The Best Non-Toxic Cookware to Buy for 2024, According to Our Tests

Best Overall

Made In 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

$529 At Amazon View On Madeincookware.com

This ultra-conductive starter set from Made In has stay-cool handles and five layers of metal for even, precise cooking. The nonstick pieces are 100% non-toxic and made without PFOAs. The collection includes two 10-inch frying pans (one stainless and one nonstick) and 2-quart and 8-quart saucepans, each with a lid. The stainless pieces are oven-safe up to 800 degrees, and the nonstick pieces will handle heat up to 500 degrees.

We found the stainless clad construction to provide fast, even heating with no hot spots. We had zero issues with sticking when sautéing vegetables and cooking rice, and the pan's lip offers a spill-free pour. Although the nonstick pieces cannot go in the dishwasher, each piece is easy to hand-wash, leaving no caked-on residue.

"I’ve owned Made In’s Stainless Steel Cookware Set for two years and have used most pieces on a daily basis," says Danielle St. Pierre, Food & Wine Commerce Editor. "The 10-inch nonstick frying pan is my go-to pan for sticky egg-based or stir-fried dishes, and I reach for the stainless clad frying pan whenever I want to get a nice, even sear on proteins like skin-on salmon. I use the 8-quart stock pot whenever I need to boil water for pasta — the handles are comfortable to grab, the lid forms a tight seal, and I love how fast it brings water to a rolling boil."

Dishwasher-safe: Yes for steel pieces, hand-wash for nonstick | Material: Stainless steel | Induction-friendly: Yes

• What's Included: 10-inch non-stick fry pan; 10-inch stainless steel fry pan; 2- and 8-quart saucepans with lids

Best Splurge

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set

$850 At Amazon $850 At Williams-Sonoma $850 At Wayfair

For a truly stunning set that performs as well as it looks, we recommend this Le Creuset stainless steel set. The comprehensive 10-piece set features a three-layer construction that prevents scorching and promotes even heating, with aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The lids feature the brand’s iconic three-ring design and easy-grab knob, and they come with a built-in steam vent to prevent overflow. Each piece is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the fry pan can even be used underneath a broiler. 

We found each piece surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle, especially the sizable stockpot, which had enough space to get in there and stir liberally. The handles are comfortable to hold and far enough away from the heat to remain cool and keep you safe. To test sticking, we sautéed vegetables and rice, and while we did experience a bit of adhesion, there was a quick release, so it did not deter us from liking this set. The heat was gradual and easy to control, and the sautéing and browning of the vegetables were manageable to do without burning. 

Overall, this set is easy to clean, and any leftover food on the bottom quickly came off with a sponge and hot soapy water. Alternatively, you can place these pans in the dishwasher if you’re low on time. With the correct level of care, we think this set is a worthy investment for either a starter or upgrade purchase. 

Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Material: Stainless steel and aluminum core | Induction-friendly: Yes

• What's Included: 10-inch fry pan; 3-quart sauté pan with lid; 2- and 4- saucepans with lids; and 9-quart stockpot with lid

Best Nonstick

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

$395 At Amazon $395 At Target $395 At Nordstrom

If you're looking for a way to upgrade your most important pieces of cookware with a nonstick option that performs well and looks great, you're in luck. Caraway's line of non-toxic, Teflon-free nonstick cookware is so slick that even the stickiest foods can be effortlessly wiped away. In addition to being easy to clean and oven-safe, these pots and pans are compatible with every type of stovetop — they even landed on our list of the best induction cookware. This set is offered in seven joyful colors and comes with a frying pan, a sauté pan, a saucepan, and a Dutch oven (it's worth noting most cookware sets do not include a Dutch oven, so this is certainly a value-add).

Right out of the box, we felt the pans were heavy (but not too heavy) and well-made enough to make them feel sturdy and durable. The saucepan passed our sticking test when making rice, and the pan was also quick to simmer. We also made an omelet to confirm its nonstick properties, and to our delight, it slid right off when done. Our only gripe is we wish we could see through the lids.

While they would look nice sitting out on any range or countertop, a magnetic pan rack and lid holder are included for easy storage. If you're not looking for an entire cookware set, these PTFE, PFOA, and PFA-free pieces can all be shopped separately, too.

Dishwasher-safe: Hand-washing is recommended | Material: Nonstick ceramic | Induction-friendly: Yes

• What's Included: 10.5-inch fry pan; 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid; 3-quart saucepans with lids; and 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid

Best All-in-One Pan

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

$110 At Amazon $110 At Target $145 At fromourplace.com

The innovative Our Place pan provides the convenience of a multifunctional pan without using any harmful chemicals like PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. The all-in-one pan can replace your fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, nonstick pan, spatula, and spoon rest, as the handy pan can braise, strain, sauté, fry, sear, steam, boil food, and more. As a result, it's perfect for home cooks with limited storage space who want the versatility of a nonstick cookware set without having to wash and store multiple pieces. Even better, there are plenty of colors to choose from, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding an option that suits your kitchen. Plus, the design is so slick, you can display it on your range most of the time anyway.

Recently, the brand launched a 2.0 version of its flagship pan, taking into account vocalized customer issues like damaged coating over time or cracking within the handle. As a result, we've found the new-and-improved version to be worth a spot in your cookware collection.

"After owning the original and testing the new one, I found they made all the right improvements — the nonstick coating is better (and longer-lasting, according to the brand)," says Kristin Montemarano, Food & Wine Commerce Food Writer. "It’s expensive, but in terms of its versatility and visual design as a nonstick pan, it’s worth it for me.”

Dishwasher-safe: Hand-washing is recommended | Material: Ceramic-coated aluminum | Induction-friendly: Yes

• What's Included: 10.5-inch pan

Best Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

$41 At Amazon $35 At REI $25 At Target

If you're looking for one of the most versatile pieces of non-toxic cookware, look no further than the workhorse cast iron skillet. Known for its durability and superior heat retention, this handy pan allows you to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, and fry a variety of different foods. It is seasoned with oil for a "natural, easy-release finish," making the pan easy to hand-wash. These pans can safely transfer from stovetop to oven to broiler and are even safe to use over a campfire.

It's easy to get a great sear on this pan, and when testing, we found both sides of our meat to be almost identical in terms of the level of sear, indicating even heating throughout the skillet. In addition, we experienced even browning when making cornbread, and the included silicone handle helps for an easy release. We also appreciate its larger handle when placing and removing it from the oven. Cleaning is easy, too, as most of the time, a quick wipe with a paper towel and some water should render it clean.

All in all, we think this is a great deal for its value and performance. Regardless of its low price tag, it will quickly pay for itself as cast iron pans are heritage items that can be passed down for generations, and Lodge makes some of the most reliable and affordable options available.

Dishwasher-safe: No | Material: Cast Iron | Induction-safe: Yes

• What's Included: 10.25-inch pan and a silicone handle
  

Best Enameled Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

$335 At Amazon $260 At Williams-Sonoma $420 At Food52

If you ask us, no kitchen is complete without a Dutch oven. Le Creuset's Dutch ovens are so much more than just a gorgeous piece of cookware — they're functional and non-toxic, too. Thanks to the enameled cast iron construction, the luxe cookware has excellent heat distribution and retention properties and is safe for any heat source. Though it's heavy-duty equipment, large loop handles make it manageable to grasp, so it's easily maneuverable even with thick oven mitts on. These pans don't require extra seasoning, and the enameled cast iron provides a slick surface without harmful chemicals.

No matter what we've tested in this Dutch oven, it consistently outperforms its competitors, whether searing meats and sautéing vegetables on the stovetop or slow-cooking a simmering broth in the oven. As one of our testers and Associate Editors, Mary Lagroue, put it: You don't have to put in much effort to get great results. And while it is not nonstick, it's simple to clean and resistant to stains and odors. We found it takes barely any elbow grease to scrub it clean with a sponge and hand-wash it, but we also love that it's dishwasher-safe.

We'd recommend this Dutch oven time and time again. We think it's a great buy for anyone serious about cooking, whether a professional with high expectations or a home cook who wants to master certain techniques and better equip their cookware arsenal. (And if you love this and find you need a large Le Creuset Dutch Oven, they make those, too.)

Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Material: Enameled cast iron | Induction-friendly: Yes

• What's Included: 5.5-quart Dutch oven