We live in a time where there is no shortage of options when it comes to anything, and cookware is the same in that regard. All these options can easily lead to decision fatigue and confusion because of contradictory opinions. There are so many cookware options on the market. But as more research is done, we are learning that a lot of what has been used to make the cookware that we are cooking all our meals on has been causing negative health effects.

When I was in my very early twenties I had my own health scare that was jarring. Immediately I turned to looking for ways I could make changes in my day-to-day life to help improve my health. One of the first things I started researching was healthy cookware. I became aware of the toxic chemicals put into many of our nonstick cookware options and made changes in my home to what I was exposing myself to.

This has motivated me to help out other people on Curated who have a similar goal of wanting to cook with the peace of mind that their cookware isn’t causing harm to their health. I help eliminate the stress by helping people find the best cookware for them. Because it is a very personal decision.

What Does Non-Toxic Cookware Mean?

Non-toxic cookware isn’t made with harmful substances that could potentially leach into food during cooking or, when overheated, isn’t releasing harmful chemicals into the air. This means it primarily avoids PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, and Teflon. The main goal of non-toxic cookware is to provide cookware that won’t negatively impact someone’s health and/or the environment. This is avoided by not using materials or coatings that could potentially have health risks and sustainably sourcing materials to produce the cookware.

What Are the Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands and Materials?

The main thing you want to look for when searching for the best non-toxic cookware is what materials it is made from. Let’s break this down to some material options that are going to be the best to go with for non-toxic cookware.

1. Stainless Steel

High-quality stainless steel is an excellent option for non-toxic cookware. This material is resistant to rust and corrosion and doesn’t leach harmful substances into food. Stainless steel is typically made up of iron, carbon, chromium, silicon, and molybdenum. A major plus about cooking with stainless steel is that you can cook at higher temperatures without worrying about any toxins emitting from your cookware, and you can easily transfer from stovetop to oven. Keep in mind that stainless steel does not have a nonstick coating; therefore, it might take some time to get used to learning the cooking techniques to optimize your experience.

Products to consider:

Demeyere Industry 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This set is made of 18/10 stainless steel, meaning it contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This makes the stainless steel rustproof, and it will hold its polish over time. It features a sturdy five-ply construction and a thick aluminum core, ensuring even heating across your pots and pans. The flat base makes this set suitable for all cooktops, including induction.

What’s included:

• 9.5-inch fry pan
• 11-inch fry pan
• 2-quart covered saucepan
• 4-quart covered saucepan
• 3-quart covered sauté pan
• 8-quart covered stockpot

Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set

This set features a triple-ply stainless steel construction that is made with premium stainless steel to offer durability and reliability. The triple-ply construction ensures even heat distribution as well. This set is heavy enough to be durable but not so heavy that it is difficult to work with.

What’s included:

• 8-inch fry pan
• 10-inch fry pan
• 2.25-quart covered saucepan
• 3.3-quart covered saucepan
• 4-quart covered stock pot
• 5.2-quart covered sauté pan
• 8-quart covered stockpot with stainless steel colander strainer

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set from All-Clad features a traditional triple-ply construction with an aluminum core bonded with two layers of stainless steel. This maximizes the durability of your cookware and ensures even and fast heat distribution across your pots and pans. This set is made in the USA and is backed by All Clad’s limited lifetime warranty.

What’s included:

• 8-inch fry pan
• 10-inch fry pan
• 2-quart covered saucepan
• 3-quart covered saucepan
• 3-quart covered sauté pan
• 8-quart covered stockpot

2. Cast Iron

Cast iron cookware is known for its longevity, heat retention, and durability. Made primarily of iron and carbon, over time cast iron will form a natural nonstick coating when properly seasoned. This makes it a reliable option for non-toxic cooking as there are no potentially harmful coatings. Small amounts of iron can be transferred from the cookware to your food during cooking, which is a major advantage for people who have iron deficiencies. One thing to note: Avoid cooking with acidic foods, such as tomato products, as they can break down the seasoning layer and cause your food to have a metallic taste.

Products to consider:

Lodge 5-Piece Cast Iron Set

Made entirely out of cast iron, with proper maintenance, this cookware set could last well past your lifetime and could be passed on for generations. Safe to use on all cooktops, including induction, cast iron tolerates high heat extremely well. You can crank up the heat on the stovetop with your cast iron skillet, and it can also tolerate an oven broiler extremely well.

What’s included:

• 5-quart seasoned covered cast iron Dutch oven
• 10.5-inch seasoned cast iron griddle
• 10.25-inch seasoned cast iron skillet
• 8-inch seasoned cast iron skillet

Staub Cast Iron 4-Piece Stackable Set, Matte Black

This unique stacking set is unlike most other cookware on the market. Included in this set are a lid, grill pan, braiser, and round cocotte that can easily stack within one another to help save valuable kitchen storage space. You don’t even have to worry about scratching your cookware as you're stacking it, because they come with attachable rubber bumpers to help protect them. Each item is made of cast iron and ensures exceptional heat retention.

What’s included:

• 5.25-quart round cocotte
• 3.5-quart braiser
• 10-inch grill pan
• A universal lid

3. Enameled Cast Iron

Similar to cast iron, enameled cast iron is primarily made of iron and carbon. The enamel coating is typically made out of a layer of glass. The powdered glass is merged with the cast iron to create a nonreactive cooking surface.

Products to consider:

Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron 5-Piece Set, Oyster

This set from Le Creuset is one to take notice of. It includes their iconic Dutch oven, skillet, and a saucepan. Made from enameled cast iron, each of these cookware items is durable and built to last. And the set comes in many beautiful and striking color options to choose from.

What’s included:

• 5.5-quart round Dutch oven
• 1.75-quart covered saucepan
• 9-inch skillet

Lodge 7.5-Quart Blue Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is a cookware item that can accomplish many things. Keep it on your stovetop to make soups, slow cook meat in the oven, bake bread — the list could go on. This Dutch oven comes in many attractive color options, features a nonreactive glass cooking surface, and is available in a variety of sizes.

What’s included:

• Enameled cast iron Dutch oven with sizing options ranging from 4.5qt-7.5qt

4. Ceramic

Typically ceramic cookware is made from a mixture of clay and water. The nonporous surface won’t react with your food or release any harmful chemicals when heated. Ceramic cookware is an exceptional nonstick cookware alternative to traditional nonstick.

Products to consider:

GreenPan Reserve 10-Piece Set

A reliable option for healthier cooking, this GreenPan cookware set is free of PFOA, PFOS, lead, and cadmium. The exclusive Thermolon ceramic nonstick coating is reinforced with diamonds for extra durability, making it scratch resistant and safe to use with metal utensils. This set is oven safe up to 600°F, dishwasher safe, and comes in several color options.

What’s included:

• 2-quart covered saucepan
• 6-quart stockpot with straining lid
• 8-quart covered stockpot
• 8-inch fry pan
• 11-inch fry pan
• 2.8-quart covered sauté pan

Caraway Home 7-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This set is made of an aluminum core, stainless steel handles, and a ceramic nonstick coating. The chemical-free ceramic coating ensures your peace of mind knowing you aren’t emitting any toxic fumes when cooking. This set comes in a variety of colors so you can easily find one that fits nicely in your kitchen.

What’s included:

• 10.5-inch fry pan (shares lid with the Dutch oven)
• 3-quart covered saucepan
• 6.5-quart covered Dutch oven
• 4.5-quart covered sauté pan
• 4 magnetic pan racks
• Canvas lid holder with storage hooks

Hopefully, this breakdown has been helpful and offered some insight into what to look for when shopping for healthy, non-toxic cookware. It’s frustrating that the responsibility has fallen to the consumer to read all the labels and do research to find out what brands are having safe practices. If you need further assistance or would like to learn more about any of these cookware lines I’ve suggested, send a message to a Kitchen Expert here at Curated. We’d love to help you get set up with a cookware that you feel confident with.