Non Toxic Cookware – We are going to explore the top 3 best non toxic cookware choices for your kitchen. After all, if you are a clean eater like we are, we don’t believe we should be cooking dirty.
100% Ceramic, Clay and Cast Iron are the best non toxic cookware choices and we are going to explore them all below. Plus, our favorite and most trusted retailers.
How many of you are not sure if your kitchen has non toxic cookware in it? Up until a few years ago, I truly believed our kitchen was good enough. But, then I did some research – a lot of it.
Then, I completely overhauled our kitchen with 100% ceramic cookware, stoneware, a clay insert slow cooker and cast iron. Now, I can confidently say that our kitchen only boasts non toxic cookware.
Let me tell you what I learned.
What Non Toxic Cookware Is NOT:
Cookware can be toxic because of certain nonstick coatings used on cookware stocked in most American kitchens. One of the biggest culprits was used in nonstick pans like Teflon. If you’ve heard of Teflon, then you should know that the the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA was in the production of these nonstick pans and have caused concerns for decades. Thankfully, DuPont, the maker of Teflon did stop using PFOA during production in 2013. Except for, what about all of us that bought Teflon cookware prior to 2013?
Cookware with Teflon prior to 2013 can cause some people to have flu-like symptoms because the Teflon surface is scratched and over-heated. I will admit, 2 of my 5 Teflon coated pans had small scratches and without hesitation, they went in the trash. Even though nonstick pans are scientifically safe according to Today, thankfully many people like our family are choosing to avoid it and err on the side of caution.
Cookware can also be toxic if it uses polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, which is known to deteriorate cookware when at high levels of heat as well as emit gases that can cause flu-like symptoms as well.
Is Aluminum Non Toxic?
There is a huge debate over whether aluminum is non-toxic or not. I love how the Cookware Advisor carefully and methodically walks us all through the basis for aluminum cookware with the understanding that all cookware sold with aluminum either comes coated (not recommended), anodized or clad and these are their two conclusions:
#1. Aluminum does not leach into food from coated or anodized aluminum cookware.
#2: The amount that leaches from untreated aluminum cookware is not enough to cause a health hazard.
Shopping Tips for Non Toxic Cookware
When choosing non toxic cookware for your kitchen to replace the ones you have now identified as toxic, these are the words I looked for while shopping for non-toxic cookware replacements.
- 100% Ceramic
- 100% Unglazed Stoneware
- 100% Unglazed Clay
- PFOA-free
- PTFE-free
- Cast Iron
Looking for California Prop 65 Approved Cookware?
A quick note about California Prop 65 approved cookware. Over the years, California Prop 65 has grown to include over 750 chemicals and substances that are banned for sale in California.
The Prop 65 list includes heavy metals, pesticides, steroids, dyes, solvents and more. Many of the included chemicals would not be present in the final product, but are used in its production, giving risk of water contamination. You can browse the full list of banned chemicals in the Prop 65 list on the official website.
The first brand we’re going to share with you meets the FDA approved list but also meets all of the California Prop 65 requirements. In addition, Xtrema® cookware has no lead, cadmium or heavy metals.
The Best Non Toxic Cookware Brands
These are the best non toxic cookware that you’re going to find on the market today. Here at Clean Cuisine, we use all of them weekly and very familiar with the cleaning, care and use. So, please send us a message or leave a comment below with any questions.
100% Ceramic, Unglazed Clay Cookware, Bakeware and Slow Cooker
Since 2003, I have been baking with unglazed clay ever since attending a friend’s Pampered Chef party. And still today, Pampered Chef has the edge on the bakeware market of raw, unglazed baking pans. In 2007, a new brand emerged onto the market to provide 100% ceramic cookware that can easily be used in the oven, on the stovetop, in the microwave and the freezer. WOW!!
Xtrema®, Pure Ceramic Cookware
Featuring a PFOA-free and PTFE-free, 100% ceramic and non-toxic, non-scratch and non-reactive is our absolute favorite brand: Xtrema® cookware.
We love that ceramic heats evenly and generates far-infrared energy, which means using Xtrema® means that your food will cook from both the inside and the outside at the same time. This 100% ceramic cookware can withstand very high and very low temperatures without breaking or reacting to food.
Not only is Xtrema® cookware FDA approved and meets all of the California Prop 65 requirements, but is also has no lead, cadmium or heavy metals. Xtrema® cookware can be used on the stove top, in the oven, in the microwave or be used on your gas or charcoal grill. Talk about versatile!
In the past few years, I have been collecting Xtrema cookware and swapping out some of my older cookware pans. Cooking with ceramic takes a little getting used to, but once you do, you’ll never want anything else.
Our Favorite Xtrema Cookware:
- 7″ Traditions Skillet with Lid – Perfect for single server or quick sautes.
- 10″ Versa Skillet with Lid – One of the best skillets for a family of 2-4.
- 12″ Versa Skillet with Lid – Ideal for making meals for 4-6 people.
- 5.5 Quart Pot with Lid – The best pot for making soups, chilis and sauces.
- 11″ Versa Ceramic Wok – If you love making homemade stir frys, this is an excellent choice.
Use code: CCX15 for an extra 15% off on top of the current site promotions!
Pampered Chef Raw, Unglazed Ceramic Stoneware
Ok, here’s the deal. The absolute greenest baking pan would be a stoneware cookie sheet. We trust Pampered Chef and their incredible line of unglazed stoneware. The best part – they are 100% ceramic and completely non-toxic.
We love unglazed stoneware because that’s all it is: unglazed, uncoated 100% stoneware that is pure and clean to bake with. It’s quite simple really.
7 Reasons Why We Choose Pampered Chef Stoneware:
- You do not have to preheat the stoneware.
- Stoneware has an amazing heat retention
- Naturally, stoneware draws moisture away from the food
- Stoneware doesn’t retain oils, odors or flavors.
- Your stoneware is safe in the microwave, freezer and in the oven up to 450 degrees.
- Cleaning Stoneware is a Breeze!
- Pampered Chef stoneware is made in the USA.
VitaClay® Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert
I want to share with you the incredible VitaClay Slow Cooker benefits.
VitaClay® is amazing because it uses nature’s organic unglazed clay. It is non-toxic, does not leach into your food while cooking, saves energy with it’s synergistic heating abilities and the cooking with clay amplifies the flavor while also providing nutrient bio-availability.
Why we love VitaClay® brand slow cookers:
- Cooks with unglazed pure clay.
- Superior taste, texture and nutrition.
- Fast and easy with push of a button.
- Compact multiple settings plus warm, stock and yogurt.
- Make healthy nourishment in the half time.
- No added Lead, aluminum and Non-stick chemicals in your clay pot and is verified by a 3rd party laboratory.
Shop all of the VitaClay® brand slow cookers here. Our favorite model is the Organic Multi-Cooker as shown above and can be found here.
Use code: CLEANCUISINE for an extra 10% off on top of the current site promotions!
Cast Iron Cookware
The cast iron cookware collection from Pampered Chef is by far my favorite set of cast iron cookware. The iron skillets are pre-seasoned but not treated with anything toxic and not made with any chemicals. Just cast iron!
We know that cast iron ware can sometimes be expensive. But, the benefit is that it does not react with any food and therefore, is a great non toxic cookware option. Cast iron is also heat-safe to 650°F, so they hold up to searing, sautéing, baking, frying, broiling, grilling, and even campfire cooking. Metal tools won’t damage them either.
This type of cookware lasts many years (My mom has been cooking with the same black cast iron skillet for nearly 40 years!) and holds the heat well because it is so heavy. Unless it is well seasoned, it can cause foods to stick.
This Pampered Chef cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, so you can start using them right away. The natural, non-stick surfaces get better the more you use them.
The Best Non Toxic Cookware made with Cast Iron:
The Best Non Toxic Cookware is Ceramic or Cast Iron Cookware
We love eating clean food and as we know, clean food starts with clean cookware. What are some of your favorite non toxic cookware brands?
Karen Bent says
I’ve been under the impression stainless steel such as farmer ware and revere ware are good, safe pots and pans but I never see these mentioned in discussions like this. Please tell me your thoughts.
Thank you,
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
Karen, The only kind of steel I would suggest would be All Clad 100% stainless steel — and yes, Revere can also be a good brand too. The issue is that they can’t handle the high heat that ceramic-made cookware can. So, if stainless steel gets too hot, then there’s a risk of it leaching into your food. Choosing a high quality brand is imperative. However, to be 100% safe – choosing ceramic and stone cookware is best. Great questions! -Aimee
Ruth says
Hi Ivy, I’ve been following you for a long time. I bought Xtrema cookware but now we have an induction hob and I would like to know what you recommend me to cook with. I’m sad I can’t use my Xtrema any more and I want healthy pans again. I live in the UK. Thank you and any suggestions would be very helpful. Love Ruth
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
Ruth, Oh no! Are you able to use cast iron? Check this link for a few other options: https://cleancuisine.com/the-best-non-toxic-cookware/