My Fave Non-Toxic + USA Made Cookware (Best of 2024 Series)
Over the last few years, I have been gradually replacing items in our home for a healthier alternative. But one of the hardest things for me to find was quality cookware. Last year, I invested in several pieces from Heritage Steel, a USA-made, nontoxic cookware company.
And I'm ready to give you my honest feedback and whether or not I'd recommend it for your kitchen..
What to Avoid in Cookware
Cooking at home can be one of the best things you do for your health and wellness. But did you know that your Teflon cookware and other popular pots and pans may be hindering the health of your food, messing with your hormones, or putting you at risk for cancer?
Now, I try to be really intentional about how I refer to potentially toxic chemicals. I never want to instill fear or certain chemicals or make you feel overwhelmed- instead, I hope to always educate and empower you to make the best decisions for your own personal health and wellness.
With that, here are some of the products in cookware that research is showing associated risks with. Conventional cookware can contain chemicals that, when exposed to high heat or acidic foods, can leach into your food and potentially harm your health.
Here are some common chemicals to avoid in conventional cookware and why they're considered harmful:
Teflon (PTFE): Teflon is a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic polymer commonly used as a non-stick coating on cookware. When Teflon-coated pans are used at high temperatures, they can release toxic fumes containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other harmful chemicals. PFOA has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental problems.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): PFOA is a chemical that used to be in the production of Teflon and other nonstick cookware before 2013. It is considered a persistent organic pollutant (POP) and has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, as well as liver and immune system toxicity. Now, if you have newer pots and pans, this should not be present in your cookware, but if you have purchased a pan second-hand or have an older one lingering around, this may be something to be aware of.
Bisphenol A (BPA): BPA is a chemical found in the lining of some metal cans and in certain types of plastic cookware. It is known to mimic estrogen in the body and has been linked to hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, and other health problems. BPA can leach into food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic ingredients
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs): PFCs are a group of chemicals used in the production of non-stick coatings, stain-resistant materials, and water-repellent fabrics. Like PFOA, they are persistent in the environment and have been associated with adverse health effects, including reproductive and developmental problems, liver damage, and immune system suppression.
Lead and Cadmium: Some ceramic and enamel-coated cookware may contain lead and cadmium, which can leach into food when the glaze is compromised or worn down. Both lead and cadmium are heavy metals that can accumulate in the body over time and cause serious health issues, including neurological damage, kidney problems, and developmental delays in children. I had originally purchased a popular ceramic cookware set, only to later find out that maybe it wasn't the best option.
Aluminum: While aluminum itself is not necessarily harmful, it can react with acidic foods, such as tomatoes or citrus, causing the metal to leach into the food. High levels of aluminum in the body have been linked to neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
To minimize exposure to these chemicals, consider using alternative cookware options such as stainless steel, cast iron pans, glass, or ceramic cookware with lead-free glazes. These materials are generally considered safer choices for cooking and are less likely to leach harmful substances into your food.
Additionally, using wooden or silicone utensils instead of metal ones can help prevent scratching and degradation of non-stick surfaces, reducing the risk of chemical exposure. I'll share some of my favorite cooking utensils below!
“I Have Teflon Pans and Can’t Replace Them”- What do I do?
Now if you have Teflon-coated pans, don't fear! There are some easy ways to minimize your exposure to these chemicals and mitigate the risk. Like I mentioned before, not everyone can replace their pans and is working with what they've got! We did this ourselves for several years too!
You can still make nourishing foods for your family and are doing huge things for your health just by cooking at home
Here are some tips to mitigating your risk of exposure to chemicals while cooking:
never heat an empty pan
Keep your kitchen well-ventilated.
Replace old pots and pans that are damaged
Use wooden or food-grade silicone utensils to prevent chipping or scratching the surface
Cook at low and medium heat settings
Hand wash your cookware
Benefits of Heritage Steel
After doing tons.. and tons.. and tons of research, I found the company Heritage Steel- a family-owned, American-made cookware company. Their stainless steel cookware sets are intentionally designed and manufactured and have thousands of positive reviews that helped give me confidence in my purchase.
Some of the features that I love:
Oven safe to 800° F & broiler safe.
Designed for use on all types of stovetops, including induction cooktops.
Fully non-toxic & made without any chemical coatings.
Made without any PFAS (PTFE, Teflon, PFOA, PFOS, others). Also made without ceramic sol-gel, nanoparticles, lead, cadium, or any other funny business. Just high-quality cladded steel.
Rounded lip to pour without drips.
Stay-cool handle design.
Made in the United States
Lifetime warranty 👏
Free shipping to the continental US
Popular Heritage Steel Pieces
One of the things I really like about Heritage Steel is that you can get high-quality cookware at an affordable price compared to other companies. (Seriously, you can get an entire set of pans for the price of one Le Creuset dutch oven 🙈) This is directly from their website about their Eater series:
"Nobody knows food like Eater, and nobody knows cookware like Heritage Steel. Together, we have created a line of stainless clad cookware that brings professional quality home cooks like never before. This collection is designed to be smart, approachable, and affordable. All of these items are carefully handcrafted in the USA."
Their high quality 5 piece set is what we own and have been impressed with. It includes:
10.5" fry pan
3 quart saucepan with lid
4 quart sauté pan with lid.
How to Cook With Stainless Steel
Going from non-stick cookware to one with a ceramic coating, to finally a stainless steel frying pan... let's just say there was a bit of a learning curve to cooking with stainless steel. One thing I really appreciated about shopping through Heritage Steel is that their website has video tutorials. This helped me to start cooking confidently with their different types of cookware. Good news- it's really not that intimidating. I promise!
Here are some general tips to cooking with your stainless steel set:
Preheat Properly: Before cooking, preheat your stainless steel pan over medium heat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Add Enough Fat: Coat the bottom of the preheated pan with oil or butter to create a non-stick surface and enhance flavor.
Control the Heat: Maintain a lower to medium heat setting to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking without burning or sticking.
Be Patient and Avoid Crowding: Allow food to develop a golden-brown crust before flipping or stirring, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain proper heat distribution.
Deglaze and Clean Carefully: After cooking, deglaze the pan with liquid to incorporate flavor and make cleaning easier. Clean the pan with warm, soapy water and avoid abrasive cleaners or utensils to preserve its integrity.
Other Pieces I'd love to Add:
As I mentioned, we have been slowly upgrading our household items over the years. When you learn about toxic materials in your household products, it can feel really overwhelming and expensive. We intentionally save up to purchase these higher-quality items and shop on sales and discounts.
I have found that when you purchase from quality companies, you end up spending less long-term because they don't need to be replaced frequently like some of the less expensive and lower quality items. With the Eater line from Heritage Steel already being more affordable, plus their lifetime warranty, I feel confident knowing that if I ever have a problem my cookware will be repaired or replaced 👏
Here are some of the other items I would love to add to my cookware collection:
large stock pot - hellooo soups and homemade bone broth
knife set - our current knife set is a gift we got from our wedding registry and while it has been great, I would love to upgrade it to something higher quality and longer lasting
FAQs About Stainless Steel Cookware
Q: Is stainless steel cookware non-stick?
A: No, stainless steel cookware is not naturally non-stick like Teflon-coated pans. However, with proper preheating and the use of enough fat, you can minimize sticking and achieve excellent cooking results.
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to stainless steel pans?
A: Preheat the pan properly before adding ingredients, use enough fat (such as oil or butter), control the heat to prevent burning, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Additionally, deglazing the pan after cooking can help release any stuck-on bits.
Q: Can I use metal utensils with stainless steel cookware?
A: While stainless steel is durable, using metal utensils can scratch the surface over time. It's best to use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils to preserve the integrity of the cookware.
Q: Why does stainless steel cookware sometimes develop spots or discoloration?
A: Stainless steel cookware can develop spots or discoloration due to exposure to high heat, certain foods, or minerals in water. This is generally cosmetic and does not affect the performance of the cookware. To remove discoloration, try cleaning with a mixture of vinegar and water or a stainless steel cleaner.
Q: Can stainless steel cookware be used on all types of stovetops?
A: Yes, stainless steel cookware is compatible with most stovetops, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction. However, check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure compatibility with your specific stovetop.
Q: How should I clean and maintain stainless steel cookware?
A: Clean stainless steel cookware with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the surface. For stubborn stains or discoloration, you can use a stainless steel cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water. Dry the cookware thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots or rust. Proper care will keep your cookware in good condition 👏
Other Non-Toxic Cooking Utensils + Products
While we are talking about safe and healthy cookware, let’s chat about the utensils you use. Because after investing in higher-quality cookware, you want to ensure that you are taking care of it well.
Here are my favorite non-toxic cooking utensils:
The only other things we have for cooking utensils is a stainless steel grilling set! Happy Cooking
Kaelyn