In case you missed the headlines, the FDA issued a recall in August for several imported cookware products due to concerns that they could leach lead into food. That list expanded in October and again earlier this month, and it’s unclear if (or when) more items may be added.
The reason this is so concerning is that lead is toxic, and there’s no known safe level of exposure. But also, when it comes to cookware nowadays, lead isn’t our only worry. Many of us—myself included—want to avoid PFAS (the so-called “forever chemicals”), microplastics and other heavy metals like cadmium. As a registered dietitian, I did some research and put together this list of safer cookware options.
Best Replacements for Lead-Leaching Cookware
The challenge for consumers is that there’s no universal definition of “non-toxic” cookware. As I began digging into lead-free options specifically, I quickly realized that while some brands proudly market themselves as PFAS-free, that doesn’t automatically guarantee there’s no risk of lead leaching.
Every brand listed below is committed to producing safe, lead-free, non-toxic cookware. Some like Tramontina, T-Fal and Green Pan go a step further with NSF certification—a rigorous process that evaluates material safety, design, construction and performance. That third-party certification is meaningful because it ensures the cookware has been tested for harmful chemicals and verified that nothing will leach into your food.
Behold, my favorite lead-free, non-toxic cookware finds to add to your kitchen in 2026!
T-Fal Pro Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Amazon
If you’re looking for NSF-certified cookware, look at the T-Fal Pro line. This 10-piece set is made of tri-ply stainless steel and comes with two frying pans, two saucepans, a sauté pan, Duch oven and glass lids. They’re safe for all cooktops, including induction, and the pieces can go in to the oven up to 500°F without lids (or up to 350°F with the lids).
T-Fal Pro Stainless Steel Sauce Pan
Amazon
This 2-quart saucepan is an ideal size for everyday use—think: sauces, a can of soup, oatmeal. It’s the most affordable piece on this list, and because it’s part of T-Fal’s Pro line, it’s also NSF-certified.
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 14-Piece Cookware Set
Amazon
We’re also fans of Tramontina, and the brand has always tested well for us. If you love the durability and oven-safe nature of stainless steel, you should seriously consider this robust set. You get three frying pans, two sauce pans, a Dutch oven, a sauté pan and a stockpot with a pasta insert. Also, Tramontina is NSF-certified.
Tramontina 12-Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan
Amazon
At 12 inches in diameter, this skillet is a must-have for your kitchen—that is, if you’re not investing in a full set like the one above. This pan is small enough that you can manage it with one hand, yet it can still hold a considerable amount of food. This skillet will stand the test of time and it’s on sale for $50 right now.
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 3-Quart Saucepan
Amazon
A little larger than the T-Fal saucepan yet only slightly pricier, this 3-quart saucepan is better for families, as it can prep macaroni and cheese or a couple servings of soup. And remember, Tramontina is NSF-certified for safety.
GreenPan Nonstick Reserve Pro 10-Piece Cookware Set
Amazon
When we’ve tested GreenPan sets in the past we’ve found them to be beautifully nonstick. We love the clear lids so you can see what’s happening in the pan while you’re cooking. GreenPan’s ceramic coating is not only PFAS-free, but also NSF-certified for safety.
GreenPan Nonstick Reserve Pro Frying Pan Set
Amazon
This skillet duo is so pretty and comes in eight different color variations. Each pan is made of the same materials as the set above and, similar to the set, these are stackable and dishwasher-safe. If you want a combination of aesthetic and long-lasting function, consider these frying pans.
Caraway 12-Piece Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
Amazon
This entire set is so pretty and can easily go from the stovetop or oven to the table. Yes, the price is a little higher, but it provides 12 pieces of cookware that you’ll feel really good about using: Caraway regularly tests for heavy metals, including lead, to ensure its cookware is toxin-free.
Caraway Mini Cookware Set
Amazon
If you don’t need a full cookware set—or it isn’t in your budget to purchase—but you love the Caraway brand, this mini bundle is a great place to start. You get an 8-inch fry pan and a 1.75-quart saucepan. This is also a good choice for someone with limited kitchen storage space.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Amazon
When we tested non-toxic cookware sets, this pan made our list of favorites. The Always Pan 2.0 is marketed as a “10-in-1 pan” since it can braise, fry, sear, steam and much more. The 10.5-inch diameter makes it a great skillet, and its high sides mean you can also use it as a saucepan.
Our Place 13-Piece Cookware Set
Amazon
If you want the Always Pan 2.0 and a few other pieces of cookware, this 13-piece set is for you. It includes the Always Pan, the Perfect Pot and then a mini version of each. According to Our Place, the ceramic coating the brand uses to make its pans nonstick is free from lead, cadmium and PFAS.
