5 ON YOUR SIDE: Chemicals in nonstick pans

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    5 ON YOUR SIDE: Chemicals in nonstick pansBefore you cook your next meal, take a closer look at that nonstick pan. Some coatings may contain chemicals that raise concerns for you, your family, and the environment. Consumer Reports reveals which pans you may want to replace with tips to find safer options.

Before you cook your next meal, take a closer look at that nonstick pan. Some coatings may contain chemicals that raise concerns for you, your family, and the environment. Consumer Reports reveals which pans you may want to replace with tips to find safer options.

In addition to testing the durability of the pan, CR’s experts took a look at what those coatings are made of. When it comes to nonstick cookware, a little wear and tear mightbe a deal breaker, says Consumer Reports.

Some nonstick coatings are made with Teflon, also known as PTFE, which is one member of a group of chemicals called PFAS. Some of these chemicals can linger for years in our bodies or in the environment and have been associated with a number of health concerns.

Before you break up with your nonstick pans, CR says you’re unlikely to be exposed to significant levels of PFAS if your pans are in good condition, which means no deep scratches or chips.

If your current cookware has seen better days, and if nonstick is non-negotiable, CR says there are plenty of safer options. You can consider cookware made with ceramic coating. Enameled cast iron allows you to cook directly on the stovetop, transfer to the oven, and then serve at the table.

The top-performing ceramic-coated pan, Caraway Ceramic-Coated Non-Stick, which costs $105, offers impressive nonstick performance, even heating, and is compatible with induction cooktops. For a fraction of the cost, the Farberware Glide Copper Ceramic Nonstick Pan, which starts at $17, offers even heating and a good nonstick surface for frying eggs. Just know that its handle isn’t as sturdy. For searing, the Tramontina Enameled Cast-Iron Series 1000 starts at $35. The enameled cast-iron pan is a great option, and it’s also very easy to clean.

If non-stick isn’t a top priority, CR says stainless steel and cast-iron are also solid options that, with proper care, can last a lifetime. To keep them for the long haul, avoid using metal utensils or harsh detergents on them. Instead, go for wooden or silicone tools and a milder dishwashing detergent, never scouring powder.

Regardless of the coating you choose, your nonstick pan will deteriorate over time. To save your pans and some money, we’ve got a video on how to clean and care for all your nonstick cookware. You can find it with this story online.

More resources:

Best Frying Pans If You Want to Avoid PFAS Chemicals

What’s the Difference Among Microplastics, Phthalates, BPA, and PFAS?

How Not to Ruin Your Nonstick Pan

Caraway Ceramic-Coated Non-Stick

Farberware Glide Copper Ceramic Nonstick

Tramontina Enameled Cast-Iron Series 1000

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