Lately, the dangers of microplastics in the kitchen have become a national talking point. Home cooks are swapping out plastic utensils and cutting boards for silicone or wooden alternatives in order to avoid the tiny toxic particles. However, there’s another kitchen culprit that may contain harmful chemicals: PTFE-coated nonstick cookware. (PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic polymer with nonstick properties. It’s commonly known as Teflon.) While the PTFE coating prevents food from sticking to the pan, scientists are concerned about the health risks that come with it.
Fortunately, there are nonstick cookware options that avoid PTFE entirely. Savvy Amazon shoppers discovered a set of nonstick frying pans that are non-toxic, durable, and on sale. One enthusiastic customer raved about GreenPan’s Rio skillets: “I don’t know what I’ve been doing my whole adult life, but this is IT right here! I can’t go back. I’ve been changed. I’m a believer.”
GreenPan Rio 8- and 10-Inch Frying Pan Skillet Set
Amazon
GreenPan’s nonstick cookware avoids PFOA and PFAS, two key chemicals that make PTFE. Also free from cadmium or lead, GreenPan’s ceramic skillets are healthier, non-toxic alternatives to Teflon cookware. Even without the chemical coating, food slides around the pans without sticking. One five-star reviewer said the pans give them “peace of mind that no harmful chemicals” leach into their food while cooking. Additionally, they said that the “ceramic nonstick surface is exceptional—not only does it require less oil, making meals healthier, but cleanup has also become a breeze.”
This frying pan duo includes 8- and 10-inch skillets. It’s always nice to have several sizes available in your kitchen. Personally, I use my big 12-inch pan when I cook a big chicken stir-fry for meal prep, while I prefer a smaller 8-inch skillet for side dishes like roasted corn salad.
The two pans are hardy enough to use everyday, thanks to the diamond-reinforced ceramic that resists scratching. “The surface hasn’t scratched yet despite occasional use of metal utensils,” said one happy shopper. Though GreenPan claims you can use metal utensils on these frying pans, we’d still recommend wooden or silicone tools to be on the safe side.
One reviewer said the lack of lids was the “only negative” aspect of the Rio skillets. While the addition of lids would be great, there are so many other qualities that make the skillets worth the price. The pans are sleek and lightweight, have stay-cool handles, and come in a variety of colors. Another five-star shopper calls the pans “a game-changer” that “brings nonstick to new heights.”
GreenPan’s non-toxic skillet set is only $25 per pan. “[I] was skeptical because of the low price, but they are exactly as described. Nothing sticks to these pans,” said one reviewer, who also praised the heat retention. “Would buy again, but they are holding up so well I probably won’t have to!”
Shop More Non-Toxic, Nonstick Frying Pans
Carote Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
Amazon
Blue Diamond 8-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
Amazon
Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan
Amazon
All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan, Set of 2
Amazon
Gotham Steel 9.5-Inch Copper Nonstick Frying Pan
Amazon
At the time of publishing, the price was $50.
