Guide to Healthy Cookware: Ceramic vs. Teflon Pans
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If you’ve clicked on this blog post chances are you are seeking ways to make your home more sustainable and as non-toxic as possible for your health and well-being as well as for your loved ones.
You are in the right place: we are going to dive deep into the ways to make your home more sustainable, eco-friendly, and safe in an easy step-by-step guide. This will help to be 10 steps closer to a more sustainable home.
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Steps to Take at a Glance
1. Get Rid of Your Teflon Cookware ↓ Jump Here
2. Switch to Glass and Pure Silicone Food Containers ↓ Jump Here
3. Switch to All Natural Cleaning Products ↓ Jump Here
4. Get Yourself a Water Filter↓ Jump Here
5. Get an Air Purifier ↓ Jump Here
6. Ditch Plastic Food Wrapping. Use Beeswax Food Wraps Instead ↓ Jump Here
7. Let Go of Plastic Kitchen Utensils ↓ Jump Here
8. Ditch That Dish Sponge ↓ Jump Here
9. Ditch That Plastic Cutting Board ↓ Jump Here
10. Switch to Unbleached Baking Paper ↓ Jump Here
11. Grow Your Herb Garden on the Window ↓ Jump Here
Can Your Home be a Menace?
It all clicked with me unexpectedly one evening: I was lucky to watch a movie. The right kind of movie. Probably one of the most impactful films in my life – Dark Waters by Todd Haynes.
This movie put me into the rabbit hole: I understood that it is, in fact, in my power to make myself and my family as healthy and vibrant as possible. I suddenly understood that it is your responsibility to consume and use only products and utensils that are safe for you and everybody around you that you love. I started to look into the materials, and ingredients around me. I realized that my safety in my own home was questionable. I stopped relying on manufacturers, I understood that the majority of them are only on the market to sell their stuff. Not to make sure that this cheap plastic spatula you bought 5 years ago doesn’t leak toxic chemicals and heavy metals into your food each time you cook.
Now, let’s take a look at what we can do to minimize the possibility of health risks living in our own homes. What better choices can we make to, if not completely make our homes non-toxic, but at least minimize our exposure to harmful chemicals? Some of them were proven to be endocrine disruptors, reasons for skin allergies, and other nasty symptoms you don’t want to deal with. We are mostly going to talk about sustainable kitchen products, appliances, and eco-friendly products.
By implementing those simple yet powerful steps, you are making sure you and your family are safer in their own home.
Steps to Take
1. Get Rid of Your Teflon Cookware
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a common non-stick coating used in cookware. We know it under the name of Teflon. It’s essentially a synthetic fluoropolymer, a type of plastic. Historically, the manufacturing of PTFE involved the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical linked to health concerns. While newer production methods have reduced or eliminated PFOA, PTFE coatings may still contain trace amounts of this chemical. Many pans now boast a “PFOA-free” label, but this doesn’t necessarily guarantee a safer alternative. There’s always a possibility of new research uncovering the risks associated with these supposedly “safer” options. For more detailed information, refer to the scientific references provided at the end of this article.
If you’ve already watched the movie, you understand why this step is the first. If not – your favorite nonstick Teflon pan that served you for what seems an eternity is leaking poison into your food. Every time you cook.Without exceptions. And those “awesome” non-stick pans that are comfortable yet come with a much higher price than the one you have paid for in your local Target.
We shouldn’t forget that we tend to scratch our pans and other cookware with some metal utensils, forks or god knows what exactly. Each time you do it on your traditional nonstick cookware you help those nasty ingredients to go right into your chicken cream pasta for tonight. We should also mention toxic fumes that we inhale each time we cook on such cookware.
I don’t consider it a lovely spice to add some flavor to your meal. I consider it a violation of our collective health by manufacturers. So, what are healthy cookware options available for us?
On what should we cook instead?
Start your journey to the best non-toxic cookware here. I’m going to provide you with a list of the best non-toxic cookware options. Let’s explore stainless steel, cast iron, and my favorite, pure ceramic cookware, which allows you to use less oil while cooking. You’ll discover the best non-toxic cookware sets and individual pans for any budget.
Xtrema Fully Ceramic Cookware
The best material to opt for after ditching those Teflon pans. Fully ceramic cookware is proven to be safe, even at higher temperatures. It also has nonstick properties, making it a great investment that will serve you for a long time. Xtrema cookware is designed in the United States.
Personally, I find that food made with this type of cookware is slightly tastier than with any other kind. When I started my sustainable life journey, I couldn’t afford a whole set of these, but I own a small fully ceramic pan from Xtrema, and I’m happy with it. It is the best ceramic cookware on the market to my knowledge. You can choose a ceramic cookware set or check out individual ceramic pans; there are plenty of products to choose from. Let me show you the three best options in different price ranges.
Xtrema 9-piece Signature Series Set
Material: Fully Ceramic
Strong Points: Cookware set that has everything you will ever need in your kitchen: ceramic pots, pans, and potholders for your dutch oven. Handles high temperatures with ease.
Weak Points: Pretty heavy, may be expensive for some people (yet so worth the price in the long run)
Price: $400
Xtrema 5-Piece Starter Set
Material: Fully Ceramic
Strong Points: Affordable option, the perfect balance between price and quality, food made in there undeniably tastes better, handmade, eco-friendly material
Weak Points: Pretty heavy, may be not big enough for a family
Price: $180
Xtrema Signature Skillet
Material: Fully Ceramic
Strong Points: Affordable option, the perfect balance between price and quality, food made in there undeniably tastes better, handmade, eco-friendly material, super versatile pan to use both on the stove and in the oven. One of the best ceramic nonstick fry pan on the market.
Weak Points: Pretty heavy
Price: $90
Why don’t I mention other ceramic brands?
I stand by sustainable consumption, only recommending products that I believe in and that are proven to be a long-term solution. There aren’t many cookware brands that offer fully ceramic cookware, but there are numerous options on the market with a ceramic coating. Ceramic-coated pans are definitely an option but there are healthier alternatives.
However, ceramic-coated cookware wears away quickly and is not a good investment. I believe we all want to embark on this sustainability journey not only for ethical and wellness reasons but also to have durable items that last longer and ultimately are more cost-effective than mainstream options.
Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Cookware Set
There are a lot of types of cookware available on the market that are not toxic. Let’s review them.
Stainless steel cookware is a more affordable option, meanwhile, the value you get is still sky-high. This is also an investment for a lifetime. This thing is probably going to go to your grandkids. You cannot scratch it, nothing happens to it. This is especially true if you invest in reputable brands.
Mine is in perfect condition after a long time and I couldn’t be happier. Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Cookware Set is an affordable safe cookware set with the European grade of steel 18/10 which is the best grade you can get on the market.
Material: Stainless Steel
Strong Points: Lasts a long time, doesn’t demand any special care + affordable for quality provided
Weak Points: Takes some time to learn how to use properly after using non-stick cookware
Price Range: $78 for an individual pot | $150 for 10 piece cookware set
Legend 5 Ply All Stainless Steel Heavy Pots & Pans Sets
If you want to splurge a bit here’s another recommendation – Legend 5 Ply 14 pc All Stainless Steel Heavy Pots & Pans Set. Both of them are a great investment and honestly a once in a lifetime purchase. With Teflon type of cookware, you are cursed to splurge every year because that non-stick coating is nowhere to be found after not such a long time.
Material: Stainless Steel
Strong Points: Lasts a long time, doesn’t demand any special care + a lot of options to choose from.
Weak Points: Takes some time to learn how to use it properly after using non-stick cookware.
Price Range: Starts with $190 for a 10-piece cookware set | Multiple choice of sets available.
Misen 5-Ply Professional Stainless Steel Pan
This is a great individual stainless steel pan for those of us who are not ready to invest in a whole cookware set yet but want to start a journey to a healthier home as soon as possible.
Material: Stainless Steel.
Strong Points: Stainless steel pans last a long time, doesn’t demand any special care + have low commitment, and are an affordable alternative.
Weak Points: Takes some time to learn how to use it properly after using non-stick cookware.
Price Range: Starts with $70 for a smaller pan | Multiple choice of pans available.
Cast Iron
A non-toxic material, pretty heavy – that’s exactly why I opted for stainless steel. Nevertheless, for those who crave the non-stick coating that PTFE cookware provides, cast iron is a great option. If you love cooking with no oil and would like to be sure that it is safe for you, cast iron is your choice. Cast iron skillet or a whole cast iron cookware set – options are here for you:
Basque Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set, 7-Piece Set
Material: Cast Iron.
Strong Points: Perfectly safe while imitating non-stick cookware abilities. Lasts a lifetime if taken care of properly. Super easy to clean.
Weak Points: Pretty heavy, relatively fragile – needs you to be careful and take good care of it.
Price: $190 for a 7-Piece Set | Multiple colors available.
Paula Deen 5 Piece Stackable Nonstick Cast Iron
Material: Cast Iron.
Strong Points: Perfectly safe while imitating non-stick cookware abilities. Lasts a lifetime if taken care of properly. Super easy to clean + a super affordable set.
Weak Points: Pretty heavy, relatively fragile – needs you to be careful and take good care of it.
Price Range: Starts from $60 for a 5-Piece Set | Multiple colors available.
2. Switch to glass and pure silicone food containers instead of plastic ones
Change every plastic thing you have in your kitchen for glass. This is a long-run option, cheap, and one of the healthiest and easiest ways to make your kitchen less toxic. The problem with plastic food containers is that no matter how good of a quality this container is, eventually, it will start leaking those micro bits of plastic in your food. Your food soaks everything it touches to put it simply. With the amount of microplastic we already consume daily, it is a smart decision to try to minimize your exposure to plastic in your home. Why would to eat plastic from your food container? I am not going to give you the best food storage containers, because there are just so many great options available, the majority of them come with their proper lids.
Zwilling Fresh & Save 3-pc Glass Food Storage
Material: Glass.
Strong Points: These containers are not only toxin-free but also help you save your food way longer because of the vacuum effect they create.
Weak Points: To use in the microwave it is best to take off the lid.
Price: $40 for a 3-piece set.
Airtight Glass Food Storage Containers
Material: Glass.
Strong Points: It is a simple solution that does the job, 12 containers of all possible sizes in a set is enough for the majority of people, lids are BPA-free.
Weak Points: It is not recommended to put them in the oven.
Price: $50 for a 24-piece set.
Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set
Material: Glass.
Strong Points: I have this set and I’m completely satisfied, the containers are 100% leak-proof, food stays fresh longer and I can use them in the microwave without any problem. (without the lid!), lids are BPA-free.
Weak Points: You cannot put containers in the microwave or an oven with their lids on.
Price: $50 for a 18-piece set.
Fridgex Fectangular Storage Containers
Material: Medical grade 100% pure platinum silicone
Strong Points: Dishwasher, microwave, and travel-friendly. As they are flexible, they do not need a lot of storage place in your kitchen.
Weak Points: Containers are sold individually.
Price Range: Starts with $9 for an 8-ounce container.
3. Switch to All Natural Cleaning Products
If you use those suffocating cleaning products, you are doing yourself and everybody in your family a disservice. Switch to all-natural non-toxic cleaning products like white vinegar diluted with water for your countertops and baking soda. Those are considered the best all-natural cleaning products that will cost you almost nothing. Additionally, you can make a great dishwashing soap with Dr Bronner’s Castile soap diluted with water. This is a really economical and very clean option. They have a lot of smells, but I just tend to buy an unscented one and add a few drops of essential oil. Lasts me a long time. Pro tip: I also make eco-friendly non-toxic laundry detergent with it the same way, just add some kind of flowery essential oil. The value for money is outstanding. Just make sure you are not allergic to any of the essential oils!
Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Material: 100% pure natural Castille soap.
Strong Points: Lasts a long time. The amount of ways you can use it in your house is close to infinite: I use it as a natural laundry detergent, I clean my floor with it and it is my dish soap substitute.
Weak Points: A lot of people use it on their bodies. I wouldn’t recommend it. Personally, it is too strong for my skin. There are a lot of softer-to-the-skin alternatives.
Price Range: $32 for 2 pack 32 Fl Oz each
Essential Oils Kit by Pure Aroma
Material: 100% pure natural essential oils.
Strong Points: Lets you stop using artificial perfume in your home, which is one of the most toxic things we surround ourselves in our homes. Cleaning can easily turn into an aromatherapy session. Very cheap, a little bottle lasts a long time.
Weak Points: Potential individual reaction to certain oils, some oils can be toxic for your animals.
Price Range: $32 for 2 pack 32 Fl Oz each
Natural Fabric Softener
If you are still using an expensive fabric softener, here is a way better alternative both for your health and your pocket. To make your own natural clothes softener you will have to add about a quarter of a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser before you start your laundry. Yes, that’s simple. It will also keep your machine fresh!
4. Get yourself a water filter
Water filtration system for homes is a necessity today. I am a person who lives in a place where water is supposed to be drinkable and of very good quality. Meanwhile, even I started to notice a big amount of osmosis at the bottom of my teapot. So, I decided to opt for a simple solution: I got a water filter.
So, I cannot even imagine what is going on in places where tap water is not drinkable, either is supposed to be, but has a bad quality. If you live in a place like that, you have to think of getting a water filter. The quality of water you drink is the quality of life you are living. Because water is life. So…help your water to become clearer.
Those recommendations are easy, they are low commitment yet they still do the job. You don’t need the best home water filtration system that is going to cost you a few hundred dollars, you just need a good filter that is going to get the job done. Here are the great ones that are not at all a commitment and going to do the job:
Pur Plus 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser
Strong Points: Large capacity, dispenser allows easy access to water without constant refilling, affordable.
Weak Points: Its large size may take up significant space on a countertop or in the fridge, plastic construction is a compromise to be cost-effective.
Price Range: Around $40.
Brita UltraMax Elite Large Water Dispenser
Strong Points: Fits easily in most refrigerators, saving countertop space, and long-lasting filters, for up to 6 months without changing the filters.
Weak Points: Slow filtration, Initial setup can be difficult for some people.
Price Range: Around $40.
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5. Get an air purifier
This is an easy solution that single-handedly can change the whole environment in your home. This is your solution to allergies, possible fatigue and just to make your home fresh. I know what you think: “Why would I get one if I can just open a window?”. Sure, you can live without an air purifier. If you live in the Alps, near a gorgeous lake or a lovely forest. Simply put, if you live in a big city, think of getting a good purifier. It is not a necessity, but it gives your life a new layer of comfort and less amount of toxicity in the air around you. Find yours, all of them are great options and do the job nicely.
Levoit Air Purifiers for Home, 3-in-1 Filter Cleaner
Strong Points: Quite, compact, and energy-efficient.
Weak Points: Because of its compact size doesn’t cover too big spaces.
Price Range: Around $40.
Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier for Home
Strong Points: Compact and stylish design, helps to eliminate pet-related odors and allergens,
Weak Points: May be not suitable for larger rooms since it is so compact, a higher cost.
Price Range: $230.
Winix Large Room Air Purifier
Strong Points: Perfectly covers larger rooms, helps to neutralize pollutants without producing harmful ozone, providing cleaner air without compromising safety
Weak Points: Produces more noise than other air purifiers in the list.
Price Range: $200.
Dyson Purifier
Strong Points: Acts as an air purifier, heater, and fan all in one device, produces minimal noise, and consumes very little energy.
Weak Points: Higher price and limited coverage.
Price Range: $350.
6. Ditch plastic food wrapping. Use beeswax food wraps instead
We’ve already discussed how everything plastic that touches your food gets a free one-way ticket straight to your body. And the question remains still open if that ever is going to be out. So…You still need to wrap your food into something, right? I was sold already by the fact that they are reusable. But they also keep your food fresher slightly longer in my experience.
Here’s a good option:
Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap- Beeswax Wraps
Material: Cotton fabric + beeswax.
Strong Points: Eco-friendly, reusable, versatile and biodegradable.
Weak Points: Despite being reusable, eventually they will have to be changed with a new one.
Price Range: $20 for 4 pack.
7. Let go of plastic kitchen utensils
Yes, those plastic cooking utensils that have always been there for eternity and you don’t even remember how you got them. Toss them too. Or give them away to someone who is not concerned with BPA leaching into their soup every time they stir it. Okay…It was toxic and we are trying to be non-toxic here. Well, do something to them that allows you not to have them in your kitchen anymore. Here are the best cooking utensils, in my experience. I put recommendations for silicone cooking utensils sets, as well as ones made of wood and bamboo. All of them are safe to use. Why didn’t I put some stainless steel on the list? I don’t use them myself as they potentially can scratch things. Here are some great options:
Teak Wooden Cooking Utensil Set
Material: Wood.
Strong Points: Durable, natural, resistant to moisture and bacteria growth.
Weak Points: May require occasional maintenance, and has limited heat resistance.
Price Range: $25 – $40.
Umite Chef 8-Piece Silicone Kitchen Set
Material: Silicone & Wood.
Strong Points: Non-stick, high heat resistant, versatile, durable.
Weak Points: Silicone utensils may retain odor from strong spices, and wood may require occasional oiling.
Price Range: $20 – $30.
Chef Pomodoro Wooden Cooking Utensils 3-Piece Set, Bamboo
Material: Bamboo
Strong Points: Natural, durable, resistant to moisture and bacteria growth
Weak Points: May require occasional maintenance, limited heat resistance
Price Range: $15 – $25
8. Ditch that dish sponge and this plastic cutting board
There are a whole bunch of problems with dish sponges:
- They absorb and grow bacteria inside of them. It is such a comfy place for it.
- They don’t last at all, ideally, you are supposed to switch them every week. That makes 52 thrown-away sponges a year. Somewhere in a landfill.
- And why are they still lying in a landfill? Because those sponges are not biodegradable, at least a majority of them. Which means it is impossible for them to fully decompose.
Switching to a bamboo scrubber is more of a sustainable choice. It serves for a long time, it doesn’t catch bacteria and it is biodegradable. And it is so much cheaper than constantly buying those dish sponges. Oh, and they are natural. Go get yours today, it is worth it.
2 Pack Bamboo Dish Scrubber
Material: Bamboo
Strong Points: Biodegradable, sustainable, naturally antimicrobial
Weak Points: May degrade over time, less abrasive than synthetic options
Price Range: $8 – $15
9. Switch plastic cutting boards to natural long-lasting materials
Bamboo Cutting Board Set of 3
Material: Durable, sustainable, naturally antimicrobial
Strong Points: Durable, sustainable, naturally antimicrobial
Weak Points: May require occasional maintenance, prone to knife marks
Price Range: $20 – $40
Marble Cutting Board
Material: Marble
Strong Points: Durable, elegant appearance, naturally cool surface
Weak Points: Heavy, prone to scratching, requires careful handling
Price Range: $30 – $60
Diflart Natural Marble Stone Cutting Board for Kitchen
Material: Marble
Strong Points: Durable, elegant appearance, naturally cool surface
Weak Points: Heavy, prone to scratching, requires careful handling
Price Range: $40 – $80
Greener Chef Organic Bamboo Cutting Board Set
Material: Bamboo
Strong Points: Durable, sustainable, naturally antimicrobial
Weak Points: May require occasional maintenance, prone to knife marks
Price Range: $25 – $45
10. Switch a bleached baking paper to not bleached one
The problem with white baking paper is that… paper is not white. It is more of a brown/yellowish color. And to make it its artificial color, they whiten it. With chemicals. Some of them are harsh. Why expose your food to unnecessary chemicals when there’s a simpler, healthier option available? By using unbleached natural baking paper, you avoid harmful additives and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen. Make the switch today and bake with peace of mind.
SmarTake Unbleached Parchment Paper
Material: Parchment Paper
Strong Points: Non-stick, versatile, heat resistant
Weak Points: Single-use
Price Range: $5 – $15
Plus, If you use aluminum foil regularly, reconsider that decision. I know, everything made in a foil is so unbelievably good, but I’m not sure that micro pieces of aluminum hopping inside of your body are worth it. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a reliable swap to aluminum foil, so I just started to use baking paper as a little boat, which is supposed to imitate the foil in some way.
11. Grow your herb garden on the window
The last tip invites you to go slightly further in your non-toxic and sustainability journey: I invite you to try to grow your herb on a window counter.
Forgotten a bag of spinach in your fridge? It’s not just a waste of money, it’s another contribution to the plastic crisis suffocating our planet. Because it is wrapped in a plastic foil that we ditched in the previous steps. So, we cannot go back now. It’s time to grow your spinach and green onions like I do. Having an indoor herb garden is a great solution for all of these problems I mentioned earlier. Here are some fancier recommendations that will help you to get your greens fast and a modest seed grower that does the job. If you decide to try, you will be surprised how it is so much easier than what you’ve imagined.
P.S.: Don’t throw away those sprouted onions. Simply toss them into a jar with water, and watch as fresh green onions grow before your eyes!
inBloom 12 Pods Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden:
Strong Points: Easy to use, compact design, promotes healthy plant growth
Weak Points: Limited capacity, may not be suitable for large-scale gardening projects
Price Range: $50 – $100
Pack of 2 BPA-Free Hydroponics Soilless Seeds Sprouter
Material: BPA-free plastic
Strong Points: Easy to use, compact design, promotes healthy plant growth, BPA-free
Weak Points: Limited capacity, may not be suitable for large-scale gardening projects, may require periodic cleaning
Price Range: $15 – $25
Turns out that your kitchen and your house are not as safe as you would like it to be. We can easily say that not all of the manufacturers are on our side when it comes to our health and well-being. A lot of them are just here to make profits at any cost. The good news is that those brands that make sustainable, non-toxic, good-quality solutions for your home exist. And it is time to put power back into your own hands, choose wisely the things and substances you are in close contact with every day, and change up something that is not serving you or even harming you. For more tips on living a non-toxic lifestyle, including recommendations for clean and reef-friendly sunscreens, check out our article on non-toxic summer essentials.
Sources
This is one of those books that had a big impact on how I view the world around me. Anyone interested in a topic of wellness and beauty should check out this book. It is so worth your time.
More Useful Resources
- Perfluoroalkyl substances and changes in body weight and resting metabolic rate in response to weight-loss diets: A prospective study
- Considering Environmental Exposures to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) as Risk Factors for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
- Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and behavioral difficulties in childhood at 7 and 11 years
- Association between serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and thyroid disease in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surve
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