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We've chosen the most affordable, functional, and efficient options for safe everyday cooking. stainless steel pots
Rebecca is the senior ecommerce reviews writer and strategist at Dotdash Meredith. When she's not writing about the latest home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products, you can find her shopping at sample sales or enjoying a mid-day snack.
You may put a great deal of thought into which ingredients you cook with, but you might not be paying as much attention to the materials behind the pots and pans you have on hand. The FDA has kept a close watch on chemicals known as PFAs (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which can cause health problems when introduced to the food supply. PFAs may appear in a number of food supply items, including food processing equipment, fast food wrappers, takeout containers, and the coating in certain types of nonstick cookware. While The FDA has determined that there is a reasonable certainty of safety with the normal use of nonstick cookware, there are plenty of non-toxic options available to ensure safe and healthy cooking at home.
To help you figure out which non-toxic pots and pans are best for your kitchen, we combined our product testing insights with extensive research to determine the most functional, efficient, and affordable options. From ceramic cookware sets to stainless steel pots, we've rounded up a few of the best non-toxic cookware sets and pieces we've tried. Read on for more of our favorite options.
This set comes with all the right pieces for a starter set of great quality that professionals will notice.
The nonstick pan is not dishwasher-safe, and the price is an up-front investment.
This ultra-conductive starter set from Made In has stay-cool handles and five layers of metal for even, precise cooking. The nonstick pieces are 100% non-toxic and made without PFOAs. The collection includes two 10-inch frying pans (one stainless and one nonstick) and 2-quart and 8-quart saucepans, each with a lid. The stainless pieces are oven-safe up to 800 degrees, and the nonstick pieces will handle heat up to 500 degrees.
We found the stainless clad construction to provide fast, even heating with no hot spots. We had zero issues with sticking when sautéing vegetables and cooking rice, and the pan's lip offers a spill-free pour. Although the nonstick pieces cannot go in the dishwasher, each piece is easy to hand-wash, leaving no caked-on residue.
"I’ve owned Made In’s Stainless Steel Cookware Set for two years and have used most pieces on a daily basis," says Danielle St. Pierre, Food & Wine Commerce Editor. "The 10-inch nonstick frying pan is my go-to pan for sticky egg-based or stir-fried dishes, and I reach for the stainless clad frying pan whenever I want to get a nice, even sear on proteins like skin-on salmon. I use the 8-quart stock pot whenever I need to boil water for pasta — the handles are comfortable to grab, the lid forms a tight seal, and I love how fast it brings water to a rolling boil."
Dishwasher-safe: Yes for steel pieces, hand-wash for nonstick | Material: Stainless steel | Induction-friendly: Yes
The heating is very even, and the pans are light and easy to hold.
Some sticking occurred during testing, and this is by far the splurgiest set.
For a truly stunning set that performs as well as it looks, we recommend this Le Creuset stainless steel set. The comprehensive 10-piece set features a three-layer construction that prevents scorching and promotes even heating, with aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The lids feature the brand’s iconic three-ring design and easy-grab knob, and they come with a built-in steam vent to prevent overflow. Each piece is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the fry pan can even be used underneath a broiler.
We found each piece surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle, especially the sizable stockpot, which had enough space to get in there and stir liberally. The handles are comfortable to hold and far enough away from the heat to remain cool and keep you safe. To test sticking, we sautéed vegetables and rice, and while we did experience a bit of adhesion, there was a quick release, so it did not deter us from liking this set. The heat was gradual and easy to control, and the sautéing and browning of the vegetables were manageable to do without burning.
Overall, this set is easy to clean, and any leftover food on the bottom quickly came off with a sponge and hot soapy water. Alternatively, you can place these pans in the dishwasher if you’re low on time. With the correct level of care, we think this set is a worthy investment for either a starter or upgrade purchase.
Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Material: Stainless steel and aluminum core | Induction-friendly: Yes
Food and Wine / Fred Hardy
Food and Wine / Fred Hardy
Food and Wine / Fred Hardy
This 7-piece set is naturally nonstick and oven-safe without the use of any harmful chemicals.
Be mindful when using metal tools — the nonstick coating on this cookware isn't scratch-proof.
If you're looking for a way to upgrade your most important pieces of cookware with a nonstick option that performs well and looks great, you're in luck. Caraway's line of non-toxic, Teflon-free nonstick cookware is so slick that even the stickiest foods can be effortlessly wiped away. In addition to being easy to clean and oven-safe, these pots and pans are compatible with every type of stovetop — they even landed on our list of the best induction cookware. This set is offered in seven joyful colors and comes with a frying pan, a sauté pan, a saucepan, and a Dutch oven (it's worth noting most cookware sets do not include a Dutch oven, so this is certainly a value-add).
Right out of the box, we felt the pans were heavy (but not too heavy) and well-made enough to make them feel sturdy and durable. The saucepan passed our sticking test when making rice, and the pan was also quick to simmer. We also made an omelet to confirm its nonstick properties, and to our delight, it slid right off when done. Our only gripe is we wish we could see through the lids.
While they would look nice sitting out on any range or countertop, a magnetic pan rack and lid holder are included for easy storage. If you're not looking for an entire cookware set, these PTFE, PFOA, and PFA-free pieces can all be shopped separately, too.
Dishwasher-safe: Hand-washing is recommended | Material: Nonstick ceramic | Induction-friendly: Yes
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine/Joy Kim
Food & Wine / Will Dickey
This multifunctional pan takes the place of eight pieces of cookware in one. Therefore, it's an easy solution for small kitchens with limited storage space.
Though this pan does have some nonstick properties, it's not as slick as others we've tested.
The innovative Our Place pan provides the convenience of a multifunctional pan without using any harmful chemicals like PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. The all-in-one pan can replace your fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, nonstick pan, spatula, and spoon rest, as the handy pan can braise, strain, sauté, fry, sear, steam, boil food, and more. As a result, it's perfect for home cooks with limited storage space who want the versatility of a nonstick cookware set without having to wash and store multiple pieces. Even better, there are plenty of colors to choose from, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding an option that suits your kitchen. Plus, the design is so slick, you can display it on your range most of the time anyway.
Recently, the brand launched a 2.0 version of its flagship pan, taking into account vocalized customer issues like damaged coating over time or cracking within the handle. As a result, we've found the new-and-improved version to be worth a spot in your cookware collection.
"After owning the original and testing the new one, I found they made all the right improvements — the nonstick coating is better (and longer-lasting, according to the brand)," says Kristin Montemarano, Food & Wine Commerce Food Writer. "It’s expensive, but in terms of its versatility and visual design as a nonstick pan, it’s worth it for me.”
Dishwasher-safe: Hand-washing is recommended | Material: Ceramic-coated aluminum | Induction-friendly: Yes
Food & Wine / Joy Kim
This versatile pan can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and even over an open flame.
Cast iron pans should never be soaked or submerged in water for too long, so make sure to dry it thoroughly after each wash to prevent rusting.
If you're looking for one of the most versatile pieces of non-toxic cookware, look no further than the workhorse cast iron skillet. Known for its durability and superior heat retention, this handy pan allows you to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, and fry a variety of different foods. It is seasoned with oil for a "natural, easy-release finish," making the pan easy to hand-wash. These pans can safely transfer from stovetop to oven to broiler and are even safe to use over a campfire.
It's easy to get a great sear on this pan, and when testing, we found both sides of our meat to be almost identical in terms of the level of sear, indicating even heating throughout the skillet. In addition, we experienced even browning when making cornbread, and the included silicone handle helps for an easy release. We also appreciate its larger handle when placing and removing it from the oven. Cleaning is easy, too, as most of the time, a quick wipe with a paper towel and some water should render it clean.
All in all, we think this is a great deal for its value and performance. Regardless of its low price tag, it will quickly pay for itself as cast iron pans are heritage items that can be passed down for generations, and Lodge makes some of the most reliable and affordable options available.
Dishwasher-safe: No | Material: Cast Iron | Induction-safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food and Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food and Wine / Russell Kilgore
These heavy-duty, toxin-free pieces are completely multifunctional — they can fry, sear, braise, bake, roast, and more.
They're definitely on the pricier side, but if you care for them properly, they can last for decades.
If you ask us, no kitchen is complete without a Dutch oven. Le Creuset's Dutch ovens are so much more than just a gorgeous piece of cookware — they're functional and non-toxic, too. Thanks to the enameled cast iron construction, the luxe cookware has excellent heat distribution and retention properties and is safe for any heat source. Though it's heavy-duty equipment, large loop handles make it manageable to grasp, so it's easily maneuverable even with thick oven mitts on. These pans don't require extra seasoning, and the enameled cast iron provides a slick surface without harmful chemicals.
No matter what we've tested in this Dutch oven, it consistently outperforms its competitors, whether searing meats and sautéing vegetables on the stovetop or slow-cooking a simmering broth in the oven. As one of our testers and Associate Editors, Mary Lagroue, put it: You don't have to put in much effort to get great results. And while it is not nonstick, it's simple to clean and resistant to stains and odors. We found it takes barely any elbow grease to scrub it clean with a sponge and hand-wash it, but we also love that it's dishwasher-safe.
We'd recommend this Dutch oven time and time again. We think it's a great buy for anyone serious about cooking, whether a professional with high expectations or a home cook who wants to master certain techniques and better equip their cookware arsenal.
Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Material: Enameled cast iron | Induction-friendly: Yes
Food & Wine / Will Dickey
Food & Wine / Will Dickey
Food & Wine / Will Dickey
If you're looking to replace all of your cookware with a comprehensive set that's free of toxins, we recommend the Made In 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set for a mix of stainless steel and nonstick pans. For a true nonstick set, we recommend the Caraway Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set.
The material your cookware is made from is the most important factor to consider when looking for safe, toxin-free pots and pans. When shopping for the best non-toxic cookware, look for pieces that are free from PFAs (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). This is a substance that is commonly found in many Teflon and nonstick pans sold nationwide and is thought to be dangerous when consumed in large quantities. As a safe alternative, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and cast-iron pots and pans are the go-to materials to avoid risky ingredients seeping into your food. If you're looking for predominantly nonstick cookware, make sure to read the labels — nonstick ceramic is a fantastic option for toxin-free cookware that is slick enough to cook even the stickiest foods. The safest options shouldn't contain any PFAs and should be PFOA-free.
Before cooking with any piece of cookware, it's important to consider that item's maximum capacity for temperature. Almost every piece of cookware has a temperature that it shouldn't exceed, and doing so could be harmful to your food and equipment. Before shopping for cookware, assess what you plan to cook, and more importantly, assess how you intend to cook it. Some pieces of cookware are only safe on the stovetop, while others are safe to use on the stovetop, in the oven, or over an open flame. Knowing how to use your cookware properly is the safest way to ensure that unwanted chemicals don't leach into the food you're cooking.
Since non-toxic cookware can come in a variety of materials, it's important to consider the type of cleaning and the amount of care and maintenance that your new piece or set will require. For some materials, like ceramic nonstick, handwashing and the use of non-metal utensils is recommended in order to preserve the finish. Others, like stainless steel, glass, or enameled cast iron, can be put in the dishwasher without the risk of damage. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for the proper care of any non-toxic cookware you are considering to determine if you're prepared and willing to manage the upkeep.
This list of the best non-toxic cookware reflects insights from some of the many tests we've performed to find the top cookware. Our testing methods have included performance tests, like making batches of rice to determine levels of sticking or scorching and sautéing various cuts of meat and vegetables to assess heating distribution and retention as well as searing and browning capabilities.
Aside from performance and ease of use, we consider the cookware's size, weight, and general construction. We look at the quality of the material and monitor how well it stacks up against competitors. We also test durability, sometimes going as far as hitting our cookware with metal spoons to detect any scratches or dents. With each test, we take note of how easy or difficult it is to clean, documenting whether or not a home cook would find the cleanup worth space in their kitchen. In addition, we look at what's included and ask ourselves if it's a complete set or lacks any critical pieces, thus diminishing its value.
Ultimately, we compared the data from these various tests, taking into account value, performance, ease of use, overall design, and more, for this list of quality picks you will be proud to cook in and serve with for years to come.
Yes, ceramic pans are naturally nonstick and generally produced without PTFE, PFAS, and PFOAs. Quality ceramic pans will last a few years with proper care, and will only need to be replaced if the nonstick coating wears out. Be sure to check the labels on all ceramic pieces, as decorative ceramic bowls won't have the same assurances as ceramic cast frying pans that are designed for higher heat.
Stainless steel is one of the safest materials to use for cooking since it has no engineered nonstick coating and is more resistant to scratches and repeated cleaning. Older, damaged pans should be replaced, especially if you frequently cook with acidic ingredients, as the steel can degrade more quickly.
The FDA has determined that nonstick cookware is reasonably safe when used according to its authorized and intended use. Studies show that the manufacturing process used for most nonstick cookware eliminates the smaller PFAS molecules, significantly minimizing the amount of chemicals that could migrate from the coating into your food.
induction saucepan set However, if you are still concerned, there are other nonstick options that don't make use of PFAS in the coating, such as ceramic nonstick. Cast iron and carbon steel cookware are also good options since they build up a natural seasoning with continued use that renders them virtually nonstick.