I remember my first appointment with a registered dietitian. The amount of knowledge she had blew me away, and I came prepared! I went to her at a time when I already had a great understanding of my specific healthy diet needs from my endocrinologist, and her tips improved both my food intake and daily routines immensely. I’m not entirely surprised, knowing how much education goes into their work. The bottom line is that I trust dietitians. So, when I asked three of them for their advice on what kitchen gadgets they’d suggest patients avoid, I listened. I gathered insights from three experts: Avery Zenker, RD, MAN at MyHealthTeam, Helen Tieu, RD, MAN, CDE at Diet Redefined and EatingWell Senior Editor Brierley Horton, MS, RD.
Swap Plastic Cutting Boards for Wooden Cutting Boards
Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Cutting Board Set
Amazon
“Plastic cutting boards release microplastics into food,” says Zenker. “Some research has estimated that thousands of microplastics are released from plastic cutting boards. It was also estimated that a person who uses a plastic cutting board is exposed to 7.4 to 50.7 grams of microplastic per year. That’s about one plastic grocery bag on the lower end, and ten credit cards on the high end. Instead, use wood, bamboo, or glass cutting boards.”
We love wooden boards, and you don’t have to spend a ton to get something that’s good quality and effective for daily use. We were impressed with this set of bamboo boards, and they’re only $6 a piece. They’re stable and durable, and passed all of our cutting, slicing, dicing and cleaning tests.
Swap Nonstick Pans for Cast-Iron Skillets
Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet
Amazon
Many nonstick pans contain Teflon, a form of plastic, in addition to PFOAs and PFAS, which are known as forever chemicals. “When overheated, these coatings can release harmful compounds including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFAS, which have been linked to endocrine disruption, liver damage, and increased cancer risk,” Zenker said. Tieu agrees, noting that “cast-iron, stainless steel, or ceramic-coated pans are safer, more durable, and can last for decades.”
Because our favorite cast-iron pan is just $24, it’s an easy swap that’s safe and long-lasting. The surface only gets better with time, whereas nonstick tends to deteriorate. Another perk? “Cast-iron also adds a bit of dietary iron,” Tieu says.
Swap Plastic Containers for Glass Food Storage Containers
Pyrex Simple Store Glass Container Set
Amazon
While yes, plastic containers are easy and lightweight, they have been cited to release microplastics, even when they’re just sitting in your pantry. “They can also leach chemicals like BPA or phthalates into food, especially when you’re heating in the microwave or dishwasher, or storing acidic/fatty foods,” Tieu says. “Glass containers are safe for storing and reheating and also more sustainable.”
Now, just like the other suggestions on the list, you don’t need to immediately get rid of all of your plastic containers. “While I still have some plastic food storage containers that I use in my kitchen, I’m slowly making the switch over to glass and have only been purchasing glass containers for the past few years,” Horton says. This Pyrex set aced all of her tests, and they’re well-loved among the EatingWell team because they’re so easy to use. The lids are plastic, BPA-free and highly functional. It’s something we all still feel good about using in our kitchens.
Swap Plastic Water Bottles for Reusable Steel Bottles
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw
Amazon
Ditch your single-use plastic water bottles for reusable stainless steel options. This is something Horton feels strongly about, both for waste and practicality purposes. “I’ve eliminated all plastic water bottles in our house. We’re only using stainless steel. Glass is just too risky to send to school with my kids. We’re mostly team Stanley in our house,” she says.
Easy to take on the go, these are a better option for ditching single-use plastic. They also make drinking more water exciting. Whether you’re a kid, like Horton’s little ones, or an adult, the expressive colors and variety of designs make the bottles feel like an accessory worth having on hand.
Swap Deep Fryers for Air Fryers
Instant Omni Toaster Oven Air Fryer
Amazon
“Deep fryers encourage frequent consumption of fried foods, which can increase intake of unhealthy fats,” Tieu says. We’re of the opinion that if you’re going to buy an appliance that takes up valuable space, it needs to be something you can use often. And yes, in this case, do we really need or want to use the deep fryer on a daily basis? One appliance that you can use every day is an air fryer toaster oven.
This tried-and-tested option from Instant essentially acts as three appliances: your oven, toaster and air fryer. It makes tedious, time-consuming recipes easy, like making French fries from scratch or crisping salmon fillets for dinner. Use it morning, noon and night to make the most of it.
Swap Excessively Small, Cheap or Dull Knives for Quality Knives
Wüsthof Classic 3-Piece Starter Knife Set
Amazon
The most important kitchen tool you can own, knives play a significant role in our ability to make healthy, balanced meals tailored to our needs. “Dull knives are significantly more dangerous than sharp knives. Dull knives don’t cut as smoothly as sharp knives, making them harder to control and more likely to slip and cause an injury. Keep your knives sharp. If you can, invest in high-quality knives,” says Zenker. Tieu has a similar opinion, adding that using small knives for many tasks isn’t always the safest choice either.
You need a balanced set of knives that will last. Wüsthof makes some of our favorites—a German brand known for durable blades. You can add this starter set to your existing collection and see just how much of a difference it makes. Grab the pairing knife for small, detailed tasks, like peeling fruit. The chef’s knife will be your everyday go-to, while the serrated knife helps slice through crusty bread and fresh heirloom tomatoes.
Swap Plastic Kettles for Glass or Stainless Steel Kettles
Cosori Electric Glass Kettle
Amazon
“Drinking water from plastic kettles increases your exposure to potentially harmful compounds. When plastic is exposed to heat, it can release harmful compounds like BPA, phthalates, and microplastics. In the case of plastic kettles, these harmful compounds get leached into the boiling water. Evidence suggests that increased release of these chemicals with heat and prolonged exposure may increase the risk of hormone disruption, reproductive issues, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Instead, use a glass or stainless steel kettle.”
With 36,600 five-star ratings from shoppers, this inexpensive option is a good place to start. It’s made with glass and thoughtfully designed to exclude plastic where the water is, even when you pour it.
Swap Disposable Plastic Sandwich or Gallon-Sized Bags for Reusable Silicone
Stasher Silicone Bag Set
Amazon
“I’ve almost completely ditched disposable plastic sandwich or gallon-sized bags and am using reusable food storage bags about 90% of the time,” says Horton. “If your budget allows, the Stasher brand is top-notch thanks to their platinum silicone (no BPA, latex, lead, or phthalates) and leak-free seal.”
This set includes one snack bag and one gallon bag, which is the perfect amount to give you a feel for how they function in your kitchen. Though with just one week of them on hand, we wouldn’t be surprised if you ordered more straight away.
