5 Sustainable PFOA-Free Cookware Brands: Avoid ‘Forever Chemicals’
Have you made the switch to PFOA-free cookware yet? Most of us want a healthy home-cooked meal, not something leached with forever chemicals or heavy metal poisoning (even trace amounts).
That’s where sustainable PFOA-free cookware comes in. Not only is it better for the environment but you’re not adding a dash of lead to your perfect roasted tomato soup.
But with so many sustainable cookware brands out there, where should you even start looking? The following five sustainable cookware brands are my absolute favorite because they provide quality products that will look good in your kitchen, and come at an affordable price.
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Read on for all the details about my favorite sustainable, PFOA-free cookware brands. All of these offer aesthetic colors too!
What Is PFOA and Why Is It Bad?
The Government of Canada website states: Perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA, is a man-made substance belonging to a class of chemicals known as perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). For human health, PFOA and its salts may have reproductive effects, as well as effects on the liver.
These were considered to be the important or “critical” effects used in characterizing the risk to human health in the assessment. PFOA and its salts, such as PFOA ammonium salt (APFO), were used in the manufacture of stain- and water-resistant coatings for textiles and carpets; hoses, cables, and gaskets; non-stick coatings on cookware; and personal care products. (source)
PFOA chemicals have been discovered in blood samples in people of all ages. You may have heard that PFOA chemicals are known as ‘forever chemicals’ as they transfer to our food, into our bodies where they don’t break down naturally, they stay forever.
What Makes Cookware Sustainable?
”Sustainable cookware” feels like a marketing buzzword companies use to jack up their prices, but there is a solid definition.
It’s essentially well-built pieces of cookware that don’t release toxins when heated. They are easy to clean and take care of too, making them reusable so you create less waste.
And finally, they don’t contain harsh chemicals like heavy metals, lead, and cadmium. You’ll find that a lot of eco-friendly cookware is made with a ceramic coating because it doesn’t release harmful chemicals. However, there are other materials available out there too!
Making the switch to sustainable cookware that is PFOA-free not only helps save the planet (one household at a time!) but ensures that Pinterest-perfect meal you just made is actually healthy for your family.
5 Aesthetic PFOA-Free Cookware Brands for an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
1. Our Place
Woman-owned Our Place is one of my favorite sustainable cookwear brands, offering high-quality ceramic PFOA-free cookware, bakeware, small appliances and more.
Our Place’s viral Always Pan is the star of their line. This single piece of cookware allows you do to almost anything you need in the kitchen.
I have had my Always Pan for years and use it all the time. It is WELL WORTH the price tag.
I also bought the Perfect Pot. Paired with the Perfect Pot, you can run a full-fledged kitchen with a whopping two pieces of cookware!
The Perfect Pot replaces your:
- Dutch oven
- Stockpot
- Steamer
- Sauce pot
- Strainer
- Roasting rack
the Always Pan replaces your:
- Steamer skillet
- Fry pan
- Non stick pan
- Sauce pan
- Saucier
- Skillet / Sauté pan
Hint – these colors would look stunning in a modern kitschy kitchen like this!
Considering you can do so much with these two products you will find that it’s well worth it to have them in your kitchen. Plus, both have built-in spoon rests — so you can get rid of those too.
It’s the minimalist cook’s dream, to help build a versatile and effective kitchen setup without filling all your shelves.
But Our Place also offers many other great kitchen products. All of their products are PFOA-free.
Sustainable materials in Our Place Cookware
Our Place’s sustainable cookware is made from non-toxic, non-stick material, and comes fitted with a beach wood spatula/spoon (another fancy combo item).
They use a sturdy, partially-recycled, aluminum bottom to evenly distribute heat, and the enamel coating means you don’t need seasoning.
2. Caraway
Caraway cookware is eco-friendly and aesthetic. It comes in a range of colors, making it perfect for any kitchen.
Their eco-friendly non-stick cookware is priced from $95 to $145, and they have plenty of cookware items for you to choose from.
Whether you want a frying or sauté pan, or need something a little more hearty like a Dutch oven, you can find it here.
Sustainable materials in Caraway cookware
Designed in New York and produced in ethical factories in China, Caraway cookware features an aluminum core with stainless steal handles.
Most importantly, they’re coated with a non-toxic ceramic that does leach harmful chemicals and releases 60% CO2 during the manufacturing process.
They also use recycled cardboard, 100% biodegradable cork trivets, low-impact dies, and zero-plastic bags.
3. Greenpan
Greenpan is often touted as the original creator of healthy non-stick ceramic cookware. Their pots and pans are made of non-toxic materials, so no harmful chemicals will leach into your food while cooking.
Cleaning with this cookware is a breeze, after you use it you simply toss it in the dishwasher and you’re done!
I particularly enjoy the range of colors and designs of the cookware, and the affordable $60 to $260 price tags (depending on what you’re looking at purchasing). Or grab yourself a bundle of multiple GreenPan kitchen products starting at just $299.
Their cookware product line includes:
- Sauce pans
- Fry pans
- Saute pans
- Stockpots
- Roasters
- Griddles
- Grill pans
- Featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things 2024: “Know someone setting up their first home? This collection of five pots and pans is PFAS-free, comes with lids, a large spoon, and a spatula—and will have anyone cooking in no time! (And thanks to the nonstick formula, very little oil is needed.)”
- COOKWARE SET INCLUDES: 3.26QT Saucepan with Lid, 6.61QT Stockpot with Lid, 8” Frypan, 10” Frypan, 5.11QT Sauté Pan, Silicone Solid Spoon, Silicone Turner, 2x Pan Protectors, Wonder Sponge
Sustainable materials in GreenPan cookware
Greenpan products are made of sustainable materials, which starts with their Thermolon non-stick coating that’s free of PFAS, PFOA, nano particles, cadmium and lead, and doesn’t release toxic fumes.
This coating is also able to withstand high heat and is made to be scratch-resistant. However, they do recommend that you use gentler utensils like silicone or wood with it.
4. Greenlife
Greenlife aims to make healthy cooking affordable to everyone, and their slightly lower price bracket of $36 to $190 helps.
They cover both bakeware and cookware (including sets), and work to bring eco-friendly cooking within everyone’s reach.
I particularly like that their products are dishwasher safe, made with non-toxic materials, and you can cook with just a little bit of oil (no need to grease the whole thing up).
Perhaps the most fun part of their cookware is that it comes in whimsical colors.
- SET INCLUDES: 4” mini frying pan, 7” and 9.5” frying pans, 1QT and 2QT saucepans with lids, 5QT stock pot with lid, 2.5QT sauté pan with lid, 7” stainless steel steamer, and 4 kitchen utensils
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK: Our healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick coating is derived from sand and delivers effortless release with quick cleanup
Sustainable materials in Greenlife cookware
The Greenlife cook and bakeware pieces do not contain PFAS, PFOA or any other dangerous chemicals. This means you can be confident that there won’t be any toxins released while you’re cooking.
But it’s not just the materials that are eco friendly, their entire process creates 60% less CO2 emissions than traditional coatings. Furthermore, 30% of their factory power comes from solar power, and they have their own treatment plan for industrial wastewater.
5. Great Jones
Great Jones has some gorgeous cookware and bakeware, that just so happens to be eco-friendly.
It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, chances are their line has it, and it’ll be well worth the $75 to $190 price tag.
With everything from stock pots and frying pans to sauciers and bread pans, their online storefront is the home chef’s dream. They even have sets if you want to make sure your house is all matchy-matchy!
They have an assortment of cookware and bakeware made from stainless steel (which does contain trace amounts of nickel, but no Teflon), enameled cast iron and ceramic stoneware.
All their pieces work for low and medium temperatures, and some (like the stoneware) can handle a whopping 450F.
They also have a unique service called “pot line.” It’s a free text message service that allows you to get real-time cooking advice and recipe suggestions — no Pinterest required!
Sustainable materials in Great Jones cookware
Their products are made of varying eco-friendly material, depending on the specific one.
They use enabled cast iron, ceramic (stoneware), and stainless steel — which is Teflon free, but has some nickel.
Great Jones partners with cookware factories around the world that practice sustainability and any returned items are donated or recycled.
Top Sustainable PFOA-Free Cookware Brands to Use if You Want to Avoid ‘Forever Chemicals’ – Conclusion
Wrapping up, it’s clear that choosing sustainable, PFOA-free cookware is a smart move for your health and the environment. These five brands offer great options for anyone looking to avoid those pesky ‘forever chemicals’ while still getting the job done in the kitchen.
Another great thing about sustainable cookware brands is that they make and sell items individually. Unlike your average bargain store 20-piece set, you get a solid piece of cookware that does more than one thing. That means that you can replace your current items in a budget-friendly way.
All in all, next time you’re in the market for new cookware, go for something that not only keeps harmful chemicals out of your food but also aligns with eco-friendly practices. You’ll be doing both yourself and the planet a favor.
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Frequently Asked Questions About PFOA-Free Cookware
What is PFOA, and why should I avoid it?
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is a chemical that was historically used in the production of non-stick cookware, primarily Teflon. It’s been linked to several health risks, including thyroid disease, liver damage, and cancers, as well as environmental harm due to its inability to break down, making it a “forever chemical.” Fortunately, most modern cookware is now PFOA-free
Does PFOA-free cookware still contain harmful chemicals?
While PFOA has been eliminated from cookware since 2015, many non-stick pans still contain other PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals, which also raise health concerns. Some PFOA-free pans use GenX, a replacement chemical, which is still under scrutiny for potential health risks. To avoid all PFAS, opt for cookware made from materials like ceramic, stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel.
Is all non-stick cookware PFOA-free now?
Yes, all cookware made after 2015 is PFOA-free, thanks to the EPA’s PFOA Stewardship Program, which phased out the chemical’s use. However, “PFOA-free” does not mean the cookware is free of other potentially harmful chemicals like PTFE (Teflon). To ensure complete safety, it’s essential to research whether the cookware also avoids using other PFAS..
How can I tell if my cookware is truly PFOA-free?
To verify if your cookware is PFOA-free, look for certifications or labels on the product packaging that explicitly state “PFOA-free” or “PFAS-free.” You can also check the manufacturer’s website or contact them directly for detailed material information. Avoid older cookware (produced before 2013) and be cautious of second-hand items.
What materials are safest for PFOA-free cookware?
The safest options for PFOA- and PFAS-free cookware include ceramic, stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel. These materials are not only free from harmful chemicals but also durable and versatile for everyday cooking.
Can PFOA-free cookware still release harmful fumes?
Even though PFOA has been removed, cookware coated with PTFE (Teflon) can still release harmful fumes when overheated, typically above 500°F. For safer alternatives, consider switching to ceramic or cast iron, which do not degrade at high temperatures.
Is ceramic cookware a good alternative to non-stick cookware?
Yes, ceramic cookware is a popular alternative to non-stick pans that is naturally free of PFOA, PFAS, and PTFE. It’s non-toxic and safe, though it’s essential to avoid imposters and ensure you’re purchasing 100% ceramic products.
Is sustainable cookware worth it?
Sustainable cookware does carry a heftier price tag, but in the end, it’s worth it. Not only are these brands making sustainable products, they do it ethically and with some serious style. You can cook and bake without being concerned that you’re slowly giving your family lead positioning without realizing it.
