This Is the Best Teflon-Free Nonstick Cookware

Oct 25, 2024

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And say goodbye to flaking pans.

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After learning that black plastic and food containers may contain cancer-causing flame retardants, I got to thinking. What about Teflon? Since we know about Teflon flu from the PTFEs in the cookware’s coating, we reconnected with Megan Liu, science and policy manager at Toxic-Free Future and co-author of From E-waste to Living Space.

In regards to Teflon, “They still use PTFE, which is one of many types of PFAS,” she said. Liu continued, “Ceramic cookware is generally free of PFAS. Stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic are [considered] the safest cookware options for avoiding toxic chemicals.”

We’ve already rounded up kitchen utensils that are free from black plastic, so we thought we’d put together this list of Teflon-free, nontoxic pots and pans that will work just as efficiently, if not better, than the peeling Teflon cookware in your kitchen cabinet.

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Crock-Pot has been a household name for quite some time and has built a reputation for quality cookware. This skillet is made from enamel-coated cast iron, which is extremely durable and easy to clean. The pan works just as well on any stovetop as it does in the oven and can be used for most cooking methods, like frying, braising, roasting, or baking. And no need to worry — enamel coatings are also considered safe since the FDA’s Code of Regulations has strict guidelines on what can be used in enameled cookware.

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This nonstick pan is unique because it has a built-in beechwood spatula that rests on the handle. It comes with a lid and a stainless steel steamer basket, which doubles as a colander. If you’re looking for a pan that can do a lot, this would be the one. You can also purchase accessories for it like a frying rack, a wooden steamer, egg poaching dishes, and a frying splatter lid.

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When we talk about household names and cookware, it’s hard not to think of Lodge and its many shapes, sizes, and styles of cookware. If you have enamel-coated cookware, you never have to season it since the coating protects against rust and reactive ingredients like vinegar, citrus, and tomatoes. This casserole dish can go from the stove or oven to the dining table, making one-pot meals even easier.

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I’ve been testing this pan for a while now and am pretty impressed. My spouse and I have gone through many so-called nonstick pans that have peeled, burned, and melted. So, we were on the hunt for one that actually works. We’ve used this Made In pan to cook eggs, fry chicken, and make blueberry pancakes, and nothing has stuck to it at all. It feels nearly indestructible, too. Even if you burn or sear food, cleaning it is as easy as hand-washing it with dish soap and your Scrub Daddy (lightly, of course).

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Enamel-coated cookware looks great while you're cooking with it and when you’re serving dinner out of it. Luckily, this Crock-Pot skillet isn’t just another pretty kitchen tool, it’s also a workhorse like its bigger sibling. Both skillets are part of the Artisan Collection, which means there are more pieces you can add, like a round enameled Dutch Oven and a cast iron deep sauté pan.

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If you need to replace your entire collection of dented, broken, melted, or peeling pots and pans, then you’ll want this Calphalon 10-piece set. It made our list of tested stainless steel cookware sets as the best value pick. One of the best things about stainless steel? It’s rust-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and works both on the stovetop and in the oven.

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My family is big on hunting and camping, so I grew up with open-fire cooking. My dad would fry eggs and bacon on the Lodge griddle, while the skillets were reserved for crispy-on-the-outside hash browns. Naturally, I have my own cast iron pans — both complete sets and odds and ends I’ve picked up over the years. This cast iron skillet is perfect for stoves, ovens, barbecue grills, and camp cooking.

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I remember when GreenPan cookware first dropped. My sister-in-law was trying to cut down on the amount of cooking oil she used, so she swore by this nonstick pan. What I like about this particular pan is that it’s lightweight and oven- and broiler-safe up to 600°F. They’re crafted from recycled aluminum, free of PFAS, and made in an eco-friendly environment.

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There is no denying that there’s a learning curve when it comes to cooking with stainless steel. But there’s also no denying that it’s one of the best cookware materials out there. I’ve been using Cuisinart cookware for over nine years, first using the Chef’s Classic cookware set and now using its MultiClad set. Both sets work each and every time without fail — I can even cook steaks in them on the stovetop and toss them into the oven to finish. This 10-inch stainless steel pan is a good size if you’re curious about working with stainless steel, and it’s pretty, too!

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I didn’t realize Ninja was in the stainless steel cookware game until I started researching nonstick cookware. I have several Ninja products, like the Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine and the Ninja Creami, and I think everyone owns a Ninja Nutri-Blender. Ninja just makes great products. This frying pan is safe in the oven up to 600°F, works with most stovetops, and is scratch-resistant. I’m tempted to pick one up so I can take it for a test drive and add it to my collection.

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Another cast iron frying pan option is this skillet from Utopia Kitchen. It’s safe for indoor or outdoor use and can withstand temperatures up to 450°F. The pan comes pre-seasoned and needs just a quick wash before use, and then you can start practicing bread baking, frying, and roasting. Just remember to hand-wash it with soap, water, and a stiff-bristled brush (yes, you can), and never put it in the dishwasher or soak it in water.

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Glass is just as safe as the ceramic, stainless steel, and nonstick options on this list. When I was younger, I had a small set of vintage glass Pyrex stockpots and saucepans. It was the strangest but most satisfying feeling when I cooked in them because they are non-reactive, easy to clean, and I could watch the cooking process. Now, you see clear glass pots on social media all the time, and I still love them. While this saucepan isn’t vintage, it would work for a lot of foods, and it’s oven-safe up to 400°F. This is more like a small stockpot — I‘m imagining braising in this clear cooking vessel.

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One of the best things about glass cookware is that it doesn’t retain any odors, no matter what you’re cooking. This glass saucepan has a long handle for easy gripping and a glass lid with a vent hole. The simmer pot will work on electric and gas stoves and withstand temperatures up to 400°F. It’s the ideal size for boiling potatoes and making soups and sauces. It says it’s oven-safe, but with the wooden handle, I probably would avoid that.