Sorry Britney Spears, but not all things in life need to be toxic - at least not in the kitchen.
We put a huge amount of thought into our cooking, from sourcing the right ingredients to setting the menu for the week. However, many of us don't think twice when it comes to the cookware that we use, which is equally important to vet before putting the apron on.
What is non-toxic cookware?
Non-toxic cookware is made from the materials that have been put through their paces to ensure that they don’t transfer harmful substances into our food when heated. This safeguards the health of those consuming the food by avoiding chemical contamination.
High-quality, non-toxic cookware won’t contain materials like PFAS, Teflon, lead and other harmful chemicals that may result in toxic fumes. These substances are typically found in low-quality pots and pans and may cause serious health issues.
When shopping, it’s advised that you look for pans containing safe, non-reactive materials. These include stainless steel, cast iron and premium ceramics. Keep a weary eye out for non-stick cookware which is often made from Teflon, which is considered the main culprit of toxic cookware. Teflon is said to release toxic fumes via off-gassing when heated to a high temperature.
You also want to avoid PFAS - a widely used, long-lasting synthetic chemical which is often found in non-stick cookware and is known to resist water, oil and dirt. The pesky coating is also found in items such as raincoats, food packaging and cosmetics and takes centuries to break down. According to GreenPan, the presence of PFAS in your body can increase your chances of developing health issues such as: “an impaired immune system, hormone imbalance, increased cholesterol, increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and lower birth weight in newborn babies.” No, thank you.
To avoid such health woes from occurring, one must ensure that their kitchen inventory is up to scratch. This means checking that all your pans are intact and replacing the ones that may contain any of the aforementioned toxins.
Need help sourcing some new kitchenware? Look no further. Read on to discover the best non-toxic pans for fume-free cooking.
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GreenPan Eco-Smartshape Non-Stick Frying Pan Light Wood 28cm
Part of GreenPan’s toxic-free frying pan range, this non-stick option isn’t just an attractive pick, but an incredibly smart one too. It’s oven-safe up to 140 degrees and has no trace of nasty PFAS, meaning healthy cooking can be enjoyed by all. The Eco-Smartshape is a sustainable choice for eco-warriors, who can attach a separate handle to the pan to make it recyclable. The unique design of the piece also requires 60 per cent less packaging for lower CO2 emissions in the production process.
Buy now £42.72, Amazon
HexClad 7-Piece Hybrid Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Best for: cheffy flair
It's the cult US brand gaining serious traction on UK soil: HexClad, dubbed ‘the Rolls Royce of pans’ by Gordon Ramsay and used by every food blogger worth their hand-picked Himalayan salt, is making ripples in the cookware world.
The coveted hybrid pan functions like a non-stick thanks to the hexagonal grid on the pan’s surface, while performing like stainless steel with the robustness of cast iron. We’ve not stopped using ours since we got it, from heating refried beans for taco night, whipping up a weeknight stir fry and searing steak before finishing it off in the oven.
For the home chef with Masterchef ambitions, the 7-piece cookware set offers a serious upgrade to any kitchen. Comprising three pans and a wok with lids, they are non-toxic and PFOA-free too. So confident is HexClad in its pans that the whole lot comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Buy now £439.99, Amazon
Le Creuset 3 Ply Coated Frying Pan 28cm
Best for: heritage
Le Creuset may be most famous for its cast iron, but its technologically advanced frying pan has you covered when you’re hankering for steak or brunch pancakes.
This tough and durable pan is crafted from three layers of stainless steel for even heat distribution and has been finished with a non-stick yet PFOA-free coating which makes for easier cleaning and healthier meals as you’ll need less fat to stop food sticking.
Use it across all heat sources - including induction and oven as well as popped in the dishwasher once you’ve finished cheffing. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee for total peace of mind.
Buy now £132.00, Fenwick
ProCook Elite Tri-Ply Frying Pan 30cm
Typically priced at £149, ProCook’s beloved pan is an absolute steal. It features a seamless 3mm tri-ply construction for ultimate performance in the kitchen, in addition to a safe, rivetless CoolTouch handle for maximum safety. Serve up a feast knowing your food is free from toxic chemicals as this pan has a durable (and sleek) stainless steel design that promises long-lasting use.
Buy now £79.00, ProCook
Hestan NanoBond Stainless Steel Frying Pan, 22cm
Flip and fry with this sleek-looking pan that’s safe with its toxin-free construction. The luxury piece was handcrafted in Italy from molecular titanium and hails from the ever-popular NanoBond range. The Hestan ProCore triple bonded stainless steel base promises efficient conduction, while the titanium-reinforced surface is scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. Once you’re done whipping up a storm, gently bung in the sink and wash with ease thanks to the flush rivet detailing.
Buy now £160.00, John Lewis
Circulon Momentum 25cm Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Best for: healthier cooking
Circulon’s Momentum frying pan boasts a Total Non Stick System so you need little to no oil and it has long-lasting effects (15x longer than its peers, according to the brand) - so bid farewell to furious scrubbing and hard clean-ups.
It works like a dream across all styles of hobs and heating elements - be it induction, gas or electric - with a stainless steel construction that’s both tough and durable. It’s PFOA-free as well as oven- and dishwasher-safe. Get it in a range of sizes from 20-25cm and with various finishes, including hard anodised.
Buy now £47.00, Argos
Zwilling Pro 20cm 18/10 Stainless Steel Frying Pan Silver
You can always count on German brand Zwilling, founded in 1731, to add beautiful aesthetics to utilitarian pieces.
Its 26cm stainless steel frying pan is an inspired match for induction cooking, designed by Italian architect Matteo Thun and product designer Antonio Rodriguez, crafted from the very best 18/10 stainless steel and boasting a handsome satin finish.
Perfect for searing perfectly-pink steaks (caramelised around the fat, natch), it comes with a strong aluminium core that heats the uncoated pan quickly and distributes it all the way to the rim while keeping the handle as cool as a cucumber. A built-in pourer is convenient for sauces and such, while everything is dishwasher-safe to boot.
Buy now £79.95, Zwilling
Robert Welch Campden Non-Stick Frying Pan 28cm
This frying pan from much-loved Cotswolds maker Robert Welch is a bestseller for a reason.
Formed from premium 18/10 steel – hard-wearing, rust-resistant, dishwasher-safe – it comes with a non-stick coating and 28cm of cooking surface.
With super-quick and evenly distributed heat, you can expect your sausages to be sizzling in minutes, and those bits and pieces at the edge of the pan to be just as well-cooked.
Buy now £74.00, Amazon
KitchenAid Classic Forged Non-Stick 24cm Frying Pan
KitchenAid only do fancy blenders, right? Wrong. They do a range of premium kitchen appliances, as it transpires, including this posh but practical frying pan that has an extra-thick forged base that maintains its shape and heats up quickly and evenly. Meanwhile, the non-stick ceramic coating provides easy food release and fast cleaning, while it’s oven-safe up to 160°C.
Buy now £30.45, Amazon
Kuhn Rikon Allround Frying Pan
This durable stainless steel frying pan is a surefire hit. It features a tough three-layer non-stick coating for low-fat frying, plus is made from resilient 18/10 stainless steel. Cook with ease thanks to the encapsulated base which spreads heat evenly all around - making breakfast omelettes a breeze. Serve with confidence knowing the stainless steel handle will stay cool on the hob.
Buy now £59.96, Kuhn Rikon
