Best Non Toxic Cookware Types & Brand Recommendations (2024) (2024)

In this roundup of the best non toxic cookware brands, we’ve tested and reviewed safe non-stick pans, as well as cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel and more, so you can find the healthiest cookware that works best for your family.

From our mom’s advice to the doctor’s office, we’ve always been told that healthy eating is the backbone of a healthy lifestyle. And cooking healthy food at home is pretty much the backbone of healthy eating, right?

But cue the record scratch when I say that some of the cookware you are using in your kitchen is not helping your healthy eating efforts at all – in fact, it might be hurting it.

In this post we will take a look at the health concerns with many types of cookware and then I’ll share the best non toxic cookware brands that I’ve found in my many years of cooking! I’ve been lucky enough to test out many types and brands of cookware and I’m spilling the beans on them all in this cookware review post.

At Mindful Momma we only endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and honestly love. We may receive commissions from affiliate links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure

Why Non Toxic Cookware is Important

How could something as healthy as cooking be harming our health? Sadly, it’s because cooking pans (and most products available on the market today) are not well regulated for safety. Because of this, companies are able to use chemicals and manufacturing processes that either have not been tested for safety or in some cases, have been shown to be harmful but have not been outright banned.

4 Things to AVOID in Cookware

Let’s take a look at the biggest health concerns with cookware:

1.) AVOID: Non Stick Coatings

The coatings used to create traditional Teflon-style non-stick cookware contain perfluorinated compounds (known as PFAS), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which have beenlinked to cancer, elevated cholesterol, hormone disruption and other health issues. Heat causes the chemicals to break down and release toxic fumes into the air.

Over time the nonstick coatings can get scratched and start to peel, so that you may be ingesting some of that nasty stuff. On top of that, PFOAs don’t biodegrade, meaning they will always be in the environment and have been shown to accumulate in our bodies (more about health risks from PFAS contamination). Traditional non-stick pans or Teflon cookware are the #1 type of cookware you should swap out right away.*

*Note: Beware non-stick cookware that claims to be PFOA-free. It probably contains PTFE, which is likely just as bad!

2.) AVOID: Aluminum

Aluminum is a fantastic heat conductor but there are concerns that cooking directly on aluminum could cause neurological issues in some people. This argument is hotly debated but to be safe, keep cooking in exposed aluminum to a minimum, especially when cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus. Aluminum that is “sandwiched” in between layers of stainless steel is fine because the aluminum does not touch the food.

3.) AVOID: Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like lead & cadmiumare sometimes detected in colored enamel pans – especially the reds and oranges. A brand new pan is probably not a problem, but once the surface has been scratched or chipped, heavy metal leaching may occur.

4.) AVOID: Nanoparticles

Ceramic non-stick cookware is increasingly popular but there is some concern about nanoparticles of titanium dioxide used in cheap “quasi-ceramic” coatings that may be released due to scratches and wear and tear of the coating over time (source). That said, there are no conclusive studies on this. Choose ceramic non-stick cookware brands that are transparent about manufacturing and perform third-party safety testing.

Healthiest Cookware Types

To say we love to cook at our house is an understatement. For my husband and myself and even for our two boys, cooking is not only nourishment, it is entertainment, a fun hobby, an obsession, a great way to procrastinate….and most importantly, cooking is LOVE!!

We own MANY cooking pots and pans. Too many probably, but we have a hard time being minimalist in the kitchen. The good news is, I’ve tested out many pots and pans in order to help you find the best quality, safe cookware around! Be assured that the non toxic pans I mention below are those that I highly recommend.

Below are my favorite brands for healthy, non-toxic cookware (including the best non-toxic cookware sets) for each of these types of cookware:

• Cast iron cookware
• Stainless steel cookware
• 100% ceramic cookware
• Ceramic non-stick cookware
• Porcelain enamel cast iron cookware
• Carbon steel cookware
• Copper cookware

Let’s get started!

1.) Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware is like your reliable friend – it’s always there for you when you need it. Cast iron is known for great heat retention – just be sure to heat it up slowly to avoid burning.

The best cast iron cookware in my opinion, is just plain cast iron, without other coatings. Avoid thin or cheap cast iron as it might burn foods quickly. Many cast iron pans come pre-seasoned, making it easy to get started without a hassle. I’ve busted some common myths about cast iron on the blog as well.

Favorite Cast Iron Cookware Brand: Lodge

Why I love Lodge Cast Iron Cookware:

• High quality, pre-seasoned cast iron without any coatings that is made to last forever.
• All of their seasoned cast iron is made in the USA.
• Whether you are looking for one cast iron pan or many, Lodge is a great brand!

Suggested products from Lodge Cookware:

• 5 quart covered deep skillet
• Reversible grill/griddle (I recommend everyone have one of these – we use ours all the time!)
• Essential pan set
• 14 inch wok

Shop Lodge Cookware

Other Popular Cast Iron Cookware Brands

• Stargazer – I haven’t personally tried Stargazer, but I have heard great things! Stargazer claims to be smoother, lighter and safer than other cast iron brands.
• Field Company – Another brand that I have yet to try but has a great reputation for lightweight and smoothly finished cast iron pans.
• See section on enameled cast iron below for more suggestions.

2.) Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is the darling of the cooking world. It’s super durable, safe to use, easy to clean and beautiful to look at! You can also cook with stainless steel pans at high heat. The best stainless steel cookware is made from high quality 18/10 stainless and has an aluminum core (aluminum is a great heat conductor), but is completely encased in stainless steel.

Avoid cheap stainless steel cookware that might not hold up over time. There is some concern about the nickel and chromium in stainless steel as a very small number of people are sensitive to it – but most of us can use stainless cookware without concern.

Another Great Stainless Steel Cookware Brand:All Clad Stainless Steel

Why I love All Clad Cookware:

• Stainless steel with an aluminum core
• All Clad pans heat quickly and evenly
• I love how easy they are to clean.
• They last! I bought my first All Clad pan when I worked for a cooking store in college and we got more for our wedding!
• All Clad is an excellent brand that is headquartered in Pennsylvania and the stainless steel line is made in the USA.
• Some people ask – Is All Clad non toxic? – and the answer is YES!

Suggested products from All Clad:

• 12 inch saute pan
• 3 quart sauce pan
• 10-piece set

Buy All Clad stainless steel cookware direct

More High Quality Stainless Steel Cookware Brands

• Quince – Professional-grade Italian cookware constructed with five layers of stainless steel and aluminum for even heat distribution and maximum durability.
• Calphalon – A 3-layer construction of stainless steel with an aluminum core. Easy to find at Target and other local stores.

3.) 100% Ceramic Cookware

Take a trip to any store that sells cookware and you’ll probably see the term ceramic on some of the pots and pans. Stop right there, because most of that cookware is not 100% ceramic but rather has a ceramic coating applied to the cooking surface of the pan – whether the pan is aluminum, cast iron or stainless steel (see below for more info on ceramic coated pans). But what I’m talking about here is 100% pure ceramic cookware. This type of ceramic is not a coating, it is ceramic pottery through and through.

4.) Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware

Ceramic coated cookware has emerged as a popular replacement to traditional Teflon nonstick pans. Ceramic coatings are made from silicon (not to be confused with silicone), which is basically sand, and do not use any Teflon coatings – PFOA, PTFE or anything in the PFAS category. Ceramic coated pans are considered to be much safer than old school non-stick pans and use 60% less CO2 in manufacturing.

However, from what I’ve read and learned through experience, it is important to choose high quality ceramic coated cookware over cheaper versions. Not all ceramic coatings are created equal.

Because of these concerns, if you feel the need to have a non-stick pan in your kitchen, I recommend sticking with brands that have been certified by third party testing to meet food contact standards set by the U.S. and Europe and to be free from heavy metals and other contaminants.

A downside of ceramic non-stick pans is that they are not built to last a lifetime, like stainless steel or cast iron. Over time, the coating can get scratched and you will need to replace the pans.Personally, I use my ceramic-coated pans when I really need the non-stick feature (eggs for example), and I stick with stainless steel or cast iron for the majority of my cooking.

See below for more recommendations of the best non-stick cookware that is free from PFAS-type chemicals.

Favorite Ceramic Cookware Set: Caraway

Why I love Caraway Cookware:

First of all, Caraway Cookware is gorgeous! But it performs really well too – and in our kitchen, our pans work HARD! The aluminum core allows the pans to heat evenly and the non-toxic ceramic coating means it’s great for all the non-stick cooking we need to do. If you really want a nonstick cookware set, then this is it! (individual cookware items are also available)

• Made with an aluminum core, stainless steel base & handles, and a non-stick, mineral based coating
• Third-party tested for lead, cadmium, PTFE (Teflon^®), PFOA and other harmful chemicals
  • California Prop 65 leaching tests for heavy metals
  • LFGB test report for PFOA, PFOS, and extractable metals
  • FDA leaching tests for lead and cadmium
  • NSL Analytical PTFE detection test
• Oven safe up to 500 degrees
• Works on any type of cooktop including induction
• Set comes with handy pan and lid storage solution
• Comes in five beautiful colors (we were gifted a set of Sage by the company)
• Nonstick pots and pans can be purchased individually as well
• Manufactured in ethical factories in China

Other Popular Ceramic Non Stick Cookware Brands

• Greenpan – Another popular brand of non stick ceramic cookware that is Greenpan. It is easily found on Amazon and is sold in many stores.
• Cuisinart – Cuisinart Culinary Collection uses a PURELYCERAMIC nonstick coating

5.) Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron Cookware

Enameled cookware pans marry the heat retention and durability of cast iron with a hard porcelain enamel glaze that is baked onto the surface (both interior and exterior) of the pan.

Because of some concern that heavy metals like lead and cadmium could leach from enamel coated pans (especially from brightly colored pans), you should be careful to purchase only from reputable sources and discontinue use if the interior surface gets chipped.

Favorite Enamel Cast Iron Brand:Le Creuset

Why I love Le Crueset Cookware:

• I inherited two Le Creuset pans from my mother – a large skillet and an oval baking dish. Both are amazing for cooking and the baking dish is lovely for serving as well.
• LeCreuset cast iron is still made in France.
• We love our LeCreuset dutch ovens!
• LeCreuset is not cheap, but well worth the investment in my opinion!

Suggested products from Le Creuset:

• 11 3/4 inch Signature Skillet
• Cast Iron Square Grill
• Round Dutch Oven

Shop Le Crueset direct

Shop Le Creuset

More Recommended Enameled Cast Iron Brands:

• Cast Iron Always Pan – If you are only going to buy one cast iron pan, you should seriously consider this one – it’s the perfect size for so many cooking jobs and comes in some pretty colors. We LOVE this pan for giving a nice sear to cooked meat.
• Made In Cookware
• Staub Cast Iron

6.) Carbon Steel Cookware

Carbon Steel cookware is very popular in commercial kitchens and is gaining popularity in home kitchens – for good reason! Here’s why you might want to give carbon steel cookware a try:

• Quick temperature response, great for searing steaks or quick cooking stir frys
• Very lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Extremely durable – can withstand high temperatures and can even be used on a campfire

7.) Copper Cookware

Copper is an excellent conductor of heat. It heats quickly and the heat spreads throughout the pan evenly, allowing food to cook uniformly without hot spots. Copper is an essential mineral for the human body, but because too much of it could cause health problems, copper pans are almost always lined with another material.

High quality copper cookware is typically lined with a thin layer of tin. The tin is non-reactive and does not interfere with the heat conduction of the copper. Tin is also naturally non-stick, an added bonus for this popular type of cookware.

Favorite Copper Cookware brand: Sertodo

Why I love Sertodo Copper Cookware:

• This heavy-guage, tin-lined copper cookware is not only gorgeous but it is a joy to cook with!
• The lightweight handles are heat resistant and easy to hold on to.
• Copper cookware is an investment, but it is meant to last a lifetime!

Suggested products from Sertodo:

• Sertodo Copper 3-Quart Fry Pan with lid
• Sertodo Copper Skillet Pan

Shop Sertodo Copper

Best Non Toxic Cookware FAQs

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Do you have a favorite non-toxic cookware brand? I’d love to hear what it is!