If you’re anything like me, you’re moving toward better choices—in life, but also in the kitchen. No more wasting money on bad products or buying products that are bad for me. While I live a life in balance (I like a hefty slice of chocolate cake with my quinoa salad), one place I draw the line is on toxins, whether microplastics or, now, lead.
Yes, that lead. After testing, the FDA has recalled various pots and pans due to lead contamination, as stated in August and October statements. The administration is recommending that you discard them entirely, and does not want you donating or refurbishing any of this cookware. Because of this news, I’m motivated to shop for safer pieces. Thankfully, all of the cookware below has been confirmed by the brands—as disclosed on their websites—to be lead- and toxin-free.
Best Lead-Free Cookware Replacements
- Calphalon Stainless Steel 6-Piece Cookware Set, $125 (was $180)
- Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan, 10.5-Inch, $105 (was $125)
- Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet with Silicone Handle Holder, 10.25-Inch, $25 (was $30)
- All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Frying Pan with Lid, 12-Inch, $120 (was $150)
- Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet, 10.25-Inch, $48 (was $60)
- Made In Stainless Steel Saucier Pan, 3-Quart, $149 (was $159)
- Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, 10.6-Inch, $131 with coupon (was $279)
Calphalon Stainless Steel 6-Piece Cookware Set
Amazon
Stainless steel is a great material that’s considered a non-toxic, safe cookware option. This Calphalon set is the best you can buy, and we loved how evenly each piece heated and how easy they were to use—especially for the price, which is far less expensive than other popular brands. Calphalon notes that all the pieces in this set are lead-free.
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan, 10.5-Inch
Amazon
This is one of the few nonstick pans I still recommend. Caraway ensures that all of its ceramic pieces are free of lead, PTFE, PFOA, PFAS and cadmium. I use my small 8-inch skillet every morning for eggs, and the coating has remained in excellent condition even after three years of use! Compared to other nonstick pans I’ve used, this one lasts easily twice, if not three times, the typical lifespan, which makes the price more justifiable.
Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet with Silicone Handle Holder, 10.25-Inch
Amazon
This is a simple, inexpensive pan that’s reliable and multi-purpose. We found it to be the best cast-iron skillet on the market because of its value—it performs exceptionally well, cooking and baking items perfectly every time. Since the cast-iron pan has a pre-seasoned oil coating, it’s ready to go as soon as you pull it out of the box. It’ll last a lifetime if you care for it well!
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Frying Pan with Lid, 12-Inch
Amazon
A longstanding brand with a devout fanbase, All-Clad’s stainless steel is tip-top quality. The core of this pan is aluminum, which effectively holds heat, while the exterior is durable stainless steel. The 12-inch size is ideal for searing protein or prepping larger batches of food for a family gathering. With the included lid, you have everything you need to get cooking healthy fall and winter meals.
Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet, 10.25-Inch
Amazon
If you hesitate to buy cast-iron because of its weight, the Blacklock series from Lodge may be the best pick for you. It’s noticeably nonstick because of the triple-layer seasoning. More pricey than the standard cast-iron option, this pan weighs 25% less—a big difference when it comes to a pan you’ll be moving, lifting and storing regularly.
Made In Stainless Steel Saucier Pan, 3-Quart
Amazon
A saucier is multi-functional. More rounded than your typical saucepot, these are excellent for sautéing, stir-frying, soups, sauces, pasta dishes, risotto, oats and more. It’s much easier to stir and toss because of the tapered edges, and the taller walls keep everything tucked in for mess-free cooking.
Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, 10.6-Inch
Amazon
My fellow product-geek friends really love this release from Our Place. There isn’t any nonstick coating. Instead, it has a titanium surface and an aluminum core. With this combination, you get a slick, even-heating pan without the hassle of a traditional coating and no chipping or dulling.
