Best Alternatives To Toxic Non-Stick Teflon Pans

Do Non-Stick Teflon Pans Leach Microplastics?

Are teflon pans toxic? Yes, non-stick teflon pots, pans, and cookware can shed microplastics into your food that you cook in them. There are no teflon non-stick pans that are safe from this issue.

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If you are coming from our guide on reducing microplastics in your prepared food, you may have already read about how the non-stick coatings made from PFAS on these pans can scrape off into your food, contributing to your microplastic consumption.

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In this guide we will go over three types of pans - cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic enameled - that you can safely replace your teflon pans with, depending on your budget and use cases in the kitchen

Cast Iron Pans and Skillets ($20+)

First up is our classic pan material, cast iron. Indestructible, relatively cheap, and easy to maintain with proper seasoning care, a cast iron pan is a must for any kitchen for high-heat searing applications such as cooking the perfect steak.

Some cons do include the overall weight of these pans as they can be quite heavy, but it is a small price to pay for avoiding microplastics at the end of the day.

Best Budget Pick: Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet - often on sale, this 10.25inch cast iron pan is an excellent start for those looking to replace their teflon pans.

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Best Set Pick: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set (8, 10.25, 12 inch) - another Lodge entry on this list. If you want to immediately jump into a selection of useful sizes for cast iron pans, this will be the last purchase you’ll need to make for getting cast iron pans into your kitchen that will last a lifetime.

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I would also recommend a high-quality chain-link scrubber to get any remaining food off your new cast iron in a flash.

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Additionally, a decent non-plastic cast iron handle cover will help prevent burns and make your cooking experience even more enjoyable.

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Stainless Steel Pans ($40+)

Up next is a more expensive but just as utilitarian classic option, the stainless steel pan.

Even though they are not as non-stick as a well-seasoned cast iron equivalent, stainless steel is great for recipes that require sauteing and deglazing, and can be washed in the dishwasher without a fuss.

Best Budget Pick: Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet - coming in with a $40 price tag (or cheaper, depending on the sale), this stainless steel skillet is a great first piece of stainless steel cookware for your kitchen if you don’t already have one.

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Best Quality Pick: All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan - if you’re looking for a higher performance stainless steel pan, this All-Clad tri-ply pan comes with superior construction for move even heat, and a fitted stainless steel lid, especially useful for frying or splotchy recipes in the kitchen.

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Best Stainless Steel Pot: Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Saucepan w/Cover - whether it’s for boiling water for pasta, or preparing homemade chili, a stainless steel pot is another essential in the kitchen. This brand sports several size options.

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Ceramic Enameled Pans ($30+)

If you’re longing for a non-stick pan replacement that doesn’t contain harmful plastic polymer coatings such as PFOA, PTFE, and PFAS, look no further than a good ceramic enameled pan.

Ceramic enameled pans are a bit more difficult to care for and require careful attention when cleaning, as the ceramic non-stick surface can be damaged with improper selection of cooking utensils, but are incredibly worth while for specific foods like the perfect scrambled eggs.

Best Budget Pick: SENSARTE Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch - if you’ve never had a ceramic enameled pan before, this is a great place to start. SENSARTE also offers a variety of sizes at a similar price.

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Best Set Pick: SENSARTE Nonstick Ceramic Cookware 13-Piece Set - an insane bang for your buck, this set includes four pots and pans and appropriately-sized protectors. If you want to go all into ceramicware, this is for you.

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Conclusion:

When you follow these guides, you will be one step closer to a microplastic-free lifestyle that is better for you and your family's health.

If you want to learn more about ways to reduce your daily microplastic consumption for good, read on in our full guide.

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