even come with a lifetime guarantee!
Here’s my short list of the safest and healthiest cookware materials and brands:
Ceramic cookware is clay cookware that’s kiln-baked to high heat, rendering the quartz sand surface effectively non-stick.
Pros: 100% ceramic cookware and ceramic-coated cookware both have natural non-stick properties, and does not leach or emit potentially harmful fumes. Ceramic cookware is made of durable, inorganic materials. It’s an eco-friendly choice that will last for decades if maintained properly.
Cons: Ceramic cookware may require some oil to keep food from sticking.
Also, the labels “100% ceramic” and “non-stick ceramic” or “ceramic-coated” are not FDA regulated, so be sure you’re getting authentic 100% ceramic rather than ceramic-coated metal or nonstick ceramic pots and pans.
It’s very difficult to find 100% ceramic cookware, though, so you will probably have to make some compromises. A company like Greenpan uses a nonstick ceramic coating that is free from PFAS and PFOA.
Caraway is another competing ceramic-coated cookware brand that offers pots and pans in a variety of colors.
Stainless steel pans are popular and have been in kitchens for decades. This type of cookware is made from a metal alloy that also contains percentages of nickel and chromium or other metals. It’s a great option when searching for the safest cookware materials.
Pros: Most stainless steel pots and pans can go into the dishwasher. When properly cared for, they will last you for years! You’ll still need to use a little bit of oil, but high-quality stainless steel generally cleans easily.
Cons: High-quality stainless steel cookware sets are an investment that can reach almost a thousand dollars for a set. If your budget doesn’t allow for that, the good news is that you can usually buy just one or two pieces such as a fry pan and a medium saucepan and that will be enough to get started.
If you’ve never cooked with stainless steel before, it can be a bit of an adjustment, mostly because it does not have a nonstick surface. You’ll need to add more oil than if you’ve been using non-stick cookware.
Additionally, when you’re cooking acidic foods in such as tomato sauce in stainless steel cookware, leaching can be a concern.
Cast iron cookware has been around for centuries. This cookware is cast as a single piece of metal and then seasoned (through a process of oiling and heating) to protect the bare cast iron and give it a low-stick coating.
In addition, some cast iron cookware is enameled, giving it a nearly non-stick finish and more aesthetically-pleasing appearance.
Pros: Cast iron is unique in its heating abilities. It’s a solid, heavy piece that requires pre-heating to best conduct heat, especially to incredibly high temperatures. Meat sears well and pan-fried food turns out crispy. If your cast iron pan is pre-heated properly, you can even take it off the stove or out of the oven and it will retain enough heat to cook or warm food.
Additionally, properly seasoned and maintained cast iron cookware is virtually non-stick and easy to clean.
Cons: Cast iron cookware will require more of a time investment than other options. You’ll need to make sure it’s seasoned and stored properly, and follow proper cleaning procedures if the seasoning fails to make it nonstick enough.
It’s generally advisable to avoid cooking acidic foods in cast iron so as to avoid harming the seasoning. In addition, you may want to avoid cooking delicate food like fish or crepes in cast iron.
Lastly, while cast iron is a great choice if you wish to avoid chemically-treated cookware, it presents its own risk of leaching iron into food. This iron is not easily assimilated in the body and may contribute to iron overload for some individuals who can’t have that much iron. You can help avoid this by not cooking acidic foods in your cast iron skillets or cookware.
Copper cookware has been around as long as, or longer than, cast iron cookware. Made from copper, this cookware is often lined with tin. It’s a beautiful option for cookware that many professional chefs favor.
Pros: It conducts heat quickly and also loses heat quickly, which is a reason many chefs prefer it. You can easily control the cooking temperature with copper. Most copper cookware is lined with tin, giving it a nearly non-stick surface. The tin lining won’t react with acidic foods, so it’s great to have on hand for sauces and tomato dishes!
Cons: Copper cookware is a serious investment, with the cost of a copper set generally much higher than other types of cookware materials. The brand Mauviel is nice because it offers a copper and stainless steel blend so you get the benefits of copper without having to pay for 100% copper.
Though some appreciate the easy temperature regulation, keep in mind that your copper cookware will rapidly cool down if taken off the heat.
Lastly, if you are using pure copper cookware, you may need to avoid any health issues that can come from too much copper. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns (most copper cookware is coated so that should not be much of a concern).
The newest kid on the block when it comes to cookware is known as “hybrid cookware”. This type of specialty cookware is often made with a blend of materials. For instance, Hex-Clad is a brand that is a good example of this technology.
Pros: Hybrid cookware is like Hex-Clad is engineered to offer, you guessed it, a hybrid of benefits. The surface is etched “to deliver the searing power of stainless, durability of cast-iron and easy cleanup of nonstick.”
This type of cookware is very versatile, affordable, and easy to use. It’s not 100% nonstick, but it does offer nonstick properties with a stronger coating that is more durable and less likely to chip or degrade over time.
Some brands also use durable coatings like granite on their nonstick surfaces. You’ll just have to read the label or contact the specific manufacturer to understand what hybrid materials are being used.
Cons: Hybrid nonstick may not be totally free from chemicals, though. For example, the nonstick coating of the Hex-Clad brand’s pots and pans is PFOA-free (perfluorooctanoic acid) but does contain PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). According to WebMD, PTFE or Teflon-coated cookware is safe up to 570 degrees F.
Cookware Materials to Avoid
There is a lot of information being put out there about the dangers of certain types of cookware. If you read the headlines you might get concerned about toxic chemicals in certain types of pots and pans.
However, most modern cookware brands, including nonstick cookware brands, are safe and non-toxic as long as they are used properly and are not damaged.
That said, the types of potentially toxic cookware to avoid include:
That said, it is important that you do your own research to determine which type of cooking surface is best for your needs and your budget.
Health Benefits of Cooking at Home with Non-Toxic Cookware
Cooking at home is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Research shows that you will save money, have more control over the quality of your ingredients, and likely eat better when you are in charge of your own meals. Cooking at home is a lot easier when you meal prep and plan out what you’re going to make for the week. See more in my article about how to eat clean.
But, of course, to cook at home you need to have the right equipment.
A well-stocked kitchen will have a healthy pantry, the basics like an oven, stovetop, and refrigerator, and then a variety of accessories like knives, cutting boards, and other helpful appliances such as an air fryer or an electric pressure cooker. See my full list of the best appliances for healthy eating.
And, of course, you need to have a set of quality cookware to make meals at home. That’s where this article comes in! I hope I have helped you decide which type of cookware to get that is the least toxic and the most durable.
Safest Cookware FAQs
What is the absolute safest cookware?There is not one type of cookware that is the safest over all the others. But, if you are looking for the least toxic cookware material, you should probably stick with 100% ceramic or stainless steel options. Always be sure to read the manufacturer guidelines and stay within the recommended temperature maximums when cooking.
Do nonstick coatings have toxic chemicals?Most modern nonstick pans are made coatings that can release harmful chemicals if they are over heated or scratched with metal utensils. If you choose to use pans with non-stick coatings, then always be sure to use the non-stick pans according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes not heating them to higher temperatures than what they are tested for. You may also want to hand wash your teflon cookware to make sure it doesn’t get scratched or overheated in the dishwasher.
What is the safest and most eco-friendly cookware?There are several types of cookware that are both safe and long-lasting. Some types of cookware can last a lifetime or even be handed down to the next generation. Ceramic cookware, cast iron cookware, copper cookware, and stainless steel cookware are long-lasting and are less likely to end up in a landfill as opposed to aluminum or nonstick cookware.
Looking for more holistic health favorites? Visit my Amazon storefront for my favorite supplements, snacks, appliances, books, and more!
Non-Toxic Pots and Pans Conclusions
There are so many choices available for cookware now. Whether you choose a matching set or a hodgepodge of different types, consider what you cook most often and choose your cookware based on that.
Ultimately, my recommendation is to choose which works best for your budget, but know the pros and cons of each option and then decide what works best for you. This post has the most up-to-date information for the current year, and I will update it with any changes or new research that comes out in the future.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.
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