Photo:Courtesy of Brand. EatingWell design.
Courtesy of Brand. EatingWell design.
Update:On December 15, 2025, Joe Schwarcz, PhD, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society identified a mathematical error in the Chemosphere research paper this article cites. His findings indicate the risk of brominated flame retardants exposure is lower than previously reported. Despite the reduced risk, we still recommend using non-reactive and environmentally friendly kitchen utensils when possible.
Flame retardants in kitchen utensils “can contaminate the food we eat and cook—increasing the risk of direct exposure,” saysNicole Sparks, MS, PhDfrom the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of California, Irivine. “Because these chemicals don’t break down easily, they can build up in the body for years,” potentially leading to “adverse health effects.”
Since these chemicals are built into our electronics to reduce the risk of fire from overheating, it’s nearly impossible to completely eliminate our contact with them. That said, Dr. Sparks suggests limiting our exposure wherever and whenever possible—and one easy place to start is in the kitchen. Beyond avoiding products with BPAs, Teflon, phthalates and nonstick coatings, she always recommends using wooden or stainless steel utensils in place of black plastic.
In light of this information, we rounded up eight nontoxicspoons,utensil sets,tongs,spatulasand more, starting at just $7 at Amazon.
Best Stainless Steel and Wooden Kitchen Gear at Amazon
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Skimmer
Amazon
$10 at Amazon
When an $11 spoon from a trusted brand like Cuisinart has more than 3,200 perfect ratings at Amazon, we take note. This stainless steel marvel can remove al dente ravioli from boiling water just as easily as it can separate egg yolks from egg whites or skim fat from the surface of a homemade stock.Shoppers lovethis all-purpose tool, calling it a “very functional work of art.”
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Utensil Set
$17 at Amazon
Walfos 3-Pack of Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs
$15$13 at Amazon
Of allkitchen utensils, tongs are arguably the most useful since they can toss, flip, grab, lift and serve food. This pack of entirely stainless steel tongs features three lengths (7, 9, and 12 inches) with locking mechanisms for easy storage. They’re also dishwasher-safe and on sale at Amazon forPrime membersfor a limited time.
Anmarko Stainless Steel Spatula Set
$32$28 at Amazon
Viking Culinary Stainless Steel 8-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set
$120$93 at Amazon
If you’re looking to replace all of your black plastic kitchen utensils with nontoxic stainless steel models, look no further than this elegant Viking set. Its eight pieces—including solid and slotted spoons, slotted and solid spatulas, a pasta fork, a ladle, a meat fork and a skimmer—ensure that you’ll be able to cook efficiently, effectively and safely. While it’s the most expensive option on this list,one reviewerwrote that it’s “worth the money,” adding that the utensils are “well made” and will “last a long time.”
Earlywood 3-Piece Wood Kitchen Utensil Set
$40 at Amazon
Earlywood’s spatulas areEatingWell favoritesthanks to their simple and versatile design. Due to their tapered ends and flat construction, they can be used as tongs, spatulas, spoons, bench scrapers and more, all while taking up very little space in your drawers. And since the brand is committed to the health of people and the planet, it donates $1 to replant rainforests for every order placed.
Winco Stainless Steel 8-Ounce Ladle
$7 at Amazon
Lipper International Acacia Salad Hands
$13 at Amazon
Salad hands are the fun and functional serving spoons you didn’t know you needed. Not only are they smaller than their long-handled counterparts, but they’re also more practical since they’re easier to control.Shoppers use themto toss salads and serve large pieces of meat, calling them “perfect for entertaining or everyday use.”
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