Looking for the best non-toxic pots and pans? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this post I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic cookware that’s currently available in 2024.
While it might seem surprising, traditional cookware often contains harmful substances that can leach into our food (yuck!). And, not only can toxic cookware contaminate our food, but it can also lead to health issues such as liver damage, and/or cancer.
Fortunately there’s been a growing demand for non-toxic alternatives in recent years, so there’s plenty of options on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a stainless steel pan, cast iron pot, or ceramic cookware, there’s an option below!
But first, what harmful materials should we avoid?
When purchasing cookware you want to avoid materials that can release harmful substances into your food and even the air around you. So, when shopping avoid cookware made with the below materials:
Teflon / PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Teflon is a non-stick coating commonly used in pans. However, when heated to high temperatures it can release toxic fumes, including perfulorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which is a potential carcinogen. While PFOA and PFOs were banned in November 2016 in the United States, if you buy off-brand and/or secondhand make sure to they’re PFOA / PFO free!
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs): PFCs are a group of chemicals with oil-and-water resistant properties, so they’re used for non-stick coatings. But, PFCs have been linked with health concerns, so I recommend avoiding non-stick cookware that contains them.
Lead: A heavy metal that can contaminate cookware, lead is often used in glazes on ceramic or enamel-coated pots and pans. It’s important to avoid pots and pans whose surfaces contain lead as lead poisoning can lead to variety of health issues.
Non-Food-Grade Stainless Steel: Did you know stainless steel cookware can be made with a variety of different stainless steel grades? If purchasing stainless steel cookware, make sure it’s food-grade (often labelled as 18/10 stainless steel).
Avoiding cookware made with the above materials will help reduce the risk of exposure to toxic substances while cooking. Opting for the non-toxic alternatives mentioned below, will help you create a safer and healthier cooking environment!
And, what materials make pots and pans non-toxic?
Non-toxic cookware is made with a variety of materials that will not leach harmful chemicals into your food such as:
Stainless Steel: High-quality food-grade stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion, and free of harmful substances that will leach into food.
Ceramic: Made from clay and minerals, ceramic cookware is great for even-heat distribution. Plus, despite being crafted without toxic chemicals, it’s still easy to clean.
Cast Iron: Cast iron is one of my personal favorite materials to cook with and is also known for it’s heat retention and even distribution. While you do have to care for your cast iron (i.e. season it when necessary), it will naturally become non-stick – no need for chemicals!
Enamel: Enamel is a commonly used coating on cookware (often cast iron) that prevents metals leaching into food. Plus, it’s easy to clean and comes in a variety of fun colors – so you can match your kitchen aesthetic! As mentioned above, just make sure it’s lead-free. P.S. Should the enamel chip on the interior, avoid using further as it can contaminate food (even if it’s non-toxic you don’t want to be ingesting enamel).
Now that we know what materials to look for and which ones to avoid, lets jump into the 10 best non-toxic pots and pans for 2024.
P.S. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about my affiliate policyhere.
The Best Non Toxic Pots & Pans
1. OUR PLACE
Our Place cookware is not only beautifully designed, but also thoughtfully crated. They’re crafted without PTFEs, PFOAs, other PFAS, lead and cadmium.
Their new pans also feature Thermakind™ – which is a ceramic nonstick coating that’s supposed to last 50% longer. I’ve seen reviews saying some people’s pans don’t hold up as long as they had hoped, so hopefully with this new change they will.
I do have both the Always Pan and Perfect Pot and I will say I love them both. The pot is my personal favorite and one I grab for over and over. It’s incredibly light and a large enough size to make pretty much everything!
If you are looking for light cookware, Our Place is without a doubt one of the best options.
Price range:$120 and up
Material: Ceramic non-stick coating, aluminum body, and stainless steel handles.
OTHER OUR PLACE FAVORITES
2. LODGE
One of my personal favorite materials for cookware is cast iron. Lodge makes beautiful skillets, pans, dutch ovens, and more that are super reasonably priced.
While cast iron does require care and maintenance, it’s easy to cook with and made with nontoxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
I have a Lodge dutch oven, skillet, and mini pan and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite cookware brands. They’re made to last, heavy duty, and affordable.
P.S. Since they’re cast iron, they are heavy!
Price range:$9 and up (yes, you can get a baby skillet for $9!)
Material:Cast Iron
OTHER LODGE FAVORITES
3. CARAWAY
Made without PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, and toxic metals, Caraway pots and pans are perfect for those looking for non-toxic cookware.
They’re non-stick, oven safe up to 550F, and easily cleaned. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors that are sure to match every kitchen style!
While on the more expensive side, they are ideal for those looking for non-toxic and non-stick cookware that not only functions well, but is also aesthetic.
I have a Caraway set and it truly is beautiful! It’s extremely heavy duty and if you buy a set it comes with storage (it’s amazing).
P.S. you can get up to 20% off through November 28th with this link!
Price:$85 and up
Material: Non-Stick Ceramic, Aluminum Core, & Stainless Steel Handles
4. MADE IN
Made In is for individuals looking to have restaurant quality cookware in their home kitchen! Beginning as a small family-fun business that provided chefs with high quality cookware, they now create quality, non-toxic pieces made to last.
Their non-stick cookware is not only non-toxic and PFOA free, but it’s also oven safe up to 500F, while their stainless steel is oven safe up to 800F. And, their carbon steel cookware can take heat up to 1200F and comes with a lifetime warranty.
What’s really cool is you can actually recycle your pieces when you’re ready to upgrade, however it does cost an additional $20 (for shipping and handling)…so fingers crossed one day it will be free.
Price range:$69 and up
Material:Stainless Steel & Carbon Steel
5. 360 COOKWARE
Made in the USA, 360 Cookware’s stainless steel pots and pans are made to last (they come with a lifetime warranty!).
Not only do they source the highest grade materials, such as 400-series and food-safe 316-series stainless steel, but they also provide their workers with a living wage, health care, and more.
Plus, while you can use traditional cooking methods, you can also use their vapor technology. This allows you to cook on low to medium heat while still evenly heating your food, allowing your food to cook in its own natural juices instead of excess water/oil.
Price: $99 and up
Material:Stainless Steel
6. STAUB
Staub is a well-known cast iron cookware brand that is made in France. Known for their durability, even-heating, and versatility, you can cook everything from cobbler to pizza!
While you do have to maintain it, there’s no need to pre-season it before first use. And, Staub cookware is made to last a lifetime.
Of course all Staub enamel cookware is PTFE, PFOA, lead and cadmium free as well. I have a Staub piece and it is an investment – but one that is well worth it!
Price range:$79 and up
Material:Cast Iron with Double Glazed Enamel
7. LE CREUSET
Durable, chip-resistant enameled cast iron is Le Creuset’s speciality! Since 1925, they’ve been designing and perfecting their design – one that is easy to use, easy to clean, and made to last. And, also expensive – so it is an investment.
One thing to note – Le Creuset has said that there may be trace amounts of lead on the outside of bright colored pots. However, the interior is always completely free of lead. But, one individual did test their bright-colored pot (orange) and found both the interior and exterior to be lead free.
Price range:$95 and up
Material:Enameled Cast Iron
OTHER LE CREUSET FAVORITES
8. MILO COOKWARE
Made with 40% recycled cast iron, Milo Cookware is durable, easy to clean (it’s dishwasher safe), and compatible with all stove tops.
Plus, it’s made to last – their cookware comes with a lifetime warranty so you’re set! And, they even offset 100% of shipping related carbon emissions.
Price range:$65 and up
Material:Enameled Cast Iron
9. XTREME
Free of Teflon, PFOA, PFAs, lead and cadmium, Xtrema’s pure ceramic kitchenware is FDA and California Prop 65 compliant.
Not only is pure ceramic able to withstand extreme temperatures, but it’s also microwave and dishwasher safe! Plus, cooking with pure ceramic helps food retain its full nutrient and flavor profile.
With a 40-day trial period and 10 year warranty, Xtrema is a great option for those looking for ceramic pots and pans.
Price range:$39 and up
Material:Ceramic
10. GREENPAN
GreenPan was one of the first companies to start developing non-stick and non-toxic pots and pans. Instead of the coating being made with plastic, their coating starts with sand. Thermolon™ is the first plastic-free non-stick coating that is also made without PFAs, PFOAs, lead, or cadmium.
Plus, they have their own wastewater treatment plant, a factory that is partially run by solar energy, and high standards for their working conditions.
I have a set of GreenPan pots and pans and I definitely love them! Like all non-stick you do have to care for them to keep them non-stick for as long as possible.
Price range:$19 and up (you can get a mini frypan for under $20!)
Material:Stainless Steel & Ceramic
This post was all about the best non toxic pots and pans in 2024. Have any that I missed? Let me know. I’m always on the lookout for new brands developing sustainable products.
And, if you decide to get any of these keep me posted on how you like them!
