Is Your Cookware Bad for You? Shop Our Top Non-Toxic Cookware Picks

We know now that “forever chemicals” are literally everywhere — including our drinking water, the foods we eat, and even our dental floss. But there might be another unexpected source: your cookware.

While your nonstick pan might help you flip the perfect pancake, traditional nonstick coating contains chemicals that have been linked to health conditions like cancer. On the other hand, many experts agree that cooking with nonstick cookware is completely safe if used correctly. 

So how should you use nonstick pans? We spoke to two leading experts about what you should know, plus rounded up our favorite alternatives.

Are non-stick pans bad for you?

Frying pans and saucepans are often coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), more commonly known as Teflon plastic. PTFE belongs to a group of man-made chemicals called per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS for short. PFAS are better known as “forever chemicals” because they’re virtually indestructible and don’t break down in the environment or the human body. 

According to the FDA, PFAS have been linked to significant health issues, including “increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, altered liver function, and increased cancer risk.” 

Teflon cookware is generally considered safe for everyday cooking (researcher A. Daniel Jones, who studies PFAS, tells us he uses it at home), as long as temperatures do not exceed 500°F. If they get hotter than that, the coating can break down and release toxic chemicals into the air.

“Heat is a proxy for how fast molecules move,” says Jones, professor emeritus of biochemistry and molecular biology professor at Michigan State University. “So if Teflon gets too hot, then it can start to break down and turn into hazardous substances like PFAS.”

Breathing these fumes can lead to “Teflon flu,” which causes chest tightness and fever. Since these symptoms often mirror the flu and common cold, cases usually go undiagnosed. Still, a record 267 suspected cases of the little-known illness were reported last year, according to America’s Poison Centers. 

How should I use nonstick cookware?

Both of our experts advise avoiding preheating because, according to Teflon’s guidelines, empty pans made with this material can quickly reach high temperatures. You also want to steer clear of broiling or baking any of your Teflon pans at extremely high heat (as mentioned above, anything above 500 degrees Fahrenheit could be risky).

As a precautionary measure, Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, the senior director of environmental health and water quality at RTI International, advises anyone using nonstick pans to use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking to reduce the chance of inhaling anything. 

Aside from vaporizing and breathing in chemicals, scratching your pan is the second way you may be exposed to PFAS chemicals in Teflon. “Those compounds can get into your food, especially if you’re making something like a tomato-based sauce that’s more acidic,” Redmon tells us. 

Are black spatulas and other kitchen utensils toxic?

It isn’t just Teflon pots and pans you want to be careful about — you may also want to check your kitchen utensils, particularly your seemingly unassuming black spatula. A recent study published in the journal Chemosphere recently made headlines for positing that plastic kitchen utensils contain high levels of toxic flame retardants, which can then leach dangerous levels of chemicals into your dinner.

That study was later corrected for miscalculations, with the actual amounts of flame retardants being much lower than initially reported. Still, the concern remains that any amount of flame retardant could leach from the plastic into your food, especially if you’re cooking at very high heats.

What are some safer or non-toxic cooking utensils and pans?

Shopping for nonstick cookware (or any cookware, for that matter) can get confusing. Certain Teflon pans claim to be free of PTFE — but that’s just one type of PFAS. Redmon points out that at least 16,000 different types of these chemicals exist. “You can assume if it says that it’s nonstick, it’s likely to contain at least some PFAS compounds,” Redmon tells us. 

Increasingly, newer cookware is made out of ceramic, with the nonstick layer made from a silica-based coating and not PTFE. But not all of these kinds of pots and pans are made without PFAS, despite their claims otherwise. Redmon has a few tips on what to look for: “If it says nonstick water repellent or stain resistance, it’s likely to contain some PFAS, unless it otherwise specifically specifies what the material is and says it’s PFAS free,” she says. 

Luckily, some tried-and-true cookware is definitely PFAS-free, including stainless steel and cast iron. As for utensils, you might consider swapping out your black plastic spatula with a wooden or silicone one, which is especially important for nonstick pans to prevent scratching. These tools are typically pricier than the cheaper plastic versions, but experts believe it could be well worth it for your overall well-being. “If you have a choice, why choose one that potentially could contribute to your exposure to these chemicals?” asks Jones.

Check out some of our picks below. 

Best Non-Toxic Cookware and Kitchen Utensils