10 Best Cookware Without Chemicals – Updated for 2023!
As we become more conscious of our health and the environment, many people are looking for cookware options that are free of harmful chemicals. Traditional non-stick cookware can release toxic substances when heated, and some metals can leach into our food. That’s why finding the best cookware without chemicals is essential for those who prioritize healthy and eco-friendly cooking. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best cookware options available that are free of harmful chemicals, so you can cook with peace of mind and protect the planet at the same time.
1. Best Overall - Cuisinart Tri-ply Stainless Steel
One user raved: “I looked carefully and a lot of reviews before deciding on these and I am so glad. I highly recommend this set of stainless pots and pans.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $171.99
This is the Cuisinart 10 piece stainless steel cookware set that, if you can’t tell, a lot similar to the expensive and high-end All-Clad but this cookware costs one-third the price.
What’s best about it?
The best thing about cookware is that it’s free of all kinds of harmful chemicals like PTFE & PFOA and this cookware set is ready to go on any cooktop including induction.
The cookware includes:
The cookware set includes 1.5 Qt. Saucepan with cover, 2.5 Qt. Saucepan with cover, 3.0 Sauté Pan with cover and helper handle, 6.0 Qt. Stockpot with cover, 8” Skillet, and 10” Skillet.
Features:
This is a 3-Ply construction with an aluminum core for maximum heat conduction and even heat distribution.
The outer layer of stainless steel is a magnetic grade which is why this cookware is induction compatible. The outer layer is brushed stainless steel.
The inner layer is 18/10 grade polished stainless steel which allows you to use metal utensils.
The handles are made of cast stainless steel and are V-shape designed to stay cool during cooking. The glass lids are shatter-proof but without vents.
Our Verdict:
Overall, this is the best stainless-steel cookware without chemicals you should invest in without any second thought but also check out what users has to say about it.
Cuisinart TPS-10 10 Piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
2. Best Runner-up - GreenPan SearSmart Ceramic Nonstick
One user raved: “I love that it is free of PFAS, PFOA, Lead, and Cadmium. I’m very happy with these pans and GreenPan in general. Most of my pans are GreenPan and they work great for our family.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $241.99
GreenPan SearSmart is 10-piece ceramic cookware that is completely free of all bad and harmful chemicals. Compared to other ceramic coated cookware, this cookware from GreenPan is reasonably priced and well built.
What’s best about it?
The diamonds infused healthy ceramic nonstick coating is completely free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium and the pans are 40% more spacious than others.
The cookware includes:
8” and 10” frypans, 1.5QT and 2.25QT saucepans with lids, 5QT casserole with lid, and 3QT sauté pan with lid.
Features:
The nonstick ceramic coating is diamonds infused which makes the nonstick durable and metal utensil safe. The pans heat up fast and the cleaning is quick and easy.
The cookware is made of hard-anodized aluminum which is stronger and durable than stainless steel. The body is scratch-resistant.
The cookware is broiler and oven-safe up to 600F. It’s also dishwasher safe but we will recommend hand wash it every time if you want the texture and the nonstick to last longer.
GreenPan SearSmart cookware comes with shatter-proof glass lids with no vents which have the stainless steel rim on the edge for a good fit over the pans and it makes the lids more durable.
The cast stainless steel handles are solid, long, and designed to stay cool during cooking.
This is important for you to know that the cookware doesn’t come with a magnetic base which is why this cookware can be used on all stovetops but induction.
Our Verdict:
If you are ceramic cookware fan, then GreenPan SearSmart cookware is the best option you have to avoid the leaching bad for health chemicals.
GreenPan SearSmart Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
3. Best High-end - All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Sauce Pan
One user raved: “We already have a number of D5 pans, bought at decade ago. This one is nice – it’s brushed! The quality was predictable. These are not low grade, low quality tools. All the highest recommendations.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $249.99
All-Clad D5 stainless steel saucepan cookware is 5-Ply heavy-duty cookware that is free of all kinds of toxicity and harmful chemicals.
What’s best about it?
The 5-Ply heavy gauge construction with max heat conduction and even heat distribution because it has stainless steel, aluminum, and copper used in it. It is compatible with all stovetops including induction.
Features:
The saucepan has a 4Qt capacity to make your favorite sauces or heating liquids etc.
The interior of the pan is 18/10 quality brushed stainless steel which allows you to use metal utensils and the starburst finish gives you nonstick performance if properly used.
The handle is made of stainless steel and is designed to stay cool during cooking. Its also well riveted to the pan for a secure grip.
The pan has flared rims for easy and drip-free pouring.
The stainless steel lid fits the top of the pan easily and heavy gauge stainless steel is used in its construction.
This saucepan is oven and broiler safe up to 600F. Hand wash is recommended but its dishwasher safe too.
Our Verdict:
If budget is not a problem for you, we recommend this saucepan to you because of its durability and performance.
4. Best Induction-safe - GreenPan Valencia Ceramic Nonstick
One user raved: “The pans are safe, nontoxic, easy to clean and very durable. So happy I purchased them.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $331.99
If you are a fan of ceramic cookware and looking for a better replacement, GreenPan Valencia Pro should be your choice. Keep reading to know why!
What’s best about it?
This is 11-piece complete cookware set with hard-anodized aluminum construction and Thermolon Minerals Pro healthy ceramic nonstick coating. Compatible with all stovetops including induction.
The cookware includes:
8”, 9.5”, 11” frypans; 2 quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids; 3-quart skillet with lid; 5-quart casserole with lid.
Features:
The diamonds infused healthy nonstick ceramic coating to allow you to cook healthy non-toxic meals every day for your family and friends.
The cooking surface is diamonds infused nonstick and it’s very hard which makes the cooking surface metal utensil safe.
Magneto Induction Base, which is unique to GreenPan allows you to use the cookware on any cooktop including induction.
The stainless steel handles have a solid comfortable grip, are riveted tightly, and balanced perfectly with the pans.
The glass lids are shatter-proof with a stainless steel rim for a good fit over the pans. The lids are oven-safe up to 400F.
The cookware is dishwasher safe, oven & broiler safe up to 600F.
Our Verdict:
At this price point, this is a good choice if you want ceramic cookware which can be used on all cooktops including induction. You should invest in it.
5. Best Nonstick - Anolon Advanced Nonstick
One user raved: “They are very sturdy! This brand has longevity for sure! I just wish they had a smaller 1 Quart pot as well like my last set did to make it easier to make smaller meals” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $299.99
Anolon hard anodized cookware is the choice of many cooks around the world for its performance and durability.
What’s best about it?
It features 3-layered healthy nonstick for excellent food release and heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum construction for long-lasting performance.
The cookware includes:
1.5- and 3-Quart Covered Saucepans, 8-Quart Covered Stockpot, 8-Inch, and 10-Inch French Skillets, 12-Inch Grill Pan, and 3-Quart Covered Saute Pan.
Features:
The cookware is constructed of good quality and heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum for extra durability and which makes the exterior scratch-resistant.
The healthy nonstick coating consists of three layers which make the nonstick durable and metal utensil safe.
The handles of the cookware have a hefty grip that is silicon wrapped and tightly riveted to the body for security.
The lids are made of shatter-proof glass that has stainless steel rims at the edge for a good fit over the pots and pans.
The pots and pans are oven-safe up to 400F.
Our Verdict:
At this price point, there is a lot of cookware that you can check out but Anolon has a market reputation we will suggest you should consider this cookware. But remember, this cookware is not for induction.
6. Best Value - Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick
One user raved: “You cannot buy better quality, these are amazing and will last a lifetime.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $599.99
Calphalon Contemporary is 11-piece cookware that may sound a bit expensive but the built quality and performance is way better than many of its counterparts that gives you the best value for the money.
What’s best about it?
The scratch-resistant hard-anodized aluminum construction makes and three layers of healthy nonstick interior for strength and easy food release. Cookware comes with a full lifetime warranty.
The cookware includes:
10-Inch Fry Pan, 12-Inch Fry Pan, and Cover, 1.5-Quart Sauce Pan and Cover, 2.5-Quart Sauce Pan and Cover, 3-Quart Saute Pan and Cover, and 8-Quart Stock Pot and Cover.
Features:
The cookware is made of hard-anodized heavy gauge aluminum for maximum heat conduction and even heat distribution. The exterior is scratch-resistant.
The healthy nonstick coating is free of harmful chemicals and consists of three layers. Two layers are for the sturdiness so that you can use metal utensils on it and the top third layer is for easy food release and easy cleaning.
The handles are made of brushed stainless steel, which is solid and feels great in the hands. Handles are designed to stay cool during cooking.
The lids are made of shatter-proof glass that gives you a good fit over the pans.
The pans and lids are oven-safe up to 450F and it comes with a full lifetime warranty.
Our Verdict:
If you can spend a bit more on the cookware that will make you comfortable while cooking and cleaning, then you should invest in this cookware that comes with a full lifetime warranty.
Remember, it’s not induction compatible.
7. Best Budget - GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic
One user raved: “once I started using them I was completely hooked! I absolutely LOVE these and highly recommend them for cooking. They are easy to clean and heat distribution is excellent!” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $99.99
GreenLife ceramic nonstick cookware is a 12 piece complete cookware set that is available in three different and beautiful colors and this Turquoise is my personal favorite.
What’s best about it?
The cookware features ceramic nonstick which is healthy and has no harmful chemicals. The interior is rivetless and the cookware includes nylon utensils that we use daily.
The cookware includes:
7” and 9.5” frying pans, 2 quart Saucepan with lid, 5-quart stockpot with lid, 2.5 quarts saute pan with lid, stainless steel steamer, nylon ladle, nylon slotted turner, and 5-piece measuring spoons.
Features:
The cookware is made of recycled aluminum which is harder than any other aluminum cookware but it is not as hard as anodized aluminum.
The healthy ceramic nonstick is sand-derived which is free of all kinds of harmful chemicals and completely safe to cook in.
The handles are beautiful and give you a very comfortable grip which has the matching color silicone wrapping.
The aluminum construction provides maximum heat conduction and retention. The heat distribution is even throughout the pan for a great cooking experience.
The wobble-free base of the cookware sits comfortably on any cooking surface. Its oven-safe up to 350F.
The cookware is compatible with electric and gas stoves only.
Our Verdict:
This is the best budget cookware without chemicals where you get 12 pieces of cookware under $100, so if you are on a budget and want to have the essential cookware, GreenLife Soft Grip is the one you should invest in.
GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Turquoise Cookware
8. Rachael Ray Brights Hard-Anodized Aluminum
One user raved: “Best cookware set for a reasonable price! Super easy clean up and great durability. Great buy and worth the money.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $189.99
Rachael Ray Brights is a 10 piece cookware set that has all the essential cookware pieces you need to start your cooking healthily without chemicals.
What’s best about it?
The best about this cookware is that its scratch-resistant hard-anodized aluminum construction, tulip-shaped cookware design, and the durable chemical free nonstick cooking surface.
The cookware includes:
1-quart saucepan & 2 quart saucepan w/ lids, 6-quart stockpot w/ lid, 3 quarts sauté pan w/ lid, 8.5-inch frypan & 10-inch frypan.
Features:
Rachael Ray Brights offers 10 pieces of hard-anodized aluminum cookware that come with all the necessary cookware you need in your kitchen to make your favorite recipes without any trouble.
Due to aluminum built, the cookware conducts heat well and distributes heat evenly up to the walls.
The handles are well riveted and have thick silicone over them to make them easy and comfortable to grip.
The shatter-proof glass lids have a wider rim on the edges that make them more durable and due to rims, the lids give a good fit over the pots and pans.
The cookware is dishwasher safe and oven-safe up to 350F.
Our Verdict:
Overall Rachael Ray Brights is pretty reasonable cookware that comes at a very reasonable price i.e. $169.99 and this is a better choice for you.
Rachael Ray Brights Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware
9. Best Cast Iron - Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron
One user raved: “They’re amazing, we all know this. This set is an awesome deal too. They’re heavy duty and the only thing I cook with. I would recommend hand washing and not letting sit dirty for too long because it is a little hard to clean caked on food.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $549.99
Le Creuset cast iron cookware is the best and healthiest cookware that doesn’t leach any harmful chemicals into your food because it has Porcelain enamel coated.
What’s best about it?
The best thing is that it doesn’t require seasoning because it has a Porcelain enamel coating which makes it healthy to cook in and over time it creates a natural patina, a natural nonstick layer, that helps in cooking and cleaning.
The cookware includes:
5 1/2 qtr. Signature Round Dutch Oven with Lid: 1 3/4 qtr. Signature Saucepan with Lid; 9″ Signature Iron Handle Skillet
Features:
The Dutch oven features a long-lasting enamel exterior that helps in preventing the cookware from chipping and cracking.
The interior is enamel coated to make cooking easy and over time the cookware will create a natural nonstick layer that is also healthy to cook on.
The cast-iron cookware is great to make soups, stews, searing, and glazing in a much healthier way.
Cast iron heats up slowly but it provides slow and consistent heat that helps you make your meals to perfection.
The cookware is compatible with all stovetops including induction.
Our Verdict:
Overall, this is expensive cookware but it’s worth it because of its lifetime performance and durability. So if you can afford and want to invest in cookware that you can use for ages, this is the one you should be investing in.
10. Best Stone Cookware - Ozeri Stone Earth Frying Pan
One user raved: “This is a great pan for the price. It’s easy to clean and feels like it’s made well.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $30.99
Ozeri Stone Earth frying pan is the healthiest frying pan that has no harmful chemicals and is one of our favorite frying pans at 111Reviews.
What’s best about it?
The nonstick interior has a stone-derived coating that is free of APEO, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, and PFOA. The pan has a magnetized base which makes it induction compatible.
Features:
The nonstick performance is good, and with stone-derived nonstick coating, you can prepare your meals without the contamination of harmful chemicals.
The pan is made of heavy gauge aluminum for max heat conduction and it distributes heat evenly for perfect cooking.
The base of the pan is magnetic grade metal which can be used on induction as well. Alongside induction, the pan can be used on all stovetops.
The handle is sturdy and tightly attached to the pan with the help of three rivets which makes it even more sturdy and long-lasting.
The handle comes with silicone wrapping for an easy and comfortable grip.
What is the best & safest cookware material without chemicals to use in our kitchen?
You probably don’t want to use Teflon or aluminum for your cookware, because you might want to avoid ingesting harmful chemicals and metals that can leach into your food. Food just tastes better when prepared with healthy cookware!
There are five main cookware materials to choose from:
- All-Ceramic
- Stainless steel
- Cast Iron
- Carbon Steel
- Ceramic Coated
All-Ceramic:
All-ceramic cookware is made of porcelain, bone china, or stoneware with no metal particles. The best thing about ceramic cookware is that it doesn’t react to food and it’s very easy to clean.
However, this cookware is not recommended for cooking items with tomato-based sauces as these can leave stains on the surface of the cooker.
The downside to all-ceramic is that it can break easily and make a mess if dropped on the floor. It’s also not dishwasher safe. Some ceramic pans come with an enamel coating to make them more durable.
Stainless steel:
The best thing about cooking with stainless steel is that it doesn’t react to food and your pan won’t get scratched up. You can use metal utensils on your stainless pans, so you don’t need to worry about scratching off the coating as All-Ceramic cookware does. It’s very durable and lasts a long time.
It can also withstand high heat, so you can cook more dishes on the stove. Most stainless steel cookware has a nonstick coating as well to make cleaning up easier.
Stainless steel is dishwasher safe and doesn’t rust, but it scratches easily and needs regular polishing to keep it shiny – especially if you’re cooking with acidic foods like tomatoes.
Cast Iron:
The reason why people love cooking with cast iron is that it can last a lifetime! Plus, it’s great, healthy cookware because you won’t be ingesting harmful chemicals from the nonstick coating on your cookware – even if there is a Teflon or other chemical coatings. Just stay away from the ones with enamel coatings!
Cast Iron is very durable and can withstand high heat, without warping.
It’s nonstick when it’s well-seasoned (after using it for a while). You might need to buy special cleaning soap to get rid of the rust on the iron – avoid chlorine-based cleaners like bleach.
Another downside to this cookware is that it’s heavy and might be difficult to transport.
Carbon Steel:
This material is another healthy choice! It doesn’t affect the taste of food and it can withstand very high temperatures without warping. Its nonstick abilities last a long time, but you will need to use special cleaning soap to get rid of rust.
It’s not dishwasher safe and can deteriorate over time, but it does have a lifetime warranty so you won’t need to buy another pan for years! But don’t worry about seasoning your pan with oil – just use it often to keep it nonstick.
Ceramic Coated:
If you like ceramic but aren’t willing to make the investment of buying an all-ceramic pan – then get a cookware set with a ceramic coating.
It’s not as sturdy or durable as stainless steel, so it can warp over time and is also more expensive than other metals. But it won’t react to food and is dishwasher safe. It’s also very easy to clean up because it’s nonstick!
Just note that you can’t cook acidic foods, like tomatoes, with these pans because the acid will dissolve the ceramic coating over time.
What is non-toxic cookware?
The cookware that is free from harmful chemicals is called non-toxic cookware. Teflon may contain chemicals like PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, which is toxic to the environment and our health. It is used as a coating on the cookware to make it non-stick. However, due to its harmful toxic property, newer non-stick coatings are here. They no longer contain PFOA and PFOS, but you have to keep an eye out for Teflon cookware.
It’s still important to read the label on any non-stick cookware before purchasing to avoid any risk. There are so many better non-toxic cookware options out there! Ceramic, Cast iron, Carbon steel, and stainless steel are the safest cookware for your health.
Why go for cookware with no chemicals?
These days the market is full of cookware variety from which you can choose. That may include stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, copper, aluminum, clay, along non-stick surfaces. Some of them are good and safe enough to buy.
However, some types can have harmful effects on your health. Chemicals in such pots and pans can leach into the food you cook and get released into the air when the cookware is heated. That could be the reason for many medical problems as chemicals are harmful to health.
That is why choose the safest and nonreactive cookware with the least chemicals.
What cookware should I avoid at all costs?
It is a need to check whether the cookware is safe to cook or not, as safe cooking is a priority. The manufacturer’s material and coating determine if the cookware produces any toxic substance during cooking. For your comfort, we have listed the toxic cookware which you can avoid.
Cookware you need to avoid are:
TEFLON COATED:
Teflon cookware has many concerns as they release toxic fumes when it’s heated above a determined temperature.
COPPER COOKWARE:
It gets damaged if you do not dry it properly. It is not dishwasher safe which can b difficult for some people while cleaning, and are not compatible with induction cooktops.
ALUMINUM:
Aluminum can be reactive to acidic foods, which causes the metal to leach into the food. For that reason, avoid cooking tomatoes or other food over high flame.
Instead of this cookware, cast iron and stainless steel are the best to choose. Both are best in heat conduction and nearly non-stick cookware. Glass cookware is another choice as they are good at retaining heat and have no problem with temperature fluctuations.
How to clean the cookware with no chemicals?
There are 4 simple eco-friendly tips and tricks for cleaning non-toxic cookware that get the job done right.
- If the burnt food in the cookware does not remove by simple scrubbing, then soak it in warm water for some time. In this way, the particles will loosen up, and you can easily remove them by scrubbing them with a dishwasher. You can develop this habit before washing the dishes as it will save your time.
- You can use lime vinegar solution for cleaning the noon toxic pans. They will not just remove the grease but also makes it germ-free and healthy to cook. You only need to mix a half lime in 2 tablespoons of vinegar and then apply it to the cookware with a sponge. Leave it for 5-10 minutes, and then wash it with warm water and a dishwasher.
- Use baking soda mixed with water and apply it to the part where you feel the need. That will smoothen the grease or any other substances and allow you to scrub them effortlessly. Wash it with warm water, and it’s ready to go.
- You can add water and dishware to the pans and boil them for 5 minutes. In this way, germs and mineral particles will fall up to the top. Let the pan cool down, and then wash it with water. Here your sparkly and shiny cookware is new again.
One thing to add is that always after cleaning the cookware, apply a thick layer of oil to the non-stick surface. It is to avoid its coating from damage and keep the pan from drying out.