In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleReviewsOur Top PicksWhat is Nontoxic Cookware?Types of Non-Toxic CookwareThe Bottom Line: The Best Non-Toxic Cookware SetChoosing a Nontoxic Cookware SetOur Nontoxic Cookware Set TestsWe Also ConsideredCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Reviews
Our Top Picks
What is Nontoxic Cookware?
Types of Non-Toxic Cookware
The Bottom Line: The Best Non-Toxic Cookware Set
Choosing a Nontoxic Cookware Set
Our Nontoxic Cookware Set Tests
We Also Considered
Common Questions
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Nick Simpson
EatingWell / Nick Simpson
What cookware is safest? What materials avoid or minimize toxin exposure? And what’s key to consider when shopping for nontoxic cookware? We set out to find the answers and to test nontoxic cookware sets to find the best on the market.
While there’s no official definition, “nontoxic cookware” has come to refer to pots and pans that minimize exposure to chemicals known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are a family of so-called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down or disintegrate over time; rather, they stick around and accumulate in soil, water and (unfortunately) our bodies. Two types of PFAS known as PFOA and PFOS have been identified as harmful to health.
While these new nonstick coatings appear to be safe, the health effects associated with PFOA, PFOS and older versions of nonstick coatings received ample media attention—fueling a demand for nontoxic cookware.
The safest cookware are those pans made from uncoated stainless or carbon steel, pans made from ceramic-coated aluminum or steel and cast iron pans. These are all considered non-toxic options because neither uses PFAS in their production.
Cookware using nonstick coatings made with new PFAS are also nontoxic since data suggests there is negligible breakdown, migration or exposure. So while nonstick-coated cookware is not PFAS-free, it should be free of the type of PFAS linked to health risks. Not everyone is convinced about thesafety of the new PFASused in today’s nonstick coatings, so if you have similar concerns, stick to stainless steel andceramic-coated cookware options.
Best OverallCalphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware SetPHOTO: Amazon$249 at Walmart$160 at Wayfair$200$160 at Macy’sWhat we like:This stainless steel set offers a variety of pot and pan sizes at a great price.What to know:The pans are not quite as good as nonstick and ceramic-coated pans, but most foods released well and did not stick.It’s not unusual forstainless steel cookware setsto run from $500 to $1,200, so the low price of this one is what initially grabbed our attention. But how does this cookware set perform in the kitchen? Pretty dang good—which is why this set is our top overall pick and one of the best deals on the market. Included in the set are two frying pans, two saucepans, a large sauté pan and a stock pot. Except for the frying pans, all come with clear lids so you can see how the food is coming along during the cooking process. They also have spouts that allow you to drain liquid with the lid. We think this feature is a plus, but the lids feel a little loose because of that. Also, the larger pots and pans are marked with volume measurements on the inside, which may be helpful for new cooks.Food sticking to the pan can be a drawback to stainless, but we had minimal sticking when testing these. While their nonstick properties aren’t as good as nonstick and ceramic-coated cookware, food released well overall, and any stuck-on remnants were easy to clean off. We also found the pans didn’t scratch in our knife test. We love that these pans can also go in both the oven and dishwasher, and they have a matte finish so you’re not constantly cleaning off fingerprints. When we factored in all these features with performance and price, this set was our clear overall winner.Material:Stainless Steel| Number of Pieces:10| Oven-Safe:Yes, up to 450°F| Dishwasher-Safe:Yes| Induction-Compatible:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best OverallCalphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware SetPHOTO: Amazon$249 at Walmart$160 at Wayfair$200$160 at Macy’s
Best OverallCalphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Best Overall
Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$249 at Walmart$160 at Wayfair$200$160 at Macy’s
What we like:This stainless steel set offers a variety of pot and pan sizes at a great price.
What to know:The pans are not quite as good as nonstick and ceramic-coated pans, but most foods released well and did not stick.
It’s not unusual forstainless steel cookware setsto run from $500 to $1,200, so the low price of this one is what initially grabbed our attention. But how does this cookware set perform in the kitchen? Pretty dang good—which is why this set is our top overall pick and one of the best deals on the market. Included in the set are two frying pans, two saucepans, a large sauté pan and a stock pot. Except for the frying pans, all come with clear lids so you can see how the food is coming along during the cooking process. They also have spouts that allow you to drain liquid with the lid. We think this feature is a plus, but the lids feel a little loose because of that. Also, the larger pots and pans are marked with volume measurements on the inside, which may be helpful for new cooks.
Food sticking to the pan can be a drawback to stainless, but we had minimal sticking when testing these. While their nonstick properties aren’t as good as nonstick and ceramic-coated cookware, food released well overall, and any stuck-on remnants were easy to clean off. We also found the pans didn’t scratch in our knife test. We love that these pans can also go in both the oven and dishwasher, and they have a matte finish so you’re not constantly cleaning off fingerprints. When we factored in all these features with performance and price, this set was our clear overall winner.
Material:Stainless Steel| Number of Pieces:10| Oven-Safe:Yes, up to 450°F| Dishwasher-Safe:Yes| Induction-Compatible:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best NonstickMade In Made In Non-Stick 7-Piece SetPHOTO: Amazon$289 at Amazon$609 at Walmart$586$559 at Madeincookware.com
Best NonstickMade In Made In Non-Stick 7-Piece Set
Best Nonstick
Made In Made In Non-Stick 7-Piece Set
$289 at Amazon$609 at Walmart$586$559 at Madeincookware.com
What we like:It’s lighter in weight and more ergonomic than most of the other cookware sets we tested.
What to know:It’s a smaller set that may not have the variety of pan sizes some avid home cooks need.
As our former test kitchen director said, these pans are “terrifically nonstick,” and we agree. None of the foods tested stuck to the pans, and we found they worked great for browning and sautéing. We also got a crispy brown crust when cooking fish. The nonstick coating made cleanup simple and easy—a good thing since the set is hand-wash only. The design of these pans is ergonomic and more user-friendly than others with handles shaped to provide extra stability. Also, all of the pieces (except for the skillet) have a small helper handle (opposite the actual handle) for easier handling and stability. These pans don’t claim to be scratch-resistant, and we found that metal utensils did scratch the cookware, so wooden or silicone cooking utensils are a must.
Material:Stainless steel with nonstick coating| Number of Pieces:7| Oven-Safe:Yes, up to 500°F| Dishwasher-Safe:No| Induction-Compatible:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Will Dickey
Best CeramicCaraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware SetPHOTO: Amazon$395 at Amazon$395 at Target$395 at NordstromWhat we like:This set includes a range of pot and pan sizes that is comprehensive enough to cover most any cooking need.What to know:The pans are heavier than most stainless and nonstick cookware options.This top-rated cookware set is made from ceramic-coated aluminum that’s PFAS-free yet still has great nonstick properties. The cookware’s nonstick ability means less oil is needed to prevent sticking, especially compared to what’s often needed in stainless steel pans. These pans have a heavier weight and feel, but they have ergonomically designed handles which helps make that weight manageable. The largest piece—a 12-inch skillet—has a helper handle. The set comes with three lids that fit all the included pans. In addition to the cookware, the set also includes a storage system for both the pots and lids to keep them organized and a MagicEraser style of sponge for cleaning. The pots and pans should be hand-washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but between the cookware’s nonstick coating and the sponge provided, we found cleanup to be easy and simple.Caraway recommends using the cookware on low to medium heat on the stovetop and allowing it to heat for 90 seconds for best performance. This initially led to much longer cook times in our tests, and a little bit of a learning curve for our testers who typically use stainless steel. But once we adjusted and followed the brand’s recommendations for heating, we got great results in terms of browning, sautéing and achieving a crispy coating on fish in a comparable amount of time as the other pans tested.Material:Aluminum with ceramic coating| Number of Pieces:12| Oven-Safe:Yes, up to 550°F| Dishwasher-Safe:No| Induction-Compatible:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Best CeramicCaraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware SetPHOTO: Amazon$395 at Amazon$395 at Target$395 at Nordstrom
Best CeramicCaraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
Best Ceramic
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
$395 at Amazon$395 at Target$395 at Nordstrom
What we like:This set includes a range of pot and pan sizes that is comprehensive enough to cover most any cooking need.
What to know:The pans are heavier than most stainless and nonstick cookware options.
This top-rated cookware set is made from ceramic-coated aluminum that’s PFAS-free yet still has great nonstick properties. The cookware’s nonstick ability means less oil is needed to prevent sticking, especially compared to what’s often needed in stainless steel pans. These pans have a heavier weight and feel, but they have ergonomically designed handles which helps make that weight manageable. The largest piece—a 12-inch skillet—has a helper handle. The set comes with three lids that fit all the included pans. In addition to the cookware, the set also includes a storage system for both the pots and lids to keep them organized and a MagicEraser style of sponge for cleaning. The pots and pans should be hand-washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but between the cookware’s nonstick coating and the sponge provided, we found cleanup to be easy and simple.
Caraway recommends using the cookware on low to medium heat on the stovetop and allowing it to heat for 90 seconds for best performance. This initially led to much longer cook times in our tests, and a little bit of a learning curve for our testers who typically use stainless steel. But once we adjusted and followed the brand’s recommendations for heating, we got great results in terms of browning, sautéing and achieving a crispy coating on fish in a comparable amount of time as the other pans tested.
Material:Aluminum with ceramic coating| Number of Pieces:12| Oven-Safe:Yes, up to 550°F| Dishwasher-Safe:No| Induction-Compatible:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Best BudgetCAROTE Granite 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware SetPHOTO: Amazon$150$80 at Amazon$80 at WalmartView on Mycarote.com
Best BudgetCAROTE Granite 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
Best Budget
CAROTE Granite 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
$150$80 at Amazon$80 at WalmartView on Mycarote.com
What we like:This 10-piece set costs what a single pan from another brand would cost.
What to know:The pans aren’t oven- or dishwasher-safe.
The nonstick coating is a type of ceramic coating that incorporates granite, meaning it’s PFAS-free and has great nonstick qualities. During testing, none of the foods stuck, and the pans heated up nicely and evenly on medium-low heat. The brand says that incorporating granite makes its ceramic coating harder and more durable. This wasn’t an aspect we picked up on in testing, and we couldn’t gauge if this might contribute to the cookware’s lifespan. The only potential drawbacks are that the cookware can’t go in the oven and should be hand-washed. If those factors aren’t an issue, then this is amazing cookware set for the price.
Material:Aluminum with ceramic coating| Number of Pieces:10| Oven-Safe:No| Dishwasher-Safe:Notrecommended| Induction-Compatible:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Best Standalone PanOur Place Always Pan 2.0PHOTO: Our Place$125 at Amazon$125 at Nordstrom$150 at Fromourplace.com
Best Standalone PanOur Place Always Pan 2.0
Best Standalone Pan
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
PHOTO: Our Place
$125 at Amazon$125 at Nordstrom$150 at Fromourplace.com
What we like:This is a great PFAS-free nonstick pan that’s effective for multiple cooking methods.
What to know:It’s on the pricier side for just one pan.
The pan is on the lighter side compared to most ceramic pans, such as those in the Caraway set above. It features a pour spout for draining, a helper handle and a unique built-in holder for the wooden utensil that comes with it. This helps keep counters clean without having to leave the utensil in the saucepan. The pan also comes with a strainer basket and a lid with a nice dome shape. One thing to be aware of is that parts of the pan such as the helper handle can get very hot.
Material:Aluminum with ceramic coating| Number of Pieces:4| Oven-Safe:Yes, up to 450°F| Dishwasher-Safe:Not recommended| Induction-Compatible:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
TheCalphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set(view at Amazon) contains a range of sizes to meet the needs of most home cooks, plus you can’t beat its consistent performance and price. Made of stainless steel, it’s PFAS-free. We also like theCaraway Nonstick Ceramic 12-Piece Cookware Set(view at Amazon) for the nonstick aspect of these ceramic-coated pans and that the set includes organizers for the pans and lids to maximize storage space. If you’re not ready to commit to a full set, then theOur Place Always Pan 2.0(view at Amazon) is a great standalone ceramic-coated pan to try. You’ll be impressed at the versatility of this one pan.
Know the difference between the materials
Stainless steel and cast iron have been used the longest in terms of nontoxic cookware and are known for their durability and high heat retention that allows for perfect browning or searing. Both types of pans contain no PFAS and can sustain high temperatures, but sticking can be an issue if you don’t use enough oil. The newer types of nontoxic cookware are made from stainless or aluminum and lined with either ceramic or nonstick coatings.
Pots and pans with ceramic coatings are naturally PFAS-free, so they don’t contain PFOS, PFOA or other chemicals that research associates with health risks. Their packaging or marketing materials may tout that they’re “PFOS-free” or “PTFE-free,” but it doesn’t mean much since ceramic-coated cookware isn’t made with PFAS. Nonstick pans have coatings made using a new, smaller PFAS that the FDA has deemed to have a low risk of migration into food. Technically, this cookware is not PFAS-free, but it should be free from PFAS identified as potentially harmful (such as PFOS, PFOA, and PTFE).
Both types of coatings are known for their superior nonstick qualities which makes cooking and cleaning easier. However, both types of coated pans tend to specify using at low to medium temperatures and many are not oven-safe or dishwasher-friendly.
Consider differences in durability
Regular use will slowly take a toll on all pots and pans—regardless of material—and certain cookware types require more care than others. Uncoated stainless steel sets tend to be the most durable and have the longest lifespan. Pans with coatings—ceramic or those made from approved, safer chemicals—have a shorter lifespan. To extend their lives, make sure to use wooden or silicone utensils; metal utensils are much more likely to cause scratches. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cooking temperature and cleaning. Some coatings break down when they reach higher temperatures or are cleaned in a dishwasher. This breakdown may be faster if nonstick pans with existing scratches or chips are used at high temperatures or go through the dishwasher.
Choose a set that’s compatible with your cooking style
Make sure the cookware you select is compatible with your type of stovetop, whether electric, gas or induction. Most cookware will work on gas and electric, but not all will work on induction (though all of the sets recommended on this list are induction-compatible). Similarly, some cookware may perform better on a specific type of stovetop. Compatibility is typically stated on the packaging but can also be found in the manufacturer’s specifications.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications regarding temperature when using. Stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures, but higher temperatures are typically not recommended for ceramic and nonstick-coated cookware and can lead to a breakdown of those coatings. Similarly, it’s important to check if cookware is oven-safe and the maximum temperature it can sustain if you plan to transfer dishes from the stovetop to the oven.
Other factors to consider are the weight of individual pots and pans, the grip and feel of the handle, the style or color, and the number of pieces in the set as it relates to your storage space
EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Our Place Home Cook Duo 2-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set($315 at Our Place):This set includes our favorite standalone pan and a 5.5-liter Dutch oven with a lid. The manufacturer claims that between these two pots you get the same cooking versatility that an 18-piece cookware set provides, and we don’t think this claim is too far off from the truth. The price tag is a little steep for just two pans, though.
What makes nontoxic cookware sets different from other types of cookware?
With no formal or official definition, nontoxic cookware is generally considered to be pots and pans that are free from coatings made with PFAS known as PFOA, PFOS and PTFE. This includes stainless steel, ceramic-coated and nonstick cookware made with the new PFAS.Cast-iron cookwareis also considered a nontoxic option, but it was not included in our tests since it’s rarely sold as a set.
How long do nontoxic cookware sets last?
Depending on the material, the lifespan of nontoxic cookware can vary greatly. Stainless steel cookware has the longest lifespan, at about 10 years, or more when cared for properly. Ceramic and nonstick cookware tends to be less durable, making the lifespan shorter at around two to five years.
To get the most out of your cookware, it’s essential to care for it properly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, handwashing will increase the longevity of all types of nontoxic cookware. Using the correctkitchen utensilswill, too: For nonstick, that means only wood or silicone. Metal utensils may scratch the coating, which can decrease its longevity. Similarly, using these types of utensils may also extend the life of ceramic cookware.
How do you clean nontoxic cookware sets?
Carolyn Williams, Ph.D., RDN, is a registered dietitian, tenured college professor and journalist who’s written on a host of nutrition and health topics. She specializes in the relationship between diet and chronic inflammation and co-hosts the podcast Happy Eating, which explores the connection that mental wellness has to diet and lifestyle.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. Environmental Protection Agency. PFOA, PFOS and Other PFAS.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. Environmental Protection Agency. PFOA, PFOS and Other PFAS.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. Environmental Protection Agency. PFOA, PFOS and Other PFAS.
