Is ceramic cookware non-toxic?

Yes, ceramic pans are naturally nonstick and generally produced without PTFE, PFAS, and PFOAs. Quality ceramic pans will last a few years with proper care, and will only need to be replaced if the nonstick coating wears out. Be sure to check the labels on all ceramic pieces, as decorative ceramic bowls won't have the same assurances as ceramic frying pans that are designed for higher heat.

Is stainless steel cookware non-toxic?

Stainless steel is one of the safest materials to use for cooking, since it has no engineered nonstick coating and is more resistant to scratches and repeated cleaning. Older, damaged pans should be replaced especially if you frequently cook with acidic ingredients, as the steel can degrade more quickly.

The Best Non-Toxic Cookware for 2023

You may put a great deal of thought into which ingredients you cook with, but you might not be paying as much attention to the materials behind the pots and pans you have on hand. The FDA has kept a close watch on chemicals known as PFAs (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which can cause health problems when introduced to the food supply. PFAs may appear in a number of food supply items, including food processing equipment, fast food wrappers, and takeout containers, and the coating in certain types of nonstick cookware. While The FDA has determined that there is a reasonable certainty of safety with the normal use of nonstick cookware, there are plenty of non-toxic options available to ensure safe and healthy cooking at home.

To help you figure out which non-toxic pots and pans are best for your kitchen, we combined our product testing insights with extensive research to determine the most functional, efficient, and affordable options. From ceramic cookware sets to stainless steel pots we've rounded up a few of the best non-toxic cookware buys we've tried. Read on for more of our favorite options.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Cuisinart Triple Ply 7-Piece Cookware Set at Amazon

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Best Set:

Caraway Cookware Set at Amazon

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Best All-in-One Pan:

Our Place Always Pan at Fromourplace.com

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Best Ceramic:

GreenPan Nonstick 8" Frying Pan Skillet Set at Amazon

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Best Cast Iron:

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron at Amazon

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Best Stainless Steel :

All-Clad Stainless Steel 5-Ply Sauce Pan at Amazon

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Best Enameled :

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Best Induction-Friendly:

Made In 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set at Madeincookware.com

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Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply 7-Piece Cookware Set.

Amazon

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Pros: This 7-piece set is made from stainless steel, which can accommodate high temperatures on the stovetop and in the oven.

Cons: Stainless steel isn't nonstick, so be sure to use cooking oil when searing or sautéing.

Stainless steel is one of the most versatile types of materials for cookware because it can be used both in the oven and on the stovetop. Along with not having to worry about any harmful chemicals seeping into food, we love that this cookware is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The set comes with seven pieces, including two saucepans with accompanying lids, a stockpot with a lid, and a skillet. Each piece features solid, riveted handles that are meant to stay cool, so you don't have to worry about burning yourself. Tapered rims help prevent unwanted dripping, and the durable construction won't have you worrying about scratches from steel utensils or stacking for storage.

Price at time of publish: $220

Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Material: Stainless steel
Number of pieces: 7

Cuisinart Triple Ply 7-pc Cookware Set — Food & Wine / Joy Kim

4.8

Amazon

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Pros: This 7-piece set is naturally nonstick and oven-safe without the use of any harmful chemicals.

Cons: Be mindful when using metal tools — the nonstick coating on this cookware isn't scratch-proof.

If you're looking for a way to upgrade the most important pieces of cookware with a non-toxic option, you're in luck. Caraway's line of non-toxic, Teflon-free nonstick cookware is so slick that even the stickiest foods can be effortlessly wiped away. In addition to being easy to clean and oven-safe, these pots and pans are compatible with every type of stovetop. This set is offered in seven joyful colors and comes with a frying pan, a sauté pan, a saucepan, a Dutch oven, and a magnetic pan rack and lid holder for easy storage. If you're not looking for an entire set of cookware, these PTFE, PFOA, and PFA-free pieces can all be shopped separately, too.

Price at time of publish: $445

Dishwasher-safe: Hand-washing is recommended
Material: Nonstick ceramic
Number of pieces: 7
Induction-friendly: Yes

4.9

Our Place

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Pros: This multifunctional pan takes the place of eight pieces of cookware in one. Therefore, it's an easy solution for small kitchens with limited storage space.

Cons: Though this pan does have some nonstick properties, it's not as slick as others we've tested.

The innovative Our Place pan provides the convenience of a multifunctional pan without using any harmful chemicals like PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. According to the brand, the all-in-one pan can replace your fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, nonstick pan, spatula, and spoon rest, as the handy pan can braise, strain, sauté, fry, sear, steam, boil food, and more. As a result, it's perfect for home cooks with limited storage space who want the versatility of multiple pans without having to wash and store them. Even better, there are plenty of colors to choose from, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding an option that suits your kitchen. Though our tests found that this pan isn't completely nonstick, it is easy to clean and durable enough to handle daily tasks.

Price at time of publish: $145

Dishwasher-safe: Hand-washing is recommended
Material: Ceramic-coated aluminum
Number of Pieces: 4
Induction-friendly: Yes

GreenPan SearSmart Ceramic Nonstick 8" Frying Pan Skillet Set.

Amazon

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Pros: The textured ceramic coating is completely nonstick, and the durable surface is safe to use in the oven or the stovetop.

Cons: These pans are not compatible with induction cooktops.

GreenPan makes functional, affordable non-toxic cookware that is a dependable option for any home cook. Thanks to its signature Thermolon Diamond Advanced ceramic nonstick coating, the hard-anodized cookware is naturally nonstick without using PFAS, lead, or cadmium. Greenpan's frying pans are oven and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and can even be cleaned in the dishwasher. Thanks to the textured surface, they're safe to use with metal utensils and are scratch-resistant. Durable, stainless steel handles make them easy to use and maneuver, so you can comfortably flip omelets, pancakes, and more.

Price at time of publish: $80

Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Material: Ceramic
Number of pieces: 2
Induction-friendly: No

Greenpan Nonstick 8-inch Frying Pan Skillet Set — Food & Wine / Joy Kim

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Pros: This versatile pan can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and even over an open flame.

Cons: Cast iron pans should never be soaked or submerged in water for too long, so make sure to dry it thoroughly after each wash to prevent rusting.

If you're looking for one of the most versatile pieces of non-toxic cookware, look no further than the workhorse cast iron skillet. Known for its durability and superior heat retention, this handy pan allows you to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, and fry a variety of different foods. It is seasoned with oil for a "natural, easy-release finish" that makes the pan easy to hand-wash. Cast Iron pans are heritage items that can be passed down for generations, and Lodge makes some of the most reliable and affordable options available. These pans can safely transfer from stovetop to oven to broiler, and they're even safe to use over a campfire.

Price at time of publish: $35

Dishwasher-safe: No
Material: Cast Iron
Number of pieces: 1

All-Clad Stainless Steel 5-Ply Sauce Pan.

Amazon

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Pros: This stainless steel pot promotes even heating on all stovetops and can handle temperatures of up to 600 degrees.

Cons: This pot is not dishwasher-safe, so be sure to wash by hand for best results.

This stainless steel pot from All-Clad features a heat-resistant handle and flared edges that help provide drip-free pouring. The cooking essential can be used on all heat sources, including induction, gas, and electric, and is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The interior of the pot has a brushed starburst finish that prevents food from sticking to it without using any harmful chemicals. The tight-fitting lid helps trap moisture in, and the helper handle makes it easy to take in and out of the oven.

Price at time of publish: $220

Dishwasher-safe: Hand-washing is recommended
Material: Stainless steel
Number of pieces: 2
Price at time of publish: $199
Induction-friendly: Yes

4.8

Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven and Staub 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven, Marseille

Amazon

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Pros: These heavy-duty, toxin-free pieces are completely multifunctional — they can fry, sear, braise, bake, roast, and more.

Cons: They're definitely on the pricier side, but if you care for them properly, they can last for decades.

Le Creuset's Dutch ovens are so much more than just a gorgeous piece of cookware — they're functional and non-toxic, too. Thanks to the enameled cast iron construction, the luxe cookware has excellent heat distribution and retention properties and is safe for any heat source. While it is not nonstick, customers say it is easy to clean and resistant to stains and odors. Though it's a heavy-duty piece of equipment, large loop handles make it easy to grasp, so it's easily maneuverable even with thick oven mitts on. These pans don't require any extra seasoning, and the enameled cast iron provides a slick surface without the use of any harmful chemicals.

Price at time of publish: $420

Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Material: Enameled cast iron
Number of pieces: 1
Induction-friendly: Yes

4.3

Made In Starter Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Made In Cookware

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Pros: This set comes with all the right pieces for a starter set at a great quality that professionals will notice.

Cons: The nonstick pan is not dishwasher-safe, and the price is an up-front investment.

This ultra-conductive starter set from Made In has stay-cool handles and five layers of metal for even, precise cooking. The nonstick pieces are 100% non-toxic and made without PFOAs. The collection includes two 10-inch frying pans (one stainless and one nonstick) and 2-quart and 8-quart saucepans, each with a lid. The stainless pieces are oven-safe up to 800 degrees, and the nonstick pieces will handle heat up to 500 degrees (though remember, hand-wash only).

Price at time of publish: $596

Dishwasher-safe: Yes for steel pieces, hand-wash for nonstick
Material: Stainless steel
Number of pieces: 6 (4 pots and pans, 2 lids)
Induction-friendly: Yes

Our Favorite

If you're looking to replace all of your cookware with a comprehensive set that's free of toxins, the Cuisinart Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set is our top choice. This is a reliable, affordable set of high-quality cookware that is suitable for expert home cooks and beginners alike.

Factors to Consider

Material

The material your cookware is made from is the most important factor to consider when looking for safe, toxin-free pots and pans. When shopping for the best non-toxic cookware, look for pieces that are free from PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This is a substance that is commonly found in many Teflon and nonstick pans sold nationwide and is thought to be dangerous when consumed in large quantities. As a safe alternative, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and cast-iron pots and pans are the go-to materials to avoid risky ingredients seeping into your food. If you're looking for predominantly nonstick cookware, make sure to read the labels — nonstick ceramic is a fantastic option for toxin-free cookware that is slick enough to cook even the stickiest foods. The safest options shouldn't contain any PFAs and should be PFOA-free.

Temperature

Before cooking with any piece of cookware, it's important to consider that item's maximum capacity for temperature. Almost every piece of cookware has a temperature that it shouldn't exceed, and doing so could be harmful to your food and equipment. Before shopping for cookware, assess what you plan to cook, and more importantly, assess how you intend to cook it. Some pieces of cookware are only safe on the stovetop, while others are safe to use on the stovetop, in the oven, or over an open flame. Knowing how to use your cookware properly is the safest way to ensure that unwanted chemicals don't leach into the food you're cooking.

The Research

To find the best non-toxic cookware, we performed extensive competitive research and combined our findings with insights from our product testers. This list is made up of cookware that we have cooked with both at home and in our product testing labs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ceramic cookware non-toxic?

Yes, ceramic pans are naturally nonstick and generally produced without PTFE, PFAS, and PFOAs. Quality ceramic pans will last a few years with proper care, and will only need to be replaced if the nonstick coating wears out. Be sure to check the labels on all ceramic pieces, as decorative ceramic bowls won't have the same assurances as ceramic frying pans that are designed for higher heat.
Is stainless steel cookware non-toxic?

Stainless steel is one of the safest materials to use for cooking, since it has no engineered nonstick coating and is more resistant to scratches and repeated cleaning. Older, damaged pans should be replaced especially if you frequently cook with acidic ingredients, as the steel can degrade more quickly.

Our Expertise

This piece was written by Rebecca Carhart, a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer and Strategist at Dotdash Meredith. Rebecca's writes product reviews in the home, lifestyle, and beauty space, and her work can be found in Travel & Leisure, InStyle, Real Simple, People, and more. This piece was updated by Laura Denby, a food writer, and product reviewer. A former chef, Laura has a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and utilizes her professional culinary experience and industry knowledge to guide her product reviews. Laura's work can be found on FoodNetwork.com, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, and more. This piece was also reviewed by Sabrina Russo, RD, a registered dietitian with nearly a decade of experience in the field.