Amassing a well-rounded collection of kitchenware is tough work. Not only do you need so many items, like cookware sets and knife sets, but you also need to find pieces that work for your cooking habits and stand the test of time. I never expected that we’d be adding whether or not these pieces are healthy additions to the kitchen to that checklist, too.
It’s true: It’s time to apply the same ideology we have for our diet and exercise routines to our kitchen gear if we want to live a healthy, mindful lifestyle. With studies coming out about potential dangers of black plastic and Teflon, I’ve started to take stock of my kitchen gear, swapping out some old items for new ones that are non-toxic and will stand the test of time. If you want to do the same, the list below is a great place to start. From a durable Pyrex glass bowl set to an heirloom Le Creuset Dutch oven, there’s something for everyone, starting at $10.
Editor-Loved Non-Toxic Cookware and Kitchen Gear
Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Amazon
Every kitchen should have a cast iron skillet. They can cook a wide variety of dishes or even be used for baking. You don’t need to invest a ton of money into one, either—this Lodge skillet is the best we tested and it’s on sale for just $20. Made of pure cast iron, it comes pre-seasoned and ready for you to use on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill. Use it to make skillet dinners, sear salmon fillets or bake a hearty cornbread for winter chili. I’ve owned one for years at this point and it’s still going strong.
Pyrex Glass 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Amazon
Ditch your plastic mixing bowls for these glass ones from Pyrex. Sure, they’re a little heavier, but I have owned a set for decades and they still look as good as new. This collection comes with three sizes: a 1-quart bowl, a 1.5-quart bowl and a 2.5-quart bowl, all handy for baking, meal prep or serving. I love that they clean up easily and are safe to use in the microwave. Plus, the clear glass design makes it easier to see when your mixtures have been thoroughly combined.
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Saucepan with Lid
Amazon
I am slowly moving away from nonstick cookware, but I still use and love Caraway’s pieces. I use the small skillet and this 3-quart saucepan weekly, if not daily. The skillet is perfect for eggs, while the saucepan is ideal for grains like rice and seeds like quinoa. Nothing clings to the nonstick coating, which has lasted me for years. (I’ve also helped extend the lifetime of this cookware by being selective about using high heat.) Caraway is known for its non-toxic, nonstick cookware, formulated without PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium and more. Bonus: These pieces have passed our rigorous testing, making them an overall winning option.
Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set
Amazon
If you ask me, no other measuring cups last as long or are as reliable as the glass ones from Pyrex, which I’ve had in my kitchen for decades. Whether I am measuring water for grains or melting chocolate in the microwave, I reach for these constantly. Their red measurement markings are easy to clean, and since the cups are made from glass, they’re also stain- and odor-resistant. You can’t go wrong with them.
Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven with Lid
Amazon
Le Creuset’s Dutch oven has a cast iron interior with a porcelain enameled coating that adds a nonstick finish. I have owned two Le Creuset Dutch ovens for 20 years and they’re still in good condition, making this a worthwhile investment. Mine hold heat incredibly well and are still in great shape, despite constant use. If you’re looking to buy your first one, I recommend starting with the 5.5-quart option, as it’s not too big or small. Use it for soups, stews, sauces, homemade bread and more.
Staub Ceramics 4-Piece Baking Dish Set
Amazon
It’s time to stop using those flimsy aluminum dishes and invest in proper baking dish sets, like this ceramic one from Staub. Use the larger 9- x 9-inch square baking dish, which comes with a matching lid, for eggplant parmesan, smaller portions of lasagna and sweets like tiramisu or cinnamon rolls. The two smaller dishes work well for small vegetable sides or for broiling a piece of salmon, tofu or chicken. They’re also great for serving. Each ceramic piece has an easy-to-clean porcelain enamel finish so nothing sticks.
John Boos Reversible Block Cutting Board
Amazon
We rigorously used John Boos board in culinary school, a testament to how they hold up to lots of cutting, slicing and hand-washing. This reversible maple wood block board is spacious enough for ingredient prep or serving but isn’t bulky, measuring 1.25 inches thick. Each side is smooth and flat, which means you can flip it and get double the life out of this one piece. There are built-in handles on each side, so it’s easy to maneuver and turn.
12-Inch Teak Wood Spatula Set
Amazon
My kitchen would be nothing without wooden spatulas—I use them for everything. Sadly, my go-to brand is no longer available, but this teak option will surely do the trick. Each 12-inch spatula is thin, wide and flat for a multitude of tasks: Use them to saute, stir, scrape, toss and more. I particularly love that the bottom of these are cut at a slight angle, making it easy to maneuver around the sides of your pan. Since they’re made from wood, you can also use these on a variety of cookware, from cast iron to stainless steel.
KitchenAid Classic Whisk
Amazon
I’m a strong believer that you can’t replace the efficiency of a stainless steel whisk. There’s something about their firmer design that wades through mixtures faster and easier than silicone. Plus, I don’t need to worry about the material chipping or breaking down over time. I have owned a version of this KitchenAid whisk for years and it’s become a staple for mixing everything from morning eggs to celebratory desserts. Plus, it’s only $10, a small price to pay for a piece that’ll last you for decades.
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