Non toxic cookware

In today’s episode of “why the hell are they allowed to put that in my stuff” I’d like to discuss non toxic cookware. So perhaps first we should talk about toxic cookware.

Many cook pans are coated with teflon. Teflon is a trademarked non stick coating that contains the chemical polytetraflufoethylene (PTFE). It’s garnered a lot of popularity due to the fact that it worked. Nothing stuck to the pan! The problem is that every time you cook with it it releases toxic gasses every time you do due to the teflon being heated. I remember when I was younger I heard that you are not supposed to keep a pet bird’s cage in the kitchen because of “toxic gasses” that are released from cooking. WHAT!?!?! If these gasses are toxic to birds, wouldn’t they be toxic to humans too??? On top of toxic gasses, once the non stick coating becomes scratched, it releases toxins into your food too. Other problematic chemicals in non stick cookware include perflurooctanoic (PFOA), and some cookware brands (not just non stick) can contain lead and cadmium as well.

So what should you use instead? There are a lot of better options out there that won’t release toxins into your food.

CAST IRON- while cast iron can have a bit of a learning curve in terms of care it is one of the oldest and best non toxic cookware options. It’s affordable too. The only precaution here would be if someone in your house has a potential iron overload like hemochromatosis. We have a cast iron pan, dutch oven, and griddle pan.

CERAMIC-ceramic pans usually coat or cover a core of steel and aluminum and the non toxic ceramic top ensures your food does not come in contact with the aluminum or any impurities. Make sure to use quality ceramic pans where the coating does not chip allowing your the layers underneath to be exposed.

STAINLESS STEEL- another fantastic option as long as the metal is real stainless steel and any metals like aluminum are in the middle of the pan not the top layer. This is to prevent metals from leaching into the food. Read the product description to ensure the top layer is made of surgical stainless steel

GLASS COOKWARE- glass cookware is inert, meaning it doesn’t leach anything into your food. It’s another budget friendly option that is great for both cooking and baking!

PORCELAIN ENAMEL- these are cast iron items coated in a non toxic enamel. The advantage over plain cast iron is that it won’t rust and it prevents iron from entering your food if that is a problem for you, it also won’t rust! There are expensive brands like Le Cruset (the most famous of this family) to house brands.

If you cannot invest in all new cookware you can use inexpensive things like parchment paper and silicone bake mats to put a layer of protection between your food and the pan when doing things like baking then just prioritize buying one or two non toxic pans for the stove. These same chemicals can be found in your cooking appliances too! like waffle irons, pressure cookers and rice cookers. Consider purchasing a stainless steel or ceramic insert for the appliances with a removable insert and try to avoid small appliances with teflon coatings. Many ceramic versions are now being offered.

While I don’t recommend running to the kitchen and throwing out everything in the house do consider any new purchases you make being a non toxic option. Use inserts to minimize food contact and prioritize swapping out the toxic pans or appliances you use most frequently. Happy cooking!