Since humans started cooking, we’ve been using cookware to prepare our food. It wasn’t until recently when people became aware of the dangers in using certain cookware materials such as aluminum and Teflon that non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives have begun to surface.
You may be wondering why it’s so important to begin using non-toxic cookware. Nontoxic cookware can help ensure that you’re not putting harmful toxins in your body. For example, some less expensive pots are made of aluminum which has been connected with neurological disorders including memory loss, slurred speech, numbness in hands and feet, dementia…the list goes on. Teflon pans release a highly toxic gas when heated at high temperatures which leads to adhesions in the lungs & contributes to cardiovascular disease. The best options are stainless steel, ceramic coated, ceramic cookware, cast iron, and glass. These pans are non-allergenic, easily cleaned, and preserve the taste of food.
Non Toxic Cooking Pots And Pans
1. Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel is a metal alloy made with chromium and nickel which ensures that it does not rust or corrode after long-term use. In addition, stainless steel is known for being easy to clean. This makes it an ideal cooking pot since the toxicity of other metals present in less expensive pots leach out over time causing dangerous health conditions such as cancer to develop. The most common colors for stainless steel cookware are silver and brushed steel. Some stainless steel pots and pans come with a copper or aluminum core. These two elements make the stainless steel more durable and help distribute the heat evenly throughout the pot and pan.
2. Teflon Cookware
Teflon is a nonstick coating made of metal fluoropolymers that keep food from sticking to cooking equipment during normal kitchen use, such as frying, grilling, roasting, and baking. This makes it very easy for you to cook without needing to use extra oil or butter which means fewer calories! Teflon releases toxic fumes at 400°F so it’s not safe to use on high heat on your stovetop making them only suitable for low-temperature cooking.
3. Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron is a form of formed metal that has been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Moreover, cast iron cookware is very durable and tends to be made in one piece as opposed to other types. Such as stainless steel cookware which may use multiple pieces welded together. It’s normal for cast iron pans to have a rough surface which requires extra care and maintenance cleaning to ensure no food bits get stuck and eventually rust over time. If you notice rust on your set, just clean it properly and be sure to re-season it before putting it into use. Enameled cast iron can be found at most kitchen stores and online outlets like Amazon.
4. Ceramic Cookware
These types of pots & pans not only look great but also offer a sleek design that is easy to clean. Ceramic falls
into two categories; felsic and mafic. Felsic ceramic is made of light elements, magnesium, or sodium while mafic ceramic contains heavy elements such as iron or titanium. Ceramic cookware is usually made with felsic materials like borosilicate glass. This makes it resistant to high-temperature shocks. This also allows you to put your glass pot, or pan in the oven without cracking the material.
Pure ceramic has amazing properties that make it a great material to use in everyday life. Pure ceramic can be heated from -30°C (-22°F) to +450° C (842° F). It does not bar any flavors or toxins which makes it healthy for your body. Pure ceramic is also dishwasher safe, non-leaching, and contains no PTFE or PFOA.
The high-quality ceramic coating emits a high amount of heat which is evenly distributed, making them an excellent choice when cooking steaks and other similar foods with high-fat contents since the high-quality surface will make it easy to release food easily while adding crispiness. Another advantage of high-quality ceramic coated cookware is that they provide scratch resistance due to their thicker surface. Which resists scratches by knives and metal utensils. This makes them a great option for busy families who need something durable but also dishwasher safe!
Related: 9 Things you Should Toss to Detoxify your Home
5. Glass Cookware
Glass cookware has become increasingly popular because of its ability to be used on all cooking surfaces (electric, induction stovetops, halogen burners, gas ranges) making it the most versatile type of pot & pan you can find! It comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be used on high heat but shouldn’t be exposed to high temperatures for a long period. Since high heat can cause high-quality glass cookware to break. They’re oven-safe so you can use them for a range of different cooking tasks. Oftentimes, you can find glass cookware set to have different options and sizes.
6. Earthenware Cookware
These types of high-quality pots & pans are made from a high-temperature resistant earthenware clay. Which makes them a good choice for cooking with medium to low heat. Some people recommend that you preheat your set before use. But this isn’t necessary since they’re oven safe and can be used in the oven.
7. Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick pans are typically made of aluminum or copper with a nonstick coating to prevent food from sticking to the cooking surface during normal stovetop use. They’re also oven safe. So you can easily place them in your toaster oven, regular oven, broiler, and even a grill. If the temperature goes above 450°F, these pots will release harmful toxins into your home making them unsafe for daily use.
The best way to ensure you’re using high-quality materials is to buy well-known brands that have built up their reputation over time through customer satisfaction. If you have a high-quality set that is PTFE or PFOA-free, be sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions regarding cooking on high heat and high temperatures. For example, Le Creuset has been manufacturing enamel-coated cast iron cookware since 1925! Le Creuset is well known for its dutch oven products and easy cleaning. Other recommended brands include Calphalon, Anolon, Cuisinart & Emeril.
8. Induction Cookware
Induction stovetops are very popular because they heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly throughout the pot or pan while providing steady control over the heating process allowing you to delicate sauces like béchamel. This high-quality cookware is high heat resistant. And won’t release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures which makes them a high-quality choice for cooking with high heat on an induction cooker. They’re made from high-grade stainless steel or cast iron. Both of which are high-quality materials that will last you a lifetime.
9. Outdoor Pots & Pans
When you want to enjoy the great outdoors with your family, you must use safe materials when grilling on your grill. If you tend to buy cheaper brands like Walmart, Harbor Freight, or Target, they may not be made of high-quality materials which can cause toxins to seep into your home while cooking; especially if the heat is too high! Other indoor cooking appliances like ovens also emit toxic fumes at higher temperatures. So it’s necessary for you to research the materials used in the pots and pans before buying them.
10. Other Heat Resistant Utensils
Other heat-resistant utensils that can resist high heat include silicone, and copper. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors allowing you to find those that best suit your cooking needs.
If you’re unsure about whether the pans are oven or dishwasher safe then always better off doing some research before purchasing! Just remember that being able to resist heat is not the only criterion since putting hot pans in water can also cause warping making them unsafe for storage.
When you’re cooking in high heat, pay attention to the smoke. If it’s starting to produce a chemical smell or smells like burning plastic, this means you should lower the temperature or get out of the kitchen until the fumes have cleared up. Never leave high heat cooking unattended. Because toxic fumes can cause fatigue, headache, nausea, and even unconsciousness! Lastly, never use high heat when using nonstick pots & pans. Since this will significantly increase your risk of being exposed to harmful toxins.
Universal Kitchen Cookware Items
For items that are used for more than one cookware type, it’s best to buy universal kitchen items that are compatible with other types of pots and pans. For example, stainless steel tongs can be used on all cooking surfaces. This makes them a great accessory while you’re cooking in any pot or pan!
Wooden Cooking Utensils
Because you don’t want your wooden utensils to absorb heat making them difficult to handle, wood should only be used when cooking over low heat sources like simmering sauces, slow cooker dishes, or soups/broths which are allowed to come up to temperature slowly. Never use wooden utensils in high heat settings. Since this will increase the likelihood that harmful toxins will be leached from the wooden material.
Refurbishing Pots and Pans
If you’ve got high-quality pots & pans that are made with high-grade materials then some refinishing can make them look great while increasing their safety. You can do this by polishing and re-seasoning high-quality nonstick pots & pans which have been accidentally scratched.
Although high heat is often the culprit when it comes to irreparably damaging high-grade materials, there are some things you can do to fix them up including using a high-temperature lubricant if the pan has become dry or bits of food has burnt onto its surface while making sure to choose high-quality ones that will not cause damage over time.
High-quality refurbishing products
With cast iron pots & pans, high-quality refurbishing products include Lodge’s stovetop cleaner and Seasoning Spray. You can also use a self-cleaning option. Since a lot of people find that their high-quality cast iron skillets develop flavors from cooking with each subsequent use. We tend to wipe ours down with a cloth to get the liquid out. And then let the rest sit until the next use.
Seasoning high-quality nonstick pans can be done through the use of high heat oils while keeping in mind that high temp options like flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil are safer since they emit a high amount of smoke before reaching their flash point making them a better choice than low-quality cooking oils. Also, avoid using high heat canola or sunflower oil. These release toxic chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. Canola, Rapeseed, vegetable, and sunflower oils are generally bad for your health. So it’s best to stay away from them when possible.
It’s increasingly important to have cookware that doesn’t contribute to health problems, and we have outlined some of the best above.
If you are looking for new cookware or this article helped you realize you may need to upgrade, remember to do so within reason. If you can only afford one nice pan at a time, then do that. You don’t need a whole kitchen full of pots and pans. You only need one and then when you can, get another one or a set.
If you still have less quality pots and pans, be sure to use lower heat. Toxic fumes have been known to result from overheating some types of pots & pans so you need to choose safe ones. This includes using nonstick pot & pans on a lower heat setting or safer materials like stainless steel, ceramic coated, or cast iron cookware when going above 450°F since they don’t emit toxic fumes at higher temperatures making them a better choice than low-quality nonstick pots & pans.
If you have any favorite brands I didn’t mention here, feel free to leave a comment and let us know!
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