Paleo, clean eating, organic, natural, vegan, there are a lot of diets out there making big promises. What we eat has become a big deal and even controversial at times. But one very important step in our diet often seems to be forgotten, what we are cooking in.
Even the healthiest of diets can benefit from the use of safer cookware. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) also known as Teflon, a DuPont brand trademark, has been shown to cause some pretty serious health problems.
“Toxic fumes from the Teflon chemical released from pots and pans at high temperatures may kill pet birds and cause people to develop flu-like symptoms (called “Teflon Flu” or, as scientists describe it, “Polymer fume fever”). Ingesting particles that flake off scratched non-stick cookware isn’t toxic because solid PTFE flakes are inert.
Manufacturers’ labels often warn consumers to avoid high heat when cooking on Teflon. But EWG-commissioned tests conducted in 2003 showed that in just two to five minutes on a conventional stove top, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces could exceed temperatures at which the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases.” – Environmental Working Group
If you are still using these non-stick pots and pans don’t worry, just start a plan to replace them. You don’t have to do it overnight, each switch will make a difference.
There are also somethings you can do to reduce the impacts of your current cookware.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I was not paid for this post and all thoughts are my own.
Reduce Risk When Using Teflon
1 ) Never put your Teflon pots and pans in the dishwasher. This can cause the non-stick finish to breakdown more quickly.
2 ) Always use silicone or wood utensils with Teflon, never use metal! Metal can scratch the finish causing it to flake off.
3 ) Replace the pieces with the most damage first. Damaged products are more likely to cause problems so they should be first on your list to replace.
4 ) Avoid using Teflon products with really high heat. This causes even more issues than lower temperatures.
5 ) If you have pet birds, make sure they are not in the room while you are cooking with Teflon pans.
Making the Switch
As you are ready to make the switch there are somethings to look for. Stainless steel is one great option. It’s easy to find and to use. If you want a non-stick pan, look for ceramic, Teflon-free pans or try cast iron. Well-seasoned cast iron is a really good and safe non-stick option.
This is a set from my favorite stainless steel cookware brand, All-Clad, it’s similar to the one I have and love.
Teflon isn’t only in our cookware, it’s in clothing, fast food wrappers, waffle irons, and more. The Environmental Working Group has a great infographic that will help you avoid Teflon.
Have you switched away from Teflon yet? What are your favorite safer products?
Original Photo Credit: Didriks
We have tried to switch all our cookware from Teflan. We use stainless steel, but a lot of things stick in that, so we also got a few Green Pans. They say they are safe, but I still try to use non-metal to avoid scraping them, just in case. Thanks for the suggestions.
The only cookware I use and recommend is cast iron and stainless steel. I don’t like the newer cast iron like Lodge as it doesn’t work well. I have a skillet that is my favorite made by Wagner. Nothing sticks if you care for it. You can buy old cast iron on eBay. Its pricey with shipping, but its worth it.
You can go on the Internet to learn to care for it.
I plan on getting some good cast iron pans when I have a bit more room. I’ve used to before when I was living with my parents.
The Green Pans will last longer with non-metal utensils so that’s a good choice. With stainless you need a bit of fat or water to keep things from sticking but once you get used to it, it’s easier.
If you first heat up the cast iron or stainless pan…then add an oil THEN add your food, they are pretty much stick free.
I am slowly switching but I am switching to stainless steel and ceramics. #MotivationalMondays
Slow works just fine. You’ll get there and you are reducing your risks with each switch. 🙂
Thanks for this post! I knew some of these things but there are tid bits I learned and am going to try and implement. Have a great day!
Glad you enjoyed it and learned from it!
I wasn’t aware of this, thanks for the recommendation, i’ll be making the switch as soon as we can!
Glad I could help! If you have any questions be sure to contact me.
I noticed last week that the teflon was starting to peel in one of our pans. I am so excited he bought me a new cook set from Kirkland of stainless steel pots and pans. This is a great post!
Yay for new pots and pans! I’ve been saving for a new set when we buy a new house and have more space. 🙂
Happy to say we made the switch two years ago! 😉
Yay!
I am so blessed to have had a grandpa that sold beautiful, high quality stainless steel cookware. I got a set for my wedding. My dad has carried on the tradition and sells it too. It can be a beast to clean sometimes but it will outlast my life! And it’s so much safer, too. 🙂
It is Amway is it? A lot of my family has Amway sets and they really have held up well.
Excellent advice, Lisa. Thank you very much for bringing up this important topic. I’m especially fond of cast iron and copper cookware myself.
? Jessica
Honestly I haven’t tried copper just because it doesn’t go with my kitchen. HA! And I’ve always used stainless so I’m very used to it.
I am still using the stainless steel cookware I received as a wedding gift 34 years ago as well as some cast iron that was my grandfather’s. I got rid of the non-stick pans several years ago.
I’m glad I grew up using stainless and never had to learn to use it after using non-stick.
I am using the stainless steel cookware for years. Thank you for the recommendation. I must know this set is safe for my family’s health.
i’ve tried lots of different types of cookware, and my absolute favorite is Chantal – steel with ceramic lining, and they are fantastic. They are healthy to use, super easy to clean, and cook evenly.