There are hundreds of options of cookware, so which do you choose? Every brand makes claims to be healthy, non-toxic and safe, but are they really? The answer to that question is NO, they are not. So which brands are really safe? You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like best & worst probiotics, best & worst organic mattresses, & best & worst air purifiers, now join us for our cookware investigation. We’ve looked into every category of cookware and bakeware so you can rest easy.
This investigation has been our most challenging so far, so we updated it for 2020 and included more new brands. When it comes to answering the question “is this safe for my family?” we encourage you to think about: (1) migration, (2) safer materials, and (3) the precautionary principle.
We know you don’t have the time to dedicate 40+ hours investigating this industry, so Mamavation has done it for you! Scroll down to the very bottom for our product recommendations.
This post has been fact-checked by Rebecca Elizabeth Sherrick Harks, RN, BSN. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
The Challenges of Cookware–Nothing is Perfect!
There are problems with nearly every type of cookware on the market. Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) are a deciding factor in the safety failure of many lines of cookware. The other two main things that determine the safety of cookware is the base material and the coating.
- There are no safe coatings and they should all be avoided because of the inevitable wear down and crumbling that happens over time, exposing bare base materials that aren’t meant for food contact.
- Heavy metals leaching has been found in virtually all cookware, even when it’s not metal-based.
- We recommend you rotate between different categories to minimize constant exposure to any one material.
- Cooking with acidic foods, like with tomato sauce, exacerbates leaching
We were surprised too that only a select few pots and pans meet the criteria of having relatively stable base materials and uncoated cooking surfaces. In fact, we only found one single truly toxin-free line, Visions uncoated glass cookware.
Unfortunately, it’s not a practical solution for most people because of glass’ finicky and brittle nature.
Toxins in Cookware to Be Wary Of
California Proposition 65 is a useful tool that identifies an extensive list of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that are known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals include additives or ingredients in pesticides, common household products, food, drugs, dyes, or solvents.
Listed chemicals may also be used in manufacturing and construction, or they may be byproducts of chemical processes, but overall, if a line of cookware passes the Prop 65 leach test, we can at least have some assurance that the products are relatively safe to use.
Here are the most toxic chemicals found in cookware that are hazardous to human health, and should always be avoided:
- lead
- non-stick coatings (PFAS)
- cadmium
- nickel
- chromium
- nanoparticles
- aluminum
AVOID: Lead
Lead is a constant headache for those of us looking for safe cookware. Nearly every brand of cookware claims to be lead-free, but it’s been repeatedly shown that there are actually low levels of lead (below Prop 65 standards) in many cookware products.
This is problematic because lead is bioaccumulative, damages the body easily, and is extremely difficult to detox and recover from, and when we’re exposed on a daily basis. Lead exposure causes anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can even cause death.
Be careful when you are pregnant. Lead can cross the placental barrier, which means pregnant women who are exposed to lead also expose their unborn child. Lead can also damage a developing baby’s nervous system. Even low-level lead exposures in developing babies have been found to affect behavior and intelligence.
When it comes to fertility it’s bad too. Lead exposure can cause miscarriage, stillbirths, and infertility (in both men and women).
AVOID: Non-stick Coatings aka “Teflon” & Teflon WannaBees
Non-stick coatings have become well known for their toxicity, and they’re also bioaccumulative. These chemicals have been dubbed “forever chemicals” because of their inability to break down in the environment. Fluoropolymers used in non-stick coatings were found to increase the incidents of tumors of the liver, testicles, mammary glands, and pancreas in lab animals. The EPA has also categorized perfluorinated compounds (PFCs or PFAS) as likely carcinogenic.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered a shocking statistic — 98% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS or PFCs in their bodies. Mamavation has been studying PFAS contamination closely in cookware, food packaging, and water.
These chemicals are linked with the following diseases and symptoms:
- metabolic diseases like obesity & diabetes
- reduced vaccination response
- affect the growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children
- lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant
- interfere with the body’s natural hormones
- increase cholesterol levels
- affect the immune system
- increase the risk of cancer
AVOID: Cadmium
Cadmium is another commonly used heavy metal in the cookware industry used to achieve bright colors in ceramic cookware. It’s not supposed to be used in food contact surfaces, however, that’s not always the case. Cadmium is bioaccumulative and primarily toxic to the kidney and skeleton causing renal dysfunction and bone demineralization.
We recommend you don’t use any kitchen items that are red, orange or yellow as those colors tend to have intentionally added lead and/or cadmium.
AVOID: Nickel
Nickel is present in stainless steel cookware to prevent corrosion (rust) and heat damage. People who have a nickel or chromium sensitivity, or those whose bodies are heavy metal toxic, are the most at risk for negative health effects.
Animal studies have found increases in newborn deaths and a decrease in newborn weight after ingesting nickel which may be an indicator that human children and babies are likely more sensitive to nickel exposure than adults.
AVOID: Chromium
Chromium is another metal used in the manufacture of stainless steel. Less than 10% of ingested chromium is absorbed, but absorbed chromium is distributed to nearly all tissues, with the highest concentrations found in kidneys and liver. Bone is also a major depot and may contribute to long-term retention.
Much the same as nickel, certain types of industrial chromium have caused miscarriages, low birth weight, and changes in the development of skeleton and reproductive system in lab animals which may be an indicator that human children and babies are likely more sensitive to chromium exposure than adults.
AVOID: Nanoparticle Coating on Ceramic Pans
Nanoparticles have been recently discovered as a leaching byproduct of ceramic coatings. Nano titanium dioxide is the most prevalent substance found and is hazardous because it’s been shown to cause immune system disruption and pre-cancerous lesions in the gut.
Nanoparticles themselves are problematic because their tiny size allows them to enter most areas of the body and wreak havoc in the most pervasive ways.
For example, asbestos is a carcinogenic nanoparticle that has taken many people’s lives.
Mamavation has taken a hard stance against nanotechnology in ceramic glazes.
AVOID: Aluminum
Aluminum is ubiquitous in cookware, meaning you’ll find it everywhere. Aluminum is bioaccumulative and a known neurotoxin that can cause neurological disorders like dementia. Aluminum cookware is an obvious culprit, but it’s also been found present at lower levels in ceramic and stainless steel cooking products.
Aluminum can also cause slow growth in children, speech problems, seizures and eventual system toxicity that causes serious problems including anemia, nervous system trouble, and bone and brain diseases.
Cookware and Bakeware Categories to Avoid
Cookware and bakeware are one of the hardest categories to navigate as a consumer. We understand how complicated this is so we created a list for you to run by when you are planning your purchases. As a rule of thumb, here is a list of the cookware to avoid.
- Non-stick cookware–PFAS chemicals
- Aluminum cookware–Heavy metals
- Enameled aluminum cookware–Nanoparticles
- Hard-anodized aluminum cookware–Heavy metals
- Enameled hard-anodized aluminum–Nanoparticles
- Enameled cast iron–Nanoparticles
- Soapstone–Trace asbestos
- Unlined copper cookware–Heavy metals
- Stoneware and porcelain bakeware–Heavy metals
- Silicone bakeware–it’s not been proven safe yet
Keep reading and you will learn what is safer. Or scroll to the bottom to see our list of recommended brands.
Ceramic, Stoneware, & Porcelain Cookware & Bakeware
Glazed cookware has been our biggest challenge. As a whole, ceramic appears to be very problematic due to the glazes used on food contact surfaces. As previously stated, coatings of any kind are bound to wear down and chip away into food, and ceramic glazes are no different. Ceramic coatings are too fragile for long-term use and tend to scratch and chip away leaving bare base materials that immediately start contaminating your food.
We’ve also uncovered extremely shocking information about nanoparticle coatings on quasi-ceramic brands marketing themselves as “green and healthy” cookware. We also found well-known brands of ceramic enameled cast iron and stainless steel coating their products with nanoparticles as well. And because third-party independent lab testing is virtually non-existent (and certainly not made readily available to the public online), we can’t recommend any ceramic-enameled products at all and only one ceramic cookware line.
At this time, it’s extremely difficult to confirm any independent test results that prove the safety of any types of ceramic, stoneware and porcelain cookware and bakeware.
BUMMER: Nanoparticles Found in Most Quasi-Ceramic Cookware Coatings
Nanoparticles also have the potential to inflict great damage because they can translocate to many parts of the body once inside including the brain, heart, lungs and other organs, and can be easily ingested, inhaled and absorbed through the skin because of their tiny size.
When it comes to cookware, the scientific peer-reviewed journal Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A reported on the discovery of titanium dioxide nanoparticles leaching from quasi-ceramic non-stick coatings into food via low and high-stress testing and degradation of the coating itself which consists of a silicone polymer matrix with embedded micro and nanosized titanium dioxide particles and quartz silicium dioxide.
It was found that thermal degradation (cooking up to 350° F) had a negligible effect on nanoparticle release, but mechanical degradation studies showed that when the surface begins to scratch and wear and become damaged during normal use, the release of titanium-containing nanoparticles becomes significant.
It’s been proven that chronic oral exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles results in immune disruption and pre-cancer lesions in the gut, however, such little is known about nanoparticles as a whole, we certainly don’t understand the extent to which they can and do negatively affect the body.
Le Cruset is Breaking Our Hearts about Cadmium
We ran into some issues with one of the most popular brands–Le Cruset. Here’s what Le Creuset had to say about the presence of lead and cadmium in their products. (colorful designs)
Cadmium and lead are two elements under strict control in the cookware industry. Our position today for the entire production process is to be in compliance with California Proposal 65 which is the most rigid standard in the world for these elements (approx. 10 times lower than “acceptable” limits). Lead is NOT used in our recipes and for cadmium a special anti-acid enamel fritt is used which will not release the cadmium pigment during cooking. Cadmium is used for coloration purposes in achieving bright exterior colors such as Flame and Cherry. The interior enamel which makes contact with food is either sand, white, or black.
However, when independently tested, there was both lead and cadmium found in measurable amounts in Le Creuset food contact surfaces, although levels appear to be below Prop 65 standards for toxicity. And strangely, high levels of aluminum were discovered in three Le Creuset products when used to cook acidic foods like tomatoes in a normal kitchen scenario. While one round of tests doesn’t provide a definitive answer, the levels are alarming and it’s still unclear why the aluminum was present at all, which may point to yet another problem with ceramic cookware.
It’s also been shown that aluminum leaches from enameled cast iron as well. Buyer beware.
The Bad Stuff: Types of Aluminum Cookware to Avoid
It’s important to avoid aluminum-based cookware because aluminum leaches easily when exposed, and based on our research, there’s no aluminum cookware coating that’s been proven safe and durable enough to protect from aluminum exposure. (Be sure to read through our findings on ceramic-enameled aluminum below to learn why we can’t recommend it either.)
Most of the following brands offer multiple types of cookware, so be sure to shop carefully and choose only non-aluminum pieces:
AVOID Cast Aluminum (uncoated aluminum) Cookware
- Masterclass (AVOID)
- Neoflam (AVOID)
- Starfrit (AVOID)
AVOID Non-stick Aluminum Cookware
- All-Clad (AVOID)
- Ballarini Parma (AVOID)
- Berndes (AVOID)
- Calphalon (AVOID)
- Circulon (AVOID)
- Epicurious (AVOID)
- Farberware (AVOID)
- Finnhomy (AVOID)
- Fox Run (AVOID)
- Graniterock (AVOID)
- KitchenAid (AVOID)
- Le Creuset (AVOID)
- Oster (AVOID)
- Pampered Chef (AVOID)
- Rachael Ray (AVOID)
- ScanPan (AVOID)
- T-Fal (AVOID)
AVOID Ceramic-enameled Aluminum Cookware
- Bialleti (AVOID)
- Blue Diamond (AVOID)
- Calphalon (AVOID)
- Caraway (AVOID)
- Cook N Home (AVOID)
- Cuisinart (AVOID)
- Farberware (AVOID)
- Food Network (AVOID)
- Fox Run (AVOID)
- GreenPan (AVOID)
- Instant Pot ceramic non-stick liner (AVOID)
- KitchenAid (AVOID)
- Oster (AVOID)
- Ozeri (AVOID)
- Pioneer Woman (AVOID)
- Rachael Ray (AVOID)
- T-Fal (AVOID)
- Tramontina (AVOID)
- Trisha Yearwood (AVOID)
- Vremi (AVOID)
- WearEver (AVOID)
AVOID Copper Ceramic-enameled Aluminum Cookware
- BulbHead (AVOID)
- Concord (AVOID)
- Cooksmark (AVOID)
- Copper Chef (AVOID)
- Culinary Edge (AVOID)
- Cuisinaid (AVOID)
- Deik (AVOID)
- Gibson (AVOID)
- Gotham Steel (AVOID)
- Red Copper (AVOID)
Xtrema: The ONLY Uncoated Ceramic Cookware We Found
Xtrema by Ceramcor is an all-ceramic line of cookware that passes the stringent CA Prop 65 leach testing, and is the only brand of ceramic cookware Mamavation recommends.
There are no nanoparticles used in production and each batch is third-party tested for lead and cadmium migration. Although Xtrema is made in China, the company’s factory is dedicated to their cookware and is under close supervision.
Please note that independent testing using an XRF instrument found chromium, nickel and cobalt in the substrate clay material of Xtrema products which the company states is naturally occurring in clay, however, the cookware still passes all Prop 65 leaching tests which means the substances are unable to migrate out of the product.
We reached out to Xtrema to get you a discount in case you would like to purchase some of their non-toxic products. Use “mamavation” at checkout for an extra 15% off.
“Better” Ceramic Cookware–Our Place–Safer Ceramic Coatings
In 2020, Mamavation did an investigation on all the ceramic cookware companies and found several in the “better” category that did not use nanomaterials or PFAS in their coatings, but were not open to disclosing what those coatings were. When we drilled closer into the technology that was needed to create solgel coatings on cookware, we realized it was possible to do without nanomaterials. Here are the brands that fit into that category.
Further investigation lead us to recommend Our place as our happy medium award. If you are looking for ceramic cookware that is a bit more trendy and versatile but does not contain really bad contaminants like heavy metals, PFAS or nanomaterial, Our Place is a good selection. Our only drawback about this company is the sol-gel coating is proprietary and we do not know what it contains. We did, however, confirm that it does not contain PFAS, nanomaterials, or heavy metals above California’s consumer protection laws.
Here are all the “better” ceramic cookware brands that do not contain PFAS, nanomaterials and pass California consumer markers for safety in heavy metals. We’ve linked up Our Place at the bottom.
- De La Terre Cookware
- Our Place Cookware (pictured above, use “MAMAVATION10” for a 10% discount.)
AVOID Nano & PFAS Ceramic Coatings
- AVOID Anolon Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID BulbHead Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Calphalon Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Caroway Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID CookLover Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Cook-n-Home Cookware
- AVOID Cooksmark by Americook Cookware
- AVOID Cuisinart Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Equal Parts Cookware
- AVOID Farberware Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Gotham Steel Cookware
- AVOID GreenLife Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID GreenPan Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Hexclad Cookware
- AVOID Kenmore Arlington Nonstick Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Le Creuset Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID MICHELANGELO Kitchen
- AVOID Neoflam Retro Ceramic Nonstick
- AVOID Nutrichef Nonstick Cookware
- AVOID Shineuri Diamond Hard-Anodized Cookware
- AVOID Staub Ceramics Cookware
- AVOID T-Fal Cookware
- AVOID Vremi Cookware Set
- AVOID WearEver Ceramics
- AVOID Williams Sonoma Ceramic Cookware
- AVOID Deane and white cookware
The Safest Stainless Steel Cookware Brands Available
Stainless steel cookware releases low levels of nickel and chromium, especially when cooking acidic foods like tomatoes. The biggest concern is for people who have a nickel or chromium sensitivity, or those whose bodies are heavy metal toxic. The National Institutes of Health report that metal leaching decreases with sequential cooking cycles and appear to stabilize after the sixth cycle, though significant metal contributions to foods were still observed.
Damaged stainless steel pots and pans should be discarded and replaced to reduce potential heavy metal exposure, especially with cookware that has an aluminum core because it leaches so badly when exposed. Overall, any all stainless steel cookware is safe to use, but the amount of metal migration is dependent on stainless steel grade, cooking time, and cookware usage, so we encourage the use of high quality, surgical-grade stainless steel cookware whenever possible, and even the purchase of nickel-free cookware.
The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Brands
- All-Clad
- Chantal SLIN-9 Induction Cookware (copper core, no aluminum)
- Cristel French Cookware
- Cuisinart MCP Multi-Clad Pro
- Fissler Professional Collection Cookware
- Fox Run
- Hammer Stahl 316Ti (stainless steel with titanium instead of nickel)
- Homi Chef (18/0 nickel-free stainless steel)
- Lagostina Stainless Steel Set
- Le Creuset Stainless Steel Set
- T-fal Performa Stainless Steel Set
- Viking Professional Stainless Steel Cookware
- WMF Function Cookware Set
Non-stick Stainless Steel–AVOID BRANDS WITH NON-STICK!
It’s important to avoid stainless steel cookware with non-stick coatings. Most of the following brands offer both uncoated and non-stick stainless steel, so be sure to shop carefully and choose only uncoated stainless steel cookware. The brands below offer non-stick stainless steel versions to avoid:
- All-Clad (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Black + Decker (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Circulon (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Cristel (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Cuisinart (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Deik (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Farberware (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Fissler (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- KitchenAid (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Lagostina (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Magma (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Mr Rudolf (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Pampered Chef (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Princess House (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Rosle (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
- Viking (AVOID Non-Stick Stainless Steel Options)
Ceramic-Enameled Stainless Steel–AVOID BRANDS WITH CERAMIC ENAMEL
Ceramic-enameled stainless steel is another category to avoid. Most of the following brands offer more than one type of cookware, so be sure to shop carefully and choose only uncoated stainless steel. These brands offer ceramic-enameled stainless steel we want you to avoid:
- Cuisinart (AVOID ceramic enameled!)
- GreenPan (AVOID ceramic enameled!)
- JA Henckels (AVOID ceramic enameled!)
- T-Fal (AVOID ceramic enameled!)
- Todd English (AVOID ceramic enameled!)
- ScanPan (AVOID ceramic enameled!)
- Zwilling (AVOID titanium ceramic enameled!)
Better Option: Stainless Steel Lined Copper Cookware
This is safer cookware as lined out in the stainless steel section above, and because the copper is a non-food contact surface, we aren’t as concerned with migration.
Here are the brands Mamavation proudly recommends:
- Cuisinart Stainless Steel Lined Copper Set
- ExcelSteel Professional Cookware Copper Lining
- Lagostina Martellata Tri-ply Hammered Stainless Steel Copper Set
- Mauviel M’Heritage 12 Piece Copper Cookware Set
Better Option: Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron and carbon steel both contain ferric iron (non-absorbable) vs ferrous iron (natural form in foods). They’re safe to use, but be sure to rotate your pans as recommended because too much ferric iron uptake is bad for the body and can deplete vitamin C levels. Note that cooking acidic foods in iron cookware increases the release of iron.
Here are the brands Mamavation recommends:
- Finex Modern Heirloom Pan (seasoned with organic flax oil vs soybean oil)
- Lodge Cast Iron Combo Set
- Simple Chef 3 Piece Cast Iron Set
- Universal Housewares Cast Iron Square Grill
Cast iron is a great option unless it’s ceramic enameled.
Ceramic-enameled Cast Iron–AVOID
Ceramic-enameled and non-stick cast iron should be avoided. Most of the following brands offer more than one type of cookware, so be sure to shop carefully and choose only uncoated cast iron. Here are the brands that offer ceramic-enameled and non-stick cast iron:
- Aidea (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Bruntmor (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- CrockPot (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Cuisinart (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Essenso (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Hamilton Beach (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Kenmore (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Landhaus (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Le Chef (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Le Creuset (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Le Cuistot (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Lodge (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Martha Stewart (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Staub (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Tramontina (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
- Zelancio (AVOID Ceramic-Enameled!)
Better Option: Carbon Steel Cookware
Carbon steel is the sister of cast iron, but despite its name contains more iron and less carbon than cast iron. It’s lightweight, versatile and convenient to use, but still releases ferric iron so it should be rotated regularly between your other cookware options. Remember to avoid cooking with acidic foods in these pans.
Here are the brands we recommend:
- De Buyer Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan
- ICON Pre-seasoned Wok
- Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet
- Matfer Black Steel Paella Pan
- Mauviel French M’Steel Back Frying Pan
- Mineral B Round Carbon Steel Steak Frying Pan
Better Option: Glass Bakeware & Cookware
Glass is an inert substance if there are no coatings or decorations on the product. As we’ve seen, coatings, in general, are a huge problem, and we found that non-stick nanofilms are being developed for glass bakeware so be sure to purchase only uncoated glass products.
Here are the brands we recommend:
- Visions Cookware (discontinued some line, but still available)
- Anchor Hocking 15 Piece Glass Bakeware Set
- Creo SmartGlass 2 Quart Baking Dish
- Glasslock 4 Piece Square Bakeware Set
- Libbey Bakeware 7 Piece Glass Bakeware & Casserole Set
- Pyrex Bakeware Oven Bakeware Set
- Simax Glass Fluted Bundt Cake Bakeware
- Simax Classic Glass Loaf Dish
Clay Bakeware & Small Kitchen Appliances
Clay can be very hazardous when the geographical origins are unknown. We could locate only two brands of clay cookware that conduct testing for heavy metals commonly found in clay and glazes. Both companies do not glaze their products, so the testing reflects the makeup of the clay itself. Here are the brands we recommend:
- VitaClay Stock Pot (test results)
- VitaClay Multi-Cooker
- Miriam’s Earthenware (test results)
Final Notes on Cookware & Bakeware
Unfortunately, there is very little perfection here. So the best rule of thumb is to get several of these pots and pans and rotate between them. That will minimize the problems you want to avoid.
Ceramic glazes have been disappointing because of nanoparticle glaze leaching into food. So be cautious about any “new” model of ceramic that promises the world to you. And remember if you purchase cast iron, don’t cook acidic foods in it.
About the Author
Leah Segedie is a consumer watchdog, author, entrepreneur, environmental activist, and mother of three boys.
She wrote Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, & Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!) in 2018. She’s consistently been featured in the media for the past 15 years in media outlets like ABC, CBS, CNN, Yahoo, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Reader’s Digest, Ladies Home Journal, Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine to name a few.
Follow Mamavation on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter or join the Mamavation Community Group.
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Thinx Period Panties Dig Deeper Hole By Using Tainted Scientists To Refute Toxic Claims
Hi,
Thanks for a good report. Can I buy any of WMF’s stainless steal pots or does it has to be the one you link to (WMF 761066380 Function 4 Cookware Set)?
Kind regards,
Torunn
Hi.What is your opinion on Towncraft cookware?I dont remember seeing it in any of your lists.Also,can you explain again why to avoid princess house non stick?They would profess to have a healthy line of cookware.
I am a Revere ware user (stainless with copper bottoms) any comments on how they fair in the stainless steel catagory?
thank you your article was very helpful.
I am looking for he “Cookie cooling” racks. I put them in the oven at 210 with fresh fruit on them in the first step of the drying process. Then I remove the syrup and air dry them. There are sticking issues as expected. I bought a bunch of
Good Cook or some such made in China brand. I noticed the coating pealing off of one of them. So that is now for the “art room.” Any suggestions on “Cookie cooling” brand of racks that won’t add their material to the sticky that comes with fruit?
what non toxic baking sheet and cooking cooling rack do you recommend?
Thank you!
I was wondering if Made In cookware has been looked at. I’ve been looking on their website and they have 5-ply stainless, and carbon steel pans and the prices are relatively good, IF they are safe. Any thoughts Mamas?
I wonder about Made In, too!
So I would like to know what type of cookie sheet you use to bake cookies
Did you get the answer to the cookie sheet? I would like to know also.
Older glass cookware, mainly Pyrex: I often use Pyrex that I acquired in prior decades at thrift stores & yard sales. My mom used Pyrex in the 1960s-70s. Is vintage Pyrex about the same, much better, or somehow worse than the 21st-century pieces and especially the newest retail pieces?
Thanks.
Also wonder about cookie sheets and the like: typically with coating. Is it even possible to buy sheet-ware/oven-ware without coating these days? I don’t bake cookies but have other uses and maybe I need to toss the coated pieces bought not long ago, and start over.
There’s a concern with lead in older Pyrex.
Hello,
Thank you for the insightful review and information. The only product in which you do not go into detail is soapstone. You list in one instance to avoid soapstone due to trace asbestos, however, I have learned that if the stone was mined in brazil there is no asbestos, only when mined in locations such as California which is notorious for asbestos in their soapstone. Are you able to confirm through your sources if cookware made with soapstone mined in brazil is safe/free of asbestos?
Thank you!
Thoughts on 360 cookware? MadeIn?
Thank you so much for the awesome list and the if information you provided. I wondered if you have come across the Made In products and if you could advise on these. Also I noticed one inclusion of Green Pan on one of the avoid lists. Are you comfortable with their other products or is their lack of mention an indication that you don’t approve. Thanks again!!
Hi, my cousin just sent me this article after showing her my new Staub cast iron pot. Can you verify these brands being toxic or not? 1) Hexclad 2) Anolon and 3) Staub?
Thanks in advance!
We don’t recommend any of those brands. Hexclad has coatings. Analon has coatings. Staub has coatings. They all do sadly.
Xtrema states on its website under product info of the 12 inch Versa skillet (healthy and healthy through section) with lid that it has “ceramic glaze” on it for easy clean up. Your article says nanoparticles are in ceramic glazes…..would Xtrema still be recommended?
I see the same thing. Bummer, I was set to buy. Now what?
Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware is pleased to present the most versatile set you can buy: our 12-piece Versa Pot set. This set includes three Versa pots with lids: 1.5-quart, 2.5-quart and 3.5-quart sizes. It also includes a 10-inch Versa Skillet with lid. Complete with a silicone handle pot holder for your skillet and two red silicone handle protectors for your pots, you have a versatile set ready to cook up the tastiest dishes. Every 100% ceramic pot and skillet offered in this set features short-handles making it the most versatile line of cookware. Easily take these versa pots from the stove-top to the oven or to BBQ grill. Plus, each comes with a ceramic glaze to make backbreaking cleanup a thing of the past.
Hi, All Clad’s stainless steel cookware lists aluminum as an ingredient. You claim that it is aluminum-free. Is there another version that you didn’t put in the link perhaps? Cause the one you linked to is one with aluminum. Thanks
good spot! Yes, that was from an update and swapping links and it’s my bad.
THANK YOU for being mindful about nanoparticles! So many sites tout all of these newer products paying no attention to nanoparticles. Your attention to detail is much appreciated.
Can you clarify:
“ Types of Stainless Steel Cookware to AVOID
Most stainless steel cookware except for the ones that are coated with non-stick or a ceramic finish.“
Thank you for all the great information. What about the Ninja cookware? Is it safe?
I’ll make sure to add that brand to our next update!
Hello just saw this article, have u heard of saladmaster? If yes, Can u please tell me is how they say it is “one of the’r best?”
How about your opinion on saladmaster stainless steel ( apparently surgical grade)
I was wondering what your opinion on the greenlife pans was. They are supposed to be toxic free.
First, I love your site. But, I just wanted to warn you about the expert testing done on Vision cookware by the XRF test. The lids test occasionally for low levels of lead and other heavy metals by the XRF test which concerns me. I just happily bought a set that I would like throw out. I am looking for a non-leaching, toxic-free set of pots and pans and finding it more and more difficult to do so. Lead Safe Mama (Tamararubin.com), does not recommend Vision cookware with such inconsistent test results. The pots are lead free but still have other metals in the pots. Very disturbing, although not so bad either. You can also send her things to test if she hasn’t already done so and reported it. Thank you for your excellent information as well. I would like to know what your thoughts are and she also stated that Xtrema is not the best company either based on her findings. (see her comment section responses) Thank you the opportunity to inform you.
I use waxed paper over the food and the lid fits nicely. You can use 2 sheets and use brown waxed paper or parchment. This will keep the food from touching the lid. Plus when thawing in microwave the waxed paper can serve to prevent splashing . I do trim the paper around the dish and use the thaw cycle.
What’s the verdict on Caraway? Don’t see it reviewed in this post. Any thoughts mamas?
If you ctrl-f for Caraway it is listed in the article to avoid because it is ceramic-coated aluminum and aluminum is toxic. I’m looking to buy some though, and it looks like the consensus on aluminum is iffy. Since the ceramic coating on Caraway is so thick I think i’ll go for it anyway. Hope that helps! I hope someone who’s used these for a while can respond.
Thank you for this article. As a result I am trying to replace my 20 yr old non-stick, especially given that I have a 10 month old. Costco has J.A. Henckles International Stainless steel available on the website. I don’t see it on the avoid or recommend list. Can you provide any insight or recommendation if this would be a good option? TIA
Hi.
Can you please let me know which brand of pots for the kitchen
is it correct? That they are totally safe. Because this report is alarming. It is a very confusing report.
Thank you
What is your take on new cookware company called “Made In”?
I am wanting to buy stainless steel pan and their company seemed pretty trustworthy but now I am doubting my research a bit. Your research seems to be at a whole new level. I thought Caraway was suppose to be the only cookware company that is all toxins-free product but I was bit shocked to see its name under “Avoid” list. Please help! I’d love to hear your findings on the Made In company.
Everything here is on the avoid list except for a couple of brands that affiliate commission is being provided for like xtrema and ourplace! Even when ourplace contains aluminum and a ceramic coating that they reject other cookware for having!
Plenty of Amazon affilaite links too.
I recommend saladmaster, if interested let me know. I host free dinner show and teach people about saladmaster.
I have many items from Made In and it seems like high quality stainless steel. There’s current some stainless lined copper products that they just posted about (look for made in community group on FB). I’m not affiliated, just a really happy customer. I have some Lodge cast iron but may give Made In’s carbon steel a whirl. I have the wok and like it.
I have been looking for a safe electric frypan for a while and after reading many comments and all of your findings, I am really confused but now very wary on what to purchase.
Can you help?
I can introduce you to safe cookware. Call me 3164614176
Start your business online with knowYourfood to get the chance to pull in more customers and create more leads around the world. Know Your Food offers numerous professional types of assistance that can assist with boosting your business and increment brand mindfulness. https://www.knowyourfood.in/homepage
How does one get the 25% of xtrema products? The link leads to their website, but tit doesn’t seem to be applying the discount.
So what about dutch ovens in particular? I have a Zwilling enameled cast iron one, a la creucet enamaled cast iron one, and a vintage clay/terra cotta one. If I only bake bread in them or roast things in the oven with them and only use wooden utensils to serve out of them, preventing scratches, is there still a toxicity risk? Thanks.
I think the use of the clay pot will be what you people say.
is quantam 2 coating ok on carbon steel (for example Jamie Oliver bakeware)
Thank you for the analysis of different pans. I’d like to mention a few points:
(1) The All-clad Copper Core is five layers and does contain aluminium.
(2) The Hammer Stahl 316Ti does not replace Nickel with Titanium, rather it is in addition to it.
(3) I think it unwise to recommend Xtrema after so many contaminants were found in the glaze.
That’s interesting about the aluminum in the copper core. Do you have a source backing up this claim? Thanks!
Hello 👋🏻👋🏻
I’m in the UK and can’t find any of the products listed in this article. Can you help?. I cook a lot of acidic goods being vegan.. I need a non toxic brand in the UK or cimqinies that ship that don’t cost hundreds of pounds. Can anyone help?.
How about buying online and have it shippd to the UK?
Will you link a reference to your third point regarding Xtrema? I’ve seen nothing at all regarding Xtrema being found to have contaminants.
What kitchen utensils are safe? My blood levels are high in Cadnium so I want to be sure I get a nontoxic brand.
Hello, just wondering, why does the Matfer carbon steel fry pan have a proposition 65 warning with it? I’m a bit confused because I can’t find a good reason as to why carbon steel pans would have this warning at all. And some do and some don’t (Like Mauviel m’steel). What’s going on? Can you help me with this?
I’m a bit confused about your stainless steel recommendations as I look closer at them. Its seems you don’t recommend an aluminum core, but then several of your recommendations do have aluminum cores.
Could you please explain why you don’t recommend stainless steel cookware with an aluminum core if the aluminum never comes into contact with the food?
Did you ever get an answer on this?
Thank you very much. Wondering if you’ve looked into the Made in Cookware brand. Seems similar to All Clad.
The maker of this site does person reply?
Please verify your wording “Types of Stainless Steel Cookware to AVOID
Most stainless steel cookware except for the ones that are coated with non-stick or a ceramic finish.”
i also need this clarification! i have calphalon stainless steel no coatings i think but purchased in 2006.
Thank you for your recommendations, I also plan to update the baking dish, in search of the best on the walmart website, I want to use a coupon. You can choose everything and make home delivery without leaving your home! Have a good day!
What is wrong with Greenpans Stainless Steel ceramic coated pots and pans (Greenpan Venice Pro)? The ceramic coating is free of contaminents and has no nanoparticles. And stainless steel I would think is a better option than an aluminum base?
This was overall a good article but I wanted to point out a couple of possible errors. First, you recommend Hammer Stahl cookware as nickel free, but 316Ti stainless does in fact contain nickel. According to their website, 316Ti stainless is 10% nickel. https://www.heritagesteel.us/metallurgy
Also, not sure how some of the tri-ply copper brands you recommend are any better than tri-ply stainless cookware. Both types contain an internal layer of aluminum. If you’re trying to avoid aluminum, you have to buy the “real” copper cookware, which is way more expensive than the tri-ply.
Maybe you already knew these things and are recommending these cookware brands for reasons I didn’t quite understand from the article, but if not, I thought you might want to check it out. Thanks for an otherwise extremely helpful article.
Hi Melanie,
Any brand that you recommend?
Karen
Hi! Are there any safe pizza stone companies? I didn’t see anything specifically addressing that product. Thanks!
The main question I have is…Is Princess House safe??Their site states that their non stick coating is fluropolymer (PTFE)based.And to quote them directly….”This means it contains a number of resin compounds,which are solid,non toxic plastic polymers that have inherent non stick properties.”They say,the coating complies with FDA regulations and that it does not harm the body in any way.They say no PFOA and PFOS(whatever that is!),is used in their cookware.I am just wondering what your opinion is.
Why does the DeBuyer round carbon steel fry pan (a link you listed) have a prop 65 warning with it? I’m frustrated because I can’t find a good reason as to why carbon steel pans would have this warning at all. And some do and some don’t. What’s going on?
The Homi no nickel says it has an aluminum core, is that still safe? Thank you!
Too much to read. I sty want to know those you recommend
Any thoughts on Perma-life Stainless steel? Appreciate and value your information very much. I donated to your gofundme project. $700 ish in 3 months?! that’s abysmal!! Man I’m sorry I can’t donate more but I will continue to see this through as long as I’m alive.
Hi! Very interesting reading, and a lot to digest! Have you ever tested Cutco’s cookware? They state their pans are made with a 5-ply construction made up of stainless steel outers (t-304) which incase 3 layers of aluminium. I would be interested to know if there is anyway that the Aluminum can leach through the steel? Thanks!
Thank you for voicing my question.
What about HexClad brand? They claim to be healthy also.
Yes! Please review Hexclad!!
Very useful Article much appreciated.
Can you check this brand from Italy :
http://www.tvs-spa.i
They claim their product free from PFOA & Lead.
Saddened by this comment on Tamara Rubin’s site, as I own several items from Xtrema.
“So there’s no confusion, Tamara tested my pots and pans, right after from Xtrema and they were highly leaded on the label. They were bought directly from here https://www.ceramcor.com/. They have a red label (I believe Mercola’s has a white?) they are the Cermacor label ones. We didn’t post before, but a few weeks after Tamara tested the pans above, she tested our pans, one quite used Ceramcor Xtremaware, the other about a month old. The newer label was 10,900 ppm on the bottom label, the older worn one was 6,087 ppm on the bottom label, so where did the extra 4K ppm go?, in our home , in our bodies. The inside of the old was 113, but the lid previously tested was ND and had no label, the newer one was ND on the inside. After we ditched all our Xtremaware pots and pans, my sons’ blood level went down. There were other smaller sources, but this cookware was the big source. My children came back with lead poisoning in January so for six months we had eliminated but not this large source. Previously the older child had been tested but the doctors weren’t reporting the right threshold, my younger more poisoned son this was his first lead check. We bought lead-free cookware and got lead poisoning. The XRF test was done in June 2017. We had originally bought the first pans about five years ago and had slowly spent our money replacing all our pots and pans. Now the pots and pans sit in the garage. We had originally just sent the lids in for testing and they came back clean but heating a leaded label will cause the lead to become gaseous and be breathed in or go in the food or your home. We switched to some new glassware pots that are oven safer and passed XRF testing and no extraneous labels.”
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for the insight. I have been doing research and reading such conflicting reports from different sources. What brands have you gone with at the end?
Hi i thought report said xtreme cookware is the only safe line and was 3rd party tested..
What did u switch to may i ask?
Tnx..
HELLO, I TOO BOUGHT THE CERAMIC XTREMA 400.00 WORTH OF PRODUCT . I USED THE 12 INCH SKILLET AS I WAS COOKING IN IT I CAN SMELL THE GLAZED PAINT AND IT WAS AWFUL SMELL LIKE PAINT I COULDN’T STAND IT SO I CONTACTED THE OWNER AND HE KEPT DENYING THAT IT WAS NOT PAINT IT WAS GLAZED WELL GLAZED HAS CHEMICALS TOO SO I RETURNED EVERYTHING BACK AND THEY REFUND HALF OF MY MONEY I LOST MONEY BUT IM HAPPY I DIDN’T KEEP THE XTREMA COOKWARE THAT SMELL WAS HORRIBLE..NOW IM IN THE HUT FOR A CHEAMICAL LEAD FREE COOKWARE BUT ITS HARD BECAUSE ALL THESE COMPANIES LIE ABOUT HOW THEIR COOKWARE IS MADE I DONT KNOW WHO TO BELIEVE OR WHO TO TRUST SO IM RELYING ON THESE TWO LADIES TAMARA RUBIN AND MANAVATION BUT SOMETIMES I DONT KNOW ABOUT THEM TWO EITHER .
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT BRAND OF STAINLESS STEEL HAS NO CHEAMICAL LEAD? AND WHICH GLASS COOKWARE IS CHEAMICAL LEAD FREE? WHICH CAST IROM IDONT LECH CHEMICALS ? I HELP
I can introduce you to safe cookware 3164614176
Do you recommend Vitromax Round Casserole (https://www.maxwellandwilliams.com.au/product/vitromax-round-casserole-3l)? Is it safe?
Thank you
No,
I’m wondering the same thing about Aldi cookware and bakeware. Much of it is coated and very colorful, so I’m guessing it’s probably not safe. 🙁 I guess I should return the blue muffin pan I just bought…
What about Analon Advanced? It’s not listed in the article, is that one to avoid? I’m also a bit confused about what is the best to buy – stainless steel? Thanks!
Any thoughts on this? Do you have a brand/style of cookie sheets that you recommend?
https://smile.amazon.com/CopperKitchen-Baking-Pans-Environmental-Rectangle/dp/B07MTNKZ1K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=eco+friendly+cookie+sheet&qid=1558385474&s=gateway&sprefix=eco+friendly+cookie&sr=8-3#askDPSearchSecondaryView_1558385551787
I always line all my baking pans and cookie sheets (of any size & depth) with parchment paper. I also bake with Anchor Hocking and Pyrex. I like to be able to keep an eye on the bottoms of the bread, rolls, biscuits, etc. so as not to overbrown.
This was an excellent article which I’m sharing with friends, relatives, & fellow chefs. I also must now get rid of about half of my cookware ! I appreciate in particular the brand lists.
Thank you,
Chef Mary Austin Talley
Very informative thanks.
Please I’d like to find out if the Calphalon Tri Ply stainless steel pots would be on the “good list” as they are comparable to information of Cuisinart on the list.
Thanks!
Can you tell me what I could use for eggs? None of the safe ones like stainless so far has worked for me…. I was using green pan, but no longer since reading your blog.
Green Pan was listed in article as a pan to avoid “Under AVOID Ceramic-enameled Aluminum Cookware”
Great article. Thank you so much for doing all that research. Did you get paid by Xtreama? I don’t think it negates the great information you’ve provided, i just wondered and didn’t see it stated anywhere. Thanks Elaine
Really fantastic article. So appreciate you putting all the time into doing this. Just wondering, did you get money from Xtreama? I don’t think it affects the validity of your point, I just don’t see this information disclosed on the article and wondered. Thanks, Elaine
Thanks for the question. Disclosure is important. Ours is up at the top just below the 2nd image when it starts getting into the meat of the post. Most of those links go to Amazon and one goes to Xtrema.
Cool, thanks. So just affiliate link then. That’s good to know. All the best, Elaine
Confused does xtreme have lead in their cookware?
I have now gotten to be able to get some anchor cookware bakeware so I’m really happy to say that I’ve got some good stuff
Is anchor a safe brand?
Is it on safe list?
Tnx..
So our best bet is it to vary our cookware and use a bunch of safe stuff so we dont over expose our self to any one thing?
Sounds like a smart way to go about it.
I really I only need a skillet to cook eggs in. And something to cook meats in the oven in. I like to oven bake chicken breasts, and pork chops, lambchops, etc. (I am a single guy lol)
If I go with a nice lodge cast iron skillet for my eggs. And a couple glass pyrex bakeware dishes for my meat. I should be good to go with the whole toxin thing right?
What about green life ceramic? Their website shows the same components as greenpan
I wouldn’t recommend that brand.
Hi leah im confused about xtreme bc u said it was safe but a prior comment in this blog said tgeir kids had high levels of lead in their blood..
Can u plz explain?
Alsp do u have any info On besy bottled water?
Tnx.
I recommend saladmaster. I actually I work for the distributor if interested let me know
I would like to know if the BACCARAT PETE EVANS cookware is safe.
I am a little confused with your conclusion about Le Crueset cast iron ceramic coating. While I undestood there is a leach of Aluminum that is questionable. About Lead and Cadmium results , based on what you , the third party lab and Le Creuset said. Their levels are under the California Prop 65. As well as Xtrema , the brand you recommend as the best. So what is the actual risk on Le Creuset cast Iron Ceramic Coating? Will it be the misterious aluminum? And in what quantities were they found? Did they pass the Prop 65 levels or not? I just felt the comments where incomple to conclude if really Le Creuset post a threat. Also, I don’t have any personal interest on Le Creuset company. I am just a consumer that happens to own a set of the brand and would love some clarification. I do appreciate the investigation you have performed for the consumer benefits. Thank you! I hope I can get a response clarifing my doubts.
Thanks for this post so informationAl! I’m curious if Youve heard of the French brand of DeBuyer iron pans? How do they stAck up in your comparison? I would love to know please thank you!
what about Zyliss Cook brand?
What about the best selling Curtis Stone nonstick line from HSN tv??
Hello, what about Delimano brand and their QuanTanium coating with particles of stone?
Also, a question about tableware: is arcopal material from Luminarc safe? Im talking about glasses, cups, bowls, plates etc.
And last, are plastic PP recipients from Tefal safe? (they state they are BPA free)
Thank you.
What about CopperChef fry pans. They claim to be PFOA and PTFE free other claims are:. Cerami-Tech non-stick coating, stainless steel induction plate, heat resistant up to 850 degrees limited lifetime warrantee
Hi Have you heard of a brand called Swiss Diamond? What are your opinions on this please https://www.swissdiamond.com/about-us
Hi, what about the austrian company “Riess”? They have been in business for 50 years I think and are well known for their special iron-porcelain-baking and cooking ware. Thanks for looking it up!
Thanks for this article! Are you familiar with EarthChef from Berghoff? We use their ceramic coated pots and pans that are supposed to be “safe”. I’d love to learn more about what’s in the ceramic.
Aldi’s carries their own brand called Crofton. Do you know any thing about it? They have a 5.5 cast iron Dutch oven that is preseasoned that I am the most interested in knowing more. Thank you.
Costco has a stainless non coated Henckels brand set on sale right now…. what about that?
I’ve wondered the same the thing when I saw this!!!
Does this mean don’t use them or use them but read the label?
Ceramic-enameled Stainless Steel
Ceramic-enameled stainless steel is another category to avoid. Most of the following brands offer more than one type of cookware, so be sure to shop carefully and choose only uncoated stainless steel:
Cuisinart
GreenPan
JA Henckels
T-Fal
Todd English
ScanPan
Zwilling (titanium ceramic)
https://www.costco.com/J.A.-Henckels-International-10-piece-Tri-ply-Stainless-Steel-Cookware-Set.product.100472748.html
I don’t know were to start…I like a few you list but trying to see what options are out there
We linked up the exact pans that are safe to use in the post to be helpful.
Regards the egg frying / sticking issue. I have found it helpful to poach eggs in a glass or small cast iron pan over medium or less heat.
Thanks for chiming in!
What about store brands like Sur la Table, Williams Sonoma, or Crate and Barrel?
Link me up to the one you are most concerned with please!
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/m/products/williams-sonoma-professional-ceramic-nonstick-fry-pan/?cm_src=M%3A
Hi there…what about Pampered Chef stoneware? I used to sell it and they claim they use only non-toxic clay. The other line I have is LifeTime cookware, and also have some cast iron pans. One of my cast-iron pans is always black when I wipe it with paper towel and oil. The others do not do this. Curious why that is.
Pampered Chef isn’t releasing any of their reports, so we are leary of that. 🙁
We quit using the stoneware from Pampered Chef for cooking and now we just use it to slice the pizzas on. My husband cooks them directly on the oven racks and slices them on the stone. Now I need to know what the oven rack is made of!!!! LOL
Great job, keep the info coming
Hello, You say negative things on Porcelain bake ware yet you have – Granite Ware Better Browning Bakeware Set, 4-Piece, Brown on your “shop” page. Please clarify as I am looking into alternative for cookie sheets and bake ware. Thank You
https://gonewmommy.com/2018/04/28/non-toxic-pressure-cooker/
Seems safe from these testing standpoints!
I have used Revere Ware Stainless Steel pot and pans with copper bottoms for many years. Do you think they are safe?
Thanks for the wealth of information on cookware and bakeware! So many landmines to dodge in the here and now!
Hi. I’m wondering about the new Instant Pot liners. Do you have any info on them at all in regards to safety?
We are working on a small kitchen appliance investigation right now. I’ll make sure we look into that! Thanks!
https://gonewmommy.com/2018/04/28/non-toxic-pressure-cooker/
Seems safe from these testing standpoints!
Thank you for all your wonderful articles. Have you come across the french brand Cristel? Any information on their stainless steel?
Thank you, sara
You mentioned not using ceramic slow cookers. Are there any safe slow cookers?
I didn’t see corning ware mentioned. I thought that was supposed to be safe.
Yes, there is a brand called VitaClay! You can pick up a vitaclay here, https://amzn.to/2U2uFwU
What about Fissler, WMF, and Cristel stainless steel cookwares?
Can you please commen on Le Creuset Toughened Non-stick, is this also toxicity? They do state Teflon free?
Le Creuset isn’t transparent, so we can’t recommend any of their nonstick.
I noticed that you did not include the Saladmaster brand cookware in your article. They use the 316Ti surgical grade steel.
Better Nutrition
The Saladmaster waterless cooking method allows you to cook without the need to add and drain-off water. This maintains the optimal amount of vitamins and nutrients in your foods while also protecting the natural flavor of ingredients.
A study from the University of Wisconsin Department of Food Science demonstrates that food cooked in Saladmaster retains up to 93% of its nutrients. That’s twice the retained nutrients than traditional cookware.
https://saladmaster.com/ Here is their site. Will you check them out and see how they compare to the others you have listed here?
Yes we can
I’ve used Royal Prestige cookware for 2+ decades. What do you know about this line? Or Healthcraft? Both are stainless steel multilayered. Thanks!
What about brands for things like cookie sheets, pizza pans, jelly roll pans, etc? Does lining with parchment paper help?
I’m curious now about the different types of parchment papers… do they leech chemicals? They have coatings…
What kind of pan would you recommend for frying with oil in? Stainless steel? Any specific brand?
I’m sorry let me clarify: How would I make crispy fr ench fries if i cannot fry or bake with non stick?!?
Fry in cast iron. Bake in clear glass such as Pyrex or Anchor Hocking. Both are made in USA.
Thank you for your article! It couldn’t be more well-times! A couple questions though:
1. What about Stoneware that has no glaze on it? For instance, Pampered Chef brand bar pans and other bakeware? I didn’t read much in the article talking about stoneware…except in relation to when it uses a glaze.
2. Tomatoes and other acidic foods seem to cause every good or bad pan to leach metals or chemicals into food…so what kinds do I use on the stove to cook tomato sauce etc safely? I know I can use glass in the oven…
3. Also…what about the popular “copper chef” brand? We have one of those pans.
Thank you! I am needing new pans so I can throw away my Calphalon non-stick…which I got 8yrs ago. It’s wearing and I know it’s GOT to be leaching stuff into food.
Use Visions cookware for acidic food.
As soon as you provided links and coupon codes, your whole article is null and void. You are getting monetary compensation for the pans you are highlighting as “absolutely safe”. The reality is almost all pans are fine to use until they show signs of wear. Just like everything else, once something is worn down, problems tend to occur. It’s called common sense…a very lacking trait these days. Also, I’d love to know your education background and those “scientists” who did the “research”.
Actually anything Non-Stick is very harmful. Before you start bashing her and her knowledge please know she does this for a living and therefore needs some kind of income. We need people like her and I’ll be glad to support her and know that she wouldn’t support companies that would harm us and our families!
Thank you for doing this investigation! Your work is so important for protecting the health of our families in a toxic world! We use stainless steel, glass, or cast iron for all our cooking EXCEPT fried eggs! Our family eats a ton of eggs (from pasture-raised chickens of course!) and we need a pan that won’t stick like crazy, but also won’t poison us. I would love some suggestions. Use extra butter/olive oil to fry them? Use stainless steel and just deal with the sticking?
If eggs are sticking to cast iron, then you need to season it more. Also heat the pan before you add any oil/butter to it. Kerp the pan in a low temp, and let the
Radiant heat from the hot pan cook the egg.
I use Visions or All Clad skillet for eggs with a fair amount of pastured butter. I find used Visions cookware on EBay or at Goodwill. All Clad does not stick like the cheaper ss pans.
Butter, all the way. 🙂 Or Avocado oil, or ghee, or coconut oil if you can stand the flavor. Butter is what we use. Organic. Works like a charm.
what about lagostina stainless steel pots and pans?
Love your investigative articles! Would love to hear options on how to recycle (if any options exist) the ones we have to get rid of.
We are planning on updating the post with lots of “bad” brands so I’ll make sure to include some information on how to get rid of them. Thanks!
Donate them to Goodwill or Salvation Army stores.
Thanks for the research and helpful information to keep my family healthy and safe! What do you recommend for cooking omelettes?
Stainless steel or cast iron would work! There’s also Xtrema that we linked up. Eggs aren’t acidic so they don’t pull metals out as tomatoes do.
Staub? I thought they were a super safe German brand.
Staub uses bright colors. Cadmium is a very common color additive. Same rules apply. Did you read the part about Le Creuset? I had one similar to Lodge that I had to throw away. 🙁
What about the Green Pan line? My husband just bought these for a Christmas present and professed to have done a great deal of research on these and they they were in fact “safe”. Can you confirm? I didn’t see you mentioned them by brand. Could you do a chart?
Not a brand we would recommend.
Why would you not recommend Green Pan?
Why do you not recommend GreenPan?
Hey Bridgette! Take a look at the ceramic section of the post. We covered all that and included links for you to investigate further.
The fact that you provided links to the items and a discount code absolutely nullifies your whole article. You are getting monetary compensation from companies you are highlighting as “absolutely safe”. The reality is almost all pans are fine to use until they show signs of wear (it’s called common sense…something seriously lacking these days).
Green Pan was listed in article as a pan to avoid “Under AVOID Ceramic-enameled Aluminum Cookware”
https://tamararubin.com/2018/08/july-2018-ceramcor-xtrema-saucepan-update/
What about the lead that was found in Xtrema?
We covered that in the post directly!
Hello Pam,
My name is Patrick and I am the marketing director for Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware. Thank you for looking out for yourself and your family. I do the same thing. I have a wife and two wonderful little kiddos. 🙂 First off, Xtrema Cookware is a family owned and operated company that believes in 100% transparency. We believe that Xtrema Cookware is the safest on the market. That is why we post the “passed” testing results of every shipment on our website. You can find those here: https://www.xtrema.com/pages/product-testing/ Our product can not enter the United States until it passes the California Prop 65 24-Hour Lead and Cadmium Extraction Test. This is the most stringent test available in the world for testing for heavy metals. Furthermore, each piece is formed in a high-pressure casting mold and triple-fired at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, for strength and durability. We do everything we can to provide our customers with the safest cookware. I would suggest reading this article that mentions the article you are referring to: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/xtrema-ceramic-cookware-review/ Lead is naturally occurring everywhere so an XRF Test will show trace amounts of metals on our cookware and everyone’s. That doesn’t mean it is unsafe. The XRF does not test for extractable lead. There is zero extractable lead in any Xtrema Cookware product and our test results confirm this each and every time. That is why as a father and family person, I am proud to be cooking and using safe Xtrema cookware. The owner and founder is currently at our factory for the entire month because we are a hands on company that does everything we can to deliver the best natural cooking product. We are there 3 or 4 times a year to assure the safest and best quality control. Thank you in advance for your time. — Patrick Bergstrom
hello patrick i was about to purchase Xtrema and saw info on Dr Axe’s sites about possible nanoparticles released from the coating.
From a link to the article above – metals have been detected in testing. please see link below
https://tamararubin.com/2018/08/july-2018-ceramcor-xtrema-saucepan-update/
please advise?
thanks
HI Patrick- I have the same concerns as Natalie. Can you please advise?
Also, are you saying every California Prop 65 for all cookware brands will come back positive for lead because it’s naturally occurring? Personally, I have not heard of this about other brands.
Hey Pam!
Tamara was over at my house years ago and she tested some things in my home. I later had them tested in a professional laboratory setting and the results were VERY different. So I don’t typically use her site to guide what we are doing here.
How does anolon nouvelle copper cookware match on the list, it’s not non stick it has a copper bottom and stainless steel on the bottom so copper won’t leech out. Also any good Chaphelon pots and pans or are these just all toxic? Thanks
We are updating the post with some “bad” brands and will make sure to include them. Stay tuned!
Has Princess House Stainless Steel cookeare been tested? Juat curious how that would compare. Thanks!
Thanks for chiming in! We will update the post soon with “bad” brands so you can see more. Stay tuned!
Thank you for this. What about muffin pans/tins? If you shouldn’t use aluminum or non-stick coated or silicone…do you have one you recommend?
I don’t recommend silicone in the oven EVAH. It’s molecular structure is similar to others that do leach so we’ve been warned by our scientific advisors not to recommend that. But we are looking into cookie sheets and such to add. We just need a week to get all that added to the post.
Candy molds, pop sickle molds, spatulas, and many others are on the market made from silicone. Silicone is a known toxin known to leach. I avoid it totally.
Silicone is not something we can recommend heating.
You can use stainless steel muffin pans or line with parchment muffin liners.
Thanks for the info! Do you know if the instapot is coated?
Thanks for chiming in! If you can wait till later this month, we are releasing an investigation on small kitchen appliances that will include things like Instapots. Make sure to add yourself to the newsletter list if you want to be notified!
Hi, I purchased a pricy set from Zwilling Henckels with titanium coating, I believe. Is it unsafe to use??
We are updating the post with more suggestions and can include them. Are you on the newsletter yet? Make sure to sign up so you know when we’ve added!
I started using my mother’s Corning Ware last year looking to use a healthy option.
Corning Ware is bad? …. But…. my heart may break.
How about henckels ceramic?
There is only one real brand of ceramic that we have found. All the others aren’t really ceramic. They have a nano glaze coating, which is problematic.
Thank you!! What about TeamFar and Fox Run Stainless Steel bakeware?
Thanks Shannon! We are updating the post very soon. Make sure to sign up for the newsletter so you know when we’ve added more brands and our suggestions.
Great article, Thank you !!
My pleasure!
I sent you an email with a few more brand names to check… this issue is close to my heart because I lost my mama and she inherited my grandma’s old farm house, kitchen, and cookware and used that until she passed away. I have since inherited it and am using some/most of it. Some of her brands are older… Amway included. Let me know what you think after you see the email. I had other questions also. Love that you do this in-depth work, Leah. Kudos to you and your team.