Your Guide to Safer and Healthier Cookware

Healthy cooking has never been more in vogue. Since the lockdowns, which came with less opportunities to eat out, more and more of us are getting our hands dirty in the kitchen. However, little is often said about the cookware we use to prepare our dishes. Many don't realise but kitchenware can play a very large role in our overall health.

Our pots and pans are just as important as the food we ingest. Investing in safe, PFOA free utensils is an investment in yourself and your family. There is a vast selection of safe, healthy cookware available, free of any nasty chemicals or toxins. You just need to know what you're looking for.

Teflon

When it comes to convenient kitchenware, Teflon takes the cake. It's easy to clean and is stick resistant. However, its non-stick properties are achieved through a PTFE coating - a plastic polymer - that can start to leach toxins when heated above 300 degrees. Another chemical present in Teflon is PFOA, which is safe as long as the applied coating on your pots and pans remains intact. When buying non-stick coated products, ensure you choose quality and resilient products that won't wear away or scratch easily to avoid any unnecessary coating appearing in your dishes. We recommend the Tefal Ambiance 6-Piece Cookset + 3 Utensils, which is a durable alternative when selecting non-stick products.

Aluminium

A very popular choice, aluminium is not only lightweight, but it is also a great heat conductor. However, its coating can easily chip and release toxic metals into your food as it cooks. We recommend investing in quality aluminium products such as the Bergner Granito 4 Piece Aluminium Cook Set or the Smith & Nobel Stone Plus Cerulean 7-Piece Cook Set. Forged from durable material, both sets make for an effortless cooking experience. Another aluminium collection that is easy to use and clean is the Circulon Innovatum Aluminium 5 Piece Cook Set, which is crafted from a three-layered PFOA free non-stick material.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel pots and pans are incredibly durable while being resistant to scratches, chipping and corrosion. They also clean very easily and can even go in the dishwasher. However, this kitchenware can also leach out chemicals (despite not being treated with a chemical coating itself). Two healthy cookware stainless steel options we would recommend are the Raco Reliance 7-Piece Stainless Steel Cook Set or the Raco Kitchen Essentials 9-Piece Stainless Steel Cook Set – both are affordable and value quality and safety in the kitchen. The Raco Kitchen Essentials 9-Piece Stainless Steel Cook Set comes with a porcelain enamel exterior for easy cleaning and expert durability.

Copper

One of the more attractive kitchenware items on the market would have to be copper. Its iconic colour makes for a bold statement and its conductive properties means that it can been heated relatively quickly. When used in pots and pans without a safe coating, it can actually lead to metal poisoning. But there are many safe choices out there on the market, including the Smith & Nobel Luminous 5-Piece Copper Base Stainless Steel Cook Set, which combines the very best of stainless steel and copper to provide a durable, safe option for meal preparation.

100% Ceramic Cookware

A healthy alternative to look out for is PFOA free ceramic cookware. 100% ceramic pots and pans are incredibly safe. It is clay cookware that has been kiln-baked at such a high heat that it renders the surface non-stick. This healthy cookware is non-toxic, eco-friendly and long lasting. It is also PFAS and PFOA free! We recommend the Bluestone Plus 9 Piece Cook Set, which is ultra-tough, non-stick and scratch resistant.

Make Healthy Cookware Choices

It's important to take a moment to reflect on the quality of products available. Invest in high-quality, PFOA free kitchenware that will last, keeping you safe and healthy!

Shop the complete healthy cookware range at Harris Scarfe now