Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Non-Toxic Kitchen – The Simple Swaps That Make the Biggest Difference

In the last five years, more of us have been concerned with less toxic ways of living than ever before, and creating a non-toxic kitchen is one of the first places many of us look to make healthier choices. From cookware and food storage to appliances and utensils, reducing everyday exposure to materials such as BPA and PFAS has become a priority.

That said, the number of labels, conflicting advice, and fearmongering can make it difficult to know where to begin. The good news is that creating a non-toxic kitchen doesn't have to happen overnight. Understanding what to look for, why it matters, and which swaps will have the biggest impact can make the process far less overwhelming.

Having written about creating a non-toxic home for the past three years, I've created this step-by-step guide to help you achieve a non-toxic kitchen, whether you're replacing a single pan or overhauling your entire cooking setup.

Why Detoxifying a Kitchen Matters

We spend a significant amount of time in our kitchens. Whether gathering for breakfast or cooking the evening meal, it is the hardworking hub of the home and essential to all of our routines. We regularly heat items to high temperatures for long periods, often multiple times a day.

Whether you cook from scratch every night or not, the kitchen is a primary source of exposure to potentially risky chemicals and materials, from the headline PFAS and BPAs in cookware and food storage, which, according to the EPA, have been found to have an impact on fertility, development, and the endocrine system, to poor air quality resulting from subpar ventilation.

While this can sound alarming, it is far more manageable than it may at first appear. As Dr. Ryan Marino, associate professor at the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, explains, 'While PFAS have made a lot of news recently, the truth is that we still have very limited data on the actual effects of PFAS, especially since there are thousands of different chemicals that are PFAS.'

If you are concerned about the potential risks, however, there are small, manageable steps you can take to switch to non-toxic cookware and appliances, such as non-toxic air fryers and non-toxic coffee makers. Slow and steady wins this race, without overwhelming you or your wallet.

The Biggest Toxin Sources in a Kitchen

To start, it helps to get your head around the potential hazards in your kitchen, what risk they may pose, and the best substitutes to help limit your exposure over time.

This is not always straightforward, as the term 'non-toxic' is not regulated by any one governing body, making it particularly difficult to understand cookware labels and myths. As Dr. Marino explains, '"Toxicity" is highly nuanced, and so many things that are considered to be "non-toxic" could potentially be toxic in certain circumstances, and some objectively toxic things may not cause any effects in certain situations or may not cause any long-term toxicity, etc.

'In my experience as a toxicologist, most of the time that words like "toxin" are being used, especially online or in social media, they are not used correctly and are often used pseudoscientifically or for fearmongering.'

For this guide, I will break down the materials that studies have shown to carry potential risks to our long-term health, to keep things simple.

Cookware & Appliances

The primary source of concern in a kitchen is the cookware pieces and appliances we use every day. Whether flipping pancakes in the morning, reheating leftovers for lunch, or baking desserts for after dinner, we are most likely to come into contact with potential toxins.

While most cookware is safe to use in normal home conditions no matter what they are made with, be it a traditional PFAS-based non-stick pan or an uncoated stainless steel alternative, some carry less potential risk than others.

Generally speaking, you can break common cookware and appliance materials down into those to avoid, those to use with caution, and those considered 'safer to use':

Those to Avoid

• PFAS and Teflon (PFTE) coatings: The first thing to note is that, according to the FDA, these chemicals are 'joined together in large molecules and are tightly bound to your cookware, so very little is capable of getting into food.' However, they also acknowledge that exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues, such as 'increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, and increased cancer risk.' The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA (a common PFAS chemical) as 'carcinogenic to humans', and a 2023 study by Mount Sinai's Department of Public Health found that elevated PFAS levels in the bloodstream could reduce fertility by up to 40%.
• Cheap BPA Plastics: Often found inside appliances such as coffee makers, they are often chosen as they're cheap, stain-resistant, and waterproof. However, Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a medical toxicology physician and interim executive director at National Capital Poison Center, explained that BPA is associated with health issues, including endocrine disruption and impaired fertility.
• Lead and Cadmium: The FDA has classed these two heavy metals as human health risks and has imposed heavy regulations that ban 'cadmium for use as a color additive or food additive (including as a component of foodware, cookware, or food contact surfaces).' The main cause for concern is around imported kitchen appliances, which may not be under such strict regulations. The expert advice is that, if you're concerned, always look for certifications from the FDA indicating that the product has been tested and meets safety standards.

Use With Caution

• Ceramic coatings: Ceramic-coated appliances are considered safer choices than traditional Teflon, but you still need to treat them carefully. Professional chef and food expert Maricel Gentile, explains: 'Ceramic-coated pans give you that non-stick surface without traditional chemicals, and the coating adds a layer of protection between your food and the metal. Just remember, ceramic coatings don’t like high heat or metal utensils, so be gentle and use medium heat with silicone or wooden tools.' The same goes for washing your ceramic-coated appliances with soft sponges and gentle detergents. You need to protect the coating for it to stay safe and healthy.
• Aluminum: Dr. Marino explains, 'The amount of aluminum that cookware may contribute to food is usually minimal, usually far less than is already present in all of the foods we eat, and should not pose any health risk for most people using it as intended.' However, he adds that cooking acidic ingredients in bare aluminum pots and pans can accelerate leaching, increasing the amount of aluminum that ends up on your dinner plate. 'Foods and recipes high in salt can have a similar effect as well,' adds Bryan Quoc Le PhD, food scientist and industry expert at Mendocino Food Consulting.
• Carbon steel, copper & cast iron: These materials are also safe when used correctly, but you must avoid using them in conjunction with very acidic or salty dishes. Dr. Quoc Le, continues, 'The main health risk is cooking acidic or highly salty foods in carbon steel cookware, which can lead to corrosion. While that can increase the iron content of the food, for most people that is not a problem.' The same leaching effect happens when you combine unlined copper or unlined cast iron cookware with acidic ingredients. Nutritionist Lindsay Malone says, 'For individuals where excess iron may be an issue (such as hemochromatosis), another choice of cookware makes sense.'

The Safest to Use

• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is widely considered one of the safest materials for non-toxic kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is naturally free from the potentially harmful chemicals found in plastics or non-stick Teflon, and is safe for food contact with all types of hot and cold ingredients. You should choose kitchen appliances and the best stainless steel pans with food-safe, 18/10 stainless steel for the highest quality and safety standards.
• Borosilicate glass: Borosilicate glass stands out as one of the top choices for kitchen appliances; the FDA recommends it for thermal shock resistance and chemical durability. It can withstand rapid temperature changes and acidic ingredients, such as in coffee pots, for example. It is also a great option for air fryers, and we regularly recommend the Ninja Crispi Pro Air Fryer we reviewed because of its glass baskets that double as food storage.
• BPA-Free Tritan Plastic: You might have seen a 'Tritan plastic' label on the best blenders or soda makers. This material is a safer alternative to cheap plastics. Its manufacturer, Eastman, conducts extensive third-party testing to prove that Tritan is made without BPA, PFAS, or California Prop 65 carcinogens and chemicals. Tritan has been certified by various food safety agencies, including the FDA, EFSA, and Health Canada.

Utensils

Kitchen utensils often do not pose as big a risk as our cookware. You may have read the alarming headlines about black plastic, resulting from a study published in Chemosphere, which reported high levels of toxic flame retardants in household items made from black plastic. However, it later emerged that the researchers made a math error when calculating 'maximum exposure' limits, overstating the risks. This might have left you feeling confused about what to do with your black plastic utensils.

That said, if you’re looking to minimize all risk of toxins leaching into your food, the best approach is to avoid plastic for any tool that comes near heat (the plastic handle on your vegetable peeler is fine). If you’re less concerned about health and prefer to cling to your existing tools, just take precautions: Avoid exposing plastic to heat and regularly check for signs of peeling or chipping – as this could end up in your food.

I always suggest opting for materials such as steel, food-grade silicone, and wood when selecting new kitchen utensils. Not only are these generally 'safer' to cook with, but they usually perform better too, and last longer. The Bella six-piece Modular Silicone Tool Set, from Amazon, is a great place to start when refreshing your utensil drawer, featuring spoons, spatulas, tongs, and a flipper. The OXO Good Grips Amazon store is also a great place to find long-lasting silicone tools.

Stainless steel tools are often more expensive and cannot be used with delicate cookware such as ceramic without damaging the surface, but are a chef-level option for those who cook with cast iron or stainless steel. The All-Clad five-Piece Set from Amazon cannot be beaten on looks or performance.

When switching your utensils, it is also worth considering your cutting board. A recent study published in Nature Medicine found an increase in micro and nanoplastic concentrations in the brain, kidney, and liver of humans. The extent of the damage it can cause is unclear, but some studies have linked it to inflammation and risks to heart health too. I recommend avoiding plastic altogether. Instead, wooden boards are my top choice. Not only do they look beautiful in the kitchen, but their smooth surface allows knives to glide effortlessly, helping keep your blades sharp and making prep work easier. Note, however, that wooden boards can stain, are one of the things you cannot put in the dishwasher, and need regular oiling to stay in top condition, which prevents them from drying out, cracking, and warping, and helps to repel moisture and odors.

Metal, stone, and glass are other non-toxic alternatives for plastic cutting boards, but these tend to dull your best chef's knives more quickly.

Bakeware

Bakeware follows many of the same rules as cookware and appliances. You want to avoid the same types of coatings where you can, and be careful with how you store bakeware, avoiding stacking to keep your trays and tins from scratching and chipping between uses.

The Caraway Ceramic Bakeware Set is my top choice. Having used it in my home over a few months, the ceramic coating works just as well as traditional non-stick but without the risks of PFAS. Plus, the included organziers make it easy to stash away without damage. For a more affordable alternative, I have had great success with silicone cake pans from Amazon and silicone baking mats, also from Amazon, which reduce direct food contact with existing non-stick trays.

Food Storage

When organizing a kitchen, your pantry storage can be made from almost any material, provided it's airtight enough to keep food fresh and protect it from moisture and pests. The bigger priority is choosing safe materials for food storage exposed to temperature changes, such as containers that go in the fridge, freezer, microwave, or oven.

The material to look out for here is BPA and polypropylene plastics. Dr. Joseph Mercola, Board-Certified Family Physician, explains, 'In late 2020, a Trinity College Dublin Study reported that polypropylene products, with kettles tested along with infant bottles and lunch boxes, released microplastics. The release of polypropylene rose from 0.6 million to 55 million particles per liter as water temperature rose from 25 to 95 degrees Celsius [77-203°F].

Instead, glass is the superior option. I have used the IKEA 365+ Glass Containers for several years and never had an issue with them. If you would prefer to cut plastic from storage altogether, the Bentgo Glass Food Containers from Amazon come with glass lids and silicone vents for easy microwaving.

Stainless steel such as the Le Creuset On the Go Lunch Box can also be a good storage option, especially when taking food on the go, but be aware that these are not microwave-safe, so they can be a hassle when reheating leftovers.

Plastic can also be avoided by using beeswax wraps, available in cut-to-size sheets from Amazon. These are ideal for covering the tops of open containers in the fridge, or wrapping food to go.

Cleaning

Cleaning a kitchen is a delicate balance between removing harmful bacteria that can cause illness and avoiding unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals that may leave residues on the surfaces where we prepare food.

It is easy to say 'switch to non-toxic cleaning products,' but what does that actually mean? The reality is that many common marketing terms, such as 'non-toxic,' 'plant-based,' 'chemical-free,' 'green,' and 'eco-friendly', are not regulated, meaning they can be misleading and may still include ingredients of concern.

Rather than trying to memorize a long list of chemical names to avoid, it is often simpler to look for trusted third-party certifications. We explore label reading in more detail in our guide to creating a non-toxic home, but for kitchen cleaning, we recommend prioritizing products certified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

The EWG evaluates cleaning products based on their ingredients, considering potential impacts on both health and the environment. It covers everyday kitchen essentials, from dishwashing liquids to degreasers, making it a useful starting point when choosing products for a healthier home.

ATTITUDE, available at Walmart, and AspenClean, available at Amazon, are two examples of EWG-certified cleaning brands that produce everything you could need to clean your kitchen top to bottom.

While you're using up your existing cleaning products, a few cleaning habits you can quit to help you use them more safely without compromising on results. Always wear gloves to protect your skin, and clean in a well-ventilated space. It might feel excessive when using an everyday degreaser, but heavily fragranced sprays and cleaning chemicals can irritate your airways, especially in small kitchens.

When using disinfecting sprays, allow the product to sit on the surface for the contact time stated on the label before wiping it away. This gives it enough time to kill bacteria effectively. On food preparation surfaces, follow up with a clean cloth and warm, soapy water to remove any remaining residue before preparing food.

Finally, avoid using harsh cleaning sprays on unfinished or porous wooden surfaces, where chemicals can be absorbed and potentially damage the material over time. Choosing the right product for each surface is just as important as choosing a lower-toxicity cleaner in the first place.

How to Detoxify a Kitchen

So, you know what to avoid and what to look for instead, but what is the best way to approach detoxifying a kitchen without wanting to tear your hair out?

I suggest breaking it down into three main phases, and working slowly, replacing the items you use most first, and working up to replacing occasional-use pieces in time, as your budget allows:

• Start with: The easiest place to start is with the items you use all the time, cutting off cumulative exposure. Start with your cookware, replacing pots and pans with visible signs of wear such as chipping and scratching. For a more budget-friendly start, you can also replace your old plastic food containers, cutting boards, and utensils for a quick, low-lift win right off the bat.
• Later: With your cookware taken care of, your attention can turn to your small appliances such as the coffee maker or electric kettle you turn on without fail every morning, or choosing the best air fryer to suit your needs while looking after your health. We also suggest altering your cleaning routine and switching to lower toxicity products as and when your current products run out or expire.
• Finish with: If you want to detox your kitchen further, now is the time to look at your baking trays and wider food storage.

As you gradually work through your kitchen detox, it's also worth taking a closer look at your everyday habits.

Small changes can help reduce unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful substances over time. For example, avoid using metal utensils on non-stick cookware, refrain from microwaving food in plastic containers unless they are specifically designed for it, and improve kitchen ventilation while cooking to help reduce smoke, grease, and airborne pollutants.

Together, these simple adjustments can make just as much of a difference as the products you choose.

What To Shop: Non-Toxic Kitchen Must-Haves

Whether you're setting up your first kitchen or detoxing an old one, I hope this list helps you build a space that’s as healthy and wholesome as it is beautiful.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

An A-Z of Brands We Trust

• Aarke: glass / stainless steel kettles, coffee makers & soda makers
• Aeropress: glass and BPA-free single-serve coffee makers
• Caraway: PFAS-free bakeware, pans, kettles and glass storage
• Le Creuset: cast iron cookware with a protective enamel layer
• GreenPan: ceramic-coated slow-cookers, air fryers, pans, and more
• KitchenAid Mixers: stainless steel attachments, glass, and wooden bowls
• Made In: stainless steel and ceramic non-stick cookware
• Moccamaster: home to BPA-free and PFAS-free coffee makers
• Our Place: non-toxic toaster ovens, blenders, slow-cookers, and more
• Staub: Premium French cast iron cookare
• Vitamix: stainless steel and BPA-free Tritan pitchers

FAQs

Are There Any Downsides to Non-Toxic Cookware?

One of the main downsides to non-toxic cookware is that it can be more expensive than affordably made non-stick. Higher-quality materials increase production costs, while craftsmanship (and sometimes the weight of a name-brand) can all contribute to the cost. The good news is that when properly looked after, this cookware often lasts longer, even decades in the case of cast iron and enamelled cast iron, making it a worthy investment for your home.

Is Scratched Stainless Steel Safe?

Generally speaking, scratched stainless steel cookware is safe to use, as it is a solid metal alloy rather than a coated material. This means it will not flake off into your food, or leach potential toxins.

How Do I Dispose of Old Kitchenware?

Disposing of old kitchen utensils, cookware, and appliances is not always straightforward. While cookware and utensils can technically go in your household trash, this ends up clogging up landfills. Old utensils could be put to other uses around the house, such as stirring paint. Otherwise, they are best given to a scrap facility along with cookware, which can break things down for reuse or recycling.

Appliances need to be disposed of according to your local laws. Most waste centres have a specific location for leaving electrical goods to help prevent fires and keep non-recyclable waste out of recycling streams.

Next, brush up on the non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice to banish kitchen odors without polluting indoor air.

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