Unsafe Cookware: What To Avoid

Pots and pans are essential for any kitchen, but it's important to be aware of the materials they are made of as some can be unsafe for cooking.

Aluminum, for example, is a common material for disposable pans and tins, but it may increase the risk of aluminum exposure, which can leach into food. Nonstick pans are also popular, but their coating can contain PFOA or PTFE, which can create toxic fumes when heated. Older stainless steel pans may also allow chemicals to seep into food.

So what are the best options? Cast iron is a great, versatile choice, though it requires seasoning to avoid a metallic taste and shouldn't be used for boiling water. Stainless steel is another durable, classic option, though certain foods like acidic tomatoes are best avoided as they can cause the pan to leach nickel and chromium. Glass is another inexpensive, widely available option, though it can shatter if not handled carefully.

Non-stick pans that aren't labelled PTFE- and PFOA-free

When shopping for non-stick pans, look for products explicitly labelled as PTFE- and PFOA-free. Some alternative materials to consider are ceramic, carbon steel, and cast iron. Ceramic cookware is free of heavy metals, handles high-heat cooking, and is safe for the stovetop, oven, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave. Carbon steel is similar to cast iron but thinner, lighter, and heats up more quickly, making it ideal for frying pans and woks. Cast iron is a durable, versatile option that works well with different heat sources and can be used for baking, grilling, and camping.

• De Buyer Mineral B Fry Pan: This French-made pan is lighter than cast iron but handles high heat well. It has a natural non-stick surface with a beeswax finish and requires regular seasoning.
• GreenPan GP5 Stainless: This 5-ply stainless steel pan features an advanced ceramic non-stick coating that is PTFE-free, oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and metal utensil-safe.
• Caraway Frying Pan: This non-toxic, PTFE- and PFOA-free pan has a Teflon-free ceramic coating and is oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Xtrema 10-inch Traditions Skillet: This 100% ceramic skillet is scratch-resistant, oven and microwave-safe, and offers a transparent third-party testing process. However, it may not be as non-stick as other options.
• Alva Cookware Maestro Nonstick Frying Pan: This pan is PFAS-free and doesn't leach any toxic chemicals or metals. It has a robust 3-ply stainless steel induction base and a stay-cool handle.

Remember to always read the labels and do your research when purchasing non-stick cookware to ensure the products are truly PTFE- and PFOA-free.

Older, scratched, or badly burned pans

Additionally, older or badly burned stainless steel pans may allow chemicals to seep into food. If you're scouring thrift stores for non-stick pans, beware that they may contain Teflon, which can create toxic fumes when heated. DuPont, a major manufacturer behind Teflon, phased out PFOAs in 2013, but you might want to swap out any non-stick pans that have been sitting in your cupboard for eight years or more.

Cast iron pans are generally considered safe, but they require different care and maintenance. They need to be seasoned (rubbed with multiple coats of oil) to avoid rusting and must be reseasoned with oil from time to time. They are also not dishwasher-safe.

Ceramic cookware that contains lead

Ceramic cookware is a popular choice for home cooks due to its perceived safety and aesthetic appeal. However, it is important to be cautious when using ceramic pots and pans as they may contain lead, which can pose serious health risks. Lead is sometimes used in the glaze that is applied to ceramic ware before kiln firing to give the products a desirable shine. If the ceramics are not fired at sufficiently high temperatures for long enough, lead can leach into food, especially if the food or drink is acidic. Coffee, citrus drinks, and tomato sauce are examples of acidic foods and beverages that can cause lead to leech into your food.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) randomly tests ceramic food containers and cookware for lead contamination due to previous findings of extractable lead and cadmium in the glaze. While mass-produced crockpots and other ceramic containers are likely safe, handmade or antique ceramics may contain lead. Bright orange, red, and yellow homemade pottery is of particular concern because lead is often used to intensify these colors.

To protect yourself and your family, it is recommended to purchase newer cookware and avoid second-hand or vintage ceramic ware. Look for labels that indicate the product is safe for food or drink, and opt for well-known brands that have committed to using lead-free glazes, such as Crock-Pot. If you are unsure about the safety of your ceramic cookware, you can purchase a home lead testing kit from a hardware store or online to evaluate the risk of lead exposure.

It is important to note that lead exposure can have serious health consequences, and there is no safe level of lead in the blood. Lead can invade the human body and be stored in bones for decades, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis and hindering bone healing. Lead poisoning can cause various symptoms, including high blood pressure, headaches, infertility, developmental delays, abdominal pain, and seizures. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions when using ceramic cookware to ensure the health and safety of you and your family.

Cast iron if you have a condition called hemochromatosis

Cast iron is a type of cookware that is generally considered safe and beneficial to cook with. However, for individuals with a condition called hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload syndrome, cooking with cast iron is not recommended.

Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb an abnormal amount of iron from food. Excess iron is then stored in organs such as the heart, liver, and pancreas, which can lead to damage and long-term health issues such as diabetes and liver disease.

When cooking with cast iron, small traces of iron are released into food, and this amount can be further increased when cooking acidic foods. While this is generally not harmful for most people, it can be dangerous for those with hemochromatosis.

If you have hemochromatosis, it is advisable to avoid cooking with cast iron and instead opt for alternative types of cookware such as pure ceramic, enameled cast iron, or glass-ceramic. These materials do not contain metals, heat evenly, and won't release additional iron into your food.

Additionally, it is important to note that even if you do not have hemochromatosis, cast iron cookware should not be used to cook acidic foods for extended periods. This is because acidic foods can break down the seasoning on cast iron, causing it to release more iron into your food.

Stainless steel if you're cooking acidic foods

Stainless steel is a great option for cookware, but it's best to avoid cooking acidic foods in stainless steel pots and pans. While stainless steel is a low-carbon, iron-based steel with other metals mixed in to reduce corrosion and increase strength, it does contain metals such as chromium and nickel, which can leach into food when cooking acidic dishes.

Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus, can react with stainless steel and leave behind unsightly stains and discoloration. This is due to the fact that stainless steel contains metals such as chromium and nickel, which can leach into food when exposed to acidic ingredients. Lower-grade stainless steel with a lower chromium content may be more susceptible to rust and corrosion over time, so it's important to opt for high-quality stainless steel cookware from reputable brands.

While stainless steel is a durable and versatile option for cookware, it's best to avoid using it for acidic dishes to prevent any potential leaching of metals into your food. Instead, opt for cast iron or enameled cast iron when cooking acidic foods to ensure that your food is safe and healthy.

Frequently asked questions