Kitchen Non Toxic Shopping Guide

November 7, 2024

Cleaned up your diet but still using toxic cookware? This is our running list of our favorite non toxic kitchen items. Check back often!

In drafting this list, we did consider products which have been previously tested for heavy metals and did well, although not everything on this list has been tested for heavy metals. Learn more about materials and detoxing your kitchen here.

For all of our buying guides, check out our Ultimate Toxin-Free Shopping Guide.

We don’t stock everything listed here, so you’ll find links to Amazon or other stores. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you (affiliate disclosure).

Cookware

If it says “nonstick”, it likely contains a coating that uses toxic chemicals and each time you cook either the heat activates these chemicals, or a single scratch can release them into your food and into your body. Heavy metals and forever chemicals (PFAS) are of the greatest concern. Safest choice is to opt for stainless steel or cast iron cookware from trusted manufacturers.

We have yet to find a truly safe "non-stick" cookware set. We do not support Caraway or Xtrema. They tested positive for heavy metals in the past, and it is similar to other non stick… a glaze or coating that is “fine” until it’s scratched. Users have also reported the Caraway cookware sets scratching easily, even with careful handling. Learn more about materials here.

Stainless steel

Personally, Ivy is a fan of Cuisinart because our current set is over a decade old and going strong, plus they offer lifetime warranties. We reached out to Cuisinart to learn more about the materials they used. They DO test their stainless steel for common chemicals (BPA, Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, ETC.) on parts that come in contact with food/water. All of their stainless steel is 18/0, except for their Chef's Classic which is 18/10. Their 66-11 set uses a Xylan/Quantanium non-stick coating which contains PTFE (a type of PFAS, and this is NOT crunchy-approved!)

Cuisinart French Classic (18/0, Made in France)
Cuisinart Chefs Classic, 17-piece set (18/10, magnetic exterior)
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Tri-Ply (18/0)
360 Cookware (if you want to splurge)
Heritage Steel Cookware (luxury purchase; family-owned; made in the USA!)
Farberware 10-piece stainless steel cookware set

Cast iron

Note: If you’re the kind of person who leaves your pans soaking in the sink, don’t get cast iron. You will eventually ruin it. You may want to re-season these since most pans everywhere are seasoned with mineral oil.

Lodge cast iron square skillet (sometimes you can find this brand in Homegoods or TJ Maxx)
Utopia cast iron 3-piece frying pan set
Rome Cast Iron Waffle Maker

Bakeware

It's definitely glass for the win here!! Glass is a top choice for bakeware due to its non toxic and practical qualities. Glass does not release harmful chemicals or toxins when exposed to high temperatures. Its non-porous nature prevents the absorption of flavors, odors, or stains and it is great for even heat distribution. The transparency of glass also allows you to closely monitor baking progress without the need to open the oven. Glass is also durable and resistant to scratches. Stainless steel is also an option. Learn more about different types of glass in our kitchen article.

Note on Silicone: sometimes we are asked about silicone items. We generally avoid silicone because some silicones are made with fillers which can leach (sometimes unknown) chemicals, especially when heated. Unfortunately, many silicone products on the market often contain fillers. (source) We also find that food oils are difficult to remove and they sometimes stain.

However, you can find safe silicone and it does have its conveniences such as being lightweight and unbreakable for your little ones. If you do purchase silicone, avoid using it with high heat foods as leaching has been reported. Look for trusted brands like Otter Love which uses 100% Platinum Pure LFGB Silicone, and EZPZ which uses CPSC-certified and 3rd party tested food-safe silicone.

Baking Dishes

Anchor hocking Glass Baking Dishes (Anchor Hocking is made in USA and tests well for heavy metals)
Pyrex glass baking dish with glass lid (some Pyrex made in USA, but also China, Canada, Australia; check labels)

Pie and Bundt Cakes

Pyrex 9.5 in scalloped glass pie plate
Simax Glass Fluted Bundt Pan (made in Europe; borosilicate glass)
Lodge Cast Iron Bundt Cake (made in the USA)

Pans (Sheet, Cookie, Muffin)

E-far stainless steel loaf pan
E-far stainless steel sheet cake pans
Wildone stainless steel pans and cookie sheets (lead-free)
E-far stainless steel muffin pan tin, 6, set of 2 (lead-free)
Fox Run stainless steel muffin pan, 12 (lead-free)
E-far stainless steel round cake pans, set of 3 (lead-free)

Slow Cookers

Most slow cookers use a non-stick (toxic) coating or glazed ceramic or stoneware. Glazes have proven to be problematic in the past so we avoid them.

360 Cookware Slow Cooker (the only one we know with a stainless steel pot)
Instant Pot Duo 7 in 1 (not a traditional crockpot, but a multi-purpose appliance that may work for you)

Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards are hard to shop for. You will want to ensure the adhesives used are food-safe and free of formaldehyde or toxic epoxies. Cutting boards and utensils cut from solid wood pieces (rather than glued together) are ideal. Don't be afraid to ask manufacturers about the glues they use. Definitely avoid no-name, Amazon-only brands, who likely don't do any testing or have any accountability for their products. Most new wooden cutting boards (and utensils) are sealed with mineral oil (which is petroleum-based and not recommended). You can give it a good clean with a lemon wedge and baking soda/salt before its first use, and re-oil with a safer oil.

Sonder LA Cutting Boards (Teak, made in USA, highly rated)
Virginia Boys Kitchens Butcher Block Walnut Wood Cutting Board (made in USA, seasoned with Coconut Oil)
Boos Wood Cutting Boards (A Chef favorite, made in USA; I don't recommend their "mystery" oil and cream as they use mineral oil. Re-oil with a safer oil.)
Farberware Glass Cutting Board (some report dulling of their knives, but paired with a knife sharpener, glass is an excellent non-toxic choice!)

Oils for re-oiling Cutting Boards and Wooden Utensils:

Verdana Cutting Board Coconut Oil
Clark's Cutting Board Wax (Coconut and Beeswax. made in the USA.)
Virginia Boys Kitchen Wood Wax (Also Coconut and Beeswax, but also contains orange essential oil. made in the USA.)

Air Fryers

Most air fryers contain a non stick surface that contain PFAS. These forever chemicals leach into your food and accumulate in your body causing a ton of health issues, including reproductive problems and cancer. Even "better-choice" appliance sets will usually throw in a "non-stick" insert or baking pan/griddle (even though the rest of the unit is stainless steel). However, you will want to switch to a stainless steel insert/pan which you will need to purchase separately. NOT aluminum, but stainless steel from a reputable manufacturer. See notes below.

Cuisinart TOA-70 stainless steel air fryer and convention toaster oven (one of the included pans has a non stick coating, swap it for a stainless steel one instead. We always suggest avoiding no-name brands on Amazon. We like TeamFar and E-Far stainless steel because they have tested lead-free in the past and have quality items. Check that the pans work for the size you have purchased.)
Our Place Wonder Toaster Oven (Internal materials are made of stainless steel and chrome. But again, check the pans. This brand likes to use coatings on their pans, just swap for a stainless steel insert.)
Fritaire Glass Air Fryer (we love that you can see how it's cooking without having to open, Glass basket, BPA-free materials)
Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer (Glass bowl which also comes with lids for storing leftovers in a single step!)
Ninja FD401 Foodi 12-in-1 deluxe pressure cooker and air fryer (get it with the Stainless steel insert for Ninja; the included insert has a coating on it)
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker (contains a special lid when using as an air fryer)

Blenders

Pay a little more for the glass blender. Your food and drinks will take better without that leftover stain and smells that plastic blenders tend to absorb. We also highly recommend an immersion blender for easier clean up than your traditional blenders! If your immersion blender comes with a plastic beaker, trade it in for a glass one instead.

Traditional Blenders

Oster glass blender (1200 Watts)
Black & Decker Glass Blender Power Crush (700 Watts)
Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender (replace plastic container with stainless steel container; pricey but high quality; 1500 Watts)
Breville Juice Fountain Cold XL Stainless Steel (1200 Watts, has a stainless steel bowl, large opening eliminates need to pre-cut fruit, included storage pitcher is plastic but you can pair this with a glass pitcher instead.)

Immersion Blenders (Handheld)

Some of the immersion blenders come with an accompanying plastic container. Pair it instead with a large wide mouth mason jar or large glass measuring cup to avoid plastic (especially for blending hot foods/liquids)

Braun Immersion blender (500 Watts, personal favorite; easy clean up)
MasterChef immersion blender (400 Watts, budget buy)
We don't recommend the Vitamix Immersion Blender because it contains plastic around the blades and is of lower wattage power (350) than other brands listed here.)

Coffee and Tea Makers

Espresso Machines

We encourage you to read this article on Espresso Machines, where we looked at over 18 brands in search of the most non toxic option available.

Other Coffee and Tea Makers

Bodum Brazil French Press coffee and tea maker (Bodum manufacturers in Portugal, Germany, Poland and China; please note: this contains a ring of plastic around the top)
London Sip Stovetop Espresso Maker (Percolator) (stainless steel; use caution - most percolators are made of aluminum, but not this one!)
Unbreakable pour over coffee maker (stainless steel filter; made in China. Please note: borosilicate glass is no longer made in the U.S., over 80% of it is made in China.)
Chemex pour over coffee maker
Ovalware Cold Brew Coffee Maker (stainless steel filter, also for Iced Tea)
Viante Glass electric tea kettle
Unbreakable Glass Tea Pots (made in China. Please note: borosilicate glass is no longer made in the U.S., over 80% of it is made in China.)

Plastic-Free Portafilters

Make sure you are purchasing the correct size for your espresso machine!

Casabrews 51mm Bottomless portafilter
Casabrews 51mm portafilter (double spout)
Rocket 58mm Bottomless portafilter
Rocket 58mm portafilter (double spout)
Gaggia 54mm Bottomless portafilter
Gaggia portafilter (double spout, size not clear - confirm with seller)

Frothers

Maestri house milk heater, frother and steamer (our top pick! get the ones that detach for easy cleaning! They have a few different options.)
Zulay Kitchen Double milk handheld frother (rechargeable, lifetime warranty, handheld)
Maestri Double milk handheld frother (rechargeable)

Tamper Tools

Make sure you are purchasing the correct size for your espresso machine!

Knodos Tamper Tools (our top pick, spring-loaded)
De'Longhi Tamper Tool (no spring, 51mm size)
Blue Snail Stainless Steel Tamper (no spring, 51mm size)

Coffee Grinders

Shardor Blade Coffee Grinders
Shardor Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (Burr grinders are preferred among coffee aficionados, however, most use plastic containers. This one does have a plastic container for the dry beans, but then disposes the grounds directly into your portafilter, 51mm size)

Other Small Appliances

Fun Foods

Toaster Ovens

Most toaster ovens are a safe buy as most of them come in stainless steel. However, one mistake we see many make is using aluminum foil to line the rack to prevent food/juices from burning at the bottom. Unfortunately, placing your food on aluminum foil leaches metals into your food. Instead, opt for a stainless steel tray.

Our Place Wonder Toaster Oven (Internal materials are made of stainless steel and chrome. But again, check the pans. This brand likes to use coatings on their pans, just swap for a stainless steel insert.)
Black+Decker natural convection toaster oven (always check your toaster oven's pans; many brands have been using ones with coatings. If yours arrives with a coating, simply replace it with a stainless steel pan).
Cuisinart TOA-70 stainless steel air fryer and convention toaster oven (one of the included pans has a non stick coating, swap it for a stainless steel one instead. We always suggest avoiding no-name brands on Amazon. We like TeamFar and E-Far stainless steel because they have tested lead-free in the past and have quality items. Check that the pans work for the size you have purchased.)
Black+Decker 2 Slice Pop Up Toaster (Stainless Steel)
Stainless steel toaster oven insert (double check that the sizes work for you)

Cooking Utensils

For cooking utensils, we prefer stainless steel. However, if you are using stainless steel cookware, it is best to use wooden cooking utensils to prevent scratching. You'll find several different types of wood: bamboo, beech, teak and acacia. Teak wood is known for its durability and natural resistance to moisture. Acacia is naturally antibacterial. Bamboo is a cost effective choice, but be careful with the quality as it varies.

Salt & York Wooden Utensils (Williams and Sonoma dupe! Handmade, solid olive wood. They also have a walnut wood option (careful with allergies). They do use mineral oil to coat their wood, so be sure to give it a good clean with lemon and baking soda/salt and then re-oil with a safer oil (see Cutting Boards section for oils).
AvoCrafts 7-pc Teak Wood Utensils Set (USA, handmade, 100% Teak wood)
Ecosall Wooden Cooking Utensils (uncoated so be sure to seal them. Made in Ukraine. Solid beechwood. They don't have their own website, but otherwise looks like a solid choice.)
OXO 3-piece beech wood spatula (solid beechwood; re-oil with coconut oil)
Zulay 8-pc Stainless steel kitchen utensils
Viking Culinary 8-pc Stainless steel stay-cool handles kitchen utensils

Bowls, Plates, Platters

The best materials for your dinner plates and bowls are ceramic, glass, porcelain, or stainless steel. Avoid plastic. I generally like to avoid painted adornments too, although this is more of an issue with vintage dining ware (many contain lead).

Bowls and Plates

(See Baby & Kids section for Kid-friendly suggestions)

Anchor Hocking Glass Bowls
Duralex 18 piece Glass Dinnerware Set (Made in France)
Mora Ceramics (Minneapolis Brand)
Corelle Winter Frost White Collection (brand new Corelle tests great for heavy metals, however, we still suggest avoiding painted adornments, and don't buy vintage Corelle)

Platters

Sweese Ceramic Party Platters and Serveware (French Company)

Disposable options

EvermadeGreen Disposable Palm Leaf Plates (Small business)

Drinkware

When it comes to drinkware, we recommend glass. Did you know that the cheap glassware at the dollar store is LESS likely to contain lead than the fancy stuff at the expensive stores? For your everyday drinks, any new glasses should do, but look for brands that specifically advertise they are lead-free. Do not use vintage drinkware. They are known to contain extremely high levels of lead and are illegal by today’s standards. Stainless steel cups are great to use with little ones who cannot handle glass.

You might also be interested in our article on How to Shop for the Best Water Filter.

Large Capacity Pitchers

Ice Trays

W&P Silicone Ice Trays (according to their website, they use food-grade LFGB- and FDA-certified silicone; they also claim: "All our materials are free from phthalates and bisphenol, meet FDA food-grade standards, comply with CA Prop 65, and contain no harmful chemicals, glues, or adhesives.")

Utensils

Flatware

Your best choice is stainless steel. Look for 18/0 if you want to avoid nickel (allergy). 18/10 flatware contains nickel and is typically stronger. You should avoid any adornments which are more likely to be contaminated with heavy metals due to color added.

Liberty 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware (Made in the USA--the only brand apparently!)
Oneida 18/0 Everyday Stainless Steel Flatware (Made in China mostly, but also Italy and Mexico)
Kingstone 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware (Made in China, but a budget option that is sleek looking; company has long history "since 1999")

Serving Utensils

See also: Cooking Utensils section

Disposable options

EarthClusive Disposable Wooden Utensils (1 tree planted and 1 American fed with every purchase)

Mixing Bowls

Pyrex Glass mixing bowls
Tiger Chef stainless steel mixing bowls (different sizes)

Measuring

Juicers, Peelers, Grinders

Juicers

Breville Juice Fountain Cold XL Stainless Steel (1200 Watts, has a stainless steel bowl, large opening eliminates need to pre-cut fruit, included storage pitcher is plastic but you can pair this with a glass pitcher instead.)
HIC Citrus Juicer, Glass Bowl, Manual
Zulay Stainless Steel Handheld lemon squeezer
Zulay Cast Iron Heavy Duty Professional Citrus Juicer

Peelers

Linden Sweden Stainless Steel Vegetable and Fruit Peeler
OXO Stainless Steel Swivel Peeler
Prepworks Cast Iron Apple Peeler and Corer (mounts on counter)

Mortar and Pestles

Waldwerk 100% Natural Granite Mortar and Pestle with Oak Wood Base (company based in Germany)
Gorilla Grip 100% Solid Natural Granite Heavy Duty Mortar and Pestle
HIC Porcelain Mortar and Pestle (budget buy)

Food Storage

If you’re still holding on to your tupperware, it’s time to let it go. Did you know vintage tupperware contains illegal levels of lead? No thanks! For food storage, stick to glass, stainless steel and silicone. We’ve linked some of our favorites here.