Are dangerous chemicals lurking in your kitchen? Safe cookware tips and top non-toxic picks for healthier cooking
“Home sick home” happens. We reported here on the hidden hazards from indoor air pollution (and it’s more serious than you might think). Harmful substances can come from a depressingly long list of culprits, including toxic household cleaning products, as well as common building materials like paints, adhesives and carpets. And that’s not to mention heating appliances, such as wood-burning stoves and space heaters, that can release carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases.
For this story, we focus on the heart of the home—the kitchen. After all, we write extensively on how our diet, as well as other forms of “lifestyle medicine”, can significantly reduce risk of chronic disease and promote healthy Aging and longevity. But after we stock our pantry and fridge with healing, life-enhancing foods, are the vessels we’re cooking them in safe?
The answer, according to science—maybe not.
Research has shown that common cookware and utensils may contain potentially dangerous toxins and chemicals.
Many traditional non-stick pans, for instance, can release “forever chemicals”—so called because they don’t ever break down in the environment or the human body. They are also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or more commonly, Teflon plastic. These synthetic chemicals have non-stick properties, making cooking and cleanup easier, but they can also lead to health problems, including hormone disruption, immune system interference, and even Cancer risk. These risks, however, can be significantly mitigated if you don’t overheat your pan.
Nonstick and Teflon cookware is considered safe for everyday home cooking, as long as temperatures do not exceed 500°F (260°C). When overheated, non-stick coatings can release toxic fumes. Beyond the more serious risks mentioned above, breathing in these fumes can lead to chest tightness, fever and chills, otherwise known as “Teflon flu.”
“Heat is a proxy for how fast molecules move,” Daniel Jones, a biochemistry and molecular biology professor at Michigan State University, told Katie Couric Media. “So if Teflon gets too hot, then it can start to break down and turn into hazardous substances like PFAS.”
To prevent toxins from leaching directly into your food, replace your Teflon pan if it begins to crack or flake.
Time to toss the black spatula?
Teflon pans aren’t the only concern. A recent study published in Chemosphere has drawn attention to another kitchen staple: black plastic spatulas and other accessories. Because black plastic is typically recycled from discarded TV and computer casings, (who knew?!) these utensils can contain cancer-causing chemicals like brominated flame retardants and heavy metals that may leach into food, especially when exposed to high heat.
This follows a 2018 study that found lead, mercury, and flame retardants in 40 percent of black plastic products. These substances have been associated with a long list of serious conditions, including thyroid disease, Diabetes, cancer, and brain development issues.
Beyond kitchen utensils, black plastic is commonly used in takeout containers, hair accessories, and scarily enough, children’s toys.
Saying no to toxins
Cooking at lower temperatures is key to reducing risk for toxic release. Many recipes call for preheating your pan, but doing so can cause it to reach a high temperature very quickly. If you’re using a non-stick pan, a safer approach is to add liquid or food to the pan before cranking up the heat. Keeping your kitchen ventilated and avoiding cooking sprays, which can further degrade non-stick coatings, can also help.
Of course, considering alternatives to non-stick cookware—like stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic—offers peace of mind from the risks associated with PFAS and other chemicals. Alternatives to black plastic include wooden, silicone, or stainless-steel utensils.
If you’re looking to switch up your cookware and accessories, we rounded up seven highly rated non-toxic products on Amazon.com that reviewers love for their safety and performance.
And even better news? Many are on sale now!
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (10.25-inch)
Price: $19.90
Cast iron can handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill and open flame. The naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy release and improves with use. The seasoning is oil baked right into the iron. The seasoning is 100% natural vegetable oil, no synthetic coatings or chemicals.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Price: $219.95
This comprehensive stainless-steel set includes essential pots and pans, all crafted from durable, high-quality stainless steel. Users appreciate the even heat distribution, durability, and dishwasher-safe convenience. Its triple-ply construction offers gourmet-worthy cooking performance without chemicals.
GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Non-Stick Frypan (10-inch)
Price: $73.99
Infused with diamonds, GreenPan’s metal utensil safe ceramic nonstick offers remarkable durability, balanced heating, and effortless cleanup. The ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium. The durable glass lid offers an easy way to check on your meal in progress, oven safe up to 425°F. Most messes wipe clean, and the pan is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Caraway Ceramic Coated Fry Pan (10.5-inch)
Price: $84.99
Caraway’s ceramic-coated cookware is popular for its eco-friendly materials and stylish design. This non-stick pan is free from toxic chemicals and comes in a range of colors, with reviewers noting its sleek look and even cooking surface. The non-stick coating requires minimal oil, making it a good choice for health-conscious cooks.
Tramontina Stainless Steel 12-Inch Fry Pan
Price: $46.49
This stainless-steel pan from Tramontina is known for its durability and even cooking, especially for searing and browning. It’s NSF-certified, meaning it meets high safety standards, and users love its professional quality at an affordable price.
DI ORO Silicone Spatula Set (3-Piece)
Price: $24.97
This 3-piece set from DI ORO features flexible, heat-resistant silicone spatulas that withstand temperatures up to 600°F, making them ideal for cooking without leaching toxins. Reviewers rave about the seamless design, which prevents trapped food and makes cleaning easy, as well as the durability and comfortable grip.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner
Price: $11.99
Made from sturdy stainless steel, the OXO Good Grips Turner is highly rated for its strength and comfortable handle. Users love its versatility for flipping, lifting, and serving a variety of foods. The steel construction ensures no chemical leaching, and it is dishwasher safe, adding extra convenience.
More on the SuperAging home:
5 highly ranked Amazon products to tackle indoor air pollution
5 highly ranked smart appliances on Amazon
10 highly ranked gardening products on Amazon
New tech and other tips for staying safe during catastrophic weather events
Disclaimer: All prices (in USD) and other info were accurate at the time of publication. SuperAging staff work diligently to curate the most highly ranked products for your cart, and we may receive a small commission if you buy a product through one of our links— at no extra cost to you.
