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My Top Non-Toxic Cookware Picks:
Best Overall: Cast Iron Essentials Set
Most Versatile: Classic Cast Iron Skillet
Best Budget: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Set
Most Durable: Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Best Stainless Steel: All-Clad D3 Cookware Set
If you’re anything like me or my clients, you’re determined to lower your total toxic load by choosing organic food, ditching your plastic, and using clean and simple cleaning ingredients. But have you thought about your cookware? Over time, all your non-stick pots and pans start to degrade and can offset all your healthy efforts.
Most cookware is made using chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). These chemicals repel oil and water, creating a non-stick cookware surface. Although the non-stick part is nice, cookware made with these substances have a lot of problems that we didn’t know about when they first came around.
These PFAs can leech into your food during the cooking process – they are released when met with high temperatures (especially as the cookware gets older). This issue is worsened if the cookware has scratches from years of use (not to mention it’s not non-stick anymore). The big problem with this is these chemicals don’t break down easily, meaning they can be stuck in your body for fifty plus years! They’ve even been linked to a long list of health conditions such as cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
If that’s not enough reason to ditch your banged up, not-so-non-stick cookware and start looking into safer, healthier options, I don’t know what is.
As a certified functional medicine practitioner, ReCODE 2.0 (reversing cognitive decline) certified practitioner, and brain health enthusiast myself, I only recommend two types of cookware for their purity, durability, and versatility.
- Cast iron
- Stainless steel
To start the search for you, I’ve ranked the top favorite brands my clients and I use. I personally use a blend of cast iron and stainless steel pieces depending on my culinary needs.
For more information about other ways to lower your toxic exposures and overall toxic load, read this post.
Best Overall: Cast Iron Essentials Set
It can be hard to find a solid set of non-toxic cookware, but cast iron checks all the boxes with its design, durability, and versatility. We’ve been cooking on cast iron for a very long time, and it’s stood the test of time, literally. Cast iron is commonly passed down from generation to generation and is virtually indestructible. Plus, once cast iron is properly seasoned it develops its own non-stick surface. Bonus! This set comes pre-seasoned so all you have to do is heat it up, maybe add a little fat, and go! The non-stick surface can even be reapplied by “seasoning” the pan. And while these pots and pans can’t go in the dishwasher, you don’t even have to use soap to clean them. Once you know the fundamentals of cleaning your cast iron, it’s no more difficult or time consuming to clean than other types of cookware. I recommend this set for pretty much anyone looking for healthy cookware that won’t scratch, flake, or leech toxic chemicals into your food.
Most Versatile: Classic Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re limited on space and need a pan you can do just about everything with, the classic cast iron skillet is the ultimate all-in-one cookware option. From braising to baking and everything in between, this pan does it all! Plus, cast iron is usually really affordable and since it lasts basically forever, you can count it as a one-time investment. The cast iron skillet comes in many sizes, too. The one pictured and linked here is a 15-inch skillet that is sure to be able to hold any delicious dish you want it to. Overall, the cast iron skillet is a great option for people with limited cooking or storage space, those who need the versatility it offers, and even the newlyweds!
Best Budget: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Set
You don’t have to go bankrupt to be healthy! You can cook just about anything with this Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel set for roughly $170 (the price at the time I wrote this), which makes it perfect for college kids and new homeowners! We’re talking all the way from hamburger steak to the best seafood stew you’ve ever had. Stainless steel is a non-reactive metal, meaning that it won’t rust or scratch when exposed to acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) or break down at high temperatures. It’s also low-maintenance and incredibly durable. Cuisinart is my favorite affordable stainless steel cookware brand and a great addition to any kitchen.
Most Durable: Cast Iron Dutch Oven
As I’ve mentioned already, cast iron is virtually indestructible, creates its own non-stick coating, and can be used to cook just about anything you can imagine. One of my favorites for all around durability is the dutch oven. You can use it on the stove top (including induction stove tops), in the oven, on the grill, and even over a campfire! This one even comes with handle covers since cast iron is so good at retaining heat (which also creates a more even cooking surface).
Best Stainless Steel: All-Clad D3 Cookware Set
There’s a reason All-Clad is a common household name, especially among families who love to support companies who make their products in the USA. This D3 Cookware Set is one of the most reliable stainless steel cookware sets I know of, and is compatible with all cooktops. While it has a higher price tag, it’s safe in the oven (up to 600 degrees F) and comes with a lifetime warranty. This particular set includes a 10.5-inch skillet for stir frying at high heat, a 2-quart saucepan with lid for sauces, a versatile 4-quart sauté pan, and a do-it-all 5-quart stockpot. Each pan is try-ply bonded even heating to effortlessly whip up anything from quick bites to epic feasts. It’s definitely a set to put on your wedding registry.
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