Low tox cookware favourites

Cookware is a really important component in reducing our toxic burden. It is something we use every single day so we want to make sure what we are using is not going to be detrimental to our health.

When I first moved out of home I invested significant money in some expensive non stick pans. They were beautiful, nothing would stick to them and super easy for me to clean. When I began down the path of low tox and learned just how awful these were for my health I began to swap these out for healthier alternatives.

One of the most significant reasons we need to be careful with cookware is that whenever the temperature significantly changes, the amount of chemical leaching is going to much higher than when it does not.

Before we get to my favourite recommended products I want to quickly touch on what I would suggest avoiding when choosing cookware products.

Anything non stick or Teflon - This includes anything with that coating, frypans, pots, sandwich makers, rice cookers etc. These products are highly hormone disrupting and carcinogenic and bioaccumulate in our bodies.

Aluminium - This can leach into food especially if cooking with anything acidic.

Tin and copper- This can leach into food, Be especially aware of products that are older or ‘vintage’

Cadmium and Lead - Will leach into food. Often found in ceramic glazes and coatings. Lead is incredibly toxic as is cadmium which is a heavy metal.

My suggestions would be:

-Wrought iron

-Cast iron

-Enamelled iron (avoid bright colours due to risk of cadmium)

-Glass

-Stainless steel (high quality with a low nickel content)

-Ceramic (avoiding lead and cadmium)

-Carbon steel

One of the biggest reasons people are apprehensive to give up their non stick pans is because they are worried everything will stick, but these surfaces can all very easily be non stic.

Below are some of my favourites. I have included both budget and more expensive brands.

1. Le Creuset 4.2 ltr casserole $610 https://www.lecreuset.com.au/en_AU/p/cast-iron-round-casserole/CI1177.html?dwvar_CI1177_color=meringue

2. Scanpan 28cm stainless steel frypan $144.95 on sale for $54.95 https://www.harrisscarfe.com.au/kitchen-dining/cookware/frypans-skillets/scanpan-impact-stainless-steel-fry-pan-28cm/517740?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=feed_clicks&utm_content=shopping_listings&gclid=CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncdvl6iQYvh35SpJ0hxFTjXUrk08RCuu2UYcJf9p-Nwz_pgfwyOnqZRoCHPsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

3. Smith and Nobel 30cm cast iron skillet $89.99 on sale for $44.99https://www.harrisscarfe.com.au/kitchen-dining/cookware/cast-iron-cookware/smith-nobel-raw-cast-iron-skillet-30cm/BP573256-nc

4. IKEA 24x24 cm glass oven dish $5 https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/foeljsam-oven-dish-clear-glass-30311270/?gclid=CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncQFASe1QInFovD5-94f_18gPj0vVd9-K6Mxv_R6LSwynobiyCmCLpBoCDZQQAvD_BwE

5. IKEA 5ltr stainless steel pot https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/ikea-365-pot-with-lid-stainless-steel-40484251/

6. Smith and Nobel 4.5 ltr braiser $159.99 on sale for $79.99 https://www.harrisscarfe.com.au/kitchen-dining/cookware/cast-iron-cookware/smith-nobel-45l-almond-luxe-cast-iron-braiser/BP646785-nc

7. Le Creuset cast iron 26cm skillet $370 https://www.lecreuset.com.au/en_AU/p/cast-iron-round-skillet/CI0182.html?dwvar_CI0182_color=meringue

8. IKEA stainless steel roasting dish 34x24cm $19 https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/koncis-roasting-tin-stainless-steel-20174645/

9. Solidteknics wrought iron 28cm pan $179.99 https://www.myer.com.au/p/solidteknics-aus-ion-quenched-lightening-pan-long-handle-28cm-in-black

10. Scanpan 14 cm stainless steel saucepan $99.95 on sale for $39.95 https://www.harrisscarfe.com.au/kitchen-dining/cookware/saucepans/scanpan-impact-stainless-steel-saucepan-14cm/BP517734-nc