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Teflon can release chemicals when it is heated to over 300 degrees celsius, which is why lots of customers just like you want to avoid this common cookware coating, and instead, would prefer safer nonstick cookware sets. The great news is that there are so many options for you to choose from. To help you find your dream alternative to Teflon, here are 5 safe & non-toxic cookware types to consider: 

1. Stainless Steel

The majority of professional restaurants use stainless steel pans. This is because they have lots of benefits that are fantastic both for the user and for the recipes being cooked. 

As the chef du jour, you get the benefit of the pan being exceptionally durable, and once seasoned, it also has nonstick qualities. 

Your cooking is also more likely to come out great because stainless steel distributes heat evenly. The metal also doesn’t ‘leach’ into the food as much as other metal types, so you can feel great about the cookware being as safe as possible. 

2. Cast Iron

With the right care and seasoning, a cast iron pan has nonstick qualities. It is also free from perfluorocarbons (common in nonstick pans), can last a lifetime, can be used in the oven and even on campfires or in smokers. Cast iron pans are exceptionally easy to clean, and they tend to avoid warping and denting, both of which are common with thinner cookware metals. 

3. Carbon Steel

Lots of people who choose carbon steel cookware never change their pan material again because they like it so much. One of the key reasons for this is the fact that carbon steel is versatile. It is fantastic at handling very delicate recipes whilst also nailing the kind of fast and furious cooking that requires super-high heat, like a yummy vegan Chinese stir-fry. Carbon steel is very durable. Indeed, it’s even more sturdy than cast iron because it is a combination of 99% iron and 1% carbon – an unstoppable force in the kitchen. 

4. Solid Ceramic

One of the biggest advantages of solid ceramic cookware for safety-conscious home cooks is that it does not leach any metals into the food. This is because it is made from high-quality clay that is hardwearing and suitable for extreme temperatures.

It is reassuring to use this kind of cookware when you’re very conscious of toxins in standard pans. When you cook with ceramic, you can be sure no chemicals, gases, or toxins will get into your food. As a bonus, the material is also anti-stain and doesn’t tend to absorb food flavours like other cookware types. 

5. Glass

Glass cookware has a lot of benefits, particularly for cooking in the oven. It retains heat for longer than metal, and it is clear,so you can see the ingredients are evenly distributed (excellent for a vegan lasagne). Glass cookware is usually tempered, so it should be scratch, heat, and ding resistant. In case of breakages, it is also usually treated so that it smashes into chunks rather than shards that fly everywhere. This makes kitchen accidents much easier to contain and clean up. 

Are You Ready to Cook up a Storm With Your Safer Cookware? 

The types of safe cookware listed above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the choices available to help you steer clear of Teflon. Soon enough, with the right pots and pans, you’ll be cooking up delicious family meals, safe in the knowledge that you’ve avoided the common toxins, chemicals, and fumes associated with Teflon.