Non-toxic, easy-clean pots and pans busy families actually need
Updated
When it comes to kitchenware, it’s tempting to opt for the cheaper options on the market. But far too often, we find ourselves annoyed by food stuck to the bottom of a pan, left with scratched saucepans, and unknowingly consuming PFAS, known as “forever chemicals”, in our cookware.
So while investing in long-lasting, non-stick, non-toxic cooking gear can feel like an eye-watering purchase, it’s a worthwhile (and healthier!) investment nonetheless.
To offer you a helping hand, below are some of our favourite non-toxic and BPA-free pots, pans, and trays on the market to help you have a safer, healthier cooking experience.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.
Joseph Joseph Space Folding Handle Ceramic Non-stick 2-piece Blue Frying Pan Set
Joseph Joseph Space Folding Handle Ceramic Non-stick 2-piece Blue Frying Pan Set Joseph Joesph
Using folding stainless-steel handles, these ceramic, non-stick frying pans are not only safe for long-term use, but conveniently help save on kitchen storage space. They’re made from professional-grade aluminium, are suitable for all hobs, and are oven-safe to 232ºC.
What’s non-toxic about it: The pans are free of PTFE, PFAS, PFOA, and are heavy metal-free, instead using a natural sol-gel ceramic coating. Unlike traditional non-stick, if you accidentally overheat this pan, it will not release toxic fumes.
Joseph Joseph Space Non Stick wok With Lid 32cm/12.5inch
Joseph Joseph Space Non Stick wok With Lid 32cm/12.5inch Joseph Joesph
If you’re a fan of stir-frying, look no further than this Joseph Joseph non-stick wok. Its professional-grade aluminium body is built to last, helping to cook food quickly and efficiently.
What’s non-toxic about it: This wok uses the same clean, toxin-free ceramic technology as the frying pans, keeping your high-heat stir-frying safe.
Essteele Per Benessere Ceramic Oven Tray
Essteele Per Benessere Ceramic Oven Tray Essteele
For eco-conscious baking, roasting, and more, consider this ceramic oven tray. It provides safe and effective heat distribution, keeping the hassle of oven cooking to a minimum. It is also dishwasher-safe, but it’s suggested that you handwash it so that its non-stick properties last for as long as possible.
What’s non-toxic about it: This ceramic tray is made from a water-based, natural mineral-reinforced ceramic, free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium, ensuring no harmful forever chemicals seep into your food.
Tefal Revive Induction Ceramic Saucepan 18cm
Tefal Revive Induction Ceramic Saucepan 18cm Tefal
For everyday cooking, this saucepan offers a decent 1.9L capacity, a non-stick ceramic coating for easy food dispersal, a 100 per cent recycled aluminium body, and full induction compatibility.
What’s non-toxic about it: Unlike standard Tefal pans, the Revive line uses a natural mineral ceramic coating that is 100 per cent free of FAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, and is perfect for healthy cooking.
Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro
Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro Our Place
This pan from Our Place is a multi-functional tool that excels at searing, browning, and stovetop-to-oven cooking. It is a premium design, made with a stainless-steel exterior, an aluminium core, and a titanium interior. It is super durable, can withstand temperatures of up to 535°C, and works on all cooktops. Not only that, but it also comes with a custom nesting Beechwood spatula and a modular, steam-release lid for a seamless cooking experience.
What’s non-toxic about it: Instead of using a traditional chemical non-stick coating, this pan uses NoCo Technology and a textured titanium surface instead. The pan’s surface is free of PFAS, PTFE, and other “forever chemicals”.
Scanpan Impact Stainless Steel Saucepan 18cm
Scanpan Impact Stainless Steel Saucepan 18cm Scanpan
Perfect for boiling, simmering, and making sauces, this bare-metal stainless-steel saucepan will not blister, peel, or release toxic fumes if accidentally overheated during cooking. For seamless cooking, it also features internal capacity markings, a drip-free pour, and a cast stainless-steel handle that has been designed to stay cool.
What’s non-toxic about it: The body of the pan is made of high-quality, non-toxic, uncoated stainless steel. While the lid handle might be made from a silicone wrap, it is unlikely that it will transfer into your food.
Solidteknics Aus-Ion Skillet 20cm
Solidteknics Aus-Ion Skillet 20cm Solidteknics
Designed to last a lifetime, this wrought iron skillet is as durable as they come. It is a much lighter version than a cast iron skillet, while still offering safe cooking and excellent heat retention for searing meats, frying eggs, and more.
What’s non-toxic about it: It is made from a single sheet of 100 per cent clean Australian iron and does not use any PTFE, PFOA, or PFAS, eliminating the risk of toxic off-gassing, peeling, or flaking.
Frequently asked questions
What does BPA-free mean?
If something is BPA-free, it means that the product has been made without Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly used in plastics and metal food cans. It can spread into food and water and can cause potential health risks linked to hormonal interference.
What is the most non-toxic cookware?
When looking for non-toxic cookware, you want to look out for materials completely free from synthetic non-stick coatings like Teflon (PFAS/PFOA). The best options are made from cast iron, stainless steel, and pure ceramic. They are free from plastics and heavy metals and do not release toxic fumes even when overheated.
When to get rid of non-stick pans?
Damaged non-stick coatings can unknowingly release “forever chemicals” into your food. If you see visible scratches, flaking coating, or notice that food is always sticking, it’s advisable to throw the pan away. Even when cookware looks fine to the naked eye, non-stick cookware should be replaced every five years.
How to know if non-stick pan is toxic?
To assess the safety of a non-stick pan, consider its age, coating, and whether it’s overheating. Discard the pan if its coating is flaking, refrain from heating above 260°C, and if you bought it before 2015, it’s likely to contain a phased-out “forever chemical”, PFOA, that can be carcinogenic.
Is “PFOA-free” the same as non-toxic?
No, there is a difference. PFOA is a chemical that has been phased out, so “PFOA-free” pans can still contain other harmful PFAS or PTFE (“Teflon”). To ensure safety, a pan has to explicitly reference being “PFAS-free” or “PTFE-free”.
How to wash and care for non-toxic pans?
Many brands will claim that their non-toxic pans are dishwasher-safe, but exposure to harsh chemicals and heat can erode the coating over time. It is suggested that you handwash with a mild dish soap and a soft sponge to maximise longevity.
