The home and kitchen market is positively inundated with cookware marketed as being “safe” and “healthy”.
But how many of them can actually live up to the claims of their manufacturers?
If you are looking for the lowdown on the best non-toxic cookware available, this is where you can get it.
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Non Toxic Cookware Overview
Why Use Non Toxic Cookware?
Why is non-toxic cookware so much better than other types of cookware? In order to answer that question, it might be best to look into what makes other cookware less desirable than their non-toxic counterparts.
Of all the materials used in cookware manufacture, an alarming number contains substances that have been linked with serious diseases and health issues. In particular, NMP and NEP–both of which have been used in non-stick cookware–can contribute toward low birth weight and even fetal death.
Teflon–previously the darling of the non-stick cookware industry –has since fallen out of favor for its tendency to chip and crack over time. Teflon cookware also releases harmful fumes into the air when overheated. These fumes have been known to cause flu-like symptoms in some people.
Aluminum has been suspected to play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Although the National Alzheimer’s Association has stated that there is no hard evidence to support this theory, the fact remains that aluminum cookware can–and will– leach significant amounts of aluminum into your food.
In contrast, non-toxic cookware from reputable companies will not leach any foreign material–toxic or otherwise–into your food…period. Even if you subject them to high heat, the only things you will get from your food are what you put in.
Given the many potential risks associated with regular cookware–unsubstantiated or not–wouldn’t you rather avoid the risk altogether and go for non-toxic cookware?
Types of Non Toxic Cookware
Non-toxic cookware comes in a variety of types, mostly differentiated by the materials used in their manufacture.
Cast iron is one of the most common types of cookware marketed as “non-toxic”. They are generally very durable, and can be relied upon to provide consistent results. Furthermore, they practically provide non-stick performance if you season them properly.
That said, cast iron cookware does leach a certain substance in your food: iron. In fact, cooking food in iron cookware has traditionally been espoused as a way to add more iron to the diet.
But the benefit of ingesting iron in this manner is subject to contention. Like anything good, too much iron can be harmful. It would be best to avoid boiling or simmering your food in iron cookware for extended periods, particular foods that have a high acid content.
Stainless steel is another material commonly used in non-toxic cookware. Made of a variety of metals, it is actually quite a stable material that will not leach a significant amount of foreign matter into your food.
Stoneware is also a good choice. This is one of the safest and most inert materials around, and you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals being used in the manufacturing process.
Just like iron, stoneware will have to be seasoned periodically for optimum results and performance. Stone cookware is admittedly heavy and tends to chip, so care must be taken not to get bits of it in your food.
Most of the non-toxic cookware you will come across will likely have ceramic cooking surfaces or some variant. Many of the models reviewed below incorporate ceramic with some other substances or are processed in a way that ensures non-toxicity.
However, you should be aware that not all ceramic cookware is safe. Cookware manufactured in Mexico and China is known to have high levels of lead, which readily leaches out onto food. Unless the manufacturer explicitly states that their ceramic cooking surfaces will not leach harmful toxins, it might be best to avoid them altogether.
Which is the Best Choice?
Of the six cookware lines reviewed below, two stand out as the clear winners: GreenPan Cookware and Scanpan Classic Cookware.
GreenPan Lima collection is especially impressive, with its hard anodized aluminum body and riveted stainless steel handles offering unparalleled durability. If you are in the market for non-toxic cookware that can take a beating and look smart in your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with GreenPan.
Scanpan Classic Cookware collection is equally impressive. Although most of the action they see will likely be on your stove top, they could handle oven duties with the best of them. They can be used day in and day out for years without scratching, and cleanup is as easy and simple as it gets.
Like GreenPan’s cookware, the Scanpan offerings do cost a bit more than the other options. But if reliable performance and unflagging quality is what you are looking for, these two brands will exceed your expectations.
Best Non Toxic Cookware to Buy
GreenPan Cookware Overview
GreenPan Cookware has built quite a stellar reputation with its excellent line of cookware that delivers utmost durability and reliability. With over a decade of experience making quality kitchen equipment, the company is a recognized pioneer in the non-stick cookware industry.
Of all the innovations that the company has introduced over the years, it is the Thermolon ceramic non-stick coating that has achieved the most attention. Used in the company’s earliest products, Thermolon is a non-toxic ceramic surface that has revolutionized the cookware industry. To this day, it is still used in many of the company’s most popular pots and pans.
Featured cookware sets/products
The highlights of the GreenPan brand are the Lima collection and Rio collection of cookware sets. Neither is particularly cheap, but they do offer excellent value for the money in terms of quality construction and features. They look pretty good too for non-toxic cookware, which is always a plus.
The Lima collection is a 12-piece set that pretty much has you covered for any cooking-related task. Each piece matches a hard anodized aluminum body with a stainless steel handle, ensuring total dependability. Suitable for both stovetop and oven use, all the pots feature Thermolon non-stick coating, which GreenPan claims will remain intact even when subjected to high temperatures.
The Rio collection is easily the more visually-impressive of the two collections, being available in a few color options. The black-and-cream combo is especially attractive, and should go well with any modern kitchen design.
Like the Lima collection, the Rio set features Thermolon ceramic coating. It also features Bakelite handles that stay cool even when things get heated up in the kitchen. The manufacturer promises efficient heat distribution and consistent cooking results, and the pots do seem to deliver on those promises.
Another welcome feature is the glass lid, which lets you check on the progress of your food without having to let the heat out.
The pots in the Rio line can be used for oven baking and broiling. According to GreenPan, they can withstand temperatures of up to 350° F without releasing harmful toxins. Pretty impressive for cookware that seems designed specifically for stovetop use!
What others are saying
For many users, the GreenPan line strikes the perfect balance between usability and performance. They have a good heft to them that seems to inspire user confidence, although a few users have mentioned how surprisingly light they were considering the robust build.
Most users settled on the GreenPan line after checking out quite a few other non-toxic cookware options. One particular user was looking for a healthier alternative to the Teflon pans they used to own, and the GreenPan line seemed like the perfect choice. Like all non-stick pans however, the extra care and maintenance required took a bit of getting used to.
Bottom-line
The GreenPan sets aren’t the cheapest non-toxic cookware you will find. But they do provide excellent value for the money, and you simply can’t put a premium on ensuring good health. Given the quality construction, safe and efficient performance, and undeniable good looks, GreenPan is easily one of our top picks for best non-toxic cookware.
See their prices and customer reviews @ Amazon
Cuisinart GreenGourmet Overview
Cuisinart is one of the most venerable companies in the kitchen equipment industry. In its more than 35-year history, the company has released a huge array of professional cookware inspired by the finest kitchens in France. With the Cuisinart GreenGourmet line, the company aims to show that, as far as quality kitchen equipment is concerned, Cuisinart is the brand to beat.
The GreenGourmet line is ideally suited to the needs of today’s modern green kitchens. Its hard-anodized cooking surface ensures non-stick performance with no chipping, peeling, or cracking. This cookware can be used on a stovetop as well as in an oven or broiler.
Featured cookware sets/products
Cuisinart’s GreenGourmet line comes in 12-piece and 10-piece sets that include pots, pans, and fryers. This provides you with pretty much all you need to put together a meal for a couple to a couple of dozen hungry people.
Full sets are a bit pricey, so you will be glad to know individual pots and pans are available for purchase at very reasonable prices. You could therefore build up your collection one piece at a time, adding different pots and pans as the need arises.
The hard-anodized construction enables the GreenGourmet cookware to withstand even rigorous daily use. But perhaps the most attractive feature for those concerned about their health is the Cuisinart Ceramica coating. A non-toxic, non-stick ceramic surface, it is applied at much lower temperatures as compare to other non-stick cookware.
The coating has no petroleum content, being a primarily water-based material. It is also free of PTFE and PFOA, both of which have been the subjects of widespread health-related concerns.
GreenGourmet pots and pans are designed for optimum heat conductivity. Compared to other non-toxic cookware, much less energy is required in order to reach optimal cooking temperatures. They are also oven-safe, so you could brown a roast on your stovetop, and then transfer it to your oven for slow cooking.
Riveted stainless steel handles ensure easy handling of even the bigger pots. These handles stay cool even when the rest of the pot gets up to boiling temperatures. Cuisinart claims that the handles can withstand temperatures of up to 500° F.
What others are saying
Many users of the GreenGourmet pots and pans seemed pretty satisfied with their quality and performance…at first. Over time however, a number of issues popped up that made some regret making the purchase.
One particular user reported having used the cookware for months without issue. Even eggs–which are notorious for stubbornly sticking to “non-stick” cookware–slipped off readily even when cooked without oil. After about six months however, the non-stick properties seem to have all but disappeared. Oil was now necessary for cooking even the simplest foods, and clean-up was no longer fast or easy.
More alarmingly, this user–and a few others–reported chipping that steadily worsened over time. For a product line that prides itself on its non-toxicity, GreenGourmet seems to leave a lot to be desired.
Bottom-line
GreenGourmet is initially promising in terms of quality and performance. Over time however, it may not prove to be as durable as claimed. Even if the individual pieces are quite affordable, you would probably be better off looking for another brand of non-toxic cookware.
See their prices and customer reviews @ Amazon
Scanpan Classic Cookware Overview
Scanpan Classic Cookware offers a quality line of cookware that combines the best of modern cooking technology with traditional craftsmanship. The result is elegant and functional cookware that meets the demands of even the most discriminating chefs.
The company’s line of classic cookware combines pressure-cast aluminum with a ceramic-titanium surface. This provides a non-stick surface with outstanding durability and reliability.
As excellent as this cookware is, you can pretty much rely on it for daily use. Easy to clean and able to withstand temperatures of up to 500° F, they are a welcome addition to any kitchen arsenal.
Featured cookware sets/products
The Scanpan Classic line includes a number of different pieces ideally suited for sautéing, frying, roasting, and a variety of other tasks. The Covered Dutch Oven has a 6.5-quart capacity, with a non-toxic, non-stick coating that allows for efficient searing, browning, and deglazing. You can even pop it into the oven and broil or roast your food safely at temperatures of up to 500° F.
The aluminum body ensures that heat is distributed evenly. This results in consistent performance no matter what foods you place in the pot.
According to Scanpan, the pot’s interior coating is considerably harder than stainless steel. It is also resistant to scratching, and is free from PFOA.
The company’s Covered Low Stew Pot is similarly spec’d. It has a capacity of 3 ¾ quarts and a thick bottom that ensures even cooking at lower heats than usual. With its pot, you will find that more consistent results can be achieved as compared to pots with thinner bottoms.
Like the Dutch oven, the stew pot can withstand temperatures of up to 500° F…so yes, you can safely use this stew pot in your oven. Features such as the heat-resistant handle and glass lid ensures safe and reliable use, at much higher temperatures than most other stew pots would be able to handle.
For more general sautéing purposes, the Scanpan Classic Covered Saute Pan is a great choice. With its 3.25 quart capacity, it can hold quite a bit more food and ingredients than your average sautéing pan. The ceramic titanium non-stick surface is amazingly durable, and can even be used with metal utensils. And like all the other pot and pans in the Scanpan Classic line, its non-toxic coating makes it a safe choice for healthy food preparation.
What others are saying
The non-toxic surface is what initially attracted users to the Scanpan Classic line. With regular use, many were subsequently convinced of its excellence, citing its superior non-stick abilities.
This same quality makes the Classic pots and pans very easy to clean. Amazingly low maintenance, the cookware is as durable as they come. One user reported using the same saucepot for over 15 years, with the surface remaining in pretty much the same condition as when he bought it.
One of the few issues brought up about the Scanpan Classic line of cookware is that not all the pots and pans are dishwasher safe. Nevertheless, the non-toxic cooking surface, easy cleanup, and solid reliability were more than enough to make them exceptional values.
Bottom-line
The Scanpan line is truly deserving of classic status. Even though they are priced a bit more than other non-toxic cookware, the price certainly reflects their quality. For this reason, the Classics line is our other top pick for the best non-toxic cookware you can buy.
See their prices and customer reviews @ Amazon
Ozeri Stone Earth Pans Overview
Ozeri is fast making a name for itself with its line of stone-coated non-toxic cookware using the company’s own exclusive coating technology. Called Stonehenge, this particular example of German technology provides durable non-stick performance with no harmful emissions whatsoever. The surface and materials of this cookware conforms to the most stringent German regulations, ensuring a high degree of safety even with regular use.
The company’s Stone Earth pans have an inert coating applied using a process that is free from harmful chemical substances. It is just as durable and resistant to scratching as the finest cookware, and it offers the added advantage of non-stick performance.
Featured cookware sets/products
Stone Earth Pans come in a few different varieties, each ideally suited for specific tasks. There is a fair bit of overlap between the individual pieces, which is nice. Most could easily perform roles other than those for which they were intended.
Take the Stone Earth frying pan, for example. A 12-inch pan with superior heat conduction abilities, it will work just as well over an induction burner as it would on a standard stove top. The pan has a non-toxic stone-derived coating that is free from harmful chemicals such as APEO and PFOA, and even NMP and NEP.
The hardened cooking surface is both non-stick and easy to clean. The bottom of the die-cast aluminum body is magnetic too, which makes it suitable for induction cooking.
Stone Earth also offers the all-in-one sauce pan, which has a generous 5.3 quart capacity. With the same non-toxic cooking surface as the frying pan, it ensures excellent performance without the health risks associated with non-stick cookware with APEO/PFOA/NMP/NEP content.
Like the frying pan, the all-in-one sauce pan is made of high-grade aluminum. Able to conduct and maintain heat to a remarkable degree, it is also suitable for use with induction burners due to the magnetic bottom.
Other features aren’t quite as innovative, but they definitely add to the usability and versatility of these pans. The handle is silicon-coated for comfortable handling even when the contents are at full boil, and there is a convenient side handle as well. The pan also has a tempered glass lid, the knob of which is also heat-resistant.
What others are saying
Users that bought the all-in-one saucepan were impressed to find that it was exactly that: all-in-one. A remarkably versatile and useful cookware, it has proven to be just as effective for cooking soups as it is for handling full roast dinners. One user reported it to be especially effective for caramelizing onions, and that roasts were free of the excessive charring at the bottom of the meat.
Other users cited the effectiveness of the non-stick cooking surface, which made cleanup a cinch. It also has a nice heft to it without being too heavy, which many users definitely appreciated.
The feedback wasn’t all good. One user claims that the fry pan doesn’t get nearly hot enough to sear meat. For users drawn to the pan due to the manufacturer’s claims of achieving hotter temperatures than regular pans, this could prove to be a disappointment.
Bottom-line
Minor issues aside, the Ozeri Stone Earth Pans are pretty impressive for the price. They are among the least expensive non-toxic cookware in this roundup, but they measure up well even against the higher-priced offerings. If you are interested in non-toxic cookware but don’t want to pay a lot of money, you could do worse than the Ozeri Stone Earth line.
See their prices and customer reviews @ Amazon
Ozeri Ceramic Green Earth Pans Overview
Also from Ozeri, the Green Earth Pans line utilizes another inventive example of German cookware technology. Called Greblon, it is a dual ceramic coating that is absolutely free of harmful chemicals.
Green Earth Pans have a pretty unique cooking surface. The ceramic coating is designed in a honeycomb pattern that allows for a bit of air underneath the food. According to Ozeri, these air pockets distribute heat more efficiently, improving the performance of the cookware.
Like Ozeri’s other non-stick products, Green Earth Pans are more resistant to scratches than other non-stick cookware. They can be used for baking and braising just as easily as for frying and sautéing, and cleanup is a breeze.
Featured cookware sets/products
Green Earth offers a 3-piece frying pan set that comes in 8-, 10-, and 12-inch models. They each have a non-toxic cooking surface made of Greblon ceramic, which is totally free of PTFE, PFOA, and APEO. You can therefore use this cookware safely at higher temperatures than usual without worrying about harmful toxins leaching into your food.
The Greblon surface also ensures even heat distribution and non-stick performance. Extremely resistant to scratching, the surface can be cleaned easily without a lot of elbow grease necessary.
If you’ve ever been singed by a hot steel pan handle before, you will be glad to know that all the pans in this set are fitted with a heat-resistant handle coated with silicon. The bottoms are magnetic as well, so they can effectively be used with induction stoves.
The Green Earth All-In-One Sauce Pan boasts of many of the same features as the frying pan set. The same Greblon non-toxic ceramic coating is applied, so you can enjoy your food without worrying about APEO/PFOA/NMP /NEP content.
The sauce pan is equipped with a side handle so you can manage it quite easily even with its considerable weight. Like the frying pans, the handle of the pan is silicon-coated, so no worries about getting inadvertently singed either.
If you are looking for a good-sized non-toxic wok, Ozeri has a 12-inch model that is right up your alley. With a cooking surface that is just as safe, durable, and easy to clean as that of the other cookware in the Green Earth line, this wok is the perfect addition to your collection of non-toxic cookware.
What others are saying
Green Earth pans seem to hold up extremely well to regular use, as many user reviews indicate. Although some users reported a significant reduction in the non-stick properties after a while, this didn’t seem to be the case with a majority of users.
One user reported several months of trouble-free use, even with the pans being subjected to daily wear and tear. This particular user doesn’t even bother washing the pans, only wiping the cooking surface gently with a dish towel after each use.
The pans do require some seasoning on occasion, but certainly not as much as cast-iron cookware. With proper care and use, most users reported months of reliable performance.
Bottom-line
Priced much lower than competing brands from other companies, the Green Earth line provides very decent value for the money. They may need a bit more TLC than most, but there is a definite pay-off to the care and effort that you put into them. Compared with higher-priced non-toxic cookware that wears down even when babied, these are definitely worthy of consideration.
See their prices and customer reviews @ Amazon
GreenLife Cookware Overview
GreenLife offers a few different lines of professional cookware that promise to bring durability and convenience to the home kitchen. Features such as hard anodized bodies ensure perfect heat conduction properties, while innovative non-stick surfaces provide years of safe and reliable performance.
The GreenLife is highlighted by a few different cookware sets, all of which have the trademark quality that the brand has become known for. Capable of performing a variety of roles in the kitchen, they provide many benefits that you would normally expect from much higher-priced cookware. If you are looking for a full set of non-stick cookware, GreenLife has a few options that you should definitely look into.
Featured cookware sets/products
GreenLife offers a varied array of non-toxic cookware, available in sets. There are 6-piece and 12-piece sets available, as well as a 16-piece set that should cover all your cooking needs. These affordably-priced sets have a ceramic-based coating called Thermolon, which does not contain PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. Even if you unintentionally leave the pots at high heat for too long, you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
All the pieces in the non-stick cookware sets feature hard anodized aluminum bodies that are remarkably resistant to heat and rugged use. They can even be used with metal utensils, so they are quite a bit more durable than other non-toxic cookware.
Although most of the pots and pans are primarily intended for stove top use, they can safely be used in an oven without mishap. Even the glass lids can withstand temperatures of up to 492° F, and they effectively lock in moisture, flavor, and nutrients of food.
These pans do require a bit more care and attention than most. Low to medium heat is recommended, and a few drops of oil or a small pat of butter is ideal for ensuring longevity.
If you plan to do a lot of baking, the 6-piece Cookware and Bakeware Set might be better suited to your needs. In addition to a couple of fry pans, the set also includes a cake pan, a cookie sheet, and even two spatulas.
Like the other cookware in the 12- and 16-piece sets, GreenLife bakeware have Thermolon non-stick coatings that do not release harmful toxins even when subjected to the high temperatures of a typical oven. The fry pan can withstand temperatures of up to 350° F, while the other pans can take as much as 450° F without issue.
What others are saying
For many users, the manufacturer’s recommendation to use a bit of oil or butter is right on the money. Some have also found out the hard way that these pans don’t handle high heat very well. Unless kept to low or medium heat, a bit of charring at the bottom of foods is to be expected.
One user was disappointed to find out that the cooking surface touted as being durable and scratch-resistant was actually quite unforgiving. Even used lightly, scratches began to appear on the cooking surface, which worsened over time.
More alarmingly, users of the bakeware noticed considerable chipping after a while. Although the pans did work as advertised for over a year, seeing more and more bits of coating in the food was understandably unacceptable for these users.
Bottom-line
GreenLife could have been a serious contender in the non-toxic cookware stakes. For too many users however, joy ultimately turned to disappointment with the scratching and chipping of the cooking surface. Despite its reasonable price and decent initial performance, the GreenLife line falls just a bit short of the mark.
See their prices and customer reviews @ Amazon
Final thoughts
As you can see, there is a wide variety of non-toxic cookware available at different price points. Be aware though that not all cookware are created equal, regardless of what is mentioned in the manufacturing copy. Some cookware lines deliver excellent performance at the start, only to reveal serious flaws after several months of use. Take the time to choose your non-toxic cookware carefully, and you will be rewarded with years of safe and trouble-free use.