If you are like me and try to cook as much as possible at home, but also are conscious about chemicals leaching into your food, you might be thinking of investing in non-toxic cookware that will last you a lifetime.
So what is non-toxic cookware?
In general, non-toxic cookware is cookware that doesn’t have any non-stick toxic coating with PFOA or PTFE, which may break down at high temperatures or when scratched and release toxins.
The most non-toxic options for cooking is are cookware without any coating; your best choices include stainless steel, (enameled) cast iron, and carbon steel. However, it does require some learning and preparation to master cookware without non-stick, therefore many people choose ceramic-coated cookware.
Ceramic-coated is a non-toxic non non-stick cookware coated with thin layers of silica, which is made from sand. Ceramic-coated cookware is great for everyday use, but does not last as long ( most of the time) as other non-toxic, non-stick options and needs a bit more cleaning after ( will touch on this in more detail later).
It’s also important to pay attention to plastic parts, like handles, lids, or knobs. While many modern designs use heat-resistant plastics or silicone, not all are created equal. Look for cookware with stainless steel, wood, or silicone handles instead of standard plastic ones, as cheaper plastics can soften, release odors, or degrade over time with heat exposure.
We have created this list of the best non-toxic cookware to help you make a decision when choosing the best non-toxic cookware for you depending on your budget and cooking habits.
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Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands
When choosing good-quality cookware, there are a few brands in each category that stand out for their quality, innovation, and trustworthiness.
Best Stainless steel cookware brands
Caraway – a non-toxic cookware brand that is known for good quality and modern designs ( they also produce ceramic and cast iron cookware)
Tramontina – If you are on a budget, but want good-quality stainless steel cookware
Legend – great quality/ price ratio
All-Clad – Investment stainless steel cookware that you want to pass to your children
Best Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Brands
Caraway – is known for good quality ceramic cookware
Green Pan – NSF Certified Ceramic Nonstick, Pioneers of PFAS-free non-stick
Our Place – for beautiful and ergonomic designs and advanced non-toxic technology
Best Cast Iron Cookware Brands
Le Creuset – though best known for their classic cast iron, their ceramic-coated nonstick options are also highly rated
What to Look for When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware
1. Pick one made with high-grade stainless steel to prevent rusting
Common stainless steel grades in cookware:
18/10 – Premium quality, often used in professional and high-end cookware.
18/8 – Excellent quality, slightly less nickel but still highly durable; used in many top cookware brands.
18/0 – Contains no nickel (magnetic, so works with induction), but is less corrosion-resistant, found in lower-cost or induction-specific pans.
2. Choose a multi-ply stainless steel cookware. Meaning that the pan is made from several layers of metal fused together to improve performance. Stainless steel doesn’t spread heat well on its own, so manufacturers add a layer of aluminum or copper inside to help distribute heat evenly. For example, a 3-ply pan has stainless steel on the inside and outside with an aluminum core, while 5-ply pans include extra layers for even better heat control. Fully clad pans have these layers running up the sides for consistent cooking, whereas cheaper disc-bottom ones only have the conductive layer in the base.
3. Make sure it’s compatible with your stovetop (especially if you have induction), that the handles/lids are good, and the set includes the sizes you’ll use.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware
LEGEND COOKWARE 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Items in the set: 12
Usage: All Cooktop Compatible
Build: 5-Ply, Clad Construction
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/8
All-Clad D5 Brushed 5 Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Items in the set: 10
Usage: Induction, Oven, and Broiler Safe 600°F
Build: 5-Ply, Clad Construction
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10
Cuisinart 12-Piece Cookware Set
Items in the set: 12
Usage: Induction, Oven and Broiler Safe 500F
Build: 3-Ply, Clad Professional Construction
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10
Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Items in the set: 12
Usage: Induction, Oven and Broiler Safe 500F
Build: 5-Ply, Clad Construction
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Items in the set: 12
Usage: All Stovetop and oven save up to 550F
Build: 3-Ply, Clad Construction
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10
What to Look for When Buying Ceramic-Coated Cookware
Base material: Most ceramic pans are made from aluminum with a ceramic coating. That’s perfectly fine, as aluminum heats quickly and evenly. Just make sure it’s anodized or well-sealed so it doesn’t react with acidic foods.
Coating quality: Choose cookware labeled PTFE- and PFOA-free. These coatings are made from natural materials like sand-derived silica rather than traditional chemical non-stick layers.
Safety standards: Look for EU, LFGB, or FDA safety certifications to ensure the coating doesn’t contain harmful substances.
Heat distribution: A thicker base provides more even heating and prevents hot spots. Aluminum is great for this, but if you use an induction stove, make sure the pan has a magnetic stainless steel base.
Oven and stovetop compatibility: Check the maximum oven-safe temperature and whether it works on your cooktop type (gas, electric, induction).
Durability and care:
Avoid metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers.
Don’t stack pans without protection.
Hand-wash instead of using the dishwasher for a longer life.
Cooking style fit: Ceramic pans are ideal for low- to medium-heat cooking, like sautéing vegetables, eggs, or pancakes. They’re not great for high-heat searing or deep frying.
Best Ceramic non-stick Cookware
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
Items in the set: 12, including a canvas lid holder and pan organizers
Usage: All Stovetop and oven save
Build: Stainless steel with ceramic coating
Nuwave Healthy G11-Pots and Pans Set
Items in the set: 12
Usage: All Stovetop
Build: Forged aluminum with ceramic coating and stainless steel induction-ready plate
Nuwave has just upgraded its non-stick ceramic coating. The new Diamond-Level Hardness G11 coating delivers 30% better non-stick performance and 20% greater abrasion resistance compared to G10. It also resists scratches, chips, and corrosion.
GreenPan Nonstick Reserve Pro 10 Piece Cookware Set
Items in the set: 10, including Silicone Solid Turner, Silicone Slotted Spoon
Usage: Oven and broiler safe up to 600°F (lids up to 392°F) and suitable for all stovetops, except induction.
Build: Aluminum with Thermolon 9G ceramic nonstick, scratch-resistant coating
Dishwasher safe and comes in 8 colors. Frying pan handles are angled for easy nesting
Our Place Cookware Set
Items in the set: 13, including 4 bamboo utensils and a stainless steel strainer
Usage: All stovetops and oven-safe up to 450°F
Build: Aluminum with Thermakind ceramic nonstick coating
Self-basting lids, built-in strainers, nesting Beechwood utensils & stay-cool handles offer safer, smarter cooking. Comes in 5 pastel colors.
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 6-Piece Pot Set
Items in the set: 8, including 2 Silicone Trivets
Usage: All stovetops and oven-safe up to 900F
Build: Tri-ply construction with an aluminum core and TerraBond ceramic coating
What to Look for When Buying Cast Iron Cookware
Material type:
Comes in traditional bare cast iron or enameled cast iron.
Bare cast iron needs regular seasoning (a thin baked-on oil layer) to stay non-stick and rust-free.
Enameled cast iron has a glass-like coating that prevents rust and doesn’t require seasoning, but it’s more fragile if dropped.
Weight and thickness:
Good cast iron should feel heavy and solid; that weight helps retain and distribute heat evenly.
Cooking performance:
Excellent for slow cooking, baking, roasting, and high-heat searing, it holds heat exceptionally well.
Not ideal for quick, delicate dishes or frequent temperature changes.
Maintenance:
Avoid soaking or using harsh soap (can strip the seasoning).
Dry immediately after washing and rub with a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
Enameled cast iron is easier to clean but should still be handled gently to avoid chipping.
Stovetop and oven use:
Works on all cooktops, including induction.
Completely oven-safe, making it versatile for stovetop-to-oven cooking.
Durability:
With proper care, cast iron can last a lifetime.
Best cast iron cookware
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Cookware
Items in the set: 5
Usage: All stovetops and oven-safe up to 500F
Build: Enameled cast iron
Kitchen Academy Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Sets
Items in the set: 7
Usage: All stovetops and oven-safe up to 500F
Build: 3 layers enameled heavy-duty cast iron
QuliMetal Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set
Items in the set: 7
Usage: All stovetops and oven-safe up to 500F
Build: Enameled long-lasting cast iron
MAISON ARTS Enamel Cast Iron 7 Piece Cookware Set
Items in the set: 7
Usage: All stovetops and oven-safe up to 500°F
Build: Enameled heavy-duty cast iron with enamel coating
Alva Nori 12-Piece Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set
Items in the set: 12
Usage: All stovetops and oven-safe up to 500°F
Build: Enameled cast iron
Includes specialty pieces like a tagine and mortar & pestle for diverse cooking.
How We Picked the Best Non-Toxic Cookware
When choosing the best non-toxic cookware brands and sets, we focused on what really matters.
First, we looked at the quality of materials; they need to be safe, durable, and able to perform for years. We also analyzed brand transparency and trust, choosing companies that are open about their manufacturing process and material sourcing, and usage. To get a full picture, we read through customer reviews and community discussions to see how the cookware holds up in real homes. And finally, we compared price versus value, making sure you’re investing in true quality, not marketing.
To summarize, Best Non-toxic Cookware
Choosing cookware that is not only non-toxic but also performs well and lasts for a long time can be overwhelming. But before you choose one, you need to answer a few questions.
Do I need something that will last a year, or a lifetime? What kind of food do I normally cook? Is it better to choose stainless steel or cast iron, as I do cook a lot of steak, or will ceramic be way better for my roast veggies and eggs in the morning?
Also, what kind of cooker do you have? Is it gas or induction? Do you prepare most of your food in an oven or on a stove?
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist, and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field. She explores science-based approaches to holistic health and plant-based nutrition, with a strong focus on researching clean, non-toxic products that support long-term well-being.
