5 Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands in 2024

The least toxic cookware material, what cookware to buy, and which cookware materials to avoid.

The Key Takeaways

• 5 Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands in 2024

• What Does Non-Toxic Cookware Even Mean?

• Stay Away From These Cookware Types

5 Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands in 2024

Let me help narrow your search so you can feel confident in the cookware you use.

LEGEND COOKWARE: CAST IRON SKILLET
Best for: Searing, sauteing, braising, baking
Price: $25 - $50

Splurge alternative: STARGAZER: CAST IRON SKILLET 

MADE IN COOKWARE: CARBON STEEL FRYING PAN
Best for: High-heat cooking | Stir-frying, browning, broiling, baking
Price: $79 - $129

What is carbon steel? It is generally praised as cast iron’s lightweight and more versatile cousin.

HOMICHEF: 14-PC COOKWARE SET

Best for: Searing, sauteing, soups, stews, steaming
Price: $114

You can’t go wrong with HOMICHEF's selection of single pots and pans. But if you’re looking for a high-quality, super-durable stainless steel pan, then I recommend this one.

The highest quality stainless steel is made from 304, 18/10, or 18/8 stainless steel. However, those with a nickel sensitivity should buy 430 18/0 or 21/0, as these grades contain no nickel.

Note that nickel-free options are less corrosion-resistant and won’t last as long as your traditional stainless steel.

And if you don’t have a nickel sensitivity (that you know of), invest in THIS Stainless Steel Cookware Set! (Hestan is the brand for those without nickel concerns).

Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning A Cozy Coastal Home will make a small commission at no additional cost. This helps me maintain the site. As always, I respect transparency, only work with brands I’ve tested, and follow through with my research.

What Does Non-Toxic Cookware Even Mean?

Free of harmful substances that could potentially leach into food during cooking or, when overheated, isn’t releasing harmful chemicals into the air. This means it primarily avoids PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, and Teflon.

Materials to consider instead? Simple:

1. Cast Iron

2. Carbon Steel

3. Stainless Steel*

*Consider nickel sensitivities! Signs and symptoms include itchy rash or bumps on the skin. Similar to a reaction from poison ivy. Redness or changes in skin color. You can get a patch test through your primary doctor.

Stay Away From These Cookware Types

• Non-stick cookware

• Aluminum cookware

• Ceramic enameled aluminum cookware

• Hard-anodized aluminum cookware

• Ceramic enameled hard-anodized aluminum

• Ceramic enameled cast iron

• Soapstone– Avoid because of trace asbestos

• Unlined copper cookware

• Stoneware and porcelain bakeware

• Ceramic coated cookware 

Cookware is always a big investment, but we use it almost daily, and it comes directly with what we consume. You could easily go crazy worrying about what potential toxins lurking in every little thing you use in your home, but I think the kitchen is a good place to focus your concerns. And if you’re asking yourself:

How should I balance price and quality when shopping for non-toxic cookware?

Evaluate whether the cost aligns with the expected quality and performance. Start slow and curate your selection of pots and pans.

You do not need to purchase an entire cookware set at once. My favorite cookware pieces are all different.

To give you perspective and my recommendation, I have a cast iron skillet, a stainless steel pan, and I use this one daily! And, of course, it’s essential to have a pot handy— this is my fave pot!

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