Safe Cookware: Best Pots And Pans

Teflon-coated pans are toxic and can release fumes when overheated. The safest options are stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and cast iron. If you're looking for non-stick, make sure to read the labels – non-stick ceramic is a fantastic option for toxin-free cookware.

Ceramic Cookware

The non-stick coating on ceramic pans makes them extremely easy to clean. They are also aesthetically pleasing and come in a variety of joyful colors. Ceramic pans are sturdy and durable, with proper care, they can last for years.

When purchasing ceramic cookware, it is important to ensure that the actual cooking surface is made of ceramic and not just the outer surfaces. Some brands market their products as ceramic-coated, but the cooking surface may be made of a non-stick material like Teflon. It is also recommended to use non-metal utensils with ceramic cookware to avoid scratching the surface.

Overall, ceramic cookware is a safe and healthy option for those looking to avoid toxic chemicals in their cooking. It offers a non-stick surface that is easy to clean and is aesthetically pleasing. With proper care, ceramic cookware can last for years.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Best Overall: All-Clad D3 Cookware Set, 10-Piece Set

This classic cookware is prized by professionals and home cooks. It browns food evenly and keeps stews and sauces at a steady simmer. The classic sloped shape on the skillets makes it easy to roll out omelettes or pour sauces. The handles are riveted, so they'll never loosen or fall off. The set includes an 8-quart stockpot, which is perfect for a crab boil or pasta. The only downside is that stainless steel can be hard to clean.

Best Budget: Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Set

This set gives you the professional look without breaking the bank. It includes generously-sized pieces like a 12-inch frypan, a 5-quart saute pan, a Dutch oven, and an 8-quart stockpot. The interior layer of aluminium ensures solid performance. The rounded handles also make these pots and pans a pleasure to grip. The set can be used in the oven up to 500 F. However, stainless steel can be prone to discolouration, so it's recommended to keep a container of Bar Keepers Friend on hand.

Best Value: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless 17 Piece Set

You can’t beat this large set for value. It includes pots and pans for just about every cooking situation imaginable, from small ones for heating a single serving of soup or frying an egg to huge ones for braising one-dish dinners or boiling lobsters. On the bottom of these stainless-steel pieces, there’s an aluminium disc which provides absolutely even browning. All of the saucepans have measurement markings so you know how much water to add. Helper handles on the large skillets are useful for carrying a pan of saucy meatballs. The set can go in an oven up to a temperature of 500°F and can be washed in the dishwasher, but it does require some scrubbing to remove splatters.

Best Splurge: Hestan ProBond Clad Stainless Steel Ultimate Set, 10-piece

The moment you unpack this pricey cookware and feel it in your hand, you know it’s special. A brushed stainless-steel finish with a band of polished stainless below the rim, flared lips, and rounded edges give it a more elegant, less commercial look. Made of forged stainless steel with a core of aluminium, Hestan Pro provides beautiful browning and exceptionally even simmering. The handles are riveted and flush with the interior surface, so they're comfortable to grip and easy to clean around. These pieces can be used at temperatures up to 600 F, so you can run a skillet under the broiler.

Best Starter Set: Misen Essentials Cookware Set, 9-Piece

If you’re not looking for a huge set but want high-quality pieces, this pro-style brand is an excellent choice. Constructed of three layers of aluminium that are completely encased in stainless steel, Misen is heavier than its competitors, which means it takes longer to heat up but is also less likely to burn or scorch foods. The pans have a brushed finish while the riveted handles are polished. The saute pan has a helper handle that makes it easy to maneuver. The set can be placed in the oven up to 500°F and washed in the dishwasher. The only downside is that we wish there was a helper handle on the 3-quart saucepan and 12-inch skillet as well.

Cast Iron Cookware

Another concern is the potential for lead and cadmium contamination in enameled cast iron. These toxins can be especially harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies. While some brands of enameled cast iron, such as Lodge, have been found to have lower levels of lead and cadmium, it is important to do your research and choose cookware with minimal to no lead and cadmium contamination.

To minimize the risk of iron leaching, it is essential to properly season your cast iron cookware. Seasoning creates a barrier between the cast iron and the food, reducing the amount of iron that can transfer into your meal. Additionally, always dry your cast iron cookware after washing to prevent rusting.

Carbon Steel Cookware

Carbon steel is an iron-carbon alloy and requires a little extra care and routine seasoning. But if treated properly, it takes on a slick, almost non-stick surface. Carbon steel cookware also works on any heat source, including induction, and it’s often a fraction of the price of comparable stainless steel skillets.

If you're looking for a lightweight, versatile, and durable pan, carbon steel is a great option.

Enamel-coated Cast Iron Cookware

Enameled cast iron cookware is a safe and healthy option for cooking. The porcelain enamel coating on the cast iron base makes it less prone to sticking than other cookware, and it is also non-reactive, so you can cook acidic food without worrying about health issues. The coating is also non-toxic and safe for all types of heat sources.

The Advantages of Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Enameled cast iron combines the best features of cast iron and enamel coating. It is durable, beautiful, low maintenance, easy to clean, healthy, and retains heat well.

Disadvantages of Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Enameled cast iron is more prone to chipping than raw cast iron, which can reduce its attractiveness over time. It also takes a while to heat up and shouldn't be overheated, so it may not be ideal for stir-frying or searing meat on high heat. While the enamel coating resists sticking, it is not technically non-stick, so you may need to use oil or butter when cooking sticky foods.

Caring for Your Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

To care for your enameled cast iron, avoid using metal utensils as they can chip or scratch the enamel. Clean your cookware soon after use to prevent stains, and always hand wash, even if the manufacturer claims it is dishwasher-safe. Avoid extreme temperature changes, as this can crack the enamel.

Features to Look for When Buying Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

• Even heat distribution for perfectly cooked meals.
• A tight-fitting lid to lock in moisture.
• Comfortable, sturdy handles for easy handling, especially for heavier pieces.
• A wide loop handle for easy carrying, even with oven mitts.
• A range of attractive colour options.

Recommended Brands for Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Le Creuset is a well-known and trusted brand for enameled cast iron cookware, offering high-quality, durable pieces in a range of colours. However, it comes at a steep price, so if you are looking for a more affordable option, there are other solid brands to consider, such as Ayesha Curry, Lodge, Bruntmor, Cuisinart, and Tramontina.

Enameled cast iron cookware is a safe and healthy option that combines the durability and heat retention of cast iron with the non-stick and non-reactive properties of enamel coating. While it may be more prone to chipping and discolouration over time, with proper care, it can last for generations.

Frequently asked questions