Pots & Pans:
This is a big one! If you have non-stick toss those toxic suckers out! I am very particular about what I cook with and specific within each company so please read carefully about what I recommend below. Aluminum is another one to fully avoid. Aluminum is a neurotoxin and has no place in the kitchen (we avoid all aluminum in our house). I also avoid most cookware from China, too many potential toxins, too much risk for the kitchen. Lead in cookware, even if it is leach tested, is a no-go in my book. Lead is a neurotoxin that causes permanent brain damage. Cookware should be one of the cleanest places in your home.
I really feel that there isn’t a clear answer on the best cookware. I’ve decided, just like food, rotation is key. Below are some of the cookware pieces I’ve researched and my recommendations if I would use them or not.
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I’ve been using my Visions for a few months and generally like it. If I re-heat soup it can burn if I am not careful. For making pasta it works great.
I tested a brand new Visions Glass Cookware set for lead, cadmium and other metals with and Niton XL3T XRF. The old Visions I have been told contains heavy metals and I would never use it (and I recommend you stop using it if you have an older Visions cookware set you are using). The old version is about 10 years old. To see the exact set tested click here.
The new Visions cookware is free of lead, cadmium and any other metals. It is made of glass & ceramic material. It can be used to cook on the stove but you would want to avoid sudden temperature changes for chance of breaking. Cooking with glass does make me a tad nervous and there are reports of it shattering when cooking. Most of the reports seem to be on the older version of the cookware.
The cookware in made in France. The lids are made in China.
Pros: Probably one the cleanest cookware from a toxns standpoint
Cons: Potential risk of shattering but many do use it successfully and burns foods easily.
Update: I tested another two pieces. The pots & pans were free of heavy metals. One lid had trace cadmium which is not a concern.
Cast Iron – Finex:
We recently bought a Finex cast iron and love it! It’s made in the USA and seasoned with an organic flax oil. This was the tipping point for me. Lodge, for example, is also made in the USA but they use a soybean oil to season it which I have been told is not non-gmo. I never bought a Lodge for that reason alone, I can’t cook my organic food in a GMO cast iron.
We are a vegetarian family so cooking in a cast iron is a great way for us to get more iron. We use ours daily but not for every meal.
Finex has a much higher price point than other cast irons but the organic oil is worth it for me. It’s also quite beautiful to look at and has a stainless steel handle that does not get hot. The tip of the handle has a brass knob.
Finex 12 inch cast iron this is the one we use the most often. We also have the 10 inch but the versatility of the 12 inch is worth the extra cost if you are going to only buy one.
***** I recently tested my Finex when I was testing other items I own for lead using a Niton XL3T XRF. The pan was negative, the stainless steel handle was negative, but the brass knob had lead at 33,900 parts per million. I’ve been in touch with Finex and they are aware of the issue. They have tested the knob and researched risks and other materials. They sent the knob to be tested at a certified lab and it passed the stringent CA Prop 65 leach test (meaning no lead in the brass knob is leaching). There is no risk with the brass handle. ******
Pros: This really is an amazing pan. We love cooking on it and it’s a great non-stick replacement
Cons: Cast iron pans in general, not specific to Finex only, leach iron (which is why a lot of people use them). Make sure you research cooking in cast iron if this is a concern for you.
Finex Cast Iron (brass knob at end discussed above)
Enameled Cast Iron – Le Creuset:
In my opinion, not all Le Creuset is created equal. Le Creuset makes two types of cookware. Cast iron and ceramic stoneware. The cast iron is made in France. The stoneware is made in China.
Stoneware:
The stoneware has tested high for lead and cadmium on both the inside and the outside with a Niton XL3T XRF. I personally do not buy the stoneware based on the XRF readings and I typically avoid cookware made in China. However, Le Creuset has stated that they pass CA Prop 65 standards and that there is no risk of leaching. I personally just like to purchase goods that are made outside of China so I stick with the cast iron.
Cast Iron:
Not all the cast iron is created equal either in my opinion. Le Creuset says that their Dune (which is being phased out) and Palm colors are lead and cadmium free. Palm is now the only readily available color that Le Creuset claims is both lead and cadmium free. I do not buy kitchen items in general terms (no matter which company) that are red, orange or yellow as those colors tend to have lead or cadmium added to (in no means does this mean all red, orange, or yellow has heavy metals).
How do you tell where it is made?
Flip it over and look to see if it is made in France or China. You can not tell by the inside color. All are cream with the exception of the skillets which are a black enamel.
Other details:
The skillets that have the black internal are not cast iron on the inside, the black is an enamel.
That being said, I have the blue Marseilles color. All of mine have tested safe for lead and cadmium. These were all tested in my home by someone trained to use an XRF.
So what would I buy?
Dune or Palm cast iron. Dune is being phased out and is hard to fine.
Pros: Great to cook with, many different sizes, very durable if you take care of them.
Cons: You have to take care of these and not use metal spoons of they will scratch. I avoid scratching any cookware for the possibility of leaching. I use wooden spoons when we cook with our Le Creuset.
Stainless Steel:
I use to use stainless steel. I am no longer comfortable cooking with it every day. When it scratches it can leach nickel and chromium. Look at your stainless steel, is it scratched? Yep, thought so. It is so hard not to scratch it. I’m pretty sure mine scratches just when I touch it. I’m not comfortable knowing that nickel is leaching into my food and into the small bodies of my children and my family. Is nickel leeching that big of a deal? Yes it is and you can read more here.
There is nickel free stainless steel on the market now but I have not explored it any further as I’m limiting our metal cookware.
I’m only mentioning this because everyone is Instapot crazy right now. First, it’s made in China and I generally don’t buy cookware from China. Second, it has a stainless interior and pressure cooking has to potential to leach nickel at a greater rate than shorter stove top cooking. See above about my concerns with stainless steel. Third, while lead free in the interior, it does contain 1,400 parts per million of LEAD on or near the heating element. The lead does not come into any contact with your food and there is probably very little risk. For me personally, having lead near a heat source is less than ideal.
Pros: people love it for how easy and fast it is to cook their food
Cons: Potential nickel leaching and lead in heating element (which does not come into contact with food)
I reached out to Xtrema to discuss their ceramic cookware and to find out more about testing they have done. First, they are very transparent in their testing results which is very nice (and very rare). After several conversations with the owner, I realized that they are committed to making healthy cookware. I confirmed that they do not use any heavy metals nor is any added to their products. They pass the stringent CA Prop 65 leach test, and they will share those results with anyone. Xtrema is made in China in a factory that is dedicated to their cookware. They go a step further than what is required and test each batch that is shipped to the CA Prop 65 standards. I am going to purchase a pot and test it out to see how I like cooking in it. I will report back soon.
Pros: Non-toxic cookware, easy to clean and maintain, and each batch is tested and passes the stringent CA Prop 65 testing
Cons: It is fully ceramic so if you drop it, it could potentially break.
Clay: Do your research
I haven’t researched clay enough to have an official stance on it; however, you have to be very aware of what you are buying. Clay and ceramic often times have lead. You will want to see lead and other heavy metal testing reports. There is lead free Clay cookware out there. Even if heavy metal free clay does still leach into your food. What you are ingesting is questionable to me. If I ever research this more I will update here. Often times I’ve seen it’s needed mineral but there is no data that supports that claim and when I hear that it is generally from the companies that make such posts.
So what I am using?
As I mentioned above I think rotation is key. I use Visions glass cookware, my cast iron Le Crueset that I’ve tested to be free from lead and cadmium on the inside, and Finex. I am going to try a few more options and will report back if I add anything to our rotation. Do you have a favorite non-toxic cookware that I missed? If so, please let me know!
Disclaimer: I use affiliate links at times. It doesn’t cost you any more but does help support my time running my blog and this page. Other affiliate links might get you a discount which is a win, win! I appreciate you supporting my links as a way to help me offset my time by bringing info to you. I will never be swayed financially, and I will only post products and companies that I would, and do, personally use for my family.
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Aw man I’m sad to hear about the IP & SS and shocked about the Visions cookware..(but I’m probably thinking of the old version). Thanks for doing all of this! I know it took a lot of time!
loved your article, and it’s a wonder a lot of people don’t give a F…., until they have cancer, my son got cancer when he was 14, and do i trust the FDA,,,,, not a bit, after 100 years they say that you can get cancer from baby powder,as it has Asbestos in i, and they just found out, and why do all restaurants cook with Aluminum, they don’t give a F… either, and Aluminum has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and the Chinese made my High Blood pressure medicine with Rocket Fuel in it, and the heartburn med. Zantak now causes cancer. I worked for the USPS for 14 years,and the black floor tile is made of Asbestos.
Again…. where is the FDA?????????
And remember Corning Ware, that is so Poisonous
The reason enameled cook ware colors are so bright,is because Cadium brightens the colors..
I once boiled water in cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum,and a coated cast iron pot, and a glass decanter , let the water cool, and all of the water tasted horrible, except the glass one.
I once let my cast iron dutch oven get slightly rusty, so i sanded it down with a sanding machine, and sanded it down to it was a silver bare metal, and re-seasoned it with oil, and it is now still silver, not black,so what makes a cast iron black ???
thanks for the report,it was very educational… and i am glad somebody did
Informative post! Thank you for researching such an important and frustrating topic. Cast iron rocks! I wonder how staub tests…we have a red one and I’m quite curious.
Thanks for Shannon for doing this research. I am highly disappointed with Le Crueset such a reputed big brand name and yet so irresponsible. If they know only palm and dune are free of heavy metals why don’t they only sell those two colors. Or at least rest of the colors should come with warning in big bold letters ”Cadmium inside and outside” so that csutomers can make informed decision before spending $$$, that would be transparency and responsibility. Sending a certificate to customer stating that ‘Only Palm and dune are free of heavy metals’ after customer spends $150 on XRF testing and sends them result is not transparency.
Agree with Pallavi. It’s incredible that even when we’re willing to pay a substantial amount for “quality” cookware (or anything consumer item for that matter these days), we have to find out through independent personal testing that it’s not even SAFE. Unreal. Thanks Shannon. We’re going to check out the Visions glass cookware as well, and hope for the Finex to pull through.
Shannon, what do you use to cook soups in on your stovetop? LC? Or your glass cookware? Do you have a crockpot/alternative?
I have been using LC. Cookware has me the most confused right now. The older LC that I have is free of lead or cadmium on the inside and I’ll continue to use those. The new ones I tested with the cadmium on the inside is confusing to me. I’m wondering how accurate the reading was, if it pulled from the outside or not. I don’t use a crockpot or alternative. I’ve never been into them and when I did own one it literally sat in a box for 2 years.
What’s your opinion about Silit cookware? They are made in Germany and say no lead in their ceramics
http://www.silitcookware.com/Silit-Passion-Colors-8-Piece-Set-Green-p76.html
Interesting, I’ll look into them more. I don’t know anything about them. I’m curious about the anti-bacterial nature of the pot. Is that part of the coating (are they adding something to make it anti-bacterial) or something that is naturally occurring with the steel they use. I’ll reach out to them – thanks!
Thank you so much for your research. It’s been extremely helpful! Definitely waiting for the new results to order visions.
You’re welcome! I’ll update as soon as I have tested them again 🙂
Hi, Kindly update if you have tested Silargan. For Asian cooking where glass doesnt work well, aluminium and steel have become go-tos for sour foods. Silargan (Silit company) seems to be a good alternative but the seller says their coating is free of harmful metals like nickel (but do not specifically mention lead cadmium or arsenic).
Hi Shannon, thanks so much for your research!! Just bought the visions cookware! The box says the pot is made in France and the lid in China. Its ok, right? Also wondering if a generic iron cast skillet from Target, (brand is Lodge) made in the USA should be fine? Thank you for all the time and energy you invest!!
Yes, I noticed that too. I’m testing Visions again to make sure I get the same reading and I’ll have them test the lid too this time. Lodge is fine, I don’t buy it because they season it with a GMO soy oil. You can read about stripping the seasoning and re-doing it yourself.
Will you continue to use Finex? And maybe just cover the brass handle with something while cooking?
I want them to offer a lead free replacement knob. If they don’t, then I will have to decide what I am going to do about it.
This is upsetting news about the Xtrema pan. Before I had purchased it, I did inquire about lead and other heavy metals.
Here is what they told me recently, “Thank you for contacting us at Ceramcor. You have asked a very important question and please rest assure that we do not use any lead, cadmium or any heavy metals in our Xtrema 100% ceramic cookware or any other products that we sell on our website.”
Did they give you updated information about lead now existing in their products? Are they trying to be purposefully vague with their wording? So confusing.
Well that is interesting. I talked with them on the phone first then emailed second. I am planning on testing one soon just out of curiosity. I think you should take comfort that they pass the CA Prop 65 leach testing.
When you get a chance to test an Xtrema product, I would love to know your testing results!
I own so many of their items. I’m not sure what to do. Should I stop using everything? It took time for me to transition to Xtrema products from stainless steel, thinking they were safer and to think about transitioning again to something else, it just seems overwhelming.
Passing the leach testing does make me feel better but still…
I would continue to use it. It is passing leaching. I just wouldn’t use if scratched or dinged at all. I will test soon 🙂
Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it very much! Just wanted to share some additional information. I got the following response from Xtrema when I pressed them about heavy metals:
“There are no testing labs that I am aware of that that can say that any product is 100% lead free because the very air that we breath contains lead and so does the soil and building materials of our homes and office buildings. Even though we do not use lead in any of our products, peoples water supply or the air they breathe in their home may contain lead particles. How would you test for that? The FDA and California Prop 65 sets the lead testing standards in the USA. We abide by their guidelines. Please see the attached article about California Prop 65 and the FDA. Our products pass all of these testing standards.”
So surprised about the De Buyer pan being positive for lead (and disappointed!) I look forward to hearing about the re-test and also what the company says!
De Buyer is suggested in the non-toxic communities in Australia. ???? It seems we need more people like you actually doing the testing! Thank you for your hard work!x
Hey There,
SO interesting about LC 🙁 I have just started loving a cheap cast iron pan my mum gave me but am saving up and keen to get a SolidTeknics brand pan and pots… They sound amazing! Would love to know what you think and if you get to test them…
http://www.solidteknics.com/
What about ceramic greenware?
What’s your opinion on
All clad D5 and All clad LTD
Eurocast “Ferno ceramic” They claim it’s 100% ceramic but in Facebook they said it’s ceramic and titanium.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019KXBMPO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485934070&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Eurocast&dpPl=1&dpID=31RNhnW82XL&ref=plSrch
Solidteknics cast iron pan
http://www.solidteknics.com
Can you please taking a look into soapstone cookware, made in Brazil?
Thanks for posting all of this. I’ve been going around and around reading and researching and trying to figure out what is safe for my family in the kitchen. This was incredibly helpful. I’ll be watching for the updates.
Thank you for all your helpful research! Any thoughts on Dr. Mercola’s line? Thanks!
http://cookware.mercola.com/ceramic-cookware.aspx
I haven’t look into it too much but I’m pretty sure it’s all made in China. From my understanding it is Xtrema just private labeled with his name on it.
Thank you for all the work you’ve put into this! This information is so valuable.
What is your opinion on Green Pans?
I have done very little research into them only because I wasn’t comfortable with them from the onset. They could be perfectly fine but just not what I would personally want to use.
What are your thoughts about SaladMaster stainless steel cookware?
I’ve been researching them to see if they are really any different than other stainless steel. I’m not sold one way or the other at this point. I’m hoping to have more info out soon 🙂
Were you able to find anything out on the saladmaster pots and pans? Thank you.
I haven’t found anything more, I do think they look like a decent option though!
ALL CLAD ? Yes or no
QVC had a special today and it was tempting but I’d like some insight on the pan first.
THANKS IN ADVANCED !!!
I don’t really have opinion either way – sorry
What’s your finding on Waxonware?
https://www.waxonware.com/
Thanks,
Dido
I have not researched them before but generally, I have found that even the green non-stick is not safe enough. I avoid all non-stick cookware.
Where can I get the newer Visions glass skillet?
I thought I’d post a comment regarding “vintage” Visions pieces. Despite unsubstantiated reports by people who have never actually done professional testing; older Visions does not contain lead or similar as part of it’s manufacture. Old and new are a very healthy choice (and the vintage pieces have the benefit of being readily available on the second hand market for far less than new).
The FDA began enforcing limits on leachable lead in 1971. This is over a decade before Visions was officially released in the USA. This is along with the California law known as Proposition 65, dedicated to eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products, passed in 1986. So, Visions has been produced under strict guidelines since introduction.
This is a good clarification. Leachable lead is tested. Lead can be found in products and tested to not leach. The question always is if it is there, does it leach?
Did you ever test Staub?
I have been interested in Caraway ceramic. I asked for a report on metals. They readily gave me one that tested for lead and cadmium but the site says the materials are aluminum and stainless steel. They did not have a report about aluminum. Report link below. I have also been interested in The Field Company stainless steel. They use refined grapeseed oil for seasoning. Have you tried The Field Company?
(https://reamaze-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/files/9892265/original/SGS_FDA_Test_Report_-_Ceramic_Interior_Sep_19.pdf?)
I apologize for saying The Field Company was stainless steel. It is cast iron made in USA.
https://fieldcompany.com/
https://www.carawayhome.com/
Have you heard of saladmaster cookware. They cost an arm and a leg. They use surgical steel. It would be interesting to see if they do leach. They were actually saying that glass cookware is bad which is the one you are currently using. 1 saladmaster pot or pan is 600-1k. I have this pamphlet when they demo’d at our house about all the toxins in cookware. They only sell door to door.
I’ve heard of them but I have not looked into them deeply.
Thanks for your research on all this. So helpful. I know people are questioning Xtrema’s reply about how lead is in everything, but they are exactly right.
Lead along with aluminum and arsenic are ultratrace minerals found everywhere in nature, including our own human bodies. Scientists don’t know if they are beneficial/necessary or not because they can not find anything lacking these minerals to compare how the organism functions without it. All they know is if you have too much, you will get serious problems.
Same thing can be said for many natural herbs too. Cloves for instance are highly beneficial for toothaches, numbing, etc…but too much is very toxic. Nature keeps things at a balance.
For those reasons, I think unglazed clay is the most natural you will get when you consider manmade processing and all. Natives have done this for centuries. The only thing questionable is where the clay is extracted from which we must trust companies for unless we visit the site ourselves. We must also trust companies like VitaClay that they are honest when they say they do not add chemicals. They have told me they test every batch and their scrutinize their batches to make sure the clay is as pure as possible.
At the end of the day, heavy metals and the like will be hard to avoid in life. And even with cookware that seems the very healthiest, it comes down to a matter of trusting the company.
There is a high level of variables with trusting companies run by people we don’t know personally.
So since those variables can’t be avoided, might as well get something you know is beneficial out of it: convenience and performance! So those factor heavily in my choices.
I am coming to the conclusion that the emotion of perpetual doubt regarding these decisions could be more toxic than any of these chemicals or metals.
Going to out the intention out that I want to honor my body and may the heavenly powers that be guide me to honor my body AND my time AND effort in the best way possible.
Hope this helps.
I love the way you worded this! “I am coming to the conclusion that the emotion of perpetual doubt regarding these decisions could be more toxic than any of these chemicals or metals.” I am someone who is very intentional about what I bring into our family’s home, especially the kitchen. But I do think this is a very important point. Nature does create everything in balance and that’s what we should do as well.
How safe is caraway cookware? Is it durable? Anyone have any insight?
Palm and Dune are no longer available for sale on le creuset or other big retailers. Any current colors you can recommend in place?
I had a reader that tested white and it was lead and cadmium free. I personally did not test it though.
Thank you so much for your research. I am looking at Xtrema cookware. Did you manage to test this brand? Many Thanks
Thank you for all the testing you do for us, but are you not worried about exposure to x-rays from your Niton device?
regards
I am! This one is not radioactive but does use x-ray technology. I have drastically reduced my testing due to this exposure.
Have you tested Xtrema? Does it hold up to everything they say?
Hi! So appreciate all the feedback, testing & reviews!
I’ve got a question…. I need a skillet that is good for eggs. I make sunny side up & scrambled eggs almost daily for my avocado toast & have THE WORST time with them sticking in most pans.
Any suggestions?!
Thank you!!!!!!
We love our Finex for that. Have you tried cast iron?
This is the best article on the subject I’ve seen anywhere but it appears the “what I use” info is from 2017. What are you using now (June 29, 2020)? Thanks!
The same, I haven’t changed what I’m using… and thank you!
Hello! Love your scientific approach to mothering!
Have you tried Saladmaster? Just looking into this myself. Amazing cookware.
Let me know if you would like me to put you in touch with someone.
God bless you!
Nana 🙂
I’ve heard that people love Saladmaster
These are the latest colors: https://www.lecreuset.com/round-dutch-oven/LS2501.html
Which ones other than the Marseilles Blue are lead and cadmium free? The names of the colors are different on the William Sanoma site – maybe Lapis is the same as the Marseilles Blue?
Hi !
I love to roast veggies in the oven at 425.
I can’t find a “clean “ or safe roasting pan or cookie sheet that I trust.
I’m trying to stay away from non stick too.
Can you make a suggestion for me.
Thank you in advance and for all your hard work on researching.
Sad that it’s so hard to find clean products today.
I use Pyrex for roasting. There are some stainless steel cookie sheets out there. I have seen Pampered Chefs cookie sheets tested and they were free of lead. I only saw testing on that item so I can’t say if that is true of their entire line.
Does anyone have information on de buyer carbon steel pan and wok? Do they have lead or just iron and carbon as claimed? Thanks
I actually tested this years ago and there was lead that was picked up on the inside. Later I saw a test of one that had been used and there was no lead. The interior when you first buy it is kinda sticky. So I don’t know if there was really lead from the manufacturing or if there was lead from shipment / another source of exposure. I purchased it at a local co-op. I opted not to use it out of caution.
I was wondering about Blue Diamond cookware. States no leaching. Thanks!
Non-stick pans?
One of several here who are curious about Caraway cookware but have yet to see any response. Any insight anyone might have would be greatly appreciated.
Have you looked at salad master stainless steel cookware? Their claim is surgical 316ti. We cooked all our old cookware with water and baking soda on stove for 5 min and tasted each. Compared to the SM cookware. This was their in house sales tactic; however it seemed legitimate.
Also, is it that you cook mostly with glass and cast iron?
I haven’t dug deep into Salad Master but I’ve never heard a bad thing said about them. People seem to love them. I cook mostly in cast iron and lead free LC. We use glass some but the others more.
What do you use for eggs- my husband really wants something “nonstick” easy for making scrambled egg whites for my child. Thanks!!
We use our cast iron for eggs / anything that might stick. Works wonderfully 🙂
Is it ok to use the baking sheets I have with parchment now? Should I ditch all my baking sheets?
Do you have Teflon baking sheets? If so, I would make it a priority to replace and in the meantime use parchment paper. Heat can activate the chemicals.
Thanks for sharing your research! Do you have any recommendations for what to cook pancakes or french toast in? We have tried enameled cast iron, and a seasoned cast iron. In both cases, they stick. We’re an oil free household, so we’ve been really struggling with this since we threw out our nonsticks.
Oil-free does make it hard for cast iron to work. We use cast iron but use oil. I don’t know of any other fully non-toxic option other than cast iron.
Have you ever checked this combo pan?
https://fromourplace.com/products/always-essential-cooking-pan
These are all the rage right now. I personally think not clean enough. It’s non-stick with a primarily silicone-based coating. Primarily is the keyword. We don’t know what else and none of these new non-stick companies are disclosing. I read some info about the coating stating that it will start to break down at the melting point which is about medium on your stove. Finally, these pans only last 2-5 years, and then the coating will start to come off (and then they will be garbage). Replacing pans every few years is less than ideal and not environmentally friendly. They are a solid no from me.
Have you reviewed Ecolution Pots and Pans? Wondering if they might be safe?
I have not – sorry
Did you ever have any luck with the Xtrema?
Do you have an opinion about the Always pan?
I do 🙂 These are all the rage right now. I personally think not clean enough. It’s non-stick with a primarily silicone-based coating. Primarily is the keyword. We don’t know what else and none of these new non-stick companies are disclosing. I read some info about the coating stating that it will start to break down at the melting point which is about medium on your stove. Finally, these pans only last 2-5 years, and then the coating will start to come off (and then they will be garbage). Replacing pans every few years is less than ideal and not environmentally friendly. They are a solid no from me.
What would you recommend for a non stick for eggs and pancakes that’s not cast iron? We have a glass top electric stove and from what I gather it would not be able to handle cast iron 🙁
There is no safe / great non-stick option. If you heat stainless steel first then put in the oil (and don’t cook too high) it can work for eggs and pancakes. The heating before oil is key.
Hello Shannon,
I wanted to thank you for your research, it honestly helps when trying to sort between all the available options in the marketplace. I actually just purchased an enamelled cast iron pan from LC and am currently looking for other cookware replacements. My dilemma is that I cook a lot of tomato sauce and because I have an induction stovetop at home, Xtrema’s ceramic cookware won’t work on it. I want to replace my stainless steel pots and would be open to any recommendations you have that can work with induction ranges 🙂
Also, I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the brand Hestan, they use a coating called “Nanobond” in their line of cookware. Their website claims it’s 4x more scratch-resistant than steel, non-reactive and toxin-free. I tried finding additional information online but nothing really showed up. The company only provides this one video on their site: https://hestanculinary.ca/nanobond/
I’m considering their pots, but am still very skeptical…
I’d appreciate any help that you can provide, thank you.
-Mark
Can you cook your tomato sauce in your LC?
I want to know your opinion about Caraway ceramic cookware. Does it contain lead? Are you concerned that it is made in China and India? Thank you very much, Corrin Yep
Hi, I am concerned about Caraway. A few comments up I discuss my concerns. I hope that helps!
Hello NbM,
When you tested your Vision cookware pieces, was the results of the lids negative for lead as well? I just purchased the set you recommended but then came across this report of Lead Safe Mama about vision cookware lids which showed positive for lead
https://tamararubin.com/2018/10/xrf-test-results-for-corelle-corning-visionware-medium-amber-lid-purchased-march-2018/
Mine was free of lead, I did see her test showing positive. I think there must be some variation. I don’t think there is any concern in the lids personally.
Hello, I was wondering if you have any updated research on the visions cookware (new/older “vintage” pieces”? And if this is still in your rotation of use?
THANK YOU!
We were still using our Visions but recently broke our last one 🙁 I haven’t replaced them as I found they really were only good for boiling water / pasta. Everything else stuck.
Dear Hard Working Friend, I found your article & replies very helpful. Thank you. I have a problem with ANYTHING made in China.Americans are selling their souls & their children’s souls to China. If all Americans would take this into account & stop buying Chinese products we would save out children’s future. Thank you again for you diligent work. Yours, Karrie
Hello! I purchased the exact set of Visions cookware you have linked in June of 2019. Should I be certain that this is indeed the new version? I know the line has been discontinued but do you know if they still sell products from the old version? I have loved our visions (we also have the pan) and I have used them daily since we got them as I have felt like they were some of the safest things to cook with. But then I happened onto Lead Free Mama’s information on this and was very confused. I am 26 weeks pregnant and have a toddler, we have all seemed healthy and have not had any reason for concern but seeing anything questioning it like that was alarming. Are you able to share the kind of lead test you use? I would love to be able to continue using our visions but the uncertainty has made me nervous to continue using.
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to research it and share what you found with us all! I am having a hard time deciding what bakeware to buy that is toxins and heavy metals free. I love baking! I would need a baking pan and loaf pan in the very least. Do you have any suggestions? What do you use?
Hi, for baking I use my glass Pyrex for cookies. The stoneware from Pampered Chef is lead-free. Only the stoneware is considered non-toxic, not their other baking items.
First, thanks for all your hard work! I recently found your site and it’s been my go to lately! Second, I’m wondering if you have any suggestions for muffin pans, steamers and cookie/baking sheet. I have a 2-year old and 6-month old so steaming veggies and making muffins are staples in our house right now! But I’m trying to convert our house to a much more natural, non-toxic environment and the kitchen feels so overwhelming.
Thank you for your kind words! I have a stainless steamer, any stainless steamer will do. Pampered Chef stoneware (only the stoneware, not all their stuff) tested lead free. It’s harder to come by though. There are a few stainless steel muffin pans out there as well. I do most of my baking in our glass pyrex though (for cookies, for example).
Hi Shannon,
Thank you for taking out time to research on all these cookwares and going ahead to enlighten us. Now, we are learning, knowing better and changing.
I suggest you try using Saladnaster Nutritional Cooking System. Cookwares that have been scientifically engineered to cook with no water, no oil, made of 3i6ti, the purest form of metal. Non-corrossive, non-reactive and leaches no toxin into your food. The same steel used for surgical equipments and body part replacement were used to manufacture these cookwares. I believe that should be the purest, safest surface on which to have one’s food cooked. These cookwares retains 93-97% of the nutrients in your food without compromising the integrity of your food.
This is the safest cookware many people who are particular about healthy cooking and eating use.
Let me know if you need more details on these cookwares so I can leave with you the contact of one of their best dealerships here in Houston, Texas.
Thank you for loving us enough to educate us.
Love.
Serita
Thanks for the information.
Did you try saladmaster cookware?
I am interested in saladmaster result
I haven’t yet but I would like to at some point
Hi, what do you use for bakeware i.e.. for pies, tarts etc?
Hi, I use a mix of stoneware, stainless, and glass. For stoneware Pampered Chef has tested clean (only the stoneware from their line). For stainless & glass you can find my recommendations in my Amazon storefront under Non-Toxic Kitchen. https://www.amazon.com/shop/naturalbabymama
I use glass for pies, cakes, etc.
Hello I was wondering if you have tested Xtrema cookware for lead yourself? I don’t know if you are aware but there is some controversial information on http://www.tamararubin.com after XRF testing done by a blogger who is known for being the “lead lady”. I just bought a whole set for my mom who has cancer so I want to know for sure if there is lead in these products. Please let me know what you think
I have not personally tested Xtrema.
I’ve been searching to find a good non-toxic pan for months and still no luck. Some say le Creuset is great, others swear on Xtrema, some say green pan, bloggers are offered money and suggest dodgy products as the best thing on earth. I know cast iron and carbon steel are maybe the best options, but the fact that they need to be seasoned and cared for is annoying. And washing with only water? Has anyone tested their cast-iron skillet for bacteria? I really am not comfortable washing only with water and put the oil on the cast for months. I mean is this really hygienic?
I have never tested for bacteria in a cast iron pan, I do think if it was a huge concern people would be getting sick from it. Some Le Creuset is great – the colors that are heavy metal free. I personally avoid the colors with heavy metals, and I think it’s a great option. None of the non-stick alternatives like Green Pan, Caraway, etc are actually totally non-toxic. In addition, they have a short lifespan and will break down in 5-ish years. Then at that point, you need to throw it away so not very eco-friendly either.