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Safest Cookware in Simple Terms–Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Ceramic, & Bakeware 2022

Mamavation » Blog » Product Investigations | Mamavation » Safest Cookware in Simple Terms–Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Ceramic, & Bakeware 2022
Dirty oily burnt metal frying pan held in hand

December 17, 2022 //  by Leah Segedie

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We know, our Mamavation Cookware & Bakeware Investigation is long and perhaps confusing. You may be here because you just want the product list of what to buy. We’ve responded by creating a post for you all about cookware and bakeware in the simplest of terms. So let’s get to the point and help you find the safest cookware! You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like safest air fryers without PFAS “forever chemicals,” safest toasters & toaster ovens without PFAS “forever chemicals,” & safest blenders without BPA plasticizers chemicals, now join us for our safest cookware in the simplest of terms, including stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, & bakeware brands.

Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. This post also contains affiliate links. 

non-toxic stainless steel cookware

Table of Contents

  • Stainless Steel Cookware
    • “Not Our Favorite” Stainless Steel Cookware
    • Better Stainless Steel Cookware
    • Best Stainless Steel Cookware
      • Best 304 Stainless Steel (with Nickel)
      • Best 430 Stainless Steel (without Nickel)
  • Cast Iron Cookware
    • Not Our Favorite Cast Iron Cookware
    • Best Cast Iron Cookware
  • Ceramic Cookware
    • Not Our Favorite Ceramic Cookware Brands
    • Better Ceramic Cookware Brands
    • Best Ceramic Cookware Brand
  • Carbon Steel Cookware
  • Bakeware
    • “Not Our Favorite” Bakeware
    • Better Bakeware
    • Best Bakeware
  • Other Mamavation Investigations Around the Kitchen

Stainless Steel Cookware

“Not Our Favorite” Stainless Steel Cookware

This category of stainless steel cookware is not our favorite. It may have some type of “non-stick” coating on either one nonstick skillet or the entire set. Problematic coatings can be made of PFAS, nano titanium, or silica. This cookware brand may also not be disclosing what type of stainless steel they are using or how many plys (or layers) they contain. This category can also contain cookware that has an aluminum bottom layer. In short, we are not confident about the quality of these products either because of the coatings they are using, a lack of transparency on the materials used, or because it has an aluminum bottom.

  • Amazon Commercial Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan, 12 Inch
  • Amazon Commercial 60 Qt. Stainless Steel Aluminum-Clad Stock Pot with Cover
  • Amazon Commercial 3-Piece Stainless Steel Aluminum-Clad Fry Pan Set (8″, 9 1/2″, & 12″ Pan)
  • Amazon Commercial 4 Qt. Stainless Steel Aluminum-Clad Straight Sided Sauce Pan with Cover
  • Chantal Induction 21 Cookware (Note: 18/0 nickel-free)
  • Cook N Home Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Cooks Standard Professional Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Demeyere Resto Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Faberware Millennium Stainless Steel Cookware Pots & Pans Set.
  • Fissler Bonn Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Fissler Hamburg Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Fleischer & Wolf London Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Great Jones Family Cookware Set
  • Green Pan Venice Pro Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 7 Piece Cookware
  • Healthcraft Ultra-Tech II Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Heritage Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set
  • Hestan Nanobond 10-Piece Cookware Set
  • Hexclad Hybrid Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Kitchenaid 3 Ply Stainless Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set
  • Le Creuset 7 Piece Stainless Steel
  • Le Creuset Non-Stick Stainless Steel Fry Pans
  • Pampered Chef Stainless Steel Non-Stick Cookware
  • Salad Master 316Ti Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Sardel Stainless Steel Cookware Full Set
  • TeamFar Stockpot
  • Tools of the Trade Stainless Steel 13-pc Cookware Set
  • Viking 7Ply Titanium 10 Piece Cookware Set

Better Stainless Steel Cookware

This category of stainless steel is completely fine for most people. These pans are not likely to leach aluminum from the core overtime because they are 5ply and above. They are also more durable because they are made with mostly 304 stainless steel (also referred to as 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel because it’s composed of 18). The 18/10, which means there is 18% chromium and 10% nickel and the 18/8, which refers to 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This category for people without nickel sensitivities.

  • 360 Stainless Steel Cookware
  • All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware
  • BergHOFF Ouro Gold 11 piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set with Rose Gold Handle
  • Caphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Caphalon Premier Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Cuisinart French Classic Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Cuisinart MCP Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Fissler Original-Profi Stainless Steel Cookware Collection
  • Goldilocks Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Henckels Clad Impulse 10-pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set
  • J.A. Henckels International 10-piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
  • IKEA 365+ Cookware
  • Kenmore Elite Devon Tri-Ply Cookware
  • Kirkland Signature 5-Ply Clad Cookware
  • Made by Design (Sold in Target) Stainless Steel Cookware (Lower grade of stainless steel than from original)
  • MAGMA Stainless Steel Cookware Nesting Set
  • Martha Stewart Stainless Steel 5-Pc Cookware Set
  • Martha Stewart Stainless Steel Saute Pan & Lid
  • Martha Stewart Castelle 8 Qt Stock Pot
  • Martha Stewart Castelle Stainless Steel 10-Pc Cookware Set
  • Member’s Mark Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Open Kitchen (Sold at Williams Sonoma) Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
  • Princess House Essentials Cookware Set
  • Princess House Classic Stockpot
  • Rachael Ray Create Delicious Stainless Steel Cookware
  • T-Fal Performa Cookware 13 pc set
  • Viking 12 Quart Stock Pot
  • Viking 13-Piece Tri-Ply Cookware Set
  • Williams Sonoma Thermo Clad Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Zwilling Spirit 3-ply 10-inch & 8-inch, 18/10 Stainless Steel Frying Pans
  • Zwilling Cookware Sets

Best Stainless Steel Cookware

This category is for people with nickel sensitivities and people without nickel sensitivities so please pay attention to the sub categories. The 304 stainless steel pans are for people who are not sensitive to nickel. These pans are 5 ply and made from the best quality stainless steel. This makes them more durable and less likely to leach aluminum from the core over time. You should not have to replace them.

The 430 pans are for people with nickel allergies and sensitivities. However, because of the lack of nickel, they are less durable than the “better” category. This is the tradeoff. Eventually, you will need to replace them. These pans are considered 430 stainless steel (also referred to as 18/0 stainless steel because of it is composed of 18% chromium and 0% nickel.

Best 304 Stainless Steel (with Nickel)

This cookware is for everyone!

  • All Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware
  • All Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 4 Quart Pot
  • All Clad D5 Polished Stainless Steel Cookware
  • All Clad Copper Core Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Anyfish Stainless Steel Cookware Set
  • Demeyere Atlantis with Silvinox Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Demeyere Intense 5-ply with Silvinox Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Demeyere Industry Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Healthcraft 7-Ply 4-SQUARE DELUXE Waterless Cookware Set 17 Pcs Magnetic T304s
  • Henckels RealClad Stainless Steel 5-ply 10-piece Cookware Set
  • Legends 5 Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
  • Made In Stainless Steel Cookware (NOT one in TARGET store. Brand in Target store are made of lower quality stainless steel.)
  • Misen 5-Ply Stainless Steel Pans & Cookware Sets
  • Viking 2 Quart Sauce Pan, 5 Ply
  • Viking 5 Ply Stainless Steel Cookware

Best 430 Stainless Steel (without Nickel)

This cookware is a lower quality stainless steel and should only be purchased by people with allergies or sensitivities to nickel. But if you have a sensitivity to nickel, this is your list.

  • HOMI CHEF 5 Quart Stock Pot (18/0 nickel free)
  • HOMI CHEF 8 Quart Extra Large Stock Pot (18/0 nickel free)
  • HOMI CHEF 10-Piece Nickel Free Stainless Steel Cookware Set Copper Band (18/0 nickel free)
  • HOMI CHEF 14-Piece Nickel Free Stainless Steel Cookware Set (18/0 nickel free)
  • Solidteknics nöni™ Stainless Steel Cookware (18/0 nickel free, however may contain trace amounts of nickel)(Use code “MAMAVATION170” for a free gift of a 7.5″ US-ION Lightening Skillet for any order over $170)
  • Solidteknics nöni™ Stainless Steel 3 Saute Pans (18/0 nickel free, however may contain trace amounts of nickel)(Use code “MAMAVATION170” for a free gift of a 7.5″ US-ION Lightening Skillet for any order over $170)
  • Solidteknics Stainless Steel Dutch Oven (18/0 nickel free, however may contain trace amounts of nickel)(Use code “MAMAVATION170” for a free gift of a 7.5″ US-ION Lightening Skillet for any order over $170)

Cast iron skillet on a rustic wooden background

Cast Iron Cookware

Not Our Favorite Cast Iron Cookware

Ceramic-enameled and non-stick cast iron should be avoided. Over time, they expose you to heavy metals or other hormone-disrupting chemicals. 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 
  • Bruntmor
  • CrockPot
  • Cuisinart
  • Essenso
  • Hamilton Beach
  • Kenmore
  • Landhaus
  • Le Chef
  • Le Creuset
  • Le Cuistot
  • Lodge Enameled Cast Iron (other options are fine) 
  • Martha Stewart
  • Staub
  • Tramontina
  • Zelancio

Best 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, so be mindful of that. It may be better to use stainless steel pots if you are cooking tomato sauces.

  • Finex Modern Heirloom Pan (seasoned with organic flax oil vs soybean oil)
  • Lodge Cast Iron Combo Set
  • Simple Chef 3 Piece Cast Iron Set
  • Solidteknics Cast Iron Fry Pans –10 inch fry pan, 12-inch fry pan, & 14-inch fry pan
  • Solidteknics Cast Iron BBQ Sear Ring Camping System
  • Solidteknics Cast Iron Quenched 14 inch Flaming Skillet
  • Solidteknics Cast Iron Quenched Bigga Skillet
  • Universal Housewares Cast Iron Square Grill

Set of clean cookware, utensils and products on table in modern kitchen

Ceramic Cookware

Not Our Favorite Ceramic Cookware Brands

These brands were not responsive to consumer emails or did not answer our specific questions when asked. Brands that were not responsive, were not given a passing grade. Then other brands in this list DO contain nanoparticles and are open about that via emails. And finally, brands below could have received a letter of intent from an attorney in the State of California to sue them under Prop. 65 consumer protection laws, meaning they allegedly found something toxic during lab testing. Here are those brands:

  • Anolon Ceramic Cookware
  • BulbHead Ceramic Cookware
  • Calphalon Ceramic Cookware
  • Caroway Ceramic Cookware
  • CookLover Ceramic Cookware
  • Cook-n-Home Cookware
  • Cooksmark by Americook Cookware
  • Cuisinart Ceramic Cookware
  • Equal Parts Cookware
  • Farberware Ceramic Cookware
  • Gotham Steel Cookware
  • Hexclad Cookware
  • Kenmore Arlington Nonstick Ceramic Cookware
  • Le Creuset Ceramic Cookware
  • MICHELANGELO Kitchen
  • Neoflam Retro Ceramic Nonstick
  • Nutrichef Nonstick Cookware
  • Shineuri Diamond Hard-Anodized Cookware
  • Staub Ceramics
  • T-Fal Cookware
  • Vremi Cookware Set
  • WearEver Ceramics
  • Williams Sonoma
  • Deane and white cookware

Better Ceramic Cookware Brands

These brands are telling us they contain a mystery coating of something they say is not made of nanoparticles or PFAS. However, these brands are not very transparent about what is actually inside the coating of their product, however, they d0 pass California’s strict consumer law, Prop. 65,  and have no filed complaints against them. The Ecology Center released cookware testing of Green Pan, Bella Basics and confirmed they were coated with silicon dioxide ceramic and we stuck them here. We suspect the other brands are similar.

    • DaTerra Cucina Cookware
    • Bella Basics Cookware
    • Green Pan Cookware
    • Our Place Cookware

Best Ceramic Cookware Brand

This brand does not contain any nano-coating and does not leach nanomaterials into food. This brand also passes California’s strict consumer Prop. 65 laws with laboratory testing on heavy metals and offer sample laboratory reporting of all runs of cookware. You can view them all here. We reached out to this small business to get a discount on their products.

  • Xtrema Ceramic Cookware (If you are a blogger that is interested in joining their affiliate team, Click here) (Xtrema Ceramic Cookware is offering Mamavation readers 15% off their products by using “mamavation” at checkout.) 
    • Xtrema Cookware 12 Piece Versa Set (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off your order.)
    • Xtrema Cookware Signature Skillet Saute Set (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off your order.)
    • Xtrema Cookware 9 Piece Traditions Set (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off your order.)
    • Xtrema Cookware Stir Fry Pan (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off your order.)
    • Xtrema Cookware 11-inch Versa Wok (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off your order.)
    • Xtrema Cookware Signature Skillet (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off your order.)

carbon steel pan

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. We have not done a complete investigation on this category but can make these recommendations.

  • Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel
  • De Buyer Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan
  • ICON Pre-seasoned Wok
  • IKEA Vardagen Carbon Steel Frying Pan
  • Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet
  • Matfer Black Steel Paella Pan
  • Mauviel French M’Steel Back Frying Pan
  • Mineral B Round Carbon Steel Steak Frying Pan

Roasted Eggplant with Tomato and Buckwheat Groats

Bakeware

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.

“Not Our Favorite” Bakeware

  • All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Bakeware
  • Amazon Basics Bakeware
  • Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware
  • Circulon Total Nonstick Bakeware
  • Farberware Nonstick Steel Bakeware
  • PERLLI Nonstick Bakeware
  • Rachael Ray Nonstick Bakeware

Better Bakeware

These bakeware sets are made from silicone-type materials instead of PFAS. These nonstick coatings are not perfect, but are non-stick and are less troublesome.

  • Aschef Economical 7-in-1 Nonstick Silicone Baking Cake Pant & Cookie Sheet Mold Tray set
  • GreenLife Ceramic 12-Piece Bakeware Set
  • GreenLife Ceramic 2-Piece Bakeware Set
  • GreenLife Ceramic 18 x 13 Cookiesheet 
  • GreenLife Ceramic 13 x 9 Cake Pan
  • GreenLife Ceramic 9-inch Round Cake Pan
  • GreenLife Ceramic Muffin Pan
  • GreenLife Ceramic Donut Pan

Best Bakeware

  • Xtrema Muffin Pan (Take 15% off bakeware by using discount code “mamavation” at checkout.)
  • Xtrema 1.5 Quart Loaf Pan (Take 15% off bakeware by using discount code “mamavation” at checkout.)
  • Xtrema Rectangular Baking Dish (Take 15% off bakeware by using discount code “mamavation” at checkout.)
  • Xtrema 7-Inch Roasting Rack (Take 15% off bakeware by using discount code “mamavation” at checkout.)
  • Xtrema 8-Inch Grill Pan (Take 15% off bakeware by using discount code “mamavation” at checkout.)
  • Xtrema Pie Plate (Take 15% off bakeware by using discount code “mamavation” at checkout.)
  • Visions 4-Piece Cookware Set
  • Visions 5-Piece Dutch Oven Cookware Set
  • Visions 6-Piece Glass Saucepan Set
  • Anchor Hocking 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
  • Solidteknics Cast Iron 12 x 10 Bakeware Sheet
  • Solidteknics Cast Iron 20 x 13 Bakeware Sheet

Blenders With the Safest BPA-Free Food Contact Surfaces 3

Other Mamavation Investigations Around the Kitchen

Here are our investigations on kitchen appliances & cookware:

  • Cookware
  • Stainless Steel Cookware
  • Dinnerware (dishes), including dinner plates, bowls, salad plates, cups, etc.
  • Silverware / Flatware
  • Air Fryers
  • Toasters & Toaster Ovens
  • Blenders
  • Waffle Makers
  • Kitchen Utensils

Recent Product Investigations

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Previous Post: «Set of antique silverware from spoons and forks on wooden table. Food concept background Best Non Toxic Flatware & Silverware Guide 2022
Next Post: 3M Announces End of PFAS “Forever Chemical” Production by 2025 3M Announces End of PFAS "Forever Chemical" Production by 2025»

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