More of us are becoming aware of the potential toxins that lurk in our pots, pans and casseroles.

These toxins are chemicals or elements that have been added to pans during the manufacturing process. They aim to make the cookware more convenient for us to use, for example by giving non-stick surfaces or stronger cookware.

When we cook food in them though, some of these substances react with food and leach into it. Depending on what the chemical or substance is, it may have harmful health effects on us over time.

After a few studies found that a chemical used in non-stick cookware was potentially carcinogenic, people have become more cautious when choosing cookware. Finding safer materials for the pots and pans we cook with every day has become a priority.

It’s all the more important to choose cookware free from toxins if you have babies or young children that you cook for every day. Babies and children have much smaller bodies and they tend to be more sensitive to these toxins.

So what should you look for when choosing cookware? Here are the main chemicals or elements to watch out for, followed by the safer cookware materials on the market.

What Should You Avoid In Cookware?

Although research is still on-going for some of these, keep an eye out for these substances.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid). This chemical was used to make Teflon originally until research raised health concerns. It’s been classed as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’. Both PFOA and closely related chemicals like PFOS have since been banned in cookware.

Teflon or PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). This is a man-made chemical currently used in Teflon products. Although it’s considered stable and non-reactive, it can breakdown at very high temperatures (over 570°F or 300°C). When this happens it releases fumes and toxic chemicals into the air. Some of these gases are even considered to be potentially carcinogenic.

GenX. GenX is a chemical compound which was created to replace PFOA in Teflon cookware. However, initial studies and research on lab rats are showing that it could be just as harmful as PFOA. Changes in immune responses, reproductive problems and cancer are some of the effects it’s being linked to. Research is on-going and isn’t yet conclusive.

Lead and Cadmium. These heavy metals were used in earlier years to make glass cookware more durable. They were also used in the glaze on ceramic cookware surfaces to protect them from damage. This was until we found that lead and cadmium also leach into foods during cooking. There are now set levels of lead that cookware can contain. Look for brands that are ‘lead-free’ or at least those regulated by the FDA.

Copper. While copper is an excellent cooking material – being a great conductor of heat – it can’t have direct contact with food. Copper reacts with the food, leaching into it and it’s considered to be a toxin when ingested. All copper cookware is now plated with either tin or stainless steel to stop it from touching the food.

What is the Safest Cookware for your Health?

Traditional cookware materials like cast iron, stainless steel and ceramic are considered to be the safest to cook with nowadays.

It’s important to note though that no cookware is perfect. Even the more natural materials have things to watch out for. We go into what these are for each one further on.

Still, these materials are a better choice if you want to avoid non-stick cookware. As well as the bigger health concerns that surround the chemical coatings used on cookware today.

Cooking with Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for cookware as it is free from chemicals such as PFOA and PTFE. It’s also:

• Extremely Durable. Quality steel cookware can last over a decade and it’s not easy to chip or scratch. This is unlike many non-stick surfaces on pans which can flake within a few years.
• Good Heat Distribution. Quality stainless steel cookware is made so that it can distribute the heat evenly across the surface.

The core of steel pans are actually made of aluminium or copper as these are better heat conductors. The stainless steel then covers this core to make the pans stronger and more durable.

Are there Chemicals in Stainless Steel Cookware?

There aren’t man-made chemicals like PFOA and PTFE in stainless steel.

What does leach into the food are certain amounts of chromium and nickel which our body takes in as trace elements.

This happens because stainless steel is combined with chromium and other metals like nickel to make it stronger and more durable. To give an idea, all stainless steel has a minimum of 10% chromium in it.

The health effects of having more chromium or nickel in our diet are inconclusive, although elevated levels could be linked to dermatitis and allergies. 

When choosing stainless steel cookware it’s advised to:

• choose high quality stainless steel cookware as this has been shown to reduce the risk of leaching.
• avoid stainless steel cookware if you have chromium or nickel sensitivity or allergies.

Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe?

Despite these concerns over stainless steel leaching chromium or nickel, it’s still considered one of the safest cooking materials to use.

It’s strength and even heat distribution, free from chemical coatings, make it a preferred choice for many families and professional chefs too.

Which Brand is Good for Stainless Steel Cookware?

Italian-made Stainless Steel Cookware

Sardel is an Italian-manufactured cookware brand that has been bringing quality, professional grade cookware into US homes.

With a 5 ply construction they have a a 3 ply (3 layer) aluminium core for good heat conductivity (rather than the usual 1 layer). This means the pans cook food more evenly, without hotspots.

Their design and quality have a number of celebrity chefs raving about their range. They have been featured in publications like Esquire, Good Housekeeping, and Bazaar.

What we love about this set: 

We especially love their non-stick skillet which uses a steel infused coating and a honeycomb texture on the surface to give it non-stick properties. It’s completely PFOA-free too.

What do customer’s say?

Sardel only has reviews on their own website but of these 118 reviews from their customers they got a full 5 out of 5 stars. 

Users commented on their cookware being: 

• Good value for money
• High quality cookware
• Giving even heat distribution
• Great customer service

Made In Cookware

Made In is a kitchenware brand, known for being used in three-Michelin-star restaurants around America. Their goal is to bring professional grade cookware into home kitchens everywhere. 

Their pans are made with 5 ply stainless steel construction. This means that, like Sardel, they have a 3 layer aluminium core with stainless steel layers above and below it (to make 5 layers in total).

This gives the pans great heat conductivity so that they can cook the food evenly and without hotspots.

What we love about this set: 

We love Made In’s frying pans using Carbon Steel. This is a hybrid of a cast iron skillet and stainless steel frying pan.

It’s been used in professional French kitchens for years as it conducts heat like cast iron pans but has the lightness of stainless steel.

You can’t clean it in the dishwasher but otherwise it promises to give you the perfect sear to steaks, fish and vegetables.

Made In Cookware Reviews

Across 6,485 reviews from Made In’s own website, their cookware received 4.9 stars out of 5. 

Users commented on Made In cookware being:

• High-quality
• Easy to clean
• Giving even heating during cooking
• Giving an improved taste to food
• Being the ideal weight for cookware
• Having good customer service

Le Creuset Stainless Collection 

Le Creuset is one of the world’s best loved cookware companies, known for their cast iron collection which will we go into in more detail about below. They have a great stainless steel cookware collection as well.

Their stainless steel pots have a 3 ply construction (as opposed to the 5 ply of Sardel and Made In above). This means that they have one aluminium layer in their core instead of three.

We tested the cooking quality of this collection and we found it to be very good. Each piece conducts heat well and cooks evenly so we did not see an issue with it having fewer layers. The pans are also very durable and last for many years. 

What we love about this set:

We love the simple, classic design of these saucepans, with their efficient wide bases. The handles are hollow to prevent overheating, which can be a concern with stainless steel cookware. 

Le Creuset Reviews

Across 514 reviews from 2 independent websites this set received an average of 4.8 stars out of 5. 

Users commented on Le Creuset’s:

• Quality of cookware
• Even heat distribution
• Good looking design

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron is one of the oldest cookware materials and has been used by people for thousands of years.

Pure iron is quite soft, so it’s combined with carbon to make harder cast iron. Even after this process, the pans remain 96-98% iron so they’re still a very pure material to cook with.

For this reason cast iron is often the first choice of cookware for those looking for toxin free pots and pans.

What are the Disadvantages of Cast Iron Cookware?

Some studies have found that iron from cast iron pans can leach into our food through cooking.

Iron is a mineral which our body needs in the right amounts. So leaching could be a concern if you already take in high levels of iron from your diet or supplements. As your overall iron levels could get too high.

On the other hand many of us are actually iron deficient, and don’t take in enough iron from our diets.

Since iron is needed for essential functions in the body, having some extra iron in our diet from our cookware could be a good thing for some of us.

Also, while Cast Iron may be the most natural cookware, there are some concerns about it being more inconvenient to use than other materials:

• Cast iron pans need seasoning. You need to coat them with oil and heat them for an hour before use. This is to seal the surface and prevent it from rusting.
• Cast iron pans can stain stone countertops. If cast iron pans are left on stone or composite countertops with even a little water on them, they could leave rust rings around the base. These rings are very difficult to remove, so you need to be careful where you set them down.
• Cast iron pans are heavy.

Is Cast Iron a Good Cookware to Use?

While they may not be as convenient to use as other materials, cast iron pans are the purest and healthiest material you can cook with.

They’re the number one choice for many people who want the most natural and authentic cookware.

What is the Best Cast Iron Cookware?

Cuisinel Cast Iron Set

Cuisinel is an American company that aims to offer quality stainless steel cookware at affordable prices. 

Their priority is to make pots and pans that are healthier and safer to cook with.

What we love about this set:

This set has a lot going for it including precision heat distribution, good craftsmanship and silicone hot handle covers. 

What really sets this set apart from its competitors is the price — it’s pretty rare to find a set of such high-quality cast iron pans for the affordable price of $99.99 for a 3 pan set.  

Cuisinel Reviews

Across 1,398 reviews from 2 independent websites (Amazon and Wayfair), this set received 4.7 stars out of 5. 

Users commented on the cookware’s:

• Versatility
• Natural non-stick properties
• Crusty crust capabilities (in the case of their pizza pan)
• That it rarely stained or had rust

Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware

Le Creuset is one of the world’s best known cookware manufacturers with their Cast Iron casseroles being synonymous with the brand.

Le Creuset began in 1925 when 2 industrialists met at the Brussels fair. One was a cast iron specialist, the other an enamelling expert.

Together they created enamelled cast iron. This meant that – among other things – their cast iron casseroles could now be colorful additions to the kitchen.

They have a classic French design so that the pots look great in the kitchen. However they’re best known for being durable and chip resistant, lasting many years. 

Why is Le Creuset so Expensive?

Le Creuset cookware is considered to be a lifetime range. You buy it once and it will last you for many years without cracking, peeling or needing replacing.

Their website even says that they intend for their cookware to be passed down through generations.

This durability together with the fact the Le Creuset has designer status in the world of cookware – due to the French cottage style of its collection – is what justifies the price people pay for their sets. 

What we love about this set:

We love the style and quality of Le Creuset cookware. It gives the best of both worlds with long-lasting cookware and great looking casseroles and pans. 

Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Cookware Reviews

Across 243 reviews from 2 independent websites this cookware got an average of 4.8 stars out of 5. 

Users loved the:

• Look and design of the cookware
• It’s durability
• Heaviness of the pots that felt sturdy
• Quality of the cookware

Staub Cast Iron

Staub originates in Alscace, France and is best known for their cast iron cookery. They also have some ceramic oven baking dishes. 

Their cast iron cocottes are stylish and colorful, much like Le Creuset’s. They also have a tight-fitting lids which are meant to help lock in the flavors. 

What we love about this brand: 

We love the design of Staub’s cast iron pots and pans which set it apart from other brands. It’s the design of the Cocotte’s ‘self basting’ lids though that is really unique.

These lids have small bumps on the underside, which means that as you’re cooking moisture is constantly dripping from the lid back into the food. We thought this was a brilliant design that doesn’t exist on other casserole lids. 

Staub Cookware Reviews

Across 846 reviews from 2 independent websites, this set received an average of 4.9 stars out of 5. 

Users commented on Staub’s:

• Great looking design (some just liked to look at it!)
• Very little oil or water needed for cooking
• The lid design which gave a better quality of cooking
• Cocotte was the ideal size for family of four
• Easy to use and clean

Ceramic Cookware

Ceramic cookware is another alternative to traditional non-stick pans.

Ceramic is a material that has been used for hundreds of years in cookware. It is essentially clay which has been hardened by heat and fire. On its own completely safe to eat off of.

The problem arises when a coating is added to the surface of ceramic cookware.

This is needed to stop the ceramic from being damaged or discoloured over time, or to give it non-stick qualities. Sometimes though this layer contains nasty chemicals as well.

In the past the concern was that the heavy metals cadmium and lead were being added to ceramic cookware coatings. These heavy metals would then leach into foods when the casserole reached high temperatures.

Today the levels of heavy metals in cookware are better regulated but you should still check what exactly goes into this coating to avoid any other unwanted chemicals.

What are the pros and cons of ceramic cookware?

Ceramic is lightweight and easy to clean. As a material it’s totally safe to eat off.

However it is a bit less durable than other materials, it can have different kinds of coatings added to its surface and as a material it’s not quite as good at distributing heat evenly.

Some companies have created ceramic cookware with better coatings, such as those made from silicon, which don’t give off harmful chemicals.

This can make ceramic cookware a healthier option and it has risen in popularity again as one of the safer cookware materials.

Which ceramic cookware is best?

GreenPan

GreenPan was created by 2 schoolfriends who were shocked to learn about the toxins that non-stick pans released when overheated.

They wanted to create a better alternative which was non-stick but still healthy.

After a lot of research they found a material called Thermolon which they could use as a coating for their ceramic cookware.

It is made mainly of silicon and doesn’t contain the worrying elements of lead and cadmium, or the chemicals PFOS and PFOA.

This silicon coating also gives their pans a non stick finish.

What we love about this set:

We love this unique material Thermolon, which gives some non-stick qualities to their pans in a safer way.

Greenpan Reviews

Greenpan cookware got an average of 4.2 stars out of 5 from 201 reviews from 3 independent sites.

Users tended to comment on:

• Attractive design of the cookware
• Quality of the pans
• Easy to clean and use
• Non-stick qualities
• The taste of the food

A small minority of users wanted the pans to be more durable or weren’t completely happy with the non-stick qualities, but the majority were very happy with their sets..

It’s a range which is both economical and convenient to cook with while using more natural options for their coatings.

Cuisinart GreenGourmet

Cuisinart is a well-respected American cookware brand made famous by the likes of Julia Child and James Beard. They have a range of different kitchen appliances and cookware, but their most recent cookware range, GreenGourmet is putting green values first.

It’s an eco friendly range. They use their exclusive technology: Cuisinart Ceramica to make their pans non-stick. This is a Petrolium-free base which is also PTFE and PFOA free.

The handles are made from 70% recycled stainless steel and are designed to stay cool during cooking.

Cuisinart aim to provide users with more than just products — they also offer recipes, cooking tips, and more.

What we love about this set:

We love that the GreenGourmet is so eco friendly. They have even designed this range so that the pans need less heat in order to heat up.

This is done using their Ceramica material. The handles too are made of mostly recycled stainless steel.

Cuisinart GreenGourmet Reviews

From 823 reviews across 3 websites (including Cuisinart’s own site) the GreenGourmet range scored an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.

Users commented on the cookware’s:

• Fast cooking times
• Non-stick nature
• Even heating
• Great looking design
• Ease of cleaning

While the non-stick coating did work, a small minority found that it faded over time.

Overall this is a great option for those looking for healthier non-stick cookware.

Glass Cookware

Glass is a great cookware material for those looking for a non-toxic cookware option.

It doesn’t have any chemical coatings added to it and it doesn’t react with acidic foods during cooking in the way that other materials too.

It does have some disadvantages though. The main concern is that any glass cookware could break or chip which could be a danger.

In the past lead and cadmium were also used to make the glass tougher, until it was found that these elements were leaching into foods.

These days the levels of these heavy metals are regulated much more. But it’s still always worth checking for lead content in any glass cookware you are considering.

Is Glass Safe for Cooking?

As a material glass is safe for cooking with. The concerns with glass are more to do with it being fragile than with any chemicals being added to it.

Avoid dramatic temperature changes to prevent cracking and choose a reliable brand of cookware to go with.

Glass also tends to conduct heat well but isn’t great at distributing it evenly.

This together with it being quite fragile, mean that glass cookware tends to be used for oven cooking rather than for stovetop cooking. Although we do have one exciting brand below which is designed for stovetop use.

What is the Best Glass Cookware?

Visions Dutch Oven Set

Visions is a unique French cookware brand that uses a glass ceramic material called Pyroceram.

This gives their glass the ability to go through extreme changes in temperature – like those seen on a stovetop – while staying tough and long lasting.

As the material is a natural, non-porous glass that does not react with food, it’s one of the cleaner options for non-toxic cookware.

This material can be used on gas and electric hobs, in the oven, in the microwave, and under a broiler.

It’s also built to be stain resistant and durable.

Visions glass cookware is completely free from lead.

What we love about this set:

We lovethe stovetop casseroles and how you can actually see what you’re cooking.

The same pot can be used with food in many ways, from cooking to serving to being returned to the fridge for storage.

Visions Cookware Reviews

Visions scored 4.55 stars from 168 reviews on Amazon.

Users commented on the:

• Handy transparent design
• Healthiness of the material
• Great style of the pieces

Some found the pieces were a little heavy or tended to get hot. Most found these to be a really unique cookware option though.

The material itself is one of the cleanest that we’ve reviewed, with no chemical coatings or substances leaching into food.

Libbey Glass Cookware

Libbey specializes in creating beautiful glassware including wine glasses. They also create quality glass bakeware. Their dishes and casseroles are designed for oven rather than stovetop use.

Although their cookware can’t be used on stovetops, they’re durable enough to be used in the oven, microwave, fridge and freezer. They can also be dishwasher-cleaned.

Libbey also makes their cookware completely lead free and the pieces have lovely designs with grip handles.

They also offer great value as a 5-piece set costs just $34.99.

What we love about this dish:

We love that these dishes are completely lead free and still very durable.

One reviewer said she had accidentally dropped on of these dishes on the floor 3 times and it had never broken (although maybe this shouldn’t be tried at home!)

Libbey Glass Cookware Reviews

Libbey got an average of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 506 reviews from 2 independent websites. 96% of of their Amazon reviewers gave their cookware 4 or 5 stars.

Users commented on the cookware being:

• Perfect size for dishes
• Gave an even cooking
• Versatile pieces that could be used in the oven and fridge.

As with any glass cookware it is heavier than other lightweight materials.

Overall we found the review ratings for this range very impressive for the quality and cost of the set.

Pyrex

Pyrex is a world famous glassware company. The material itself is lab-made for exceptionally strong and durable products.

Pyrex all began back in 1915 with a company that was creating toughened glass by combining it with boron oxide. The wife of an engineer at the company had become frustrated when all of her cookware would break after one use.

She started experimenting with the glass products of her husband’s company in her cooking. It was a huge success and after she tested it across many dishes, she convinced them to consider branching into cookware. From this Pyrex was born.

Pyrex is also known for being extremely resistant to chemicals and temperature changes, making it a good option for non-toxic cookware.

Some Pyrex products do still have tiny levels of lead in them but these are very low at 0.1 part per million. So although it is technically there it is only in these trace amounts.

What we love about this set:

We love how tough and versatile Pyrex dishes are. You can cook, serve and store food in the fridge all in the same dish.

Pyrex Glass Cookware Reviews

Pyrex glass cookware scored 4.75 stars out of 5 from 447 reviews from 2 independent websites.

Users appreciated the:

• Useful sizes of the cookware pieces
• How sturdy they felt
• That they were easy to clean in the dishwasher
• Classic design

Copper Cookware

Copper is considered to be one of the best materials for cookware as it’s a great conductor of heat. This means that it doesn’t leave hotspots that burn or stick.

The problem with copper is that it reacts with the food that it touches during cooking. It leaches into it and we then ingest copper through the food.

This could be harmful as copper is considered to be a toxin.

To prevent these negative effects, copper cookware now has a lining of a different material, which prevents it from having the direct contact with the food.

That way you get the benefits of the great heat conductivity of the copper, with the safety of the material that’s touching the food itself.

Is copper cookware safe to use?

Copper cookware is safe to use as long as it is lined with another material, usually tin or stainless steel.

Tin can give a smooth cooking surface and it also conducts heat very well. It’s less likely to leach into food but it is a softer material so it could wear out over time.

Stainless steel is less good at conducting heat but it’s much more durable and resilient to scratches or stains.

Best Copper Cookware Brands

Lagostina Hammered Copper and Stainless Set

Lagostina is an Italian company that prioritizes craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and elegance. The unique designs of their cookware pieces make them almost works of art.

Their hammered copper collection is constructed in 3 main layers:

• The outer layer is hammered copper to give better heat retention.
• The core of is made of aluminium, which is a great heat conductor.
• The inner layer is stainless steel which is tough and durable.

What we love about this set:

We can’t help but love the design of these pieces with their modern-meets-vintage look. We haven’t quite seen cookware quite like it. You could serve food for a dinner party straight from these oven dishes.

Lagostina Cookware Reviews

From 549 reviews from Amazon and Wayfair, this set received 4.45 stars out of 5.

On their own website the range received a slightly lower 3.9 stars with some saying that the copper exterior cracked or became discoloured. Most users who reported this were sent a replacement.

One user was also unhappy that the cookware was made in China rather than Italy, so if this is important to you it’s worth noting.

Otherwise reviewers commented that their Lagostina cookware was:

• Stunning designs
• A pleasure to use and cook with

With this in mind we still think the set is perhaps the most beautiful we’ve seen.

Matfer Copper Cookware Set

Matfer is a French company known for having incredibly high standards in durability and hygiene.

They make cookware in a range of materials including cast iron, stainless steel and ceramic. However we like their copper collection the best.

Their copper frying pan is lined with stainless steel and the handle is bronze. Only their ‘Tart Tatin’ mold is lined with tin.

Their pans can be used on most hob types except induction hobs.

What we love about this set:

The quality and experience behind this cookware shows. The exterior is made from high quality copper material, the handles are made from different materials such as bronze or cast iron. They also have a stainless steel lining.

Matfer Review

25 reviews from Amazon gave this set an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.

Users commented on the cookware’s:

• Simplicity
• Craftsmanship
• Strength
• Beauty
• Performance
• That it was heavy duty

Calphalon Copper Cookware

Calphalon is a well-respected kitchenware company that offers a wide range of cookware in different materials.

They are often praised for their innovative, attractive designs, and their high-quality results.

Their copper cookware has a copper exterior, an aluminium core, and a stainless steel interior.

What we love about this set:

We love the flared rims of the cookware which makes it easier to pour liquids out of.

The design is also modern and contemporary so it works for almost any style of kitchen.

Calphalon Reviews

The Calphalon copper cookware set received an average of 4.1 stars out of 5 from 181 reviewers.

Users commented on the cookware’s:

• Excellent heat conductivity
• Great cooking results

There were some reports of changes of color or discoloration of the cookware over time, as with other copper ranges. Some users found that it needed special cleaning and care as well.

Overall the reviews were positive about the quality of cooking the pans could give.

Which Non Toxic Cookware is Best Overall?

Having reviewed these five key materials for healthier cookware, we believe that on balance cast iron is the most natural material to cook with. It’s made almost entirely of iron without chemicals or additives.

The second best for us would be stainless steel. This is the option most households go for as it is lightweight, easier to take care of and lasts for many years without scratching or peeling.

However if having non-stick cookware was important for you, then a ceramic cookware with a more natural non-stick coating would be the best option.

Whichever cookware you go with, check the chemicals that go into any coatings or glazes along with the key materials, so that you can choose the healthiest option.

In the meantime this is a summary of the top brands for each category: