Cookware is one of those expensive investments you want to make once, then enjoy for years. Beyond performance, the aesthetics of your pans play a key role.

While bold, trendy colors can add a pop of personality to a kitchen, I've always leaned towards softer, timeless shades that will complement your kitchen design as it evolves, rather than compete with it. Think pieces that you never tire of looking at.

That's exactly why I've fallen for Our Place's new Limited Edition Vanilla Bean colorway. Already among some of the best non-toxic cookware, the ceramic-coated collection pairs its soft, creamy finish with rich walnut-toned utensils and brushed brass accents, creating an elevated, heirloom-inspired look that's just as beautiful displayed on the stovetop as it is in use.

The Our Place pans are, without a doubt, among the best ceramic cookware we've tested. In her five-star review, Punteha van Terheyden praised the Essentials Set for its exceptional non-stick performance, noting that food released effortlessly, while the pans delivered even heat distribution and beautifully crisp results without sticking or burning. She also highlighted their premium feel, making them as satisfying to cook with as they are to look at.

For anyone looking to move away from traditional non-stick, they're an easy upgrade, combining a non-toxic PFAS-Free ceramic coating with easy everyday performance.

The new Vanilla Bean colorway only adds to their appeal. A warm, natural neutral, the softly speckled cream finish is paired with champagne gold hardware for a look that feels undeniably luxurious. It's the kind of timeless palette that complements almost any kitchen design.

The collection is completed by walnut-stained beechwood non-toxic utensils, whose rich wood tones contrast beautifully with the creamy cookware, giving the entire set a designer-quality finish that looks just as at home on your stove as it does on your table when hosting guests, be it summer or fall.

The limited edition color will not be around for long, however, and I predict a sell-out if it does anywhere near as well as previous releases. The color is available in the ever-popular Always Pan, Mini Always Pan, Perfect Pot, and Mini Perfect Pot, both in a set and individually, at Our Place.

What Else to Shop

Ceramic cookware is one of the more delicate non-toxic options, so a little extra care goes a long way in preserving its naturally slick cooking surface. To help it perform at its best for years to come, I've rounded up the tools and care essentials I always recommend.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To ensure your timeless pans stand the test of time, brush up on how to clean and care for every type of cookware.

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When I first received the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet, I wasn't sure what to expect. After weeks of hands-on testing, however, I can safely say that it is one of the best pans I have ever cooked with. It has allayed all of my fears of cooking with cast iron.

I used the 10" Victoria Cast Iron Skillet for a series of tests from robust burgers to delicate eggs, and was blown away at how perfectly it performed time after time. I was planning on gifting it to my dad after testing, but now it is staying firmly in my own kitchen.

This is exactly why I think this is some of the best non-toxic cookware money can buy, and how it far surpasses its modest $25 price tag.

Product Specifications: Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Design and First Impressions

The Victoria Cast Iron Skillet is made in Colombia and looks similar to many of the other best cast iron pans, with a sturdy handle and helper handle to balance the weight. It's easy enough to hold with one hand if you have a strong grip, but the helper handle certainly helps if holding for a prolonged period.

The pan has two deep pouring spots on either side as well, which I found to be especially useful when I was pouring out some excess hot fat from the pan after frying burgers. They are shaped to prevent drips, which makes the process safer and simpler.

Arriving pre-seasoned with 100% non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil, the skillet is free from PTFE, PFOA, and other synthetic coatings, making it naturally non-toxic. The deep, smooth surface helps to prevent food from sticking. It is shaped specifically to allow for simmering sauces as well as frying, adding to its versatility.

Cooking Performance

When it comes to testing cast iron pans, I use the same tests to establish a baseline for performance, cooking meat, eggs, and pancakes to see how it handles searing and delicate release foods.

I could not find any fault with the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet in this regard. From first use, it delivered perfectly cooked foods that never stuck or burned, with the performance only improving over time as the seasoning developed.

The only thing to note is that the metal is so good at conducting and maintaining heat that the handle does become hot when cooking. I used a dish towel to lift it safely; however, you can also find custom-made Victoria silicone handle covers at Amazon.

Burgers

When first cooking with cast iron, it is always recommended that you cook higher-fat foods to help develop the initial seasoning. I chose burgers for this, using a butcher's pork burger for my first cook.

I preheated the pan on a low heat and added plenty of oil (more than I usually would for the first fry), and my extra-large burger.

It took approximately six minutes a side to cook through completely, and flipped easily with no sticking at all. I was incredibly impressed, as I had prepared myself for a mess. The whole process was seamless, with the meat browning without burning, and cooking through while remaining juicy.

When it was done, I took it out and added the buttered bun to toast as the meat rested. Again, I expected it to stick, especially as there was a small amount of debris left from the meat. However, it toasted evenly without sticking or tearing. All in all, it was thoroughly delicious.

I repeated this test a few weeks later when I cooked two beef burgers. It was a squash to get both XL patties into the 10" pan, but I managed, especially as they shrank while cooking.

Having used the pan a few times between the two burger tests, I could see the effect of seasoning building up nicely. The beef burgers left absolutely no residue, with no sticking. It was simply perfect. The buns toasted nicely again, too.

Sausage Hash

A quick sausage hash is a go-to lunch for me, and usually comprises of the vegetables I need to use up from the fridge. I used turkey sausages, onion, spinach, potato, and usually add tomatoes, although I omitted this from this test as it is inadvisable to cook high-acidity food in new cast iron.

As with the burgers, the meat browned evenly without sticking. The added finely diced onions caramelized quickly without scorching, and when I added starchy par-boiled potatoes, they hardly stuck. The pan did have some sticky residue on it after cooking, as to be expected, but it didn't burn, and was simple enough to scrape away with a wooden spoon.

Fried Eggs

Fried eggs are the real litmus test for a good pan. They are incredibly delicate, and the fine whites can stick and burn if you are not careful.

It is safe to say I was nervous for this test, but the preheated and oiled pan delivered once again. Having cracked two medium eggs into the hot oil, they fried wonderfully, developing a perfectly crispy skirt that didn't burn.

When it came to releasing them from the surface with my spatula, they lifted instantly without putting up a fight. After flipping and cooking, the pan had no debris left besides small parts of white that I broke off accidentally when separating the eggs. It felt miraculous.

Pancakes

It is safe to say that by the time I reached the pancake test, I was feeling incredibly confident. That said, I wasn't expecting just how perfectly it would master this task.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the first pancake of any batch is the sacrificial pancake. It never turns out quite right. This pan proved that wrong. I used my usual protein pancake mix, preheated the pan on low, and oiled well. I poured in the first batch of batter, allowed it to bubble across the surface, and flipped.

As with the eggs, the spatula slipped beneath with ease. To my joy, the pancake was perfectly golden, as you can see in the video below. I had my friend on a video call with me as I did this, and even she was impressed at how perfectly the first pancake turned out.

I needed to redistribute the oil between each pancake, lifting the pan and tilting it to ensure the surface was evenly coated without having to add any more. The rest of the pancakes were just as perfect.

After cooking, the pan looked as if it had hardly been used at all. It was brilliant, and I will never cook pancakes in anything else again.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Cleaning cast iron has a bad reputation for being difficult, and while it is not as simple as throwing it in the dishwasher or soaking it in the sink for a few hours, with the right steps, I found it to be surprisingly straightforward.

Because the pan didn't struggle with sticking, I waited for it to cool to the point of being very comfortable to handle, and used a chain mail scrubber, available at Walmart, to dislodge any debris, and then a soft sponge to clean away any excess grease.

Hand drying after is a must to avoid rust, but besides this, I also found putting it back on the stove for two minutes on a very low heat to be particularly effective at drying the metal out.

Beyond that, I seasoned lightly after every use with a small amount of grapeseed oil, also at Walmart, spreading it around the pan with a paper towel. Once dried, I put it back into my Umbra Peggy Organizer (from Amazon) in my cabinet.

It is recommended that you deeply season your cast-iron pans on occasion, adding more oil and baking it off in the oven. I have not reached this point with my pan yet, but given the ease of use in every other task, I do not expect any trouble with this.

How Does the Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Compare?

There are two main pans in our review catalogue to best compare the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet to, both tested by our former Kitchen Appliance Editor and Chef, Lydia Hayman.

The first is the Lodge Skillet, which has previously held the place of our best budget option. That said, I think the Victoria Skillet has taken its place. With its smooth surface and pretty design, it outdoes the rough machined surface of the Lodge for a similar price. They both perform well, but the smooth triple-seasoned surface of the Victoria makes it simpler to use out of the box.

Our current 'best in class' is the Field Company Skillet. This exceptional pan was met beat per beat by the Victoria pan. The Field Co pan feels slightly lighter in comparison, and is just as low stick, making either an excellent choice for your kitchen. At $165, however, it is almost seven times more expensive than the Victoria pan, so it will come down to budget and personal preference on design.

The Victoria 10" Cast Iron Skillet is also adored by customers, with several glowing five-star reviews on the Victoria Cookware site. Each complements how easy it is to use, even for first-time cast-iron cooks.

Of the lower star reviews, one user commented on the pan arriving with rust; however, I can only see one of these, and I am sure that the company facilitated an exchange, given the pans' limited lifetime warranty.

My Verdict: Should You Buy the Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet?

Without a shadow of a doubt, I think the Victoria Cast Iron Skillet is worth the money and then some. At only $25 for a 10" pan (at the time of writing), it is one of the most affordable pans on the market, and performs like pans four or five times the price.

It is perfectly suited to anyone who enjoys cooking with cast iron or who wants to start and is wary of some higher-priced pieces. It truly excels at frying meat and handles delicate frying with grace. I cannot wait to see what else I can create in it.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

If you care for cookware correctly, cast-iron can last for generations. To help you protect your investment, I’ve rounded up six of my favourite cleaning, seasoning, and maintenance tools to keep your new heirloom performing at its best for decades to come.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Not sure if cast iron is for you? We have a whole guide to choosing the best cookware that will help you find the right type for your household.

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Fried eggs should be one of the easiest things to cook. In a traditional non-stick pan, they usually are.

Switch to the best non-toxic cookware, however, and the learning curve can feel steep. Stainless steel, for instance, has a reputation for sticking, turning a simple fry-up into a frustrating clean-up job, and leaving delicate eggs in pieces before they reach the plate.

That is what makes the OXO Good Grips Silicone Flexible Turner, available at Amazon, such a kitchen hero. At $12, it is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make for your cookware. Here's why home cooks swear by it.

The smallest upgrades are often the most impactful in a kitchen. While a silicone spatula is hardly groundbreaking, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Flexible Turner is one of the best non-toxic kitchen utensils thanks to its exceptionally thin, flexible edge, which is designed specifically for delicate cooking tasks.

Many cheaper silicone tools or thicker plastic alternatives lack the fine, tapered edge needed to slide cleanly beneath food, often crushing or tearing it in the process. In contrast, the OXO pick slips beneath easily, preventing breaks and easily releasing food from tricky pans such as stainless steel and even cast iron, without scratching cookware surfaces.

Because it is made from silicone, it is safe to use on everything from ceramic non-stick to stainless steel, too, making it a versatile, non-toxic addition to any utensil crock to help care for every type of cookware.

Don't just take our word for it, either. With over 15,000 five-star reviews, shoppers are obsessed with how big a difference a $12 investment made to their cooking.

Verified shopper Brian W. Rossback, for instance, shared, 'I really like these spatulas! I don't care if you are using cast iron, ceramic-coated, Teflon-coated, or stainless-steel pans; this spatula is great.

'It is stiff enough to get under pretty much whatever you are cooking and flip it over, while being flexible enough to get into the edge of the pan. Things don't really stick to the silicone either, so it is really nice not just for flipping, but stirring and mixing in the pan as things cook. No more worries about scratching a surface, and no worries about cleanup afterward as it's non-porous.'

Fellow shopper Cooperator, agreed, dubbing it the 'best spatula, ever!'. They wrote, 'It flips eggs without breaking the yolk; it can chop up hamburger in the pan. It's sturdy but not too stiff. The size and shape make it perfect for cooking anything. It's not too fat, not too narrow. This spatula is right for any job.

'It makes a great gift for those who cook anything at all. It doesn't melt or warp; it holds up against time. I have yet to find another one that even compares to the quality and durability of this spatula.'

What Else to Shop

Securing a seamless cooking experience comes from building up a collection of trustworthy tools that you can rely on for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have rounded up six of my top picks, and the essential organziers that complement them, to instantly upgrade your kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, brush up on the worst stainless steel cleaning mistakes that might be ruining your cooking experience.

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When I learned that the Aarke Coffee Press was made from 100% stainless steel, I knew that I had to put it to the test. With zero plastic, it is the chic way to make a morning brew.

After trialing it at home, I can safely say it did not disappoint. The simple design brews wonderful coffee, with no gritty grounds escaping the quality filter. Even at the premium price point, it is easily one of the best non-toxic coffee makers on the market today.

Here's how I got on with the Aarke Coffee Press, and why this stylish staple will now be a permanent fixture on my counter.

Product Specifications: Aarke Coffee Press

Design and First Impressions

Having reviewed the Aarke Coffee Grinder previously, I expected good things from the Coffee Press. I am glad to say that the high-quality stainless steel has carried over.

Everything about the Aarke Coffee Press (also available at Williams Sonoma) oozes premium quality. The handle feels fantastic in the hand; it is not overly heavy despite the double-walled vacuum stainless steel body, and the polished exterior looks like something you would find in an upmarket coffee shop.

It arrived simply packaged, with no plastic besides a small piece of tape holding the box closed. Inside, the press was nestled in sturdy recyclable cardboard, with a soft bag to protect it from scratches. The matching coffee scoop was wrapped in paper. It is accompanied by an easy-to-read manual that offers suggestions on dosing and grind size, and specific instructions for use with the Aarke Coffee grinder.

What I love the most about this press is that it is plastic-free, with no BPAs in any part of the lid, filter, or plunger. It is pure, durable, non-reactive stainless steel, making it perfectly non-toxic. With a quick rinse, it was ready to use straight out of the box. It could not be simpler.

Performance

The best French presses make making coffee at home simple. Add your coffee grounds, your water, brew, and plunge before serving.

Aarke advises preheating the carafe before using, so I did just that, adding some hot water to let the steel warm up before dumping, drying, and adding my coffee and water.

I used the engraved measurements on the interior of the carafe to brew a four-cup measure, using the 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio to brew just over a single serving. The coffee was steeped for five minutes with the lid turned so that the spout was blocked off to prevent the coffee from cooling down.

I need not have worried about this, however. When the five minutes were up, I touched the exterior of the carafe and found it completely cool. It was as if I had not used the press at all, and it was still fresh out of the box. I was incredibly impressed at just how efficient the double wall insulation was.

Inside, the coffee was still piping hot. The plunger was easy to press down, although I will note that the stainless steel filter does scrape slightly on the stainless steel walls. This creates a small sound, but it is hardly disturbing.

The poured coffee was perfect. The filter kept all the coffee grounds compact and out of the final brew. The coffee was rich and smooth, and according to my partner, who has used it regularly since it arrived, the taste only improved with subsequent use. Whether that is a result of us fine-tuning our method or the stainless steel seasoning with time, I am not sure. Regardless, it makes it a promising investment.

I wanted to further test Aarke's claim that the press can keep coffee warm for up to three hours. To do so, I filled the carafe up to the six-cup measurement and used a food thermometer from Amazon to take readings every hour for three hours.

I preheated the carafe as before and was pleasantly surprised to find that the claim was fairly accurate. After three hours, the water had dropped by 55°F, with the temperature after three hours a comfortable 156°F. We don't generally recommend steeping French press coffee for this long, as you risk over-extraction, but it is nice to know that you are not at risk of a cold brew if you steep a little longer than the suggested five minutes.

Throughout the process, the exterior of the press stayed perfectly cool to the touch. The insulation is next to none.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning a French press always comes with the mildly irritating task of scooping the compacted grounds from the base, but overall, the Aarke is easy to clean.

Because of the large capacity, I found it easiest to use a wooden mixing spoon to reach the base and fish out the coffee to put into my compost. Beyond that the carafe was easy to rinse out. The filter separates with a small screw bolt at the base, making it easy to rinse between the layers and remove any lingering coffee.

All of the parts are dishwasher safe, too, but hand washing is simple enough. Just avoid harsh abrasives to prevent cosmetic scratches. I will note that, being stainless steel, the polished exterior is very prone to water marks if left to air dry, so I suggest towel drying to maintain the shine.

Despite the 34 oz capacity, the press is easy to store in a cabinet or on a shelf and looks good enough to be left on display as part of your coffee station.

How the Aarke Coffee Press Compares

Having used cheap own-brand glass French presses before, the difference is as clear as night and day. You might not be able to watch your coffee brew with the Aarke Stainless Steel Coffee Press; however, the double-wall insulation and plastic-free construction make it a far more elevated brewing experience, without the fear of contaminants.

The top premium contender for the Aarke is the Espro P7 French Press, which has retained its position as the best stainless steel coffee maker for the last few years. Another 32 oz brewer, the Espro is around $5 cheaper on average (at the time of writing). The main difference is in the filter. The Aarke uses a very typical filter comprised of a stainless steel spiral plate, mesh filter, and a cross plate. The Espro uses a patented double wire mesh filter, which is made using BPA-free plastic. As it is BPA-free, it is non-toxic; however, for those who are very particular about 'plastic-free' brews, the Aarke takes the cake.

They both deliver delicious, rich, grit-free coffee with double-wall insulation that keeps coffee warm for hours. Which you choose will come down to your particulars about plastic, BPA-free or not.

Should You Buy the Aarke Coffee Press?

I would absolutely recommend the Aarke Coffee Press to anyone who enjoys French press-style coffee. It is simple to use with premium construction and materials that promise plastic-free brewing.

While the Aarke does come in at a more premium price point ($150 at the time of writing), the quality justifies the investment. The vacuum insulation promises hot coffee without the risk of burns, and the easy-to-hold handle and balanced carafe make for easy pouring. We have noticed a steady improvement in flavour with each use, too, which promises great things for dedicated users. I think it is worth the price, and will be a fantastic find should it drop into any sales.

What Else to Shop

To help you detoxify your coffee routine and create the perfect home café, I’ve curated a selection of my favourite accessories, from non-toxic brewing essentials to smart organization upgrades that make every cup feel a little more special.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To help start your more mindful routine, consider selecting the best ethical coffee beans next.

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Kitchen scraps are surprisingly useful. From making compost to brewing stock, they have a lot of life left in them despite the name. Perhaps one of the most practical uses, however, is as a pest deterrent.

As the summer weather starts to peak, pesky bugs are at their most active, seeking suitable shelter to reproduce. Kitchen scraps can make non-toxic deterrents that make areas less attractive to pests, explains Ed Dolshun, Technical Director at Catchmaster. 'They can help with light activity, but if pests keep showing up, there is usually a food source, moisture issue, or entry point that needs to be fixed.'

These are the three scraps worth repurposing for natural pest control and how to use them to deter persistent bugs.

1. Used Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can help to keep bugs away and smell fantastic while doing so. Given that good-quality, ethical coffee beans can be expensive, this is a great way to further justify the spend while avoiding creating unnecessary trash at home.

As Ed Dolshun explains, 'Used coffee grounds can be particularly helpful outside around patios, trash bins, or garden edges because the strong smell can make those areas less appealing to some crawling insects. The important thing is not to overdo it. If coffee grounds sit too long and stay wet, they can start to break down and attract pests instead. I would use them as a short-term outdoor deterrent and refresh or remove them regularly.'

Collecting your coffee grounds is easiest with the best non-toxic coffee makers. I use the Bialetti Moka Pot, available at Amazon, and the grounds are simple to tap out of the funnel after each use. The Aarke French Press, from Williams Sonoma, also makes it easy. Made entirely from stainless steel, you do not need to worry about either vessel contaminating the grounds with nano or microplastics that might pollute your outdoor environment.

2. Banana Peels

Banana peels are fantastic for plants, acting as free fertilizer without added harsh chemicals. The added benefit to using this kitchen waste in your garden and pots is non-toxic pest control.

Allan Bossel, operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator, explains, 'Banana peels are one of the underrated kitchen scraps that homeowners can use against summer pests, especially ants and aphids. What makes it effective is isoamyl acetate, which releases a strong scent when broken down.

'Simply chop the peels into small pieces and then bury them around the base of your plants to avoid attracting fruit flies and rotting in the sun. Also, you can create a nutrient boost from these scraps by soaking the chopped peels in a jar of water for two days.'

This airtight storage jar from Walmart is perfect for this, letting the skins soak without accidentally attracting pests with the sweet smell.

3. Leftover Nutmeg and Mace

There are plenty of spices that deter common garden pests, but for summer, Allan suggests leftover nutmeg and mace, usually found in abundance in pantries and kitchen cabinets after the fall and winter baking seasons. Repurposing them prevents stale spices next season, without them going entirely to waste.

'They contain myristicin, a natural plant compound that seems to deter bugs,' Allan explains. 'Nutmeg can keep termites away and mess up ant scent trails. Simply sprinkle your expired nutmeg powder right along your home's foundation to block bugs. You can even throw it in your pantry bins to ward off grain weevils or simmer it in water to make a quick bug spray for wooden patio furniture.

'However, if you’re a pet owner, keep nutmeg away from your dogs because their bodies can’t metabolize myristicin. It’s toxic for them even in small amounts.'

What Else to Consider

Natural deterrents are a fantastic first defense against an infestation; however, they should not be relied upon entirely. Doing so is one of the most common pest control mistakes.

Ed warns that natural deterrents only work if the basics are handled too. 'Keep food sealed, wipe up spills, take trash out regularly, check for moisture, and seal gaps where pests may be getting in,' he advises.

'If you are still seeing consistent activity after that, then it is usually at the point where monitoring tools or targeted traps make sense. Catchmaster’s window fly traps [from Amazon] are an easy option for kitchens and glass doors where flies tend to collect. For crawling pests, Catchmaster’s glue boards [also from Amazon] can be placed under sinks, along baseboards, in garages, basements or near entry points to help monitor what is actually getting inside. They are pesticide-free and odorless, which is helpful for households that want to avoid indoor sprays.'

What to Shop

Preventing pests requires a multifaceted approach, from the best deterrents to top cleaning tips. These are the essentials to help keep them at bay without harsh chemicals.

All prices correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Keep an eye out for the signs it's time to call professional pest control to prevent lasting damage to your home and health.

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Shopping for food storage is hardly glamorous. It is often the afterthought of the kitchen, relying on tired plastic pots that usually look a little worse for wear.

Now, however, Le Creuset is offering timeless stainless-steel food containers that look just as good as its best non-toxic cookware, combining the brand's signature style with a durable, non-toxic approach to food storage.

The stainless steel pots can be used for everything from on-the-go lunches to arranging a fridge.

As a health-conscious cook, I am always looking for food storage ideas that both help to reduce food waste and limit my exposure to plastics. Stainless steel is one of the best ways to do this as a non-reactive material that is more durable than glass. As a clumsy person, this is essential to me.

The Le Creuset On The GO Boxes are made from the same quality stainless steel as their best-selling pans, including the Essential Stainless Steel Pan I reviewed not long ago. The lightweight design means that the pots are simple to pack and take with you, and are much easier to move around your kitchen than heavier glass containers if you struggle with grip or finger dexterity.

Being metal, the containers are, of course, not microwave-safe, which may prove awkward for those who like to reheat their leftovers in the same container they stored them in. That said, the steel helps to keep the contents warm if added hot, especially if it is preheated in advance, adds one reviewer.

In their five-star review, they shared, 'As someone who avoids microwaves and plastic, this has been a perfect solution. I preheat it by filling it with hot water and sealing the lid while I heat my food separately. Then I dump the water, add my food, and seal it, and it keeps everything hot really well until lunchtime.'

They may be a simple swap, but when it comes to creating a non-toxic home, few kitchen upgrades offer the same combination of practicality, durability, and sleek design while delivering everyday peace of mind.

What Else to Shop

From non-toxic food storage to essential care tools that keep them performing at their best, I’ve curated six healthier kitchen swaps designed to reduce potential exposure and create a more mindful cooking environment.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking for something a little more fun for your summer food storage? Le Creuset has quietly relaunched its coveted summer fruit cocottes, perfect for summer hosting.

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Finding enough cooking space to feed a crowd can be a challenge, especially in a compact kitchen such as mine.

That is why the HexClad Double Burner Griddle Pan has caught my attention as a potential summer hosting saviour. Designed to span two burners, it effectively doubles your cooking surface without the hassle of juggling or trying to fit multiple large pans next to each other. This gadget makes it easy to fry, sear, and sauté for a group. Better still, it works on induction and electric cooktops.

It is also completely non-stick, non-toxic cookware, and it is currently $30 off in the summer sale. For anyone looking to simplify summer hosting without sacrificing performance, this is a clever small-space solution.

While the best grills offer a practical solution to large-party cooking in summer, I don't want to have to be outside to cook. They can't tackle more delicate tasks such as brunch-time pancakes, either. While I could continue to struggle with several pans in my small kitchen, this approach equals more stress, more clutter, and more cleaning up.

The HexClad Hybrid Double Burner Griddle is the sleek alternative that instantly streamlines the setup. Made with HexClad's signature hybrid stainless steel-ceramic non-stick, it covers two burners to heat the whole plate evenly for a larger cooking surface without refitting my kitchen.

While I haven't used the griddle myself yet, I do have a 10" HexClad Frying Pan and a tiny Hybrid Milk Pot, and can testify to just how sonderful the non-stick truly is. Usually troublesome oil and butter pour like water from a duck's back, making clean up a breeze.

With tri-ply construction with an aluminum core for quicker, even heating, it’s safe to use on any home cooktop or stovetop, including induction, and is metal utensil-safe, dishwasher-friendly, and oven-safe up to 900°F. I can't think of a more versatile investment.

HexClad shoppers agree. Cheryl K gave the griddle five stars, having used it outdoors on their grill, sharing, 'I used it on top of our grill grate to make smash burgers on one side of the pan and assorted grilled veggies on the other. It was a great one-pan meal! I also used it to bake pizzas and stromboli. Can’t wait to try it on my stovetop!'

Kathleen T similarly added, 'Of all the HexClad I own (and I have almost all of the pieces), this one is my favorite. I use it so much that it lives permanently on my stovetop. I am a huge fan!'

What Else to Shop

From other investment-worthy HexClad cookware to essential summer cooking accessories, I have rounded up my top picks to outfit your kitchen ahead of the hosting season.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Your cookware is not your only thing to upgrade ahead of the warm weather. These must-have finds can help to prep your home for summer hosting, too.

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If you’ve ever forgotten a key ingredient in the fridge and fetched it mid-prepping your chicken or other meat for the grill, you’ve likely also cross-contaminated your appliance’s door handles in the process.

Professional cleaners warn that your fridge handles are one of the most easily forgotten areas for kitchen cleaning, but one of the most important to prevent avoidable illness, especially in the hotter summer months.

Here, experts explain why sanitizing this area is vital, and how to do so adequately without the need for harsh chemicals, so you can maintain the non-toxic home you have created.

Rosa Picosa, a Fabuloso® cleaning expert, explains, ‘We tend to use the fridge multiple times a day, and throughout the swirl of the day we can pick up germs unintentionally and then, we go to touch our face, food, and utensils without realizing our hands may not be as clean as we may think, which can potentially lead to spreading bacteria.'

This cross-contamination can be a key carrier for spreading germs in the kitchen, especially if you touch raw chicken or unclean produce and then proceed to open the fridge and other appliances. In one study on cross-contamination, it was reported that 'good hygiene practices in the kitchen are crucial to reducing the risk of foodborne diseases.'

To help prevent that spread from happening, Rosa adds, 'When cleaning the kitchen, I like to finish the area by wiping down the spots people touch all the time, like fridge doors, cabinet handles, and the faucet. These little details don’t take long, but they help the kitchen feel clean and keep germs from spreading too far out of our control.’

Why Fridge Handles Are Often Forgotten When Cleaning

Despite fridge handles being a high-traffic zone, they’re often forgotten, with professional cleaners identifying this area as a grimy spot they always notice in clients' homes.

Rosa adds, ‘I find people often stick to cleaning high-traffic, visible areas such as countertops, stovetops, and sinks. I always recommend spending no more than 10-15 minutes each day tackling one zone – I love to set a timer – wiping down counters and stovetops, spot-cleaning cabinet fronts, refreshing the sink area, or cleaning kitchen appliances such as the fridge.

‘The key is cleaning consistently to avoid the build-up of grime and sticky fingerprints before they turn into bigger cleaning jobs. These mini refreshes help the kitchen stay cleaner longer and make weekly deep cleans much easier.’

Keeping a regular and achievable cleaning schedule will also help, but washing your hands well when handling raw produce and before touching handles is the best preventative measure you can take.

How to Keep on Top of Fridge Hygiene in Busy Hosting Periods

Little and often works best, so that your kitchen’s hygiene remains an ongoing project. You don’t have to do it all at once; chip away at the tasks, zone by zone, regularly to ensure everything is tackled without your cleaning chores feeling overwhelming.

Rosa adds, ‘The main takeaway is that cleaning frequency is really about consistency, not perfection. My top tip for maintaining a frequent cleaning routine is to start small and be consistent.

‘Focus on managing daily cleaning tasks by doing a little bit each day, then conduct deeper cleans with what best fits your schedule – whether weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. For me, consistency helps ground me and determine what is essential.’

For easy upkeep of your fridge:

• Clean the handles when you wipe your countertops, so it becomes a habit-stacking task that's easy to keep the momentum going. Of course, if you have cross-contaminated the handles during meal prep, sanitize those immediately. Clorox wipes, available at Amazon, will eliminate all bacteria.
• Wipe down your fridge shelves as groceries run out and space clears, or just before loading your new haul of food.
• Clean the shelves inside your fridge's door once every week or two, especially if you store drinks and open jars here.
• Don't forget to tackle your fruit and vegetable drawers, as that forgotten-about tomato or lettuce will release liquid and become a hot spot for mold and bacteria, even in the chilled environment of your fridge. Using hot soapy water and a clean microfiber cloth, and drying the drawer fully will work just fine. You can also remove these and wash them by hand in the sink with a spot of dish soap, such as Dawn, from Walmart.
• Sanitize your water dispenser weekly to avoid 'pink mold', which is actually a common household bacterium that thrives in damp spaces.

The Realities of Sanitizing Without Harsh Chemicals

While harsher commercial cleaners work more quickly and efficiently, studies have confirmed the efficacy of natural cleaning products when used correctly and at the right concentrations.

A study in BMC Microbiology in 2020 found that vinegar at a minimum concentration of 10%, with 1.5% citric acid, kills many household germs, including strains of E. coli. Both vinegar and citric acid are available to buy at Walmart.

The exception to this natural cleaning rule, and where more astringent solutions may be needed, is if a member of your household is ill with a viral or bacterial infection that could spread.

In this case, make sure to use an adequate disinfectant such as Clorox wipes, available at Amazon, which eliminates 99.9% of germs.

What to Shop

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting bring different levels of germ-busting, and it is possible to use gentler cleaners and natural ingredients with adequate effect if you leave them on for long enough.

Here are a few sanitizing essentials to help you achieve this without resorting to harsher chemicals while still cleaning well.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Fridge door handles are not the only place you might be forgetting to clean. There are vital spaces in the bedroom easily forgotten, which also require regular sanitation.

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After investing in a quality induction cooktop, the last thing you want is to notice unusual noises or a noticeable 'buzz' during use.

The good news is that the issue is rarely the stovetop itself − more often, it is your cookware. In fact, experts note, this can be a clear sign that your pans need replacing.

Switching to the best induction cookware with a flat, fully magnetic base can reduce the noise and improve efficiency. Here's how.

How Damaged Pans Can Cause an Induction Stove to 'Buzz'

The short answer is that your stove will often audibly 'buzz' when a pan is too thin, lightweight, or warped, preventing it from sitting flush on the induction ring.

Compared to electric cooktops, induction stoves rely on flush contact to efficiently transfer energy to the pan. Rather than heating the hob itself, they heat the cookware directly, improving both efficiency and safety. The resulting sound is caused by electromagnetic vibrations passing through the metal and is rarely a fault with the stove itself.

Luckily, this common induction hob mistake is simple to resolve, says Mike Williams of Kenyon. It is simply a sign you need to replace your pans.

'In order for an induction stove to work, you need cookware that contains iron or has a magnetic base, and a flat bottom to ensure full contact with the surface for efficient magnetic connection,' he explains. 'Those high-frequency electromagnetic fields used for heating cause the metal in the pan to vibrate rapidly.'

A thicker, flat-based pan, such as the GreenPan Spectra Thermobond Ceramic Frying Pan, or the All-Clad D3 Everyday Stainless Steel Set, will help dampen the sound, often reducing the sound to near silence while improving efficiency.

What to Shop

To quiet your cooktop and elevate your evening meals, I’ve rounded up some of the best non-toxic cookware you can invest in, along with essential induction accessories that will instantly upgrade your kitchen setup.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Not sure if your cookware is safe for induction? This quick induction magnet test can help you work it out in seconds.

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After spending a few months cooking with the Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan, I have fallen in love with stainless steel cooking. Having previously avoided the material, fearing burnt dinners and hours spent scrubbing at the sink, the heritage cookware has proven that with patience, even pans that are not naturally non-stick can produce simple yet delicious results.

In terms of the best non-toxic cookware, the heirloom quality offerings from Le Creuset are the perfect investment, promising long-term health benefits in a move away from 'forever chemicals' in a pan that you can safely use for decades without replacement.

Here is exactly how I got on with the Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan during my testing, the tiny snags and how I worked around them, and why I think this is one of the best stainless steel pans you can invest in for your home.

Product Specifications: Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan

Design and First Impressions

As with other Le Creuset products I have unboxed, the Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan came in recyclable packaging, with a sturdy cardboard box and tissue paper wrapping. There was one sticker inside the pan, which did prove difficult to get off, however after cleaning with olive oil to break down the adhesive naturally, this came away easily, allowing me to rinse the pan with warm soapy water before first use.

The pan is ready to use straight out of the box, and looks wonderful on the stove. I tested the 11-inch pan, which comes with a helper handle, helping to balance out the weight. I am able to support this pan in one hand with relative ease, but the helper handle is nice to have for moving the pan when it is particularly full, or it has been in the oven.

Cooking Performance

Cooking with stainless steel is not as simple as using non-stick, but with the right technique, you can achieve superior crispy results without the risk of 'forever chemical' contamination. The secret, I learned, is to use the Leidenfrost effect, allowing the pan to heat up enough that when you sprinkle water onto the surface, it beads and rolls away, rather than boils and steams off immediately. This indicates that you have enough of a heat barrier that food will not instantly adhere to the surface.

This does take some practise and getting used to, and is the same story with every stainless steel pan at any price point. I noticed that the three-ply Le Creuset pan, however, made it marginally easier as (when heated slowly) it heated evenly across the whole surface, preventing hot and cold spots.

To test the pan, I ran my usual delicate tests:

• Gyoza: Dumplings are one of my favorite foods, and gyoza are at the top of my list. When cooking in the Essential Stainless Steel Frying pan with a splash of oil, the dumplings browned and crisped evenly, and released without the delicate bottoms tearing.
• Tofu: Tofu is another great, delicate test, as it can tear easily and can be tricky to brown. Every time I cooked tofu in the Essential pan it did stick; however, it stuck and tore less with practice. The secret is to press as much water out as possible before adding to your oiled pan, and searing until it releases naturally. Any sticking was easily scraped away with a firmer touch, and it did not burn. Otherwise, the tofu crisped wonderfully.
• Onions: Onions are an essential test for any pan. In the Essential Frying Pan, they sauteed evenly, cooking down without scorching or sticking.
• Fried Eggs: Frying eggs took some trial and error, with one egg sticking slightly and the other releasing with ease. I think this came down to user error and not using an even coating of oil in the pan. It wasn't the easiest process, but the pan still delivered, giving crispy bases, and the stuck-on residue was easy to remove with my spatula once cooled.
• Sauces: In my liquid tests, simmering bolognaise, the liquid bubbled evenly across the surface, demonstrating wonderful heat retention and even heating, even on a stove ring smaller than the diameter of the pan.
• Pancakes: Pancakes were surprisingly easy in the pan. The batter bubbled quickly, and the pancake lifted and flipped easily without tearing or sticking, as you can see in the video below.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Despite food occasionally sticking, cleaning and caring for the cookware was straightforward. After letting the pan cool, I would clean it with warm soapy water and a soft dish sponge. Nine times out of ten, this delicate approach was more than enough to remove residue. When a more thorough approach was required, soaking the pan in warm soapy water often loosened the debris enough to be wiped away later.

There were two occasions where user error (i.e., heating the pan on too high a heat for too long) resulted in oil burning onto the surface. This was more difficult to remove, even after cleaning with lemon juice. Because stainless steel is so tough, however, a small amount of Barkeeper's Friend from Amazon on a soft cloth helped to buff away residue and restore the pan to new.

Storing the pan was also simple. Although it is large, and the long handle and protruding helper handle on the 11-inch model give this pan a large footprint, you can stack stainless steel pans easily without the fear of damaging delicate coatings. If you wish to prevent cosmetic scratches, you can use a standing cookware organizer like my Umbra Peggy Organizer from Walmart, or felt pan stackers from Amazon to help save space.

How Does the Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan Compare?

The Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan fares well against similar competition. While it is on the more expensive side, given the nature of the brand heritage, it promises heirloom quality.

In comparison to cookware such as the recently reviewed All-Clad D3 Everyday Stainless Steel Cookware Set, another on-par brand for quality, the Le Creuset pan performed just as well in every test, except for frying an egg, where the All-Clad just had the upper hand on easy release. That said, the All-Clad pan is more expensive at the recommended retail price, costing $139.99 compared to the Le Creuset at $125 (at the time of writing). When you consider the tiny difference, I think it makes the Le Creuset pick worth it.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan?

After using this pan religiously for several months, I can strongly recommend the Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Frying Pan to anyone looking for a durable, heirloom-quality stainless steel pan to upgrade their kitchen.

So long as you select stainless steel with the knowledge that it takes more work and practise than non-stick, you are sure to see promising rewards across a range of dishes. That said, for very delicate tasks such as fried eggs, I would still suggest a ceramic non-stick pan, especially for those new to stainless steel cooking or who want a quick, fuss-free breakfast routine. Otherwise, I cannot fault the performance, nor the quality.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

If you are considering stainless steel for the first time when choosing the best cookware, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite accessories to help you make the most of your new pans, with fewer of the learning curves I had to work through.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

If you are looking to detoxify the rest of your kitchen setup, next consider the best non-toxic kitchen appliances.

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I was never sure ceramic pans would be worth the money. However, after testing the Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware, I can firmly say I have been converted.

Offering superior non-stick performance without the risk of 'forever chemicals', the titanium-reinforced ceramic non-toxic cookware offered both peace of mind and simpler mid-week cooking, with delicious results to boot. My only concern? Longevity.

This is how I found using the Zwilling Milano cookware set, specifically the saucepan, frying pan, saute pan, and wok, over the last month, and the small niggles that knocked off a star.

Product Specifications: Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware

Design and First Impressions

There is no denying that the Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware looks good. Available in matte black, blue, and brown (all with brass-effect handles), the pans cut a fine figure on my cooktop, giving them their first win.

Each pan was boxed individually and came in 100% recyclable packaging, with no plastic or tape getting in the way. The careful folds of the box and the pretty tissue paper protected both the pans and the glass lids from knocks and damage in transit.

One thing I did notice right out of the box was the weight. These are premium pans, and they feel it. The larger pans, notably the saute pan and wok, were tricky to hold in one hand for too long, even for my partner, who is a climber, meaning he has fantastic grip strength. This is accounted for in the design, with the larger pans having helper handles.

Each pan was washed with warm soapy water as instructed before first use.

Cooking Performance

Using the Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware was a dream. It was my first time using ceramic non-stick, but I found it easier to use than traditional PFAS-based non-stick cookware. The added peace of mind they gave me made the whole process far more enjoyable.

Each pan heated evenly, all the way to the rims, and retained heat as I cooked, which led to a few scorched onions during the first few uses when I forgot to turn down the heat accordingly. I found that I was generally able to use lower temperatures, as the cold-forged aluminum cores did most of the work for me. The long handles came in useful here, as the edges of the pan were searing to the touch, even on stove rings that were smaller than the diameter of the pan.

One thing to note is that each pan gave off a slightly strange smell on the first use. Even after washing, there was a slight 'factory' smell as it heated. This occurred with every pan on the first use, but not beyond that. It did not affect flavor, either.

Besides cooking, serving was also slightly cumbersome due to the weight of the larger pans. The saute pan, for instance, was difficult to hold in one hand, even for my gym-going partner, meaning we could not pour from it into bowls. A serving spoon fixed this (specifically a silicone spoon from Walmart, as metal utensils can damage the coating), but it is something to note if you have lessened grip strength. This is not as much of an issue with the smaller saucepan and frying pan.

To help you choose the best cookware, we test the same foods in all of our pans, to give you a fair overview:

• Gyoza: I always joke that dumplings are my favorite 'food group', so this is an important test to pass. The Milano frying pan handled the delicate challenge with ease, crisping the bases and releasing perfectly. No complaints.
• Tofu: Tofu is another great, delicate test, as it can tear easily and can be tricky to brown. The Milano wok handled it with ease, developing a wonderfully even golden edge with no sticking.
• Onions: Onions are the base of several cuisines, so it is important for a pan to caramelize them without sticking and scorching. The wok, frying pan, and saute pan all handled this with ease. The only scorching occurred as a result of user error and heating the pan too much.
• Pancakes: Pancakes bubbled evenly in the frying pan, released with ease for neat flipping, and did not stick.
• Fried Eggs: Fried eggs developed a crisp base without sticking. The pans were so nonstick that it was actually difficult to pick them out of the pan with a spatula (see the video below).
• Chicken Stir Fry: Chicken browned evenly, developing great color and flavor, and the added vegetables and noodles were easy to stir up, thanks to the large capacity.
• Sauces: In our liquid tests, simmering bolognaise, the liquid bubbled evenly across the surface, and when left to cook, it did not stick or burn.
• Rice: When cooking rice in the saucepan, it boiled evenly, and the grains were light and fluffy. The rice was easy to serve, with no sticking to the edges. Starch also washed off easily afterwards, too.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Cleaning the Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware was a breeze. Zwilling states that the pans are dishwasher safe, but I hand-washed the pans with ease using a soft dish sponge and non-toxic dish soap (such as Attitude dish soap, from Walmart). Residue came away easily with zero scrubbing, taking only a few seconds per pan.

When storing the pans, you must avoid stacking them to prevent damaging the delicate ceramic coating. For this, felt pan stackers, available at Amazon, can come in handy, especially if you are short on kitchen storage.

During the review process, I stored the pans with their glass lids on. After a few weeks, I noticed some damage to the rims of the most-used saute and saucepan, where the blue ceramic had chipped away. At first, I thought this may be from balancing the metal handles of my silicone utensils against the edge of the cookware on the stove, but the chips can also be found on the saucepan, in which I have only ever used wooden tools, which debunks this theory. I am left under the assumption that the damage is from the lids.

This does raise concerns about the general longevity of the cookware, especially at the premium cost. What's more, I did experience some water getting stuck in the edge of the lid, which I could not get out again.

How Does the Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Compare?

The Zwilling Milano cookware stands up well against similarly positioned ceramic cookware. As with the Our Place Essentials Cookware, reviewed by Punteha van Terheyden, the ceramic coating is wonderfully non-stick, washes well, and cooks evenly. They are similar in weight, too. The difference lies in the longevity promise and price.

In her review, Punteha had no quality issues with the coating, with no reports thus far of chips or damage with frequent use. At $349.95 for an 11-piece set, they also come in significantly cheaper than the $599.99 five-piece Zwilling Milano set (at the time of writing).

Customer reviews on Zwilling's site largely agree with me. Verified shoppers around the world praise the excellent non-stick qualities, beautiful design, and ease of cleaning. However, there are similar mentions in a review by Ilona, of chips around the rims after a few uses, even after washing, which supports my concerns about long-term longevity. What's more, several reviews mention water sticking in the rims of the glass lids.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware?

All in all, I do generally recommend the Zwilling Milano Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware, even with my concerns about longevity and water sticking in the lids. The results cannot be argued with, offering crisp bases at lower temperatures, even searing, and delicious, non-toxic results. They also look and feel premium, offering a wonderful pop of color to my counter.

The chips on the rims cannot be ignored, of course, but they have not, thus far, affected the cooking surface itself. I am going to try to test the pans for longer to monitor for additional damage, and will hopefully report back if needed. All in all, now understanding the true fragility of the coating, adjusting care by maintaining hand washing over dish washing, and avoiding balancing metal-handle tools or lids on the rims when cooking and in storage should hopefully mitigate future issues.

All in all, despite the price, they are a good investment, and I cannot fault the cooking experience and delicious results. With careful use, they are worth it; however, I would recommend waiting for a sale to find more value.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

To help you get the best performance from your ceramic non-stick cookware, I’ve curated six essential accessories and care tools designed to protect the coating and streamline everyday cooking.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Looking to make your cookware investments last for decades to come? Brush up on how to clean and care for every type of cookware.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

After using the GreenPan Bistro 7‑Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer for two weeks, I found it to be a hardworking, budget-friendly appliance that ticks plenty of practical boxes. You get an extra-large drawer suited to family-sized meals, PFAS-free components, and a standout glass lid that lets you monitor food as it cooks.

I usually gravitate toward air fryer toaster ovens, largely because I live in a small apartment and appreciate any appliance that can pull double duty. But sometimes a single-purpose tool that does one job exceptionally well is exactly what you need, and this model from GreenPan delivers on that front.

I was impressed by how intuitive it was and how reliably it handled everyday staples. If you want an affordable, non-toxic air fryer for a dorm room, small kitchen, or to keep on hand for family dinners and casual gatherings, it’s a strong contender.

Product Specifications: GreenPan Bistro 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer

Design and First Impressions

The GreenPan Clear View is not your average air fryer. Its signature feature is a clear lid, which the company claims allows you to see when your food is ready. It’s a nice idea, and it does separate it from its competitors, but because it’s anchored by the control panel, it’s not exactly a wide-open view. I was curious as to how this would pan out when cooking. The air fryer was packaged well, and all its parts arrived safely, so unpacking and setting up were a cinch. I made sure to wash the drawer and air crisper tray in soapy water before using it, and just plugged it in.

The drawer is nice and roomy at seven quarts, and looks like it could easily fit an entire bag of French fries or a whole chicken. Perfect for someone like me, with a family that includes two growing teens and a bunch of hungry friends.

The rest of the air fryer is nothing dramatic. Its square shape has rounded edges, and its cord is long enough to use in most conventional kitchens. I also like the LED control panel, which is straightforward, with little easy-to-see screen presets shaped like fish, chicken, steak, vegetables, etc.

Cooking Performance

To make choosing the best kitchen appliances easier, we test a standard set of foods across all of our air fryers to make comparing the results simple.

The GreenPan Bistro was very intuitive to use overall, so much so that I did not find myself needing the instruction manual to get started.

French Fries

Testing frozen fries is always my first move when reviewing a new air fryer, so I happily planned ahead to cheat on my summer diet. The drawer on the GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer is generously sized at seven quarts, but I resisted the urge to overfill it, knowing crowded fries rarely crisp well.

I started with a modest batch of thin-cut frozen fries and used the preset, which automatically set the temperature to 400°F for 20 minutes. Halfway through, the machine beeped, and the 'Shake' icon illuminated on the control panel, prompting me to pull out the tray and toss the fries. The result after 20 minutes was spot-on: Evenly crisped, golden fries that my son and I quickly divided between us.

For the second round, I pushed the limits and poured an entire bag of fries into the drawer. They fit easily, though I suspected they would need extra time to cook properly. I tried the preset again and followed the same process, including the mid-cycle shake, but as expected, the standard timing fell short. I added five more minutes using the 'Temp/Timer' control. This was also when I tested the Clear View lid to check browning. While the wraparound glass offered a glimpse inside, it wasn’t quite clear enough to judge doneness at a glance.

The added time ultimately did the trick, producing evenly cooked fries despite the fuller basket. Next time, I’ll skip the guesswork and go straight for 25 minutes at 400°F when cooking a larger batch.

Chicken and Salmon

For me, the whole appeal of an air fryer is making healthier meals taste better, so chicken felt like the natural next test in the GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer. I sliced about a pound of chicken into cutlets, tossed them with jerk seasoning and a few sprays of avocado oil, then arranged them in the basket.

There’s no dedicated 'Chicken' preset, only one for wings, so I selected the Air Fry function and set it to 360°F for 20 minutes. I suspected they might need extra time, but I’d rather add minutes than risk drying them out. When the shake alert sounded, I turned the pieces over with a fork instead. In the end, they needed about seven additional minutes to cook through.

The cutlets came out tender and fully cooked, though the appliance’s 400°F maximum temperature meant they never developed the crisp exterior I typically look for in air-fried chicken. To test that theory, I cooked a batch of breaded frozen chicken tenders for roughly the same amount of time. Those emerged perfectly crisp, though, of course, they weren’t nearly as healthy.

As a final test, I added frozen salmon from Trader Joe's. I lightly salted the fillets, squeezed over some lemon juice, added a spray of avocado oil, and some fresh dill. I used the Seafood preset, which is 360 degrees Fahrenheight at 15 minutes, and that turned out beautifully

Vegetables

For vegetables, I began with a baked sweet potato. I pricked it with a fork, sprayed it lightly with avocado oil, and rubbed it with salt. The Bake preset defaulted to 360°F for 15 minutes, which I knew wouldn’t be nearly long enough. I did some research and found that the usual instructions for cooking a sweet potato in an air fryer are 400 degrees Fahrenheit on Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. That proved to be spot on: When I sliced it open, the sweet potato was steaming and soft inside with a crisp skin, exactly how I like it.

Next, I sliced some zucchini, gave it the same avocado spray and salting, then used the Vegetable preset, which is 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This time, I did shake them when the beeper went off, but they still needed longer once the timer ran out. I ended up increasing the temperature by 50 degrees and added another six minutes. I could see enough through the limited window to see they were starting to get a little darker than I’d like after five minutes, so I stopped it and took them out.

I’ve never found the air fryer a great way to crisp up veggies in general, though I’m always hoping to find the holy grail every time I test a new one. Yet, once again, the zucchini was well-cooked, but never got the proper crunch.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning an air fryer is much easier than its larger toaster oven counterparts, and the Clear View was no different. I just took out the drawer, threw the tray in the dishwasher, and washed out the inside of the drawer with a soft sponge and some dish soap. You can put the drawer in the dishwasher as well, but it takes up a whole lot of room, so I tend not to.

If you use the air fryer a lot, you can easily store it on your kitchen counter, and it fits easily under most conventional cabinets. If you have a big enough kitchen storage, it’s lightweight enough to take in and out of storage when you need it.

How Does the GreenPan Bistro 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer Compare?

The GreenPan Bistro 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer offers something different with the top-down viewing window, allowing you to keep track of cooking progress without having to open the drawer. That said, it still performs as you would expect any other standalone air fryer to.

Being a standalone air fryer, it does not function as a dehydrator, toaster, or broiler like air fryer oven variants such as the Ninja French Door Air Fryer I reviewed, but that said it does a very good job at what it advertises. Which type you pick will depend on what you need your application to do. Would I replace my air fryer toaster oven, like the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro, with it? Probably not. But, if you are looking for something new to take the place of several appliances, this might not work for you. Otherwise, it is a fantastic, sizable air fryer unit that will deliver time and time again.

Should You Buy The GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360° Clear View Air Fryer?

The GreenPan Bistro 7-Quart 360 Degree Clear View Air Fryer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a non-toxic air fryer that can do all the basics well. It offers a wide range of presets, an intuitive interface, and a nice, deep drawer that works well for groups or families.

The Clear View lid feels more like a gimmick, since you have to peek through the edges of the wraparound window, but it does offer a glimpse of your food if you don’t feel like opening the drawer. I’m also never thrilled when an air fryer doesn’t go over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, considering the entire point is cooking at a high temperature, but it gets the job done nonetheless.

In the end, this is most definitely worth the just over $100 pricetag, and an especially good buy for students or folks looking to stay on a budget. However, if you want something that you’ll use every day, or that you feel more comfortable taking up space on your countertop, I’d suggest looking at one of our favorite toaster oven/air fryer combos.

How We Test Air Fryers

When looking at air fryers, we consider several things. Firstly, we look at the materials, looking for potentially toxic coatings, and prioritizing non-toxic products for peace of mind. Then, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers, and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.

Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.

Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials' durability, as this is a key criterion for long-lasting, non-toxic items. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.

You can go behind the scenes and read more details on our how we test air fryers page.

What Else to Shop

Even with a non-toxic coating, it pays to be gentle with your ceramic-coated air fryer if you want it to last for years. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite air fryer accessories to help you get the most from your new appliance while protecting its finish.

All prices correct at time of publication.

If you are looking to keep your air fryer in its best condition for years to come, brush up on the air fryer cleaning tasks you should be doing regularly.

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After years of relying on non-stick pans, I finally decided to try a classic All-Clad stainless-steel pan set. I haven’t looked back.

I tested the pieces included in the All-Clad S3 Everyday 5-piece set for about a month to see if I could live without non-stick pans for good. I was happily surprised by what I found.

The testing came at just the right time, as my old trusty non-stick pans had started to chip. After using this non-toxic cookware set for a few months, I will admit that I have fallen in love with it and will certainly be expanding my collection.

Product Specifications: All-Clad D3 Everyday Stainless Everyday 3-Ply Bonded Essential Cookware

Design and First Impressions

All-Clad’s D3 Everyday 5-Piece Set looks timeless on my kitchen counter and on my stovetop. Although some brands try to get your attention with flashy colors or modern design elements, All-Clad’s D3 Everyday Set is a classic, shiny stainless-steel set that goes with any type of decor and will never go out of style.

The set shipped in minimalist packaging, using only enough plastic to protect the included pots and pans.

The D3 Everyday Set has some weight to it due to its solid construction, but it’s easy to move around.

All-Clad’s D3 Everyday Set requires a little more work than non-stick pans. However, prepping them for use doesn’t take long, and cleaning isn’t as difficult as I feared.

What I appreciate most is the sense of longevity the set offers. Made by All-Clad, it feels like cookware designed to last for years. Unlike many non-stick pans that need replacing every few years, this is cookware I expect to keep in rotation for a long time, without constantly checking for the scratches or wear that signal it’s time to replace your pans.

I also don’t have to worry about inadvertently exposing my children to toxic materials or 'forever chemicals', sometimes found in non-stick cookware, so the extra work is worth the trade-off for me.

I had previously turned to a ceramic-coated stainless-steel pan, hoping for greater longevity. However, I quickly became disillusioned when my pricey pan warped after just a few months. These stainless steel pans feel like heirloom quality.

Cooking Performance

After washing the pans with soap and water, I put the set to work right away. Cooking with stainless steel initially felt unfamiliar; I was used to non-stick, but the adjustment was easier than expected.

With a little heat and oil, stainless steel can behave much like a non-stick surface. According to All-Clad’s instructions for the All-Clad D3 Everyday Cookware Set, the key is proper preheating. Start by warming the pan, then add a few drops of water. When the droplets begin to dance across the surface (the Leidenfrost effect), and a faint wisp of vapor appears, the pan is ready to cook in.

At first, the process sounded more complicated than it is. In practice, it takes just a couple of minutes, and after a week of cooking with the set, it quickly becomes second nature. Many stainless steel cookware brands recommend a similar method.

Then, I tested the pans using four standard ingredients:

• Onions: I make fried onions at least once a week, so using a pan that produces perfectly caramelized onions is important to me. In every test, my D3 Everyday pan sizzled evenly, creating perfectly caramelized onions. The onions never stuck, and they colored nicely without scorching.
• Sauce: To test how well the set handles sauce, I simmered an entire jar of Rao’s marinara sauce in the pan. It started simmering in one minute and 22 seconds. The sauce simmered evenly throughout the pan.
• Seared tofu: Because I am a vegetarian, I seared tofu as part of my testing. The D3 Everyday pan produced a perfect golden brown, although it did stick slightly in places. This was easily removed with my spoon, however.
• Fried eggs: My fried eggs fried easily with nice, crispy edges. They slid out of the pan easily on almost all of my trials. There was one exception where I believe I did not add enough oil to the pan to make it non-stick, so I attribute that mistake to user error rather than a fault with the pan. For this trial, my egg still slid out easily, but I noticed some burnt residue left behind.

Overall, my D3 Everyday pots and pans are a joy to use. They need more care and attention than non-stick pans, but no more than any other stainless-steel cookware. Learning how to use and clean them properly was a bit of a learning curve. However, getting the hang of it didn’t take long, and the extra steps became second nature and easy to execute within a week.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

All-Clad’s D3 Everyday line is relatively easy to clean, though not as easy as non-stick cookware. After most uses, I was able to clean the pots and pans in the set with warm water, soap, and a sponge. Occasionally, I needed to soak the pans in warm water with a few drops of soap for about 10-15 minutes to loosen some stuck food. That’s something I rarely had to do when using non-stick pans, but it’s not difficult. I can go about my day as the pans soak without giving them a second thought.

All-Clad recommends using baking soda to remove burned-on food and a cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend, from Walmart, or Bon Ami, from Amazon, to remove other types of tough-to-clean spots. In my weeks of testing, I never had to use anything other than soap and water to make my cookware sparkle like new. Since All-Clad has clean lines, there aren’t any nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in, making cleaning easier.

All-Clad recommends hand-washing its cookware rather than placing it in the dishwasher. While some users report running their pots and pans through a dishwasher without issue, the brand advises against it, noting that repeated dishwasher cycles can gradually damage stainless steel and lead to small surface pits.

According to All-Clad, these pits won’t affect cooking performance, but they can detract from the clean, polished finish the brand is known for. To preserve the look, I plan to hand-wash my All-Clad D3 Everyday Cookware Set and keep it in good condition for years to come.

Storage has been straightforward, too. I can easily fit every piece from the set into my standard-sized kitchen cabinets.

What Customers Say About All-Clad's Stainless Steel Pans

Fellow customers also love All-Clad’s D-3 set.

On the All-Clad site, verified shopper Kelley shared, 'Little bit of a learning curve after using non-stick cookware for years, but I'm getting the hang of it and learning a few new tricks. Early results are great, and I love the heft and style of these pots and pans. They clean up nicely and look like new when dried right after washing.'

Fellow shopper A. Mason adds, 'I absolutely love this set. It's comfortable to hold, well weighted, and doesn't slip on my glass range. I accidentally forgot my pot on the stove and boiled the water out of it – and it had black spots on the bottom and a rose-gold hue (extreme oxidation) overall, and I was able to clean it up within minutes with a quick soak in Barkeeper's friend (note: Not too long or it will dull the finish). It was amazing, cleaned right up, and didn't warp. It's as good as new. I love this set and plan to use it for a lifetime!'

Overall, customers looking for an alternative to non-stick pans that they hope will last a decade or more are happy with All-Clad’s D3 Everyday Set.

Most of the negative reviews I saw center on unhappiness with All-Clad’s customer service. Some reviewers complain about food sticking to their pans, but it’s unclear whether those reviewers followed All-Clad’s recommended steps to prevent sticking. Moreover, because the D3 Everyday collection is not non-stick, some sticking is expected from time to time.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The All-Clad D3 Everyday Stainless Everyday Essential Cookware Set?

The All-Clad D3 Everyday Cookware Set is an excellent stainless-steel option, particularly for home cooks who are reconsidering traditional non-stick pans. After all, even Ina Garten relies on All-Clad cookware in her Hamptons kitchen.

Compared with non-stick cookware, stainless steel requires a few extra steps, both when preheating the pan and when cleaning up afterward, so it may not be the most convenient choice for every home cook. The pieces are also not dishwasher safe, which is worth considering before investing.

Still, for anyone seeking heirloom-quality cookware, the set is an excellent choice. The pots and pans feel exceptionally durable, cook evenly, and maintain the polished, professional look stainless steel is known for.

From a value perspective, the set also makes sense. All-Clad’s D3 Everyday pieces are built to last far longer than most non-stick cookware, which often needs replacing every few years. While I originally chose the D3 Everyday Set to round out my existing collection, the five-piece configuration also works well as a starter set, covering the essentials needed for everyday cooking as well as more ambitious recipes.

In fact, the D3 Everyday pans have quickly become my go-to cookware. After a little trial and error, I’ve found that the extra attention stainless steel requires is a small trade-off for the durability, performance, and peace of mind the set provides.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

To get the most out of your stainless steel cookware, I’ve rounded up six essential tools that make it easier to cook cleanly, without introducing unnecessary toxins back into your kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Once you have made your investment, be sure to explore how to clean all types of cookware, including stainless steel, to ensure your set stays looking new for as long as possible. Reading more about the common cleaning mistakes people make with stainless steel can also help prolong the life of the D3 Everyday Set.

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After reviewing the Greenpan Spectra 10” pan (and its smaller 8” counterpart) for several weeks, I was pleased to have found a great and healthier replacement for my traditional non-stick pans.

Like many people, I decided to ditch my Teflon pans due to health concerns. I loved the ease of using a non-stick surface, but I didn’t want to take chances with my children’s health, so I knew I needed to make a change.

I wanted the best non-toxic cookware made without forever chemicals that would cook evenly. Plus, I was intrigued by the Spectra line’s textured diamond surface, which claims to promote even heating and enhance the pan’s non-stick properties.

Perhaps most importantly, as a working mom of four, I wanted pans that would be easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free. Spectera delivered, and I am so glad I gave the Greenpan Spectra 10” pan, available at Amazon, a try.

Product Specifications: Greenpan Spectra Thermobond Frying Pan

Design and First Impressions: Greenpan Spectra Thermobond Frying Pan

The Greenpan Spectra looks like a standard non-stick pan with a twist. The exterior is stainless steel and is a high-shine silver. The interior is coated with GreenPan’s trademark dark black Thermalon ceramic finish. However, what really sets Spectra pans apart is that the pan is etched with a stainless steel diamond design to help prevent sticking and create a surface that promotes more even cooking.

The Spectera pans also come with clear glass lids with stainless steel handles. The lids are practical because you can keep an eye on what’s cooking, but they also give the pans a high-end look that looks nice on my stove. The pans are also light and easy to move around. Because I store my pans under my stove and need to bend down to take them out or put them away, using lightweight cookware is important to me.

The pans are easy to use straight away. They are shipped in a thick cardboard box. Each pan and lid was covered with a plastic sheath for protection, but the box wasn’t stuffed with unnecessary material. Although the included instructions recommend handwashing the pans, they are dishwasher safe. I decided to run them through the dishwasher once before use to sterilize them, and they came out of the dishwasher still looking brand-new. However, in order to extend the pan’s life, I have hand-washed it since and found the pan easy to clean with soap and water.

Cooking Performance: Greenpan Spectra Thermobond Frying Pan

Overall, the GreenPan Spectera 10” pan was a joy to use with my induction stove. The pan has a good weight, and the stay-cool handle is effective. To really put it through its paces, I tested the frying pan using four everyday essentials:

• Onions: I am from Philadelphia, where fried onions are practically a religion. Using the Greenpan Spectra, my onions sizzled evenly and caramelized without sticking. They colored nicely without scorching and tasted delicious.
• Sauce: We simmer sauces to check for even heat retention, and the GreenPan Spectra Thermobond delivered. I filled the 10” pan with tomato sauce and brought it to a simmer. The sauce was fully simmering in one minute and 18 seconds, starting at the edge and quickly moving to the center. This is relatively fast, and I was pleased with the results.
• Seared Tofu: Because I am a vegetarian, I seared tofu as part of my testing. The tofu seared nicely. None of my pieces of tofu stuck to the pan, and they browned very nicely.
• Fried eggs: When I fried an egg, it slid off the pan easily without sticking. My egg friend nicely with crispy edges.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance: Greenpan Spectra Thermobond Frying Pan

The Spectra pans are easy to clean with warm water, soap, and a non-scratch sponge. I was concerned that food would get stuck in the etched diamond pattern, but that hasn’t been an issue. Although the pans are dishwasher safe, Greenpan recommends handwashing them to prolong the life of the Thermalon ceramic coating. This is common advice when it comes to cleaning and caring for every type of cookware.

I was initially very excited to have found dishwasher-safe non-stick pans, but was let down to learn that using the dishwasher would most likely wear down the pans’ non-stick coating prematurely.

The 8” and 10” pans are both standard sizes for cookware and are easy to store in my kitchen cabinet. As with any pans, however, to protect the lining, I suggest avoiding stacking or using trivets or pan protectors between the pans to avoid damage.

How Does the GreenPan Spectra Thermobond Frying Pans Rate Online?

Some reviewers note that they like that the pan feels hefty and well-made without being too heavy. Others praise the pan’s even heat distribution, exemplary non-stick qualities, and ease of cleaning.

'Fantastic, the best pan I've ever owned. Been using it daily for months,' shared Amazon shopper, Michael Anetsberger. 'I've had it for six months or so, and it still maintains extremely good non-stick. I clean it with gentle soap and warm water, I don't over-scrub it to clean it, and I use minimal olive oil or butter to cook with it. Nothing ever sticks to it for long because I'll just move the pan around, and it'll free itself and continue to sear perfectly. It cooks very evenly. I have had no denting, staining, or any weird issues with it at all.

'I will likely never buy another brand again. GreenPan is the OG ceramic nonstick for a reason; they do it better than anyone else.'

That being said, some reviewers report issues with the pan’s durability. Specifically, some reviews state that the pan’s non-stick properties disappeared after a few months, and a few note that a gray residue comes off the pan after washing. This is not something I experienced in my testing, however.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The GreenPan Spectra Thermobond Frying Pans?

I really enjoy cooking with the Greenpan Spectra 10” pan. It looks great on my stove and helps me cook faster and better. Although I was initially disappointed that it’s not truly dishwasher safe, the pan cleans very easily, so it hasn’t been as big a pain as I was expecting.

All in all, I would certainly recommend them. Overall, the Greenpan Spectra is a good choice at a reasonable price point for a premium non-stick pan. It costs less than some of its competitors, and the pan’s unique diamond etching helps me cook better, with less sticking and better searing.

The 10” pan in particular is a good choice for those with limited storage space. People with large families like mine might consider getting the GreenPan Spectera 10-piece set that comes with a variety of pots and pans in different sizes. Although I only tested the frying pan for this review, I received the entire 10-piece set and have used (and loved) every pot and pan in the set.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

I have curated six essential accessories to help you make the most of your new non-stick, non-toxic cookware, to make everything from cooking to cleaning to storage simpler.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

If you still aren’t sure whether non-stick pans are right for you, read more about them first. We have also delved into cookware labels and myths with toxicologists to help you make healthier cookware choices.

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Tucked behind closed doors, pantry storage is often an afterthought – reduced to hyper-practical, easy-clean plastic containers, or the crumpled packaging that products arrived in.

Not only is this one of the least attractive ways to organize a pantry, but it also introduces a surprising amount of unnecessary plastic into your cooking space. Even if it isn’t exposed to heat, it can still contribute to visual clutter and make a kitchen look less considered.

The IKEA UPPDATERA Bamboo Storage Boxes offer a simple, affordable upgrade, swapping bulky BPA-plastic containers for natural bamboo for a calmer, more holistic look.

Bamboo has quickly become one of the most sought-after materials for kitchen organization. Durable, renewable, and naturally warm in tone, it offers a simple way to elevate a space, bringing texture and warmth to the palette that plastic containers rarely achieve.

The stackable IKEA UPPDATERA Bamboo Storage Boxes, available in light and dark wood (the latter in limited numbers), come in two sizes that suit everything from root vegetables to smaller food packets. The opaque sides can also prevent premature spoilage, blocking UV to extend the life of your fresh produce.

While plastic storage containers are unlikely to contaminate food when kept at room temperature, they can crack or chip when knocked around in a busy kitchen. Bamboo offers a more durable and far more considered alternative, creating a pantry that looks cleaner, calmer, and thoughtfully organized.

Though made from wood, the boxes are designed specifically for kitchens and bathrooms. The boxes are treated to be moisture-resistant, helping protect against mold and mildew and making them just as practical as durable plastic alternatives.

For those who prefer modular storage, the IKEA UPPDATERA Bamboo Storage Boxes can also be paired with IKEA UPPDATERA Drawer Organizers, allowing you to maximize storage in a compact kitchen without a sprawling footprint.

What Else to Shop

Natural materials inherently feel more elevated, making storage solutions like bamboo boxes a chic yet affordable way to make your kitchen look more expensive.

To help you upgrade, I’ve selected six options designed to improve your storage while creating a non-toxic home.

With your storage taken care of, consider upgrading to the best non-toxic cookware for a healthier cooking routine.

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For anyone who enjoys manual-brew coffee or loose-leaf tea at home, an electric kettle is essential. However, kettles made with plastic components have raised growing concerns, with studies warning these may release micro- and nanoplastics into the water you boil and drink.

A 2025 study published in npj Emerging Contaminants found that, while the evidence is not yet conclusive, regular use of plastic kettles may contribute to the ingestion of microscopic plastic particles. As concerns rise about the potential health effects of plastics and so-called 'forever chemicals,' it is not a risk worth taking for something as simple as your morning brew.

The solution? Switch to a non-toxic coffee maker made without plastic in the water path. One example is the fully stainless steel, premium Aarke kettle, pictured above. Here’s why making the change matters.

Why Plastic Kettles Could be Toxic

Concerns are increasingly being raised about whether heat and repeated use of plastic appliances may contribute to the release of micro- and nanoplastics into water.

Many lower-cost electric kettles still incorporate plastics in key components, often using materials such as polypropylene (PP), ABS, or polycarbonate blends, depending on the design. When these materials are repeatedly heated when making coffee at home, there is potential for polymer degradation and additive leaching, introducing microscopic plastic particles into the water.

While early studies are still not entirely sure of the long-term effects of microplastics on the body, it is generally considered good practice to reduce exposure where possible, working on the 'better safe than sorry' principle.

Other studies support this, adds Dr. Joseph Mercola, Board-Certified Family Physician. 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]. Since a kettle’s purpose is to heat water close to that range, day after day, I would not choose plastic as your main kettle material.'

While the 2025 study did suggest that the level of contaminants released by certain electric kettles may decrease with repeated use, trace levels can persist even after extended boiling cycles. As Dr Mercola reports, 'In a 100-day plastic-kettle study, minerals in real tap water formed protective films inside kettles; after 40 days, ions in water cut microplastic release by more than 89% compared with deionized-water controls. Still, that finding should not be read as a green light for plastic kettles.'

In other words, simply 'boiling out' plastics is not a reliable way to eliminate microplastics, even if the volume of harmful chemicals may reduce over time.

Why Stainless Steel Kettles are the Answer

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is chemically inert, meaning that it does not react or leach potentially harmful chemicals into food or water. This has the bonus of not impacting the flavor, too. That is why it makes some of the best non-toxic cookware.

Beyond the safety argument, they are more durable and are corrosion-resistant, meaning that they are a smarter financial investment, too.

When brewing, stainless steel kettles also offer superior heat retention, keeping your water warmer for longer for repeated brews. This is the case for both stainless steel electric kettles, such as the SMEG Electric Kettle from Williams Sonoma, or the Willow Kitchen Gooseneck Kettle available at Macy's, and stovetop kettles, such as the KitchenAid Stainless Steel Whistling Induction Kettle, from Macy's.

Dr. Mercola agrees, adding, 'I prefer a glass or stainless steel kettle. Ceramic-lined options can also be useful if the glaze and interior materials are clearly disclosed. For a home kitchen, the goal is simple: heat water in glass, stainless steel, or ceramic, then pour it into a ceramic or glass mug. I would also avoid plastic travel mugs for hot tea or coffee, since the same basic principle applies: Heat and plastic are a poor pair.'

What to Shop

Plastics and 'forever chemicals' can creep into many parts of your coffee routine. To help reduce that risk, I’ve sourced six coffee bar essentials made without BPA plastics or other potentially harmful materials.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Meet the Expert

It’s not just health considerations worth thinking about when revamping your coffee routine. Choosing ethically sourced beans matters too. Our guide to selecting ethical coffee can help you build a more environmentally conscious setup.

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If part of your Mother’s Day gift is to cook a meal from scratch, the last thing you want is to have all your precious time together eaten up with endless washing up.

Since getting my hands on the Caraway Food Storage Set, I have said goodbye to all of my plastic food containers and my mixing bowls, which were a necessary part of the prep, freezing, and cooking or reheating.

This versatile and non-toxic cookware set, which is a ceramic-coated glass premium bundle, has instead become the streamlined kitchen hero used for a smooth transition. From prep to fridge (or freezer), into the oven, and straight onto the table, in one dish means far less washing up and more time spent with your loved ones.

Hosting is a joy, but the excessive washing of the dishes is not. And in order to get everything onto the tablescape of your dreams without disrupting your theme this Mother’s Day, it’s rare that you’re able to take your delicious bake from the oven straight to the table. That usually means a transfer of food from an oven dish to beautiful serveware.

That’s actually why the Caraway Food Storage Set I have been testing at home for four months has become one of my favorite upgrades for creating a non-toxic home. It strips back unnecessary chores, including excessive washing up.

Even baked-on food comes off with one swipe of a damp sponge, which makes such a difference following years of standing at the sink and scrubbing oven trays, or having to pass on the task to my husband, as I am disabled and limited in how long I can stand up.

And when I tested the set at the table on my mother-in-law recently, she was impressed. A lady of impeccable style, she commented on the lovely look of my Peracotta set from Caraway, which has a smooth, almost-matte finish, and beautiful storage organizers included.

You can also impress the precious mom figure in your life, and get them a gift too, as the heritage cookware brand is currently offering a free Airtight Duo with a value of $125 value on any orders above $675.

If you’ve been thinking of upgrading to some of the best non-toxic cookware, this might be the time to strike while the iron is hot, as there are limited-time bundles with up to $695 off now.

What Shoppers Say

Lisa H’s five-star review on the site commended the set, explaining, ‘It keeps food fresh and is an easy clean up!’

Another happy shopper, Patricia G, also gave the set five stars, adding, ‘The Caraway Medium Storage Container is perfect to store leftovers. It is even better to be able to reheat in the same container. Clean-up of the container is effortless!’

I read through more than 1600 reviews on the site (which average 4.7/5), and the themes from hundreds of happy shoppers were that the set is beautiful, easy to clean, versatile, air-tight, keeps food fresh, and looks stunning.

After using the bundle myself for some months now, I can confirm this to be accurate. I would add that some of the shoppers say the air-tight lids can be a little tricky to get off, and as someone with reduced grip strength, I have also found this to be true.

The trick, I have learned, is to place it flat on the countertop and pull up, but not with increasing force. Just pull upwards and wait a few seconds, and the lid will suddenly release.

I have also used these in the oven and microwave (without the lids as instructed), and dishwasher (both elements) with no issue. But I do only use silicone food utensils, available at Amazon, on my set to avoid the ceramic coating being scratched by the metal over time.

What to Shop

To elevate your Mother’s Day tablescape and reduce your cooking and washing up time, here is a selection of useful non-toxic items for the task, meaning more time spent with your Mom, and less time on chores you’d rather skip.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, explore our Mother's Day gift guide for the moms who adore their home and love shopping for it.

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After cooking with the Caraway 8" Enameled Cast Iron Mini Skillet, testing it on everything from delicate frying to small-batch desserts, it’s clear that the pan delivers impressive quality without the usual need for seasoning and pan maintenance. That said, a few minor snags make clean-up trickier than expected.

The best cast iron cookware typically demands regular seasoning to maintain a low-stick surface. The Caraway skillet does away with that maintenance while still delivering an excellent sear and crisp edges across a range of dishes. However, the enamel coating isn’t quite as low-stick as some cooks might hope.

Here’s how I found cooking with the Caraway 8" Enameled Cast Iron Mini Skillet, what I loved, and the small drawbacks that ultimately knocked a star off an otherwise promising pan.

Product Specifications

Design and First Impressions

As the name suggests, the Caraway 8" Enameled Cast Iron Mini Skillet is Caraway’s smallest enameled cast iron offering – perfect for single portions or sides for two.

What sets it apart is the enamel coating, which eliminates the need for pesky and ongoing cast-iron seasoning. Unlike traditional cast iron cookware, it requires none of the regular oiling or upkeep typically needed to maintain the surface. For me, that’s a major advantage. I’ve often avoided cast iron because I know I’m unlikely to keep up with the meticulous care it usually demands, without which it will rust.

The Caraway's smooth enamel coating covers the sides and interior of the pan, leaving the handle and base with more of the rough cast iron texture you might expect. Because of this, Caraway notes that you should not slide the cookware across counters or stove tops to prevent damage.

The pan is heavy for its size, weighing just under 4lbs. I am a regular gym-goer, and even I found holding this pan for too long in one hand to be uncomfortable for my wrist. That said, it is fairly well-balanced, and the helper handle makes taking it from the oven a lot easier.

As always, we give bonus points to any product that arrives in fully recyclable packaging, and Caraway succeeds with this. The box was entirely cardboard, making it easier and more sustainable to dispose of.

Cooking Performance

Delicate Frying

The true litmus test for any frying pan or skillet is how well it can fry an egg. This is a tricky test to ace, especially for a non-stick pan, but any pan that can manage it is a certified winner. We are looking for tender whites, with crispy brown edges that release easily.

The Caraway Mini Skillet delivers half of this. The pan heats evenly over a medium heat and retains temperature as you cook. With a good splash of oil, I added the egg and started frying. The base and edges crisped wonderfully, but the egg was difficult to remove from the pan. The pans in the Our Place Essentials set we reviewed, lined with ceramic rather than enamel, made very light work of frying an egg and released instantly. Clean up there took 30 seconds.

Being enameled, I could not use a metal spatula for the Caraway as it would damage the coating, so a plastic one had to do. Some of the egg's edges lifted perfectly, but the center stuck (this story repeated itself with a later, messy, pancake test). It came away eventually, and without breaking after a little coaxing, but it was not the seamless experience I wanted for the first thing in the morning.

It was not only I who experienced this, either. Before testing it myself, my fellow in-house testing expert, Dan Fauzi, tested the pan for a few days, and found their tempeh also stuck while cooking, and cleaning it up afterwards took 'four times longer' than their usual pan.

Because of this, I was apprehensive about the tofu test. Tofu is a regular staple in our house, and can be tricky to fry without falling apart. With a good coating of oil and a low temperature, the tofu fried just as easily as it does in my favored stainless steel pan, and with no more or less sticking, either. Because it didn't release perfectly, I lost some of the perfectly crispy edges, but otherwise it turned golden with minimum fuss.

Overall, the pan handles delicate foods fairly well. However, releasing food from the surface takes a bit of technique, something that may frustrate cooks who choose an enameled pan specifically for its promise of convenience.

Meat and Sautéing

A cast-iron skillet must be able to sear meat beautifully without burning it or tearing it apart, and I am happy to say that the Caraway Mini Skillet delivered. My turkey sausages browned beautifully and evenly, and I could comfortably fit four in the pan. There was no sticking at all, either.

After removing the sausages, I threw in some onions to sweat down, and was pleased at how the pan handled browning without burning or sticking. However, when I added my par-boiled potato cubes to make a quick hash, the starch began to stick immediately.

I did, admittedly, overfill the small pan somewhat, which made crisping the potatoes harder, but I fear this would have been more difficult regardless, with the constant sticking.

One thing I did enjoy, however, is as the pan is enameled, I could cook acidic foods right away, so I threw some tomatoes in towards the end to cook through without the fear of damaging a seasoning layer and pitting the metal beneath, which is a typical concern on cast iron.

Once again, my experience was mixed. The meat cooked beautifully, and the onions sautéed well, but the sticking and the mess it left behind made cleanup more difficult than I’d want for a simple lunchtime meal.

Skillet Cookie Dessert

I would be remiss not to test the pan with a classic skillet cookie. This quickly became my favorite use for the Caraway 8" Enameled Cast Iron Mini Skillet, baking a crisp, golden dessert perfectly sized for two to four servings (depending on how hungry you are).

For the test, I adapted a recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction, my go-to source for anything sweet. I folded chunks of my favorite chocolate into the thick dough and pressed it into the buttered skillet before baking for 40 minutes. The result was excellent: Evenly cooked, studded with melted chocolate, and golden across the surface without a single dark or charred spot. It was hard to fault.

While the pan was still warm, I divided the cookie and lifted out two portions with a spatula. The base was just as crisp as the top, and only a few crumbs were left behind.

The remaining half, however, told a slightly different story. After cooling in the skillet, the cookie hardened (as cookies tend to) and once again clung stubbornly to the enamel surface. It was eventually released with minimal breakage, but the process required a bit of maneuvering rather than sliding out cleanly.

The leftover crumbs scraped away easily with a plastic spatula, but the lesson was clear: Remove the cookie while the pan is still warm, then store it separately.

Once again, the results were impressive, but the experience was slightly mixed. The pan delivers excellent cooking performance, yet the release and cleanup felt a little too finicky for an enameled skillet designed for convenience.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Maintaining traditional cast iron cookware is typically a hands-on commitment. Proper care involves careful scrubbing, immediate drying, and regular seasoning. However, this process usually rewards you with remarkable durability and heirloom longevity.

The Caraway 8" Enameled Cast Iron Mini Skillet takes a different approach. Like the best Dutch ovens, it has an enamel coating that removes the need for seasoning altogether. For cooks who want high-heat, stove-to-oven performance without committing to a demanding maintenance routine, that’s a major positive.

In practice, however, the pan doesn’t always deliver the easy-clean experience you might expect.

When food releases cleanly, washing up is refreshingly simple: Warm water, a non-toxic dish soap such as ATTITUDE from Walmart, and a soft abrasive sponge are all it takes. But if anything sticks (such as a fried egg or a piece of tempeh), the process becomes far more laborious. On one occasion, I resorted to boiling water to loosen stubborn debris and still struggled to remove it. After cooking the egg, I spent several minutes scrubbing this one small pan alone.

That experience is not unlike cooking with a brand-new traditional cast iron skillet, where early sticking is common while the seasoning gradually improves with use. That said, the Caraway pan promises reliable performance straight out of the box, with no seasoning process to develop over time.

Unlike the Mini Lancaster Skillet, which our professional chef, Lydia Hayman, reviewed, which became less sticky as time went on, I fear this pan’s cleaning experience will remain largely the same with continued use, as the enamel coating's functionality will remain as it is.

Storing is simple thanks to the pan's small size, slotting into a storage rack easily. It is important not to stack items with this pan without cookware protectors, available at Amazon, or you risk scratching the enamel or the pan below.

How Does the Caraway 8” Enameled Cast Iron Mini Skillet Compare?

The Caraway 8” Cast Iron Mini Skillet is unique with its enameled coating, meaning that, unlike many other cast iron skillets, it does not require seasoning. This makes long-term maintenance a breeze in comparison to cleaning and caring for other cookware.

Its performance is not too dissimilar to other cast-iron skillets reviewed by our team. As with the Lancaster Mini Skillet, it is made from quality cast iron, is oven and multi-stove safe, and heats evenly for crisp, golden results.

That said, it is not a particularly low-stick offering, with the larger Field Company Skillet, also reviewed by Lydia, outdoing the low-stick performance by a mile. While you need to season this pan, Lydia found that the seasoning layers built up over time and improved. Every frittata she cooked released from the pan perfectly with no residue or sticky mess, as did pancakes. The only trouble came from fried eggs (again, a tricky test to ace), but the slight mess was simple to clean.

The Mini skillet can also not be used on campfires like the Field Company offering, due to the enameled surface, restricting its use to the kitchen only.

Should You Buy A 8” Caraway Cast Iron Mini Skillet?

All in all, I would recommend the 8” Caraway Cast Iron Mini Skillet for cooking smaller portions, for those who have the patience when cooking and desire the 'cast iron sear', but do not want to spend hours seasoning pans over time.

The pan is a convenient single-serving skillet for most everyday tasks, so long as you do not mind spending a little more time on clean up. For proteins and desserts in particular, it is perfect, and I will be coming back to it for these specific tasks whenever I am cooking just for myself.

The fact that I do not have to season the pan for the same great sear as traditional cast iron is also a bonus, especially as a self-certified 'lazy cook' who wants delicious results without having to season cookware every few uses.

For more delicate cooking tasks, however, I think I will be sticking to my stainless steel frying pan instead. I will continue to experiment with it over the coming months to see if I can nail a technique to make this pan truly perfect, but until then, I have to concede that it is not the most practical pan for those who do not have the patience for scrubbing or scraping.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked before or after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how they perform and fit into the everyday, hardworking home.

What Else to Shop

To improve your cast iron experience, here is a selection of my all-time favorite accessories – tools that make cooking, cleaning, and maintaining this cookware far easier.

All prices correct at the time of publication.

Still looking to shop around for the perfect pan? Check out our definitive list of the best non-toxic cookware to find the perfect match for your routine.

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As I recently found out, Japan is a place where everything just feels better. The streets are cleaner, the food is more flavorful − and the pillows are cooler.

Putting aside memory foam, down, and synthetic materials, every pillow I slept on in Japan was defined by a distinctive layer of buckwheat husks. They were surprisingly comfortable and supportive, with impressive breathability and cooling properties.

After just a few nights, it didn't take long for me to realize that my previous assumption of what makes the best pillows had changed drastically. Now, I'm looking to buy one for my own bedroom back home.

Centuries-Old Japanese Sobakawa Pillows Are the Secret to Cool Pillows All Night

There's no doubt that pillows are taken seriously in Japan − I even stayed in a hotel in Kyoto that featured an entire pillow wall for selecting your desired loft, fill, and fluffiness, with a 'Ladies only' section and eight different types to choose from, including one made from Japanese Hinoki cypress wood. But it was the buckwheat pillows, also known as Sobakawa, that I grew to love.

Admittedly, during the first part of my 15-day trip around Japan, I wasn't always even sure what it was that was filling my pillows with small, hard lumps, and I thought they were likely the same beans that you'd usually find in a beanbag. It was only when I kept finding myself sleeping so comfortably, and waking without any neck pain, even in my side-sleeping position, that I decided to look into it.

As Maiko Shimazaki, the founder of Revitalist15, a New York-based wellness brand rooted in Japanese relaxation rituals, explains, 'Sobakawa pillows are traditional Japanese pillows filled with buckwheat hulls. They are a great alternative to conventional pillows and may provide better sleep for those who prefer a firmer feel, sleep hot, or struggle with allergies.'

She's right − the husks allow air to circulate to keep the pillow dry, helping to keep a bed cool in summer, and warm in winter. For that reason, they're suitable for year-round use.

Those hypoallergenic and natural qualities are important, too. Down may feel luxurious, but it does come with ethical concerns for animal welfare (a reason I always avoid it) and is often not best recommended due to its ability to trap dust, too.

And, while synthetic alternatives may be cruelty-free, suitable for vegans, and usually far more affordable, the polyester, polyester fiberfill, or memory foam filling comes with a significant carbon footprint, and isn't biodegradable, either.

In contrast, natural Sokabawa pillows are highly sustainable, eco-friendly, made from natural, renewable materials, and they also last significantly longer than other alternatives.

'Buckwheat hulls do not compress or break down like down, foam, or synthetic fiber fills,' adds Maiko. 'As a result, sobakawa pillows provide consistent support throughout the night and over the years,' meaning you can use them for far longer before your pillow begins to ruin your sleep quality.

There's just one drawback to consider, highlights Maiko, but it's not something I ever noticed in my experience, which is that Sokobawa pillows are firmer, and therefore not suitable for those who prefer softer pillows.

However, I actually only ever opt for extremely soft, flat pillows, and never found them too firm or too lofty, and, in any case, you can always remove some of the filling to find your preferred height.

Instead, much like how the Japanese traditional futons I slept on kept me comfortable and supported all night long, despite my initial reservations, my experience with Sokabawa pillows had me sleeping better than ever before.

What to Shop

If you'd like to try a Sokobawa pillow for yourself, I've found a selection available to ship to the US. I've also included my favorite bedding and pillowcases for the perfect cooling sleep setup this summer.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Browse our selection of the best Amazon cooling sheets for unbeatable breathability in warm weather.

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To scent your space, you might light your favorite candle or use a fruity essential oil in your diffuser. But, as our home fragrance experts agree, there's a natural Victorian way to scent your home, which requires minimal effort and just two ingredients, currently making a comeback.

While modern DIY smelling salts are not the same formulation as those used within the Victorian era in the 19th Century, which typically included ammonia, they are a modern twist that is perfect for non-toxic living.

I spoke to the experts and tried this impressively effective trick that has now become a staple in my home fragrancing routine.

Why Making Scented Salts to Is Becoming a Natural Go-To for Health Conscious Fragrance Aficionados

I first found out about using scented salts for home scenting from Jennifer Pressimone, who is an internationally recognized Clinical Aromatherapy Expert, Author, Formulator, and CEO at JennScents and Aromaversity, when I spoke to her about using lemon essential oil to instantly boost focus.

'Smelling salts are a great, non-electric and non-toxic way to calm nerves, balance your mood, and enhance focus throughout the day,' she says.

At a time when more households than ever are concerned about the secret toxins that can appear in their home, be it leached microplastics from an air fryer, or the smoky toxins of a paraffin wax candle, turning to natural ingredients for safer home fragrancing is a key consideration in creating a non-toxic home.

Victorian smelling salts are being increasingly used for straightforward and natural scenting, which you can change at any time with minimal cost.

Chiana Dickson, our resident expert for non-toxicity in the home, says, 'DIY home fragrancing hacks are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. We have never been more conscious about what we are introducing to our homes, from furniture to cookware, so it is hardly surprising that home fragrance is seeing a shift, too. They are a shift away from the synthetic, artificially fragranced products commonly found on store shelves.

'Taking full control over your home’s scent allows for a more intentional and personalised approach, while also offering greater peace of mind about avoiding ingredients that may irritate airways or affect children and pets.'

How to Make Your Own Scented Salts for Home Fragrancing

To make a four-ounce smelling salt, in a glass jar, Jennifer advises combining four ounces of Epsom or sea salt with 10-20 total drops of essential oils.

For this, I recommend using the Edington Handmade Glass Apothecary Jar, available at Wayfair.

The essential oils you use will depend on the effect you'd like to achieve − for example, says Jennifer, for a relaxing smelling salt, combine 10 drops each of lavender essential oil, Lavandula angustifolia [available at Amazon], with 10 drops of red mandarin essential oil, Citrus reticulata.

'Place the cap on the bottle and shake well,' she advises. 'Label your jar so you know what it is, and how it helps you. When you need a whiff of relaxation to quiet mental chatter, open the lid and sniff.

'You can also place this jar, with the lid off, on your desk or counter so the scent gets emitted into the air. Make sure your pets don't lick or eat it. Lavender is known to calm your nerves, while red mandarin helps you combat fatigue.'

Equally, you may prefer something a little more uplifting, either to use alone or for fragrance layering.

'If you'd like a refreshing and invigorating smelling salt, one of my favorite combinations is pink grapefruit and peppermint essential oils,' Jennifer adds. 'These are wonderful to give you energy, help you focus, and refresh a tired mind.'

To make the process is just the same: 10 drops of pink grapefruit and peppermint essential oils, with four ounces of sea or Epsom salt, available at Walmart.

'Shake it up and use it anytime you need a quick pick-me-up in the morning or afternoon. Peppermint is wonderful to smell, especially when you are working on a project. Pink grapefruit gives your motivation level a boost, so you don't feel stuck.'

I Tried Making My Own Scented Salts

Intrigued by Jennifer's advice and with a large bag of Epsom salt and bottles of essential oils at home, I decided to give it a go for myself.

To first try it, I combined about one ounce of unscented Epsom salt (I keep these on hand for bathing after running) with five drops of my current favorite essential oil − the Happiness Essential Oil Blend, available at NEOM.

It only took me a minute to make, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the essential oil didn't cause the salt to clump at all.

The result was impressively fragrant and powerful, and I've decided to leave my jar with the lid off beside where I work from home, for a fragrant mood boost whenever I need it.

I love lighting my best candles for this, usually, but I also love how affordable, simple, and low-maintenance this natural scenting trick is, and that I don't have to remember to blow the flame out when I head out after work.

What to Shop

If you're interested in making your own scented salts, below, I've curated a selection of six essentials to get you started. Choose an essential oil based on your scenting preferences: I love orange notes generally, and lavender, as Jennifer suggests, specifically for my bedroom.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Do you know what your home fragrance says about you? From floral and fruity to earthy and gourmand scents, the fragrances you gravitate towards can speak volumes.

For more home fragrance features, you can sign up for our newsletter so you never miss the latest features.

Adding a pantry-like corner to my compact kitchen with shelves and baskets has been a game-changer in functionality. However, the potential ‘forever chemicals’ that my plastic baskets could be leaching onto my pantry items has been worrying me for a while.

I am replacing mine with beautiful handwoven water hyacinth seagrass baskets with labels from Wayfair. They look lovely, add a further country cottage touch to my kitchen, and crucially, are non-toxic, as they’re made with natural materials and no plastic.

For years now, I have been on a drive to remove all potentially harmful materials from my kitchen, and after switching to one of the best non-toxic air fryers, I have been slowly replacing my food containers and anything with microplastics in my kitchen storage.

These Natural Baskets with Reusable Labels Are Perfect for Pantries

My current pantry baskets have been exceptionally useful, but they are made from cheap plastic and certainly not BPA-free. This harmful toxin is not one you should have near any food items, as the risk of leaching into ingredients or onto food packets is real and worrying.

That's why I've been gradually making simple kitchen switches to remove these materials.

BPAs have been linked to increased health risks in humans, whilst microplastics continue to seep into our waterways and harm wildlife and the planet.

One study. published in Nature Medicine found micro and nanoplastic concentrations in the human body, including in the brain, kidney, and liver. The extent of the damage it can cause is unclear, but some studies have linked it to inflammation and risks to heart health.

The natural materials of the Wayfair set, which measures 12"(L) x 13"(W) x 5"(H), are made from seagrass and water hyacinth, both being natural and fast-growing resources. One is courser and the other softer. Choosing to shop for items like this is a great way to be more sustainable at home.

It’s worth noting that professional organizers have previously told us that adding beautiful natural baskets and storage solutions around your home, especially in busy spaces such as pantries, acts as a protective factor now as ‘biophilic decluttering’.

This simply means that when you combine natural materials, such as hyacinth or seagrass, with a storage solution, it will make it easier to keep things organized because they look so nice, and that in itself is a motivating factor for decluttering and maintaining your tidiness.

What Shoppers Say

Rated 4.9/5 on average, customers praise the basket's quality and how nice it looks. Many have chosen this set for organizing their pantries as I have, but they’re also pictured in shopper submissions in cabinets, shelving in other rooms, and used across living spaces.

One happy verified shopper that rated it five stars said they ‘finally have a pantry that doesn’t look like a tornado ran through it.’

Another five-star rating from an anonymous shopper said these are ‘the perfect baskets for my walk-in pantry. [I] love that I can label them!’

Indeed, having reusable labels that wipe clean with ease will mean that any time you reorganize a basket or overhaul your pantry from one season to the next, you can rename your basket easily.

Using labels is a top home organizing tip, as it means everyone in your household can follow your system, and that will allow everyone to help put things back in the correct place, easily find what they need, and move forward maintaining it with ease.

What to Shop

I’ve been on a mission to replace toxic items across my kitchen for some time now. Here’s my favorite, and they’ve so far stood the test of time for durability and convenience.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, clear out unsafe materials hiding in your everyday kitchen essentials by delving into the best non-toxic coffee makers and cookware.

No matter how hard you clean, sometimes plastic food containers will bear the marks of the contents you stored in them. That frustrating surface porosity that sees tomato sauces and oily food discoloration stubbornly remain despite your efforts can be a telltale sign of poor quality and potentially, microplastic leaching.

To keep my family safe from the carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting chemicals found in some plastic food containers, I switched over to an elegant, non-toxic ceramic-covered glass Caraway set, with peekaboo lids and silicone seals for air-tight meal, food prep, and leftovers storage. They go from freezer to oven or microwave safely, too, meaning I need fewer items to do all of these daily tasks.

I haven’t touched another food container since, making this one of the best kitchen swaps I’ve made this year, alongside my non-toxic cookware upgrades.

Why I Love the Versatile Glass and Ceramic Caraway Food Container Set

I’ve been using these daily in my home for three months now, and the air-tight seals keep things fresh for longer, whilst the versatility of being able to go from counter to freezer to oven means I use up fewer dishes during meals.

Plus, they’re pretty enough to be straight to the dining table, saving me decanting into serveware. I have the 'Perracotta' set, available from Caraway directly, though you can also pick up individual ones there and from Amazon. Their Dot & Dash inserts are handy too, if you'd like to keep your sauce separate.

It’s worth noting, however, that the lids are not oven or microwave-safe, so I use my IKEA BPA-free plastic microwave lid to keep things clean on quick reheats, or use an oven-safe cover such as aluminum foil.

I've Been Testing the Caraway Set at Home for Months

I've used the Caraway set in 'Perracotta' at home for months, and have found them to be exceptionally non-stick and easy to clean, and even after baking food in the oven, there was no need to put the food containers in the dishwasher. Even baked-on food slid off with warm water and a soapy sponge.

I have used these to store fresh products such as chopped cabbage, leafy greens, as well as marinating proteins overnight and cooking in the oven. I have stored leftovers in them in the fridge and my freezer, and they've gone from freezer to microwave or oven (safe up to 450° Fahrenheit) without issue.

The lids cannot be used in the oven or microwave, but this isn't even a minor inconvenience. I just use aluminum to cover oven-baked meals, or an anti-splatter microwave lid, which is BPA-free, available at Amazon.

I use only silicone utensils, as otherwise, the ceramic coating is at risk of being scratched. I replaced all my toxic plastic utensils with a 33-piece set from Amazon, which comes with a holder to protect this set and my non-toxic Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Pan Set, which I recently reviewed and loved.

The Materials That Make This Non Toxic and Durable

Caraway is known for its non-stick, non-toxic cookware, and these food storage containers are no exception. The body is made of borosilicate glass, which is highly temperature-resistant, and covered with their PTFE-free, PFAS-free, BPA- and BPS-free non-toxic ceramic coating. Simply put, when I’m using these to store or heat my food, there is no harmful chemical secretly leaching into my meals.

Chiana Dickson, our resident non-toxic expert and Kitchen Appliances Editor at Homes & Gardens, says, ‘BPA plastic might seem innocuous, but several studies have traced an association between BPA exposure and cancer and hormonal disruption through both respiratory and gastrointestinal exposure.

'Although more long-term studies are needed to confirm the specifics of their effects on our bodies, it is far safer to avoid them, opting for non-toxic alternatives such as glass. Plus, they are more beneficial for the environment, making it a safe win-win.'

In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority slashed the tolerable daily intake of BPA (a microplastic) by 20,000-fold to 0.04 nanograms per kilogram of body weight. In 2023, the final draft settled on a tolerance level of 0.2ng. This still means that the EU safety limit has been slashed, whilst US exposure, and the average daily intake of US consumers of 200 nanograms per kg of body weight a day, means exposure is startlingly higher.

As a person who is chronically ill, this remains a very important goal in my home. I have been meticulously swapping out toxic items from my kitchen, including upgrading to one of the best non-toxic air fryers and switching to safe or natural materials such as bamboo, to limit the risk of ingesting harmful substances. Investing in quality pieces you'll reuse for years to come is one of many ways to make your home sustainable and healthier.

What to Shop

That’s why I’m on a mission to limit the exposure in my home. Premium materials often come at a premium price, but having a mix of excellent cookware and versatile, safe food storage and accessories will reduce the risk of microplastics and toxic chemicals ending up in your food.

The versatility of the Caraway Food storage set, which comes with a sleek organizer for easy storage, will also leave your cabinets decluttered and streamlined. But if your budget or needs vary, I have selected some safe alternatives to help you clear out plastics from your kitchen and enjoy the same versatility.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Our expert kitchens team spoke to expert toxicologists to understand the terminology often used by manufacturers and devised a thorough and easy-to-understand guide the cookware labels to question.

Taking a packed lunch to work, on days out, or for longer car journeys no longer needs to result in soggy sandwiches or salads. I’m swapping baggies and plastic food containers for a sleek, durable, non-toxic, compartmentalised one.

The $35.99 HOMEKOL Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box from Amazon has internal silicone lids, which are non-toxic, to keep contents from mixing in the separate areas.

It’s also dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and leak-resistant, making it a versatile companion for your non-toxic cookware.

Why Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes Are the Superior Choice

I've been on a mission to create a non-toxic home for the last two years, and slowly replacing everything that poses a risk. I have also been working to be more sustainable at home, which means investing in items that are durable and will last longer than a lightweight or cheap alternative.

While this stainless steel item has less bulk than you might expect, it doesn’t mean less functionality or an inferior sturdy design. It's built to last with snug construction and stainless steel screws holding the lid to the box instead of the usual plastic hinges you might find.

The silicone separators that cover each compartment, alongside the BPA-free plastic viewing windows in the lid, are food safe and come apart for full cleaning and drying.

That is vital for avoiding any hidden mould from forming underneath the silicone areas when cleaning up after each use.

Whilst the item is not insulated, you can pop some cool packs (I like the small Cool Cooler reusable ice packs from Amazon for their compact size) under, beside, or on top of food to keep your lunch cool for around 2-4 hours.

I have been using a larger thermo-insulated cooler bag for my lunches on days in the office or for days out, in fact, but it’s large, cumbersome, and needs multiple food containers inside.

This stainless steel option is exactly what I need to pack the various elements of my lunch and slip it into my handbag, rather than having to carry an additional bag around. It also looks chic and modern, which makes it feel grown-up. If you're thinking of it for your children's lunches, there are four fun silicone colorways to pick from.

What Shoppers Say

Suitable for grown-ups and school lunches, shoppers rate how durable this product is, love that it has no microplastics, and are pleased that the internal silicone seal really keeps the contents of the compartment separate.

One shopper who awarded it five out of five stars says, ‘This is the perfect lunchbox. Stainless so no microplastics. The top has the seal, so I can pack juicy food and not worry. And thankfully, it is removable, so you can truly get it clean (as opposed to the plastic counterparts of this type of product). It has held up incredibly well in the dishwasher. My little one can open and close it himself!’

Another rated its durability and quality, giving it five stars, too. They explain, ‘Great and sturdy. You pay a little more for this one, but you get what you pay for, as the handles don’t crack and fall off, and the hinges are reinforced with steel screws.’

What to Shop

While you may have one of the best non-toxic air fryers, or have made sure your coffee is clear of BPA plastic and forever chemicals with one of the top non-toxic coffee makers, it can be easy to lean into affordable convenience for your everyday food storage or packed lunch needs.

However, these items can often have hidden chemicals that leach into your food and pose a health risk in the long run. Here, I’ve curated safe, useful food containers to have in your kitchen, pantry, and when on the move.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You can also switch to beeswax instead of plastic wrap, but it's not just your kitchen and lunches that need nasty chemicals cleared out. Learn the key non-toxic gardening swaps to make this year.

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While cooking with stainless steel is now second nature, there was a time when nearly everything ended up seared to the pan. The result was stubborn discoloration that left my cookware looking worse for wear, and actually made cooking more difficult.

No amount of scrubbing seemed to help, so you can imagine my delight when I spent an evening with Le Creuset’s development chef, and she revealed her secret for restoring even the best non-toxic cookware that is in the worst condition.

The secret? A single lemon. It may not sound like much, but trust me, it can save you hours of scrubbing at the sink. Here’s how.

Le Creuset's Chef Taught Me How to Restore Stainless Steel Pans With Half a Lemon

I was given the opportunity to spend an evening learning how to use the Le Creuset Signature Stainless Steel Cookware Set under the watchful eye of their top development chef, and I had one question on my mind: 'What should I do when I inevitably ruin one?'

While her guidance and a lesson on using the Leidenfrost effect to prevent food from sticking when cooking in stainless steel have made that outcome far less likely, she assured me that even my old pans can be rescued.

All it takes is half a fresh lemon (available at Walmart). Simply cut the lemon in half and rub the cut side directly over the dry surface of the pan. It works on the same principle as cleaning with citric acid, helping break down stubborn deposits without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers.

The method works on anything, from pans to cleaning a stainless steel sink, but it is by and large expert chefs' go-to method for those vital food-first surfaces.

Joanne Gallaher, co-founder and recipe developer at Inspired Taste, shared, 'Cut lemons are magic on stainless steel, especially if you sprinkle a little salt or baking soda [also from Walmart] on the pan along with it. Rub it with the cut side of the lemon, squeezing as you go.'

The method works as the citric acid breaks down residue without being too harsh, more effective than soap, but not as dangerous as an astringent chemical product.

'I’ll rinse my pans with warm water after giving my pot or pan a good scrub, then give it a quick dry,' Joanne adds. 'The shine should come back right away.'

The Cause of Discoloration on Stainless Steel Pans

Stainless steel can discolor for all sorts of reasons. Luckily, as Joanne explains, the color left behind is indicative of the cause, making it easier to treat and prevent:

• Rainbow sheen: A rainbow sheen (that resembles an oil slick) is caused by overheating the pan. 'It’s just a thin layer of oxidized metal that reacts to high heat, and it’s completely harmless.'
• Yellow or brown patches: These typically come from some oil that’s gotten a little too hot and stuck to the surface, and it may feel a bit sticky. Citric acid works wonders for shifting these when soap doesn't.
• White, chalky buildup: This comes from minerals in water, and it usually appears after letting a pan air dry. If any linger, cleaning with lemon juice should be more than enough to restore the shine.

What to Shop

How you clean and care for your cookware can have a profound impact on its performance over time.

To help keep your heirloom pieces looking and performing their best, I’ve rounded up six of my favorite tools to ensure your investment cookware items can be cared for and passed down through generations.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Whatever you do, be sure to avoid these common stainless steel cleaning mistakes when caring for your pans; otherwise, you may end up doing more harm than good.

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If, when you look around your home, you see clutter on every surface, having a uniform and simple tray in play is the simple way to streamline it all, fast. That’s the position I find myself in, and I’m snapping up five packs of these bamboo gems to set me on my way.

I’ve been slowly clearing my home of toxic plastic, so the IKEA TAVELÅN twin pack of chic organizing trays has become my new favorite choice. Bamboo is a fast-growing natural resource and is highly durable.

These are a brilliant stackable fix in spaces that need decluttering or a more catch-all storage idea.

Why I’m Buying Five Packs of the Stackable TAVELÅN Trays

Whether you use these to organize your pantry and corral your herbs and spices, condiments, and snacks, in a bathroom to hold skincare or bathing products, or to clear the stress-inducing clutter of open storage, what you will find is a pleasing, minimalist aesthetic.

And there is more benefit than just what meets the eye. Pockets of clutter actually cause stress as they register in your mind as a never-ending ‘to-do’ list. This is one of the way clutter impacts your health, according to our experts.

So if you feel like you can’t wind down at night very easily, you may find that clearing visible mess in your bedroom helps you sleep better.

With the open top storage of these handy little organizing trays, you will still be able to access what you need easily, but you won’t have to look at the minutiae of the contents all day.

I’m opting for five packs to cover my messiest shelving areas with a coherent storage theme throughout my house. This will clear that visual noise across my home in less than 30 minutes.

Bear in mind that there is a minimum order of $35 needed to qualify for home delivery from IKEA, so go for multiple packs to reach the threshold, or consider other useful items from the affordable Swedish household retailer.

I bought the cult classic KALLAX shelf storage unit a few months ago, and it's transformed my kitchen, which doesn't have enough concealed storage. The slimline BILLY bookcase and IKEA's array of organizing trays, which start as little as 29 cents, are great ways to add storage.

What Shoppers Say About the TAVELÅN Trays

With an average shopper rating of 4.7/5, these non-toxic trays are highly recommended by shoppers, who mention in their reviews the quality of the item, the appeal of its sleek and minimalist design, and the usefulness of the sizing, which fits in various IKEA storage units, shelving wall attachments, as well as shoppers' other furniture.

One shopper, Joanne, who gave the bamboo set five stars, says, ‘These boxes look great in my bathroom. They hold all the bottles and debris that usually clutter up my sink area for a streamlined look. They look great with the bamboo toothbrush holder, corner shelf, and picture ledge. Everything ties together beautifully.’

Another purchaser, Kathryn, also gave the set 5 stars and commented that IKEA's bamboo trays are ‘attractive enough for table or countertop placement.’

What to Shop

We've spoken to hundreds of professional organizers and tested 125 of the best decluttering methods, and the most persistent advice has been that having the right systems in place will help keep your home tidy in the long term.

Here's a curated selection of the most useful items you can have in the battle against clutter, to stop it quietly reaccumulating.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You can also remove harmful plastic from your fresh produce storage by switching to a bamboo tower, which is chic and dual-layered.

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I’m very particular about the cookware I allow into my kitchen. To earn a place in my small space, it has to be non-toxic, yet until recently, I had never given much thought to my colander.

Admittedly, it sounds a little silly. Of all the non-toxic cookware to scrutinize, this simple finishing tool is only used for a few minutes before being washed and put away. Still, plastic is plastic, and it can pose a contamination risk.

Here’s why it matters more than you might think, and why switching to a $15 stainless steel colander from Amazon feels like the smarter choice for my health-conscious kitchen.

Why Switching My Colander Was The Final Piece of My Non-Toxic Puzzle

The same plastic colander has been part of my cookware collection since university, more than seven years ago. It’s done its job perfectly well, but once I became more aware of the potential risks associated with heating plastics in the kitchen, I realized I probably should have replaced it with a stainless steel strainer (from Amazon) sooner to create a non-toxic home.

For example, a 2024 study examining microplastic and PTFE contamination from cookware found that both new and older plastic kitchen tools can release micro- and nanoplastics into food during preparation. Everything from utensils to pitchers to colanders can contribute, and the older the item, the greater the potential for contamination. The thought made me shudder.

According to the study, 'Assuming a meal was prepared daily per the prescribed methodology, new and old plastic cookware may be contributing 2409-4964 microplastics per annum into homecooked food.'

Now, I’m not cooking my dinner in a colander. But I do strain boiling pasta and vegetables in it, often letting them sit and steam while I finish preparing the rest of the meal. Even short exposure like that can add up over time, making the risk feel harder to ignore.

The solution, fortunately, was simple. Just as with the rest of my cookware, it meant replacing plastic with a durable stainless steel or ceramic alternative. These non-reactive materials don't contain harmful plastics or chemicals, making them a simple swap for instant peace of mind.

It's a small change, but it certainly all adds up, and I won't be making a similar mistake again.

What to Shop

There’s also a strong argument for investing in cookware and accessories that look just as good as they are for your health. Picking sleek stainless steel or charming, handcrafted ceramics offers the best of both visual appeal and practicality, making a small kitchen look more luxurious.

With that in mind, I’ve cherry-picked six essentials that are as beautiful as they are functional to elevate your kitchen.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

It is not just your cookware that needs an upgrade. Consider the best non-toxic kitchen appliances to strip your routine of potentially harmful chemicals.

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Good cookware can make or break a meal, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the precise, technique-driven world of Japanese cooking. From delicate rolled omelets to perfectly fluffy rice, these dishes leave little room for error, and standard, everyday pans often fall short.

Luckily, HexClad can bring professional-grade pans into your home. The brand is now bringing two of its most sought-after non-toxic cookware pieces from overseas to the US (and UK): A Hybrid Japanese Egg Pan and a Hybrid Rice Pot, both engineered to help home cooks master the finer details with ease.

Available now directly from HexClad, these pieces have already earned a strong following in Japan, arguably the greatest seal of approval. But with this being a limited release, you'll have to be quick to get your hands on them.

Why HexClad's Japanese Bestsellers Are the Perfect Kitchen Upgrade

When choosing non-toxic cookware, most of us opt for the most versatile pieces we can find within our price range, so we can buy less, save space, and money. However, some culinary arts require the right tools to master more specific techniques.

The Japanese Egg Pan offers the best of both worlds. A modern spin on a traditional tamagoyaki pan for Tokyo-style omelets, the TerraBond™ ceramic non-stick, non-toxic hybrid pan is also perfect for rolled crepes, French toast, long, narrow veggies, grilled sandwiches, sausages, delicate fish fillets, and bacon.

You would be forgiven for thinking that it's just another pan, albeit square. However, the shape has a distinct purpose, ensuring a constant diameter across the length of your omelets, meaning rolling it up and slicing it for a bento box or sushi use is quick and easy, not to mention beautiful. No more hapdash presentation. We eat with our eyes first, after all.

Cooking rice should be simple, but many of us are cooking rice all wrong. Achieving perfect, fluffy, evenly cooked grains isn't as straightforward as it might seem, but it is the foundation of countless world cuisines.

Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved, has Iranian heritage and grew up learning how to cook her family's Persian recipes, the key staple of which is perfectly fluffy rice. She says, 'Even if you have the best technique in the world, unless you have the right type of pot, you'll be running an uphill race.

'Having an excellent non-stick pot with a tight-fitting lid and even heat distribution is going to be the key, and the HexClad Rice Pot ticks every box with its premium, non-toxic materials and precision construction.'

The HexClad Rice Pot removes the need for a whole separate appliance cluttering up your countertops or small kitchen storage. The 2-quart pot with its unique hagama shape (wing pot) makes stovetop rice quick and easy.

The ceramic non-stick coating stops rice from sticking, while the spherical shape ensures even heating and allows oil to circulate more efficiently around grains compared to a flat-base pan for tender, not soggy, results.

Punteha adds, 'Many people use rice cookers, and I can understand the appeal, but I've also stuck to my family's techniques in well-designed and versatile cookware to save on space.'

The combination of the two new HexClad releases will transform everyday meals in your kitchen into a powerhouse setup for Southeast Asian cooking. They're the perfect foundation pieces, whether you love a well-considered breakfast or want to show off at dinner times. And, they'll last for years to come, making the cost-per-use low and great value.

What to Shop

If you wish to expand your culinary horizons, Japanese cuisine, techniques, and kitchen tools are a fantastic place to start, allowing a variety of dishes at varying skill levels to be perfected.

I have curated six essential and fun accessories you might enjoy, no matter if you are new to the style or are looking to expand your existing arsenal.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you are considering a full Japanese-inspired cooking upgrade for your kitchen, knives are the next consideration. Our expert chef has weighed up whether Japanese knives are worth the money to help you make the right decision for your kitchen.

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If you’re phasing out harmful plastics from your kitchen, don’t overlook your cutting board. I swapped to this handy BPA-free Joseph Joseph trio that comes with a sleek mountable caddy, and it's perfect for hiding in plain sight.

Not only is it a non-toxic upgrade from your tired plastic one, but the currently $36 Joseph Joseph Folio Slim set, available on Amazon, can be mounted inside a cabinet door or shelf, helping to declutter without compromising on the easy access needed for such a vital kitchen tool. The Folio Slim's design saves space on your countertops whilst wiping out the risk of microplastics leeching into your produce as you cut it.

The boards are also dishwasher-safe, and after using them for 15 months in my home, I can confirm they are exceedingly durable, making them an excellent non-toxic cutting board pick.

I’m Relieved to Finally Have a Safe Option That Lasts

I use a stainless steel Japanese knife set from Amazon at home and keep them regularly maintained with a rolling sharpener, and despite 15 months of use, multiple times a day for my salad and vegetable-obsessed household, there are no marks on my boards.

Previously, I went through a long journey when trying to find a safe from plastic and forever chemicals cutting board option, and initially switched to glass, only to find that my knives dulled exceptionally fast – something professional chefs will tell you. I should have checked with them first, in truth.

Then I went to food-safe and environmentally friendly fast-growing bamboo boards and found my set splintered within a month, despite following the care instructions.

That’s when I turned to Joseph Joseph’s Folio Slim set, as I was looking to double my countertop space and find a safe alternative for my abundant food prep.

The material is polypropylene, which is manufactured without toxic BPAs, and won’t become damaged in the heat of your dishwasher. It’s a material that is approved by regulatory agencies, including the FDA, EFSA, and EPA, for safe use with food, and is often used in baby bottles for it’s non toxic and durable construction. It’s highly heat-resistant, but note this item is not safe for oven use, nor in the microwave.

I Have Used It for More Than a Year and Love It

This product has lasted the test of time in my home and proven to be the safe solution I was looking for. It’s slotted under my wall-mounted cabinets, right above the area I usually chop my produce. You can alternatively mount it inside your cabinet or under a shelf. I also like that the non-slip corners are built into the main item, meaning over time, they have not pinged off and needed replacing.

When I first got mine, I skipped the screw-in installation, however, and used heavy-duty double-sided nano-tape from Amazon, and it hasn’t budged. Just make sure that you press it fully to the shelf, to get out any air bubbles, then leave for 24 hours for full adhesion. Then store the boards. My caddy has remained secure for all this time and shows no signs of going anywhere.

It’s worth noting that although the case looks like stainless steel, it’s exceptionally light, made from ABS plastic, which is safe for daily use on finished products, including kitchen appliances.

What Shoppers Say

With an average 4.5/5 star rating from verified shoppers on Amazon, the Folio Slim set is a hit.

Many comment on how much space they save, and how handy the caddy is for keeping clutter clear off countertops. Do measure the height of your shelf or cabinet before purchasing, however, as some customers with thick shelves noticed the caddy didn’t fit. The maximum thickness is 0.8 inches.

One shopper, who gave it the full five stars, stated in their review, ‘Love these cutting boards! They're sturdy and small but [the] perfect size. Easy to clean and put right back. They declutter my counters and still make them easily accessible, mounted under my cabinet.’

Another says, ‘I really love this cutting board system. It keeps the boards easily accessible.’

What to Shop

The kitchen is arguably one of the most important areas of your home, but if you are loading it with toxic items, even the best-laid meal plans and healthy cooking will be marred by the risk of forever chemicals leaching into your ingredients and meals.

Here’s my selection of safe and useful alternatives that are vital for any healthy cooking space.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Common small kitchen appliances can be a source of toxic chemicals, too. That's why our team of professional chefs and product testers has spent thousands of hours vetting the best non-toxic air fryers, non-toxic coffee makers, and non-toxic cookware to rid your kitchen of forever chemicals whilst delivering outstanding performance, easy maintenance, and value for money.

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The new oven-to-table Anthropologie Easter baking collection is exactly what is needed to easily elevate seasonal tablescapes with minimal effort. There's no need to stop and dish up into a separate vessel, as this set ticks all the boxes for function and form.

The Anthropologie Millie collection is the perfect non-toxic glazed stoneware designed with Easter motifs and delightfully charming tableware to match, which will delight fellow home bakers and avid hosts like me, saving you the embarrassment of tired serveware marring your efforts.

Suitable for seasonal entertaining and springtime sweet treats, this whimsical, non-toxic cookware is currently on limited-time sale in the run-up to Easter Sunday, making it an even more compelling investment for your seasonal setup – whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply looking to elevate your baking.

The Non-Toxic Spring Anthropologie Collection Is Perfect For Easter Hosting

Anthropologie is well-known for its adorable seasonal collections, and this spring is no exception. Their Millie range is an Easter delight, offering rustic-inspired cottage bakeware and Easter table decor.

Admittedly, you can stick to standard baking trays, but they don’t come close to the visual appeal of a beautifully styled setup on your table or kitchen counter. Every detail in this collection feels intentional, from rustic, hand-painted motifs featuring seasonal bunnies, chickens, and highland cows, to sculpted bunny-shaped handles on select baking dishes.

To add substance to beauty, what has really grabbed my attention, however, is the materials. Everything from the Anthropologie Millie Round Baking Dish to the Millie Spoon Rest is made from dishwasher-safe glazed stoneware. As a non-toxic baking enthusiast, it is music to my ears.

Stoneware is, in essence, a type of ceramic fired at high temperatures, making it more durable. Glass-glazing the ceramic then makes it non-porous, and also means that food-safe stoneware is free from lead, cadmium, and other potentially toxic elements that could contaminate your food.

What Sets This Collection Apart

There are plenty of non-toxic bakeware options on the market, from the colorful Caraway Bakeware Set, coated with non-stick ceramic, to the latest Le Creuset Oval Bread Oven crafted from quality cast iron for the perfect artisanal loaves, but the Anthropologie collection merges table-ready beauty with harm-free practicality.

The baking dishes, including the Millie Square Baking Dish, the aforementioned Round Baking Dish, and Millie Ramekins, are all oven safe up to 482°F (250°C) as well as being microwave safe.

These pieces aren’t just made for spring; they sit effortlessly within rustic, country-style kitchens or modern farmhouse kitchens all year round.

Don't just take our word for it either, as shopper AKWill shared in their five-star review, 'The round baking dish is absolutely fabulous. The floral design is beautiful, and the bunny-shaped handles add such a delightful touch. It's not only cute but sturdy and perfect for baking and serving. I love having it in my kitchen.'

Don't need a whole new baking set? The collection has some smaller offerings to spruce up your spring kitchen, too, from the adorable highland cow-topped Millie Stoneware Butter Dish to the viral Anthropologie Berry Baskets.

More to Shop

Picking up the perfect bakeware and tableware is only part of your Easter hosting checklist. Next, explore timeless Easter décor ideas that help usher in the season with elegance without veering into kitsch.

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I love batchcooking for its efficiency, but it all too often proves challenging to store, be it due to half-empty food containers zapping freezer space, or defrosting big portions that lead to waste. That’s now all in the past since I tried the viral block stacking storage method, which involves freezing very neat rectangles of food in non-toxic bags.

Alongside my silicone Souper Cubes, available at Amazon, which have transformed the ease with which I freeze accurately-sized portions, I have a freezer shelf now stocked from top to bottom with easy 'builder' meals for me, my husband, and my child without bulky containers.

I had wondered if this method might just be a gimmick, but actually, when used in tandem with non-toxic storage containers and freezer molds, it’s unlocked a lot of freezer space and less food waste in my house.

What Is the Brick Stacking Food Storage Method?

It’s simple. Freeze your food into neat, easy-to-stack portions, then bundle together and build your meals so you have everything you need in one simple bag, or a stack of pick and mix options.

Now, instead of having lots of half-empty food containers wasting space in your freezer, you can make maximum use of your shelves, drawers, and door space.

Since my Souper silicone molds are reusable and dishwasher safe, I can easily freeze a batch overnight, decant into a non-toxic freezer bag, and freeze the next batch in the morning.

As I am disabled and in chronic pain, I have to work smarter, not harder, in the kitchen to avoid injury and flares, but this method is useful for all busy households. Avoiding food waste also helps you be more sustainable at home.

I Tried It At Home for a Month

I gave it a go for my Persian batch-cooked meals, and my perfectly shaped blocks meant no more half-empty food containers and eyeballed portion sizes.

For easy weeknight dinners, these blocks have become a lifesaver when I am exhausted, I have forgotten to set something out to defrost the night before, or simply, my child doesn't want whatever I have planned. With this easy freezer-storage method, I can whip together a perfectly proportioned home-cooked meal with zero waste.

Due to the modest block sizes, I have found that they thaw easily and quickly with my microwave's defrost setting, taking us from freezer to dinner table in around 10 minutes.

It also delightfully means that my freezer is now highly organized, which has proven to be the biggest benefit of all. Previously, I was squeezing in food containers amidst all the other items packed out in my appliance, and sometimes having to eat the same meal a few nights in a row if I was out of space to freeze a batch.

With this block-freezing method, the even rectangles stack together neatly without any of the freezer shelf being wasted on food containers.

Verdict: 10/10. It’s become a go-to kitchen storage idea in my home, and I highly recommend it. It's also made mid-week meals, so incredibly easy and stress-free.

How to Try It and Free Up Freezer Space

You’ll need silicone molds for the freezer, and having used them myself, I am a complete convert to Souper Cubes, available at Amazon. They are very thick and versatile, and can be used in the oven and dishwasher (without the BPA-free plastic lids, though, as those are not oven safe).

Pour your food into the slots, and freeze. I do this overnight. Then in the morning, if I still have more of my batch in the fridge to freeze, I decant and repeat.

Put the frozen blocks into reusable and dishwasher-safe, food-safe silicone bags, or in BPA-free Ziploc bags, both available at Walmart. I keep like with like, and that way I can keep track of my stock.

You can also store various blocks together to make up a meal, such as a curry block and a rice portion into one bag, so it's ready to pull out of the freezer and reheat with zero thought needed.

Don't forget, you can apply this method to batch prepping items such as garlic puree, or if you open a jar of tomato puree but don't need it all.

What to Shop

Having suitable and useful non-toxic kitchen utensils and tools on hand to facilitate your batch cooking will save you space, time, and keep your meals free of harmful ‘forever chemicals’ that can leech into your ingredients during use or storage.

Coupled with one of the best non-toxic air fryers and one of the best slow cookers, you’ll be set for the ultimate cooking experience with minimal toxin risk.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

I am always looking for ways to make daily cooking easier, and these are the kitchen appliance tips I lean on daily as a busy working mom.

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Having written about non-toxic cleaning practices for over three years, I firmly believe that whenever possible, you should stick to 100% natural products.

This is especially important when cleaning a coffee maker. With boiling water rushing through its pipes, any lingering chemicals can easily end up in your morning cup.

To protect both your health and your best non-toxic coffee maker, I consulted toxicologists to identify the harmful chemicals to avoid during maintenance, and the safer alternatives to reach for the next time that descaling light starts blinking.

Why You Should Use Caution When Maintaining Your Coffee Maker

No matter if you are cleaning a drip coffee maker, the best espresso machine, or sanitizing a French press, you should always avoid harsh household chemicals from your everyday cleaning cabinet.

It is also worth noting that just because a product is marketed as compatible with your appliance's make and model doesn't always mean it is good for your health, or the quality of your brew when making coffee at home.

As with understanding non-toxic cookware labels, it is important to review the ingredient list for your descaling products to avoid potentially harmful mixtures that could also damage your appliance.

Michael Cramer, founder and product developer at Lardera Coffee, explains, 'Strong acids such as sulfamic, hydrochloric, and phosphoric are often found in commercial or industrial descalers because they effectively dissolve mineral buildup, but they can also be corrosive to internal metal and rubber parts if used frequently or at high concentrations. These acids also require thorough rinsing, as residue will adversely affect the taste of the coffee.'

The Cleaning Chemicals to Avoid in Your Coffee Maker

According to Onome Warfield, co-founder at General Warfeild's Coffee, there are three potentially harmful chemicals that you need to look out for:

• Sulfamic acid: Often found in coffee and espresso machine cleaners, sulfamic acid is also common in toilet bowl cleaners, hard water removers, tub and tile cleaners, sink sprays, and other bathroom products. Clearly, we wouldn’t want to ingest these, so sulfamic acid should never be used for descaling or cleaning anything food-related. According to official material safety data sheets, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and corrode rubber seals or other internal components. This is a firm no for any appliance that produces your food or drinks.
• Hydrochloric acid: This highly corrosive chemical is far too dangerous for use in home brewing machines. Even tiny residues that aren’t fully flushed can pose serious health risks, according to the EPA. Its extreme acidity makes it completely unsuitable for any food-related use. Another clear no.
• Any harsh synthetic detergents/soaps (surfactants): Detergents and synthetic soaps are not designed for coffee equipment. Residue can be difficult to remove and can affect both your health and the flavor of your coffee, because soap-flavored coffee frankly sounds unpleasant. Like the other chemicals listed, this is a full-stop hard no.

The Cleaning Products to Use Instead

When looking for non-toxic cleaning products for your coffee maker, Onome stresses that you select specific and designated food-safe descalers with biodegradable formulations meant for coffee equipment.

'These are perhaps the best due to their low toxicity, effectiveness, ease of use, and their ability to gently descale coffee equipment, etc. Additionally, they usually don't leave stubborn residue, odor, or bad or "off" tastes. Simply follow the product's instructions and use as directed,' she advises.

• Citric acid-based descalers: When shopping for non-toxic products formulated specifically for descaling, citric acid cleansers are my first choice. They are generally gentle, food-safe, and widely recommended when used exactly as directed. The Active Coffee Machine Cleaner and Descaler Solution from Walmart is a good option for this, as it is made up of water and citric acid.
• Lactic acid-based descalers: These are another good choice when used exactly as directed. They are generally low in toxicity, very effective, and won't damage coffee machines and equipment when used appropriately. We suggest New England Stories Descaling Solution, from Amazon, which is formulated with 100% plant-based lactic acid.

It is worth discussing cleaning with vinegar here, as it is non-toxic and generally encouraged for use in descaling applications. That being said, Onome advises against it.

'Believe it or not, and contrary to some guides, we do not recommend using vinegar. While it's not dangerous like the other chemicals mentioned, it can damage rubber seals and other essential parts over time, plus it can be difficult to fully rinse without leaving the classic vinegar odor, affecting the taste of coffee if there's any residue left at all.'

For this reason, distilled white vinegar, available at Walmart, can be used sparingly, and when you are stuck without other safe alternatives, it is best to skip where you can.

FAQs

Why does my coffee maker taste bad after cleaning?

Your coffee machine might have a strange flavor after descaling because the product is still stuck in the inner pipework. No matter what you use to clean your appliance, it is always best practice to flush the machine out before you brew your next coffee.

Onome recommends running two to three full cycles with plain filtered water to remove buildup and residue. Where you can, it is also preferable that you disassemble any parts you can to allow the machine to air dry, limiting the risk of mold and bacteria.

Meet the Experts

With your cleaning routine perfected, next, pick up some of our coffee bar essentials to take your home brew to the next level.

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For years, stainless steel pans intimidated me. I’d heard too many horror stories of food sticking, burning, and going to waste, so I stuck with the convenience of non-stick.

Those toxic PTFE coatings always nagged at me, and I came to see that if I wanted truly non-toxic cookware for total peace of mind and better health, I had to get over my aversion.

Then I spent an evening learning from Le Creuset's chefs how to use their Essentials Stainless Steel Frying Pan. With its high-quality construction and the professional cooks' expert advice, it completely erased my fear of this premium material.

How I Got Over My Fear Of Cooking With Stainless Steel

As someone trying to build a more non-toxic home, I wanted to make the switch away from non-stick coated pans, but every attempt seemed to end the same way.

For years, I have owned a very cheap stainless steel saucepan from a local home store, and cooking with it was a constant battle. Food stuck, sauces burned, and mid-week dinners were made more stressful. After enough failed dinners, I convinced myself stainless steel simply wasn’t for me.

It made me reluctant to invest in a higher-end pan. If cooking was already difficult, why spend more money just for history to repeat itself?

Everything changed when I had the chance to test the Le Creuset Essentials Stainless Steel Frying Pan with its chefs. Cooking breaded chicken schnitzel and even a delicate fried egg with no burning or breaking immediately proved something important: The problem wasn’t my skill; it had been expecting a budget pan to deliver a premium performance.

The difference comes down to two things: Technique and construction. This pan uses 3-ply stainless steel with a single-piece aluminum core, allowing heat to distribute evenly across the surface. That consistent heating makes controlling the cooking process far easier and dramatically reduces the chances of sticking or scorching.

The pan came home with me that same evening, and I've been using it daily ever since without the issues that had previously put me off.

The next key step was mastering the Leidenfrost effect, and, with it, learning a bit of patience. The term sounds intimidating, but in practice it’s remarkably simple.

Heat your pan dry, with no oil, over medium-low heat. Higher heat won’t speed things up; it actually makes sticking and burning worse. Once the pan is warm, flick a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water immediately sizzles and evaporates, the pan isn’t hot enough.

The moment the drops bead up and skate across the surface like mercury, it’s the perfect temperature to add your oil (the chefs recommended one with a low smoke point, such as vegetable oil, which is from Walmart) and your ingredients. This is because the high heat of the surface has created a vapour layer, preventing the drop from making direct contact with the pan. This is what prevents your ingredients from sticking and burning.

Any cooler, and ingredients will immediately adhere, and cooking (and later cleaning and caring for your cookware) becomes a nightmare.

The top tip from the expert: Keep the heat steady when you first add your ingredients, but slightly lower it when you flip them. Since the pan retains heat, turning it down a degree or two prevents burning while maintaining that ideal cooking temperature.

Once you get the timing right and have quality tools at your disposal, stainless steel becomes far less intimidating, as I have now learned personally. Stainless steel has become the standard for me now.

What to Shop

If, like me, detoxifying your kitchen is a priority, stainless steel cookware deserves serious consideration, even if you have been hesitant to make the change. I promise that once you get the hang of adding oil or ingredients at the right time, at the right temperature, it's very straightforward to use.

I’ve curated a selection of my favorite non-toxic tools for the kitchen, along with some essential accessories, to help you confidently upgrade your kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your cookware sorted, check out the best non-toxic kitchen appliances to completely detoxify your kitchen.

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After spending the last few weeks cooking with the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven, I finally understand why these investment pieces inspire such a loyal following.

I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. I never questioned the brand’s reputation for quality or longevity (my mom has used her Le Creuset set for more than 30 years, after all), but I struggled to see how any of the best Dutch ovens could justify a $400+ price tag.

After testing one in my own kitchen, though, I’m absolutely converted. It has become one of the most reliable and satisfying pieces of cookware I own, and I now count myself as a fan of the brand. Here’s how it performed in my tests, and why it might be one of the smartest long-term investments you make for your cooking setup.

I Was Won Over by the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven on Test

Product Specifications: Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven

Design and First Impressions: Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven

Le Creuset introduced its Modern Heritage collection in August 2025 to mark the company’s 100th anniversary, revisiting archival silhouettes and refining them with subtle contemporary updates. The result is a design that softens the traditional look while affectionately nodding to the brand’s history.

I appreciate the modern Dutch oven designs, so I wasn't too sure what to make of it at first. Now, however, after having it sit on my stove for the last three weeks, its classic charm has won me over. Its a truly unique sentimental silhouette that I have come to love.

I received the classic 'Flame' color variant for review, but it is available in nine stunning options, including the rich red 'Cerise', a calming 'Sea Salt' blue, and a truly delicious-sounding 'Brioche' off-white.

One of my first surprises was the weight. My previous reference point was decades-old Le Creuset pieces that felt incredibly heavy when I was younger, so I expected something similarly cumbersome. Instead, at 10.6 lbs with the lid, this Dutch oven proved far more manageable than anticipated.

It still feels exceptionally well-made: The lid fits snugly without shifting, and the flat, ergonomic handles are comfortable to grip, even while wearing oven mitts (in my case, a pair of Le Creuset oven mitts as well).

I was also impressed with the packaging. The only plastic components were small lid clips designed to protect the rim during transit. These can be kept and reused for safer storage, too, which makes the rest of the disposable elements recyclable.

There was one sticker on the base of the pot that needed to be removed before use. This was simple enough once I got my nail under it, but if any residue remains, it would be simple enough to clean away with a paper towel and some olive oil (my favorite hack for removing stickers naturally and without scrubbing).

The instruction manual was detailed, featuring several languages and all the steps for using and caring for your cookware to make the most of your investment. I could see the smaller, compact text being more difficult for people with reduced eyesight, however.

Cooking Performance: Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven

To allow for a fair comparison, I cooked the same meals in the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven as I did in the Made In Round Dutch Oven I was reviewing at the same time. The main test is my hearty stove-to-oven chicken casserole, designed to test how well the pot heats on the stove, and how easily it transfers and cooks both with and without the lid in the oven.

I started by crisping up some skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, which formed an even golden, crisp skin without having to rotate them around the pan, showing that the cast iron heated evenly despite the stove ring being slightly smaller than the base.

The skin peeled away from the base of the pot easily, too, with the help of my silicone tongs, from Walmart, with very little sticking. Le Creuset states that you can use metal tools with its enameled cast iron, but I recommend using wooden or silicone tools where possible to prevent scratching and extend the life of all your pots, while maintaining aesthetics.

After removing the chicken, there was too much residual liquid left in the pan, but thanks to the ergonomic handles that stay cool enough to handle on the stove, this was easy to pour away. I had no concerns about grip despite it being weighty.

The fond was then easy to deglaze with a small amount of water, and the vegetables sauted beautifully, softening nicely and developing an even golden color with no scorching. I added the rest of the ingredients and brought it to a low simmer. The liquid bubbled evenly across the surface, confirming even heating (a test I replicated when making a bolognese a few nights later, which you can see in the video below).

I finished the casserole in the oven, starting with the lid on before removing the lid and adding my mom's suet dumplings halfway through. After time in the oven, you certainly need oven gloves for this.

The stiff, flat pad of my new oven gloves made lifting the handle of the lid slightly awkward, but with a little more wear and flexibility in the fabric, I can see this being simple enough. Removing the pot after cooking with oven gloves was simple, thanks to the large, flat handles.

The casserole emerged perfectly golden, with tender vegetables, fall-apart meat, and perfectly crispy skin and dumplings. As with the Made In Dutch oven casserole, it was praised as wholesome and delicious by my partner.

On separate evenings, I also tested the pot with the same sticky soy-chicken bites and comforting bolognaise. Both sauces bubbled evenly to the edges, the vegetables softened perfectly, and the meat browned uniformly. I was incredibly impressed from start to finish.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance: Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven

I have high expectations when it comes to cleaning enameled cast iron, especially after testing the Made In pot, so I was relieved to find that the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven proved just as easy to maintain after each use.

The pot is technically dishwasher safe, but I prefer to hand-wash cookware to extend its lifespan – a practice Le Creuset recommends as well. Using a non-toxic dish soap such as Attitude from Walmart, and a soft microfiber sponge, I found that residue wiped away effortlessly, with no scrubbing required – even on the occasion when the pot sat overnight without soaking.

The Modern Heritage series features distinct, wide handles on either side of the pot, which can make storing it away slightly trickier, especially if you have small kitchen storage areas, as I do. As with any enameled pot from any brand, it’s generally recommended not to stack items inside a Dutch oven to protect the enamel. Tucking it away neatly in a crowded cabinet isn’t always the easiest option.

That said, the pot is so striking and is so recognizable that I was more than happy to leave it on display on my stove, where it doubles as both cookware and bright spring kitchen decor.

How Does the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven Compare?

I put the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven to the test alongside the Made In Round Dutch Oven, and spotted several small differences that make the Le Creuset offering, in my opinion, the more worthy investment if you have the budget.

Tested using the same recipes, in the same kitchen, under the same weeknight conditions, the ovens produced very similar overall results. The meals were all delicious, they were both easy to clean and maintain, and they both looked fantastic.

The real differences emerged in day-to-day cooking performance. The Dutch oven from Made In, for instance, didn’t distribute heat quite as evenly to the edges as the Le Creuset did. As a result, I found myself needing to be slightly more hands-on – rotating meat and stirring sauces more frequently to ensure everything cooked evenly.

Weight was another noticeable distinction. The Made In pot comes in at 13.6 lbs, compared to 10.6 lbs for the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven. While the difference might seem minor on paper, it was immediately noticeable when lifting the pots one after the other with the lids on, making the Le Creuset significantly easier to maneuver in everyday use, especially when it's packed with ingredients.

That being said, the Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven is one of the more expensive options on the market, retailing on the Le Creuset website for $420 at the time of this review. This is $121 more than the Made In pot.

Having used both side by side and enjoyed each thoroughly, I would still see myself reaching for the Le Creuset every time, even at full price. It offers just a touch more everyday convenience, a broader and more striking color range, and the brand heritage that makes it feel like a piece I could genuinely pass down through generations.

My Verdict: Should You Buy A Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven?

All in all, I believe that despite the price, the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Round Dutch Oven is one of the best non-toxic cookware investment purchases you can make for your kitchen.

Whether you are a casual home cook or an avid amateur chef, it is an heirloom-quality piece that delivers on taste and experience, simplifying cooking and looking good while doing so.

Yes, the price is high, but you will be buying one pot you will likely never have to replace, saving money on more affordable replacements over the years. If you have the budget, it is a robust and high-performing cooking asset for any household.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

If lasting performance and vibrant, classic colors shape your cookware choices, a Le Creuset Dutch oven deserves a prime spot in your kitchen – especially if you want pieces that reward careful maintenance with years of reliable, versatile cooking.

I’ve put together some of our favorite Le Creuset investments, along with affordable tools to keep it looking and performing its best year after year.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Is a Dutch oven not quite right for your cooking style? Explore some of our favorite Dutch oven alternatives, designed to deliver high-quality results no matter your preferred cuisine or daily cooking routine.

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Since testing the excellent non-stick, non-toxic Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set, I have been entirely converted to its heirloom quality, faster cooking, and easy cleanup.

Not only does this high-performance set include everything you need for everyday home cooking, but its carefully thought-out inclusions and varied sizes make it possible to produce meals for guests or bigger families. And aside from the faster cook times, each item takes less than 30 seconds to clean by hand. Plus, the provided matte organizers banish the stacked-pot hassle.

As an avid cook on a budget, I've always made do with the cookware I could afford and replaced them every couple of years as they began to flake, but I'll admit, I'll now forever be investing in the best non-toxic cookware, as these are built to last, look beautiful on display, and make cooking truly joyful.

Specifications: Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set

Design and First Impression: Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set

The packaging was all cardboard and recyclable, without any plastic to worry about, which makes it easy to remain sustainable at home when shopping online with Our Place.

Opening it up honestly felt like all my birthdays had come at once. It was definitely joyful as an avid home cook to experience unpacking it all. Every item was meticulously and securely packed, so there was no risk of the glass lid or recycled plastic organizer breaking in transit. Delivery was fast, too, arriving within 48 hours of the order.

A few things struck me as I got everything out and inspected this set: It's extremely high quality and quite heavy, though lighter than I was expecting, and beautiful.

Additionally, the storage organizer took less than two minutes to slot together, and the sturdy construction and matte finish resulted in me organizing my kitchen for spring, just to keep this 11-piece stunning set on display.

I opted for the Terracotta, but it's also available in Cream, Blue Salt, and Char. Each one looks and feels deliciously expensive and is also available in an 8-piece, 17-piece, and 21-piece set. All variations come with the matte cream organizer.

I was very excited to try it all out and sat down and wrote a month-long meal plan to enable me to use every element multiple times in my day-to-day cooking, and to include our set tests (jump to my test results).

Over the years, I have used various sets of copper pans, affordable non-stick pans, and mid-range sets such as Scoville's Neverstick collection. I have always been an avid fan of non-stick for its ease of cooking and the minimal need for oil, so I was keen to see how a premium set compares.

The Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set came with a color booklet on care guidance, which was easy to understand. All I had to do to get cooking was take off the easy-peel stickers inside the pans and on the lids and hand-wash before use.

There was no smell from the pans, lids, or silicone elements, even before their first clean.

Performance: Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set

I've been cooking with these pans daily for over a month, and as I eat a hot lunch and dinner on an intermittent fasting food plan, and sometimes cook separately for my nine-year-old daughter, I have gotten plenty of testing experience across 75 meals with this 11-piece Our Place set.

As I am disabled and in chronic pain, my husband helped with testing by being my hands and feet when I was unable to do so. It's worth noting that the weight of the set felt like a slight barrier at first, but I quickly got used to it.

As a reminder, this set includes:

• 10in. Fry Pan (4lbs with lid)
• 2 qt Saucepan (3.5lbs with lid)
• 4 qt Saute Pan (4.7 lbs with lid)
• 7 qt Stock Pot (4.9lbs with lid)

To get an in-depth idea of the performance of the premium Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set, I used it over the course of 75 cooking sessions, including my usual mix of western, Mediterranean, Persian, and Far Eastern dishes, plus our four standard tests, below.

Remarkably, everything cooked at least 30% faster, was always evenly finished, and even the messiest cook took no more than 30 seconds to clean by hand. The lids connected all the way around the food, which was never dry, and I did not experience any over-bubbling and messy sides.

I was immediately obsessed, so to protect the Thermakind® coating over the longer term, I upgraded to a 22-piece silicone cooking utensil set from Amazon (and threw out my old ones that were a mix of plastic and metal).

The strainer was fabulous for washing any volume of fresh produce, but I was unable to rinse my rice as I usually do in my plastic strainer, which has long, thin gaps, rather than this strainer's round ones.

Here's how the pans set fared against our tests:

Test 1: Frying Onions

There was no sticking, and onions were easy to fry with only a few pieces overcooked, and I'll admit that was my fault for setting the heat too high to start. When I caramelized some onions on a low heat, expecting them to take the usual 45-60 minutes, they were done by around 35 minutes and only needed the initial splash of olive oil. They caramelized without sticking, colored nicely without scorching, and despite my regular use of saffron and turmeric for aromatics, the pans never stained. Washing the pan after these tasks took around 15 seconds.

Test 2: Cooking a Sauce

It took 10 minutes for the sauce to start simmering in the center on a medium heat, and by 20 minutes, the entire sauce was evenly simmering, despite the stove ring being about two-thirds of the pot diameter. None of the sauce stuck to the pan, and the liquid residue rinsed out immediately. It took a few swipes of a soapy, soft dish sponge to clean it fully.

Test 3: Seared Chicken Breast

The chicken breast pieces seared nicely in the frying pan, and had a little bit of that delicious seared texture on the outside, whilst maintaining the tenderness inside. I did find that even my largest stove ring was smaller than the frying pan, so I had to move the pan a bit for the last few minutes to get the lower segment of the chicken equally seared. The same result can be achieved by regularly tossing the contents in the last 10 minutes.

I worried that the fond (the golden residue from the searing) that appeared stuck to the plate might be hard to wash off by hand, but actually, it lifted quickly with warm soapy water and the soft side of my sponge.

Another time that I added a sauce to the seared chicken, the mixing in of the liquid lifted that fond before I got to washing up.

Test 4: Fried Eggs

The middle of the frying pan feels slightly raised, so my cracked egg slid a little bit on the oil and made a spread-out shape, rather than the roundness I would have liked. In later cooks, when I used less oil, it stayed in place.

I worried for a moment midway through frying the egg that it was going to stick to the pan despite the oil I had used. But once the egg was ready and had lovely light crispy edges, it unstuck itself, and I was able to slide it off the pan without it folding or breaking.

I found the egg cooked faster than I was used to on medium heat, so the yolk was a little overcooked for my taste the first time. After that, I found that four minutes was adequate for a crispy-edged, runny-yolk fried egg.

Test 5: The Gamut of My Persian and Other Homecooked Dishes

I cook a range of cuisines, but particularly enjoy my family's complex Persian recipes, which include steaming, frying, boiling, par-boiling, and sauteing.

While you may never cook Middle Eastern food, this type of rice and meat with vegetable stew-based cuisine really puts pots and pans through the gamut of its functionality, and I think it's important to share these insights, as they reveal the excellent, consistent performance of the Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set.

• Rice: This carbohydrate underpins 90% of Persian meals and therefore, we have high standards for cooking it, and the deliberately crispy 'tahdig' (which translates to the 'bottom of the pan' from Farsi). Nailing that crispy bit is a skill hard-earned over time, but the exceptionally even and fast cooking of the Our Place Stock Pot makes tahdig creations incredibly easy. In previous pans, the tahdig is not entirely even in color and often darker (and sometimes edging on burned in the center if you're not careful). The Our Place Stock Pot delivered a crisp, even, perfect tahdig without any hint of a hot spot mark, and fluffy, separated, ideal rice. I didn't need to use as much oil either for the tahdig, and the firm 100% closure with the lid makes it ideal for the steaming element of the process. My husband and daughter told me I made my 'best ever tahdig' in these pans.
• Red meat: Once again, even and fast cooking, fabulous fond, and in 75 meals, nothing burned. That will have an element of user skill, of course, but I genuinely found it hard to burn anything.
• Herbs and vegetables: Persian stews are usually made with red meat such as lamb or beef, and an abundance of one vegetable that is fried, steamed, simmered, or both. I cooked stews with mince and diced lamb or beef, and vegetables such as celery or aubergines, as well as dishes with mixed fresh green herbs (fenugreek, parsley, cilantro) that were put in a food processor first, in the frying pan, saute pot and stock pot, depending on the volume I needed for an evening meal, or for larger batch cooking. I found the set to saute, fry, steam, and simmer very evenly. I twice forgot to stir two stews over a longer cook, and it was all evenly cooked through without anything stuck to the bottom of the pot/pan. It also handled denser and harder to cook greens such as rainbow chard brilliantly, with the tight lid connection keeping in all the steam and moisture.
• Dried fruits: Barberries, dried apricots, raisins, and sultanas are present in my Persian meals, especially in addas polo (aromatic beef mince and green lentils with cardamon and cinnamon rice, topped with sautéed saffron fruity jewels). The way the lids keep all the moisture in made the dried fruit feel fresh and juicy. It was impressive.
• Pancakes: Our Saturday morning pans were a breeze to make, and I found cooking on a medium heat for a little bit longer than in my previous pans gave a more even cook than my usual medium-high setting. The pancakes, in fact, showed the evenness of the heat dispersion in concentric ring marks and golden finish. They slid off the pan with no sticking.
• Flatbread: My usual quick homemade quarter-inch thick flat bread made with flour, baking powder, salt, and Greek yoghurt proved difficult to cook in this pan without burning, as the recipe calls for no oil. I found the charred bits were edible, but reducing the thickness of my flatbread by half meant it got cooked through without any unpalatable charring. These pans have instructions to always use oil or butter when cooking, so the pan is not dry, so be aware.
• Pasta: A 30% faster boil meant a quicker-fed hangry child, which was a big win in my house. I also found that parboiling my rice ahead of the Persian tahdig and steam process pictured in the gallery above took just five minutes instead of the usual eight. If you treat yourself to an Our Place set, do titrate your cook times down or keep a close eye on the first few times you use this set, as it's likely to be ready before you expect it to be.

Overall, my cooking experience with the Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set was excellent, and even though I'd never cooked with pans of this weight previously, I quickly grew used to it.

During stovetop use, the long pan handles never got hot enough to be an issue (just don't touch the metal between the round silicone marker and pan, but during oven use, and when the stockpot with the short handles was on the stove for 40 minutes, both the handles on the side and on the lid were hot enough to need oven gloves.

A set of oven gloves is all you need. I prefer silicone oven mitts from Amazon that are machine-washable and have a non-slip texture for secure handling, rather than traditional fabric ones that can feel uncomfortable and slippery if you're dealing with anything heavy.

Cleaning and Storage: Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set

One of my favorite things about these pans is that, despite the 75 dishes I cooked, only one required anything more than a quick rinse and wipe-down with soapy warm water and a soft sponge.

Cleaning all 11 parts of the set was exceptionally easy, negating the need for it to be dishwasher-safe (it is not).

Every usage resulted in a sub-30-second clean before it was back looking as good as new. I tend to dry mine immediately after use with a dishcloth. I love the machine-washable Icon Heart Jacquard Dishclothes from Anthropology, which are beautiful enough to leave out on display.

Of the one time I had a persistent mark on one of the pans (from charring the flatbread), I popped a sprinkle of baking soda on (that's sodium bicarbonate, available at Walmart in a resealable tub, and NOT soda crystals, which are too abrasive), and the mark cleared with a little elbow grease in under a minute.

The instructions advise against cooking without oil in these plans, so that explains the harder clean post-flatbread, which is meant to be cooked in a dry pan.

As for the storage, the organizers that come with the set, which are made from recycled plastic and have a lovely cream matte finish, are a perfect fit and stable. They come in two sets, one for the pans and one for the lids. The stock pot won't fit in it, but the strainer stacks inside it under the lid, so it is self-contained.

I found the entire set and storage organizer to be so beautiful, I rearranged my kitchen to keep it all on display. Having the set on top of my IKEA KALLAX storage unit also makes access to these heavier pans easier as I have weak wrists, as well as hip, back, and neck pain. For me, lifting these heavier pans out of a low kitchen cabinet would be prohibitive in the long term, so where you will keep yours may be a consideration.

However, these are lighter than, say, the best cast-iron cookware or Dutch ovens, but around two to three times heavier than average, more affordable non-stick pans.

I did quickly get used to the weight, but when washing, I had to have a clear sink to place it on the bottom, and clean it on a solid base, rather than holding it up and cleaning in the air as you might a lighter dish or pan.

How the Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set Compares

Whilst I haven't personally yet tested other non-toxic and PFAS-free heritage pots such as Caraway's Ceramic Coated sets, or the cult-classic Our Place Always Titanium pan our chef reviewed and loves, I have spent a lifetime cooking in non-stick pans with brands from the US, UK, and the Middle East.

Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set is, by far, the heaviest, fastest, most evenly-cooking, and easiest-cleaning I've used.

They are so good, in fact, that I spent a weekend with my husband and daughter, decluttering all of our kitchen cabinets, and reorganizing everything in our kitchen layout to keep our Our Place set on display and accessible at all times.

If you would like to invest in a premium set but are put off by Our Place's weight, or perhaps if you have a weak grip or painful wrists, I recommend the lighter Our Place Stainless Clad Frying Pan, which is 2.25 lbs, and offers a premium cooking experience. Our in-house chef, Lydia Hayman, tested it and rated it our best overall non-toxic cookware choice.

What Shoppers Say About the Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set

On the brand's site, this set has 23 verified customer reviews at the time of writing, averaging 4.6/5 stars.

The themes of comments include how much users love' them, find them to be of 'great' quality, 'easy to cook with', 'wash up beautifully.

Many note that the included organizing system is so easy to use and maintain, and that their relatives now want their own set. I agree with all of the above, and have so far had a relative purchase this set after seeing the performance in mine.

One of the four-star reviewers on the Our Place site noted that they'd docked a star only because they'd not used one item in the set, whilst another noted this was an upgrade from their first set of Always Pans and Perfect Pots. They noticed the superior technology in this set but missed the compatible wooden utensil sets and the non-metal handle of their previous set.

The two low reviews remarked that these pans were delicate and scratched easily. They did not note what kind of utensils were being used during their cooking sessions, but I can confirm that using silicone ones, as recommended by the brand itself, has left mine looking as good as new after 75 uses.

I will update this review after six months and a year to report how the surface has held up over time.

Who the Our Place 11-Piece Essentials Cookware Set Would Suit

The set currently retails at around $350, though if you bought the items in this bundle separately, it would set you back more than $550. Because of the price point, this is unlikely to be a first-cookware purchase for those going off to college or to live with friends.

It would, however, make a wonderful wedding gift, or if shopping for yourself, for avid home cooks who will commit to cleaning it by hand and enjoy it for years to come.

If you have a healthy gifting budget, this would make an impressive present for a style- and health-conscious loved one, as even the unpacking of this PFA- and PFOAs-free non-toxic cookware set feels like a luxurious treat. Think of the friend who has already invested in one of the best non-toxic air fryers or non-toxic coffee makers: This is likely very much up their street.

If, however, your budget is tight, you can't commit to handwashing, don't like heavier pans, or don't have any interest in opting for an overtly stylish selection, you may prefer a lightweight, affordable non-stick set. They won't often last as long, and may contain some forever chemicals, so be aware of PFAs and PFOAs in materials lists and other labels that our experts warn to watch out for in cookware.

It's worth noting that the extra weight of sets like this one usually means more complex and advanced technology, even heating, and more durable cookware.

How We Test Cookware

Our robust methodology for testing cookware at Homes & Gardens allows us to compare performance, materials, ergonomics, heat distribution, ease of cleaning, longevity, aesthetics, and, of course, value.

We vet these items across our test kitchen, or in our homes, for a number of weeks, so we can cook a variety of ingredients, meals, and protein types to enable a rounded assessment.

This includes sticky foods such as fried eggs, to see how the non-stick materials or coatings perform on everyday foods, as well as different methods, including searing, frying, sautéing, braising, and oven-baking (where applicable).

More to Shop

If you're interested in similar sets with different items included, or accessories to keep your high-end pots and pans in great shape, and make their use the easiest it can be, I have curated a non-toxic selection for you.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Once you have made your investment, be sure to brush up on the mistakes to avoid when cleaning kitchenware to protect your set in the long term.

To further your non-toxic kitchen journey, explore our best non-toxic coffee makers and our vetted selection of cast-iron pans and Dutch ovens.

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After cooking in the Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven for three weeks, it's clear that it holds its own amongst the top competitors for quality, reliability, and style. I was able to bake bread, roast meats, and simmer wholesome stews in this practical kitchen essential, which would surely become one of your most sought-after heirloom pieces.

The best Dutch ovens can be costly, so it is only right to expect quality, well-rounded flavors, and simple maintenance from your chosen pot. Luckily, the Made In Dutch oven delivers on all three counts and then some.

This is how I found cooking with the Made In Dutch oven over the last three weeks, the few minor snags that resulted in me docking half a star from my review, and why I think it is a fantastic mid-price offering for the busy, everyday home cook.

I Was Impressed by the Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven on Test

Product Specifications: Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Design and First Impressions: Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

I loved the simple yet elegant styling of the Made In Round Enameled Dutch Oven. It has a sturdy cast-iron build, a heavy base, and a polished enamel surface. The lid felt well weighted, and the polished handle was secure and easy to manoeuvre.

I received the heritage 'Harbour Blue' color to review; however, it is also available in 'Made In Red' and 'Antique White', with occasional special edition seasonal colors available throughout the year.

At the time of writing, this includes 'Willow Green', 'Marigold Yellow', and Ruby Red', all three of which are unquestionably sumptuous by design. This is a good range of colors, but it is a far cry from the positively indulgent range of color options from the likes of Le Creuset. If you are not a die-hard collector or are indifferent to your pots matching your beautiful kitchen ideas, this will not be a problem.

The packaging also left an impression, made from nearly 100% plastic-free materials (cardboard and tissue paper) with the minor exception of four small plastic clips that sat around the top of the pot to protect the rim and the nestled lid during transport.

This is the same packaging approach used by other heritage Dutch oven brands, including Le Creuset; however, I am not going to dock points for this, especially as you can keep the clips and reuse them to safely store your pot without damage. Overall, I was very pleased with how thoughtful the packaging was, making it easy to be sustainable at home when shopping with Made In.

Cooking Performance: Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

To ensure a fair test, I used the same approach we have used in the past to test Dutch ovens and cooked a stove-to-oven chicken casserole to test the versatility and limits of the pot.

I started by rendering the skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, which developed a beautiful golden, crisp skin. The chicken thighs stuck ever so slightly, but it was nothing that my silicone utensils, available from Amazon, couldn't work around.

This was when I noticed that the edges of the Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven did not get as hot as the centre. The wide base of the 5.5 qt pot overhung the edges of my largest electric stovetop ring, so I believe this is partially to blame. As a result, I had to move the chicken to ensure all edges were crisp and golden. This was more noticeable when I removed the chicken from the pot, and the layer of fond was localized to the centre of the pot.

The fond was easy to deglaze after adding my vegetables (onions, carrots, and garlic), using a wooden spoon to stir. Made In recommends avoiding metal utensils in their pots to protect the enamel from scratches. Within a few minutes of cooking, the vegetables softened nicely and developed a golden color. At this point, my kitchen smelled delectable.

Finally, I added the tomato paste, chicken stock, potatoes, and peas to the pan and brought it up to a slow simmer. Again, the bubbles were centered and didn't reach the rim, suggesting that even after a prolonged heating period, the pot doesn't quite distribute heat evenly. This was replicated in another, separate test I ran with a soy sauce glaze (video below).

To finish, I added the chicken back in so that the skin remained above the liquid level, added the snug-fitting lid, and placed the pot in the preheated oven. This pot is marginally heavier than other makes at 13.6 lbs, with the similarly sized STAUB Dutch oven, available at Amazon, coming in at 12.57 lbs and Le Creuset's sitting at 11.5 lbs.

While it was easy enough for me to bend to place in my floor-level oven, it may be moderately more cumbersome for someone with less grip strength or wrist pain. Luckily, the flat, ergonomic handles ensure a secure grip on the pot, and I found that after 30 minutes on the stove, they were still cool enough to handle without gloves.

Halfway through, I removed the lid and added my mom's suet dumplings to bake and crisp. After the full cooking time, removing the pot from the oven with oven gloves was easy thanks to the sturdy flat handles.

The casserole emerged perfectly golden, with butter-soft vegetables, fall-apart meat, and remarkably crispy skin and dumplings (tapping on them with my cutlery produced a seriously satisfying sound). On the taste test, my partner dubbed it one of the 'best meals' I have ever made, and we have been cooking together for over six years, so that certainly speaks to the quality of the item.

On separate evenings, I also assessed the pot by making seriously sticky soy-glazed chicken bites and a hearty bolognese. On both occasions, the meat cooked beautifully, developing good color and flavor that far surpassed my experience cooking in traditional non-stick or more affordable stainless steel.

However, both meals also highlighted the same issue of the pot not heating evenly to the edges on my electric stove. Sauces didn't bubble to the edges, and the meat needed to be moved closer to the middle for more even results. It's a minor inconvenience, but one nonetheless. Overall, however, I was very impressed.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance: Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

One of the best parts about cleaning enameled cast iron is that you only need soap (I use a non-toxic dish soap such as Attitude from Walmart) and a soft sponge. Made In stresses that the Dutch oven is hand-wash only, so I was thrilled at just how easy it was to clean. Even after simmering a seriously sticky soy glaze, a swill with plain warm water was enough to disloge 90% of the residue, with the soap and sponge removing the rest rapidly, and with next-to-no effort.

I allowed the pot to soak in water and soap overnight after the casserole (out of laziness, truthfully), and the next day, even the baked-on residue wiped away instantly, no elbow grease required.

As the pot is on the larger, heavier side, this task can be a little finicky. My partner and I are both avid gym-goers, so this made the task easier, but for others, washing (and towel drying immediately after to prevent rust) might prove to be a workout. I found that putting the pot on the counter and drying the inside, followed by the outside, rather than trying to juggle it in my hands, was a lot easier and minimized the risk of my dropping it on my toe.

Storing the Made In Dutch oven (as with any sizable cooking pot) requires quite a bit of cabinet space. This proved tricky in my tiny kitchen, so I opted to leave the pot out on the lesser-used back rings of my stove. Luckily, it looks stunning enough to double as practical but pretty kitchen decor. Enamel is more delicate than it looks, so you want to avoid stacking other pots inside of it.

How Does the Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Compare?

The main competitors for the Made In Dutch oven are to be found in Le Creuset and STAUB, two heritage heavyweights in the enameled cast iron world.

All three are well designed and provide fantastic flavor and texture; however, Made In's offering comes in more affordably. At the time of review, the 5.5 qt Made In Round Dutch Oven retails for $299 on their website, around $130 dollars less than both equivalent offerings from either brand. For the minimal disparity in cooking results and variance in color options, it is a reasonable mid-range price point.

It isn't the lowest-priced option we have reviewed, the Lodge Dutch oven reviewed by Lydia Hayman, but it outperforms the more affordable option by a mile, offering more robust construction that will last for years.

The Made In Dutch oven is also capable of withstanding higher oven temperatures than Le Creuset and STAUB, oven safe up to 580°F (304°C), compared to 500°F (260°C). We're not sure when you would need that high a temperature, but it does offer some peace of mind that you won't easily damage it with heat.

Overall, it stands in good stead as a great mid-tier Dutch oven that I feel will last for years with the correct care.

My Verdict: Should You Buy A Made In Dutch Oven?

If you are looking for a good quality, reliable Dutch oven but don't want to spend a small fortune on one, you can't go wrong with the Made In Dutch oven.

I found it to be very robust, easy to use, and good-looking, and it created a delicious flavour and texture in my food. It is also completely free from PFAS, one of the most important labels for food safety, so it provides one of the best non-toxic cookware experiences, too. It is the perfect mid-range investment for any home cook.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

Maintaining and cleaning your cookware investments with the right tools and products will help to ensure its longevity and make every meal made in it worth the initial outlay. Here's my selection of the best.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Once you have made your investment, be sure to explore the most common Dutch oven mistakes people often make when making meals with their new cookware to ensure perfect results and a pot that will last for decades.

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When we purchase a pan, it's easy to assume the labels it carries have enforceable standards. In reality, terms such as non-toxic and safe are largely unregulated – allowing manufacturers, at least in principle, to affix such branding, even if their products aren't entirely aligned with the descriptions. This is especially the case for non-stick pans, and the several coating options available.

To be clear, many brands operate in good faith, but there are some clever marketing traps and vague terminology that can obscure meaningful distinctions in material composition and safety. As a result, your pans may not be as health-conscious as you think.

To enable you to confidently choose the best non-toxic cookware that is actually safe for cooking and free from greenwashing, I consulted industry experts to learn more about the terminology to look out for.

Why Your Pan Might Not Be What it Seems

When deciding on the best cookware for your needs, non-stick is suitable for and often easiest for the majority of home cooks, offering convenience during cooking and when cleaning up after dinner.

However, there are health risks associated with some traditional non-stick pans. Made with PTFE-based plastics, these thinly coated pans are affordable and simple to use, but risk flaking and chipping, contaminating your food with potentially harmful 'forever chemicals'. Some studies have even found that undamaged PTFE coatings release microplastics into food.

In response, a wave of cookware manufacturers began developing products positioned as non-toxic alternatives, seeking to address mounting concerns around material safety and chemical exposure.

However, as Dr. Eric Roy, head of science at Culligan International, explains, 'You should be cautious of broad terms like “non-toxic,” “chemical-free,” or “green” as they are unregulated claims.' This means there are no legal standards for manufacturers to meet when using these terms to market their products.

Melissa Vaccaro, senior food safety program specialist at the National Environmental Health Association, adds that the loose regulation that is in place in the US is more of a patchwork system.

Navigating the safety of your kitchen cabinets is surprisingly complex, largely because oversight is split between three different federal heavyweights. While the FDA monitors the safety of materials that actually touch your food, the EPA controls the environmental impact of manufacturing chemicals like PFAS.

Meanwhile, the FTC is left to police whether a brand’s green marketing is actually deceptive. Despite this triple layer of bureaucracy, there is a catch, Melissa explains: 'There is no single legal definition of ‘non-toxic cookware.'

The Terms You Need to Know

There is a lot of complex-sounding jargon surrounding cookware, which can make searching for truly safe selections difficult. Understanding the key terms and chemical abbreviations can make this easier:

• PFAS: Stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. According to the EPA definition, these are long-lasting chemicals (sometimes referred to as 'forever chemicals') that break down very slowly over time. Some studies have shown that exposure to these may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
• PFOA: Stands for perfluorooctanoic acid. This highly persistent 'forever chemical' is a type of PFAS, detailed above, and makes products water-repellent and non-stick. It does not break down in the body, leading to widespread health concerns.
• Fluoropolymers: These are high-performance plastics that offer low friction, meaning foods do not stick to the surface.
• PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene makes pans very non-stick as its high molecular-weight makes it extremely low-friction.
• Ceramic Coating / Sol-Gel Coating: This is a silicone-based coating that is generally free of PTFE and PFAS. Melissa adds, 'They are a good option for consumers seeking PFAS-free options, but the performance declines faster.'
• Hard-Anodized: An electrochemical process that makes aluminium-based pans harder than stainless steel, and is used as a base for a non-stick surface to make them more resistant to damage and increase the product's longevity.
• Teflon: This is a brand name, often used as a blanket term for anything non-stick; however, not all non-stick products are Teflon-made.
• Diamond / Titanium Reinforced: These are particles added to coatings to increase lifespan and scratch resistance. Melissa warns that hybrid or reinforced pans marketed with these 'still contain PTFE unless explicitly labeled otherwise.'
• Forged / Cast Aluminium: This is a construction method that makes the aluminum base of a pan more durable than regular pressed aluminum.

Greenwashing Tactics to Look Out For

Generally speaking, the broader the claim, the more sceptical you should be, says Dr. Eric Roy.

'I’d recommend consumers look for specific disclosures about materials used, heat limits, and care instructions, instead of relying on marketing language,' he urges. 'Manufacturer transparency is a better indicator than broad claims – and if you cannot find that, move to the next option.'

Melissa says there are some set terms you should be aware of when trying to create a non-toxic home, whether you are selecting the best non-toxic coffee maker or the best non-toxic air fryer:

• Non-toxic: There is no regulated definition of 'non-toxic cookware'. It does not legally mean PTFE-free or PFAS-free.
• PFOA-free: Almost all cookware qualifies today. It does not mean PTFE-free or PFAS-free. This is one of the biggest sources of confusion.
• PFAS-free: This is more meaningful and generally indicates no fluoropolymers, including PTFE. However, there is no standardized federal labeling definition – it falls under general truth-in-advertising rules.
• Ceramic: Usually means a silica-based sol-gel coating, not solid kiln-fired ceramic.
• Chemical-free: This phrase is scientifically meaningless. Everything is made of chemicals, even water. Whether the chemicals are safe, stable, or harsh is the crux of the issue.
• Diamond-infused / Titanium-reinforced: Often still PTFE-based coatings with reinforcement particles.

If you are not sure what category your pan falls into, and no longer have the box, Melissa suggests checking the manufacturer's website.

'If it says “PFOA-free” but not “PTFE-free,” it likely contains PTFE,' she warns; however, 'If it says “PFAS-free,” it likely does not contain PTFE.

'If you are still not sure, contact the manufacturer directly and ask: Does this product contain PTFE? Does it contain any PFAS? Is this a fluoropolymer coating? Visual clues (dark slick surface vs. light ceramic appearance) can help, but disclosure is more reliable.'

The Materials the Experts Trust

Navigating complex terminology and marketing jargon can make shopping tedious at best. Luckily, some high-quality pans, cookware and accompanying tools are made without 'forever chemicals'.

For Melissa, a go-to option is enamelled cast iron. These pans, such as the STAUB Stackable Cast Iron Set from Amazon, which we gave five stars to after testing, or the Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (which I am currently reviewing and am seriously impressed by), use a fused glass coating, meaning they contain no PFAS and are extremely durable with a long lifespan. 'They are the best for avoiding potentially harmful synthetic coatings,' she says.

Next, she recommends seasoned cookware, such as The Field Company's No.8 Cast Iron Skillet from Amazon, or the STAUB Grill Pan, also from Amazon. These rely on regular oil seasoning. 'Unlike synthetic non-stick coatings that flake off and can't be fixed, a polymerized oil surface can be rebuilt simply by cooking with more fat or re-seasoning the pan,' she explains. That's why the best cast-iron cookware, for example, will need continued seasoning and maintenance.

Another fantastic option is stainless steel – an inert metal that does not react with foods, preventing harmful substances from leaching. It is also resistant to corrosion. This is my personal preference, and it is incredibly simple to cook with once you learn how to clean and care for cookware correctly.

I recently moved to using the Le Creuset Classic Stainless Steel Round Frying Pan and will never consider another stainless steel pan again. It heats evenly, cleans wonderfully, and sears meat beautifully. It is on the more expensive side, but it is a pan I am sure will last me for years to come.

Meet the Experts

It isn't just your pans and bakeware you need to watch out for when selecting more health-conscious alternatives. Stay vigilant when shopping for any non-toxic kitchen appliances, including non-toxic kitchen utensils, too.

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Rigorously using an anti-splatter lid on any food being heated in the microwave was an essential protocol in my family home growing up, and it’s a domestic standard I’ve carried forward into my own home for the last 15 years.

It not only helps your food heat evenly without dehydrating, but it stops splatter and food mess from turning into stubborn residue inside your microwave that then becomes labor-intensive to resolve. I’m certain that’s why the $2 microwave lid from IKEA is a constant bestseller.

It’s dishwasher safe and composed of polypropylene, which is robust, recyclable, and a considered way to keep microwave cleaning to a minimum.

Re-Heat Food Evenly and Prevent Splatter in Your Microwave

I have two microwave lids that are in continuous utility, and when one is in the dishwasher, the other is in the microwave. In fact, I leave a clean one in the microwave ready to use for the next person in my household to reheat meals or steam vegetables, so there is no excuse to skip this mess-saving addition for easy-clean up after meal times.

The affordable IKEA bestseller features steam vents to allow pressure to escape without the moisture in your food entirely evaporating and leaving you with a diminished texture or unpalatable food.

It is also non-toxic as it’s able to withstand high temperatures. The issue with plastic leaching chemicals or microplastics into food usually occurs when they are not built for high heat, and begin to offload microplastics or toxins during high-heat tasks.

Polypropylene, used in the IKEA lid, is BPA-Free, which is otherwise a significant concern and often found in older polycarbonate plastics. This bestseller is also phthalate-free and chemically resilient to fats, acids, and most organic solvents, making it a very safe choice for reheating food daily without concern.

I utilize this tool in multiple ways:

• To steam vegetables quickly: Add a couple of tablespoons of water to your microwave-safe bowl, place your veg inside, and top with the lid.
• To quickly prepare ‘baked’ potatoes: While you won’t achieve the crunchy outer skin of a traditional oven, you can microwave a potato in 8-10 minutes. Simply wash and dry your potato, perforate the skin with a fork, and microwave with the IKEA lid on. Polypropylene maintains its structural integrity, so it will not warp during longer sessions the way a thin plastic lid might. To finish, a five-minute stint in a non-toxic air fryer will provide that delicious, crispy exterior.
• To reheat food without splatter: If you’ve ever heated a soup, stew, or sauce, you’ll know the mess it can make as it splatters across the interior of your appliance. Utilizing a lid limits splatter to the lid itself, which is easily sanitized.
• To preserve moisture in food: I grew up in a Persian household where we ate rice daily. We cooked large batches and reheated them in the microwave; using a lid meant the moisture didn’t escape and leave the grains dry or brittle.

There is often worry that reheating rice can cause food poisoning, but I have not once in my 40 years experienced this, and rice remains a daily staple in my diet. The integrity concern usually stems from improper storage or failing to reheat the food fully.

To do so properly, I either defrost my portion in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on my microwave before heating it fully with the lid on and a splash of water. Reheating it long enough (usually three minutes from chilled or five to six minutes from frozen with a halfway stir) is a validated safe method.

When to Recycle Your Microwaveable Lid

While polypropylene is very robust, it is not indestructible. If you notice the surface has become pitted, that is usually a sign of surface degradation caused by the high temperatures fats and sugars reach during reheating.

As with kitchen appliances, daily-use tools for cooking also need timely replacement. If you notice pitting, scrapes, degradation, or peeling surfaces, the item should be recycled.

Look for a number 5 on the plastic, which confirms your microwave lid is polypropylene and easily processed at recycling centers.

What to Shop

If you value considered solutions that make steaming or reheating food a seamless process, here are a few recommendations from us, alongside some BPA-free culinary instrumentation that is always essential to have for safe storage, use and streamlined kitchen cleaning.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You can also clean your microwave with lemons, and add lemon halves in your dishwasher to turbocharge appliance sanitation with nature's power.

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With a chronic hip and foot issue, slipping is the last thing I need. That’s why I’m finally saying goodbye to my slippy bath mat and replacing it with a hygienic, fast-drying stone mat that looks gorgeous to boot.

The Dorai Stone Bath Mat from Amazon is a bit pricier than a fabric or towel option, but it comes with a host of benefits, including improved hygiene, rapid drying, firm non-slip functionality, and long-term durability.

It’s a great, natural way to reduce toxic items in your bathroom, as it’s made from diatomaceous earth and recycled paper.

Why I’m Switching to a Stylish Stone Bath Mat

I do my laundry multiple times a week, and always include my toweling bath mats. Even then, they often come out of the wash smelling musty. My rubber-backed microfiber ones that don’t slip cannot go in the dryer, and so drying them without that 'wet dog' smell in the winter and early spring is a continued problem. The ones without the rubber backing slip. It’s been a lose-lose situation in my bathroom for a while now. Plus, I don’t really like how they look.

With a connective tissue disorder that means I can easily dislocate my joints if I slip, and a chronic hip and foot problem that is particularly painful, any slip after showering can seriously injure me, so it’s time for a fix.

That’s why I am switching to a different material, and after reading hundreds of reviews and listings, I have settled on the chic Dorai Stone Bath Mat from Amazon, which measures 23.6 x 15.4 x 0.4 inches, and is perfect in my family bathroom and my tiny en suite shower room.

It’s Made from Sustainable, Natural Materials

Its natural materials reduce the chance of introducing toxic plastic or synthetic fibers into bathrooms, but also, the diatomaceous earth component makes it naturally anti-pest and more antibacterial than others. Not to mention, it’s a great way to create a non-toxic home.

Diatomaceous earth is a material that is formed naturally over millions of years, from the silica shells of tiny algae called diatoms. These are now mined and crushed into a powder, and have many modern uses, including pest control inside and outside the house.

With these bath stone mats formulated with this material and recycled paper, they are sustainable, and come with a host of useful properties:

• Naturally fast drying: Water hits millions of microscopic holes, allowing easy and fast evaporation. It’s touch-dry in seconds and fully dry in minutes. Towels and microfiber can not compete with this speed and convenience.
• Non-toxic: The materials are free from plastics, PFAs, and other microplastics that can leach off into the environment.
• Hygienic: The diatomaceous earth, though harmless to humans, is like millions of tiny shards for microscopic germs or larger pests. It slices up the cell’s casing, or an insect's outer armor, and dehydrates it and disrupts its nervous system, causing death. That’s why these types of stone mats are more hygienic than towels or synthetic fibers. You can still clean it, but use the manufactuer advises to hand wash only. For regular cleaning, rinse in the bathtub or shower with warm water. Spritz with diluted hydrogen peroxide occasionally, and use the included sandpaper to buff the surface to remove stains and restore absorbency.
• Stylish: Bath stone mats are chic, minimalist, and lend a sense of stylish texture to any bathroom without adding bulk or unhygienic materials that are prone to mold, mildew, or bathroom smells.

What Shoppers Love About These Stone Bath Mats

More than 70% of verified shoppers on Amazon for this product rate it five stars, with thousands of positive reviews. One called this product ‘life changing’, remarking on how fast it absorbs water from your feet, and that it doesn’t have any bacteria or mold buildup after a year of use.

Others, including Jennifer ,C note how it ‘makes you feel like you’re at a spa.’ She adds, ‘Sleekest bathmat around, makes you feel like you’re at a spa! I bought this during Black Friday, so I got it for a good price. It’s slip-resistant and fits perfectly in my small bathroom. It was my first time using a bath stone, and I won’t go back. It also dries up the water instantly.’

Others call it a ‘super absorber’, ‘hygienic’ and ‘quick-drying’, with the latter stating it’s a ‘great upgrade from traditional mats.’

One considered shopper remarked in their five-star review that the ‘high quality’ has withstood the test of time, and after a year of constant use, they have sanded it lightly once, which buffed its surface right up, speaking to its ability to stay in good shape in the longer term with minimal maintenance.

What to Shop

Having a non-slip bathmat not only makes your bathroom safer for all members of your household and for guests, but also adds a stylish, modern touch to this hard-working area of the home.

Here are some alternatives to consider, as well as useful non-toxic bathroom swaps and items that are highly functional, better for your home, and the planet.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

For more ways to be sustainable at home, and use less harsh chemicals, delve into our top non-toxic cleaning products, and the signs you need to switch to non-toxic laundry detergents.

If you are sick of plain old black cookware that is coated in forever chemicals, you are not alone. Luckily, I have good news – Our Place is launching a frankly delicious Forget-Me-Not Blue cookware collection just in time for spring hosting that solves both those issues, and more.

It isn't just pretty, it's practical. Our Place pans rank among our favorite non-toxic cookware for a reason, and the new additions are no exception, sporting a unique PFA-free non-stick coating that promises easy cooking and cleaning, too.

Launching today, the Forget-Me-Not Blue collection includes the 10-in-1 Always pan, Cookware Duo, Minis, and Cookware Set. Here's why we think they're going to sell quicker than hotcakes, and why you really don't want to be the one who misses out.

With the start of spring cleaning on the horizon, you can create a non-toxic home, and there's no prettier way to do this than swapping out your old PFA-riddled non-stick cookware for the best non-toxic kitchen appliances and pans instead.

These powdery Forget-Me-Not Blue Our Place pans feature their unique Thermakind^® ceramic coating, formulated without PFAS (including PTFE), PFOA, lead, or microplastics to make your cooking healthier.

Stuck with small kitchen storage? The Our Place Always Pan offers 10 functions in one, allowing you to braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, bake, roast, and serve. Plus, it’s oven-safe up to 450°F, making Easter party meal prep and cleaning the kitchen after dinner simple – though it is worth noting that they are not dishwasher-safe. Luckily, the non-stick makes handwashing dishes easy enough.

With nods to springtime florals and vintage homeware, this fresh colorway evokes whimsical spring kitchen decor ideas that add a new accent color for a quick breath of fresh air, just in time for Easter hosting, too.

Of the new collection, Our Place says, 'Inspired by the color of a memory you can taste, the soft blue of flowers that bloom in the cracks, tender handwritten recipe cards, and decades-old ceramics, Forget-Me-Not is the color of memory itself.'

We're all for taking a joy-inducing trip down memory lane, including Hebe Hatton, our Head of Interiors. She says, 'There's no denying that blue is a timeless color, but it does seem to be having a moment in the spotlight right now.

'Powdery, sky blues in particular are getting a lot of love right now, and as we go into the spring months, it's the perfect shade to add to your home for a subtle seasonal update. It's easy to add to a living room or bedroom with throw pillows and soft furnishings, but what about adding a pop of this trending hue to the kitchen?

'Our Places' new Forget-Me-Not Blue colorway is the perfect way to add a hint of blue to your cook space with minimal effort. These pans are designed to stay out of your cabinets – keep them on your range or hang from a pot rail to uplift your space in seconds.'

Though reportedly found in the kitchens of Kylie Jenner and Gwyneth Paltrow, the standout feature of the Our Place pans is that they're perfectly convenient for most home cooks.

When our expert reviewer, Emilia Hitching, reviewed the Everything 2.0 pan, she found that it 'checked many boxes', including being 'lightweight, easy to handle, and made without toxins.'

She noted, however, that it may be slightly better suited to the occasional home cook, adding that for those looking for a long-term investment and not an aesthetic-first model, you might want to skip to a higher-quality skillet, like the Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro instead, which we awarded four stars to for its fabulously non-stick surface, and easy, dishwasher-safe care.

Still looking for that whimsical pop of color? The Forget-Me-Not Blue springtime colorway will be available for a limited time only, across selected Our Place cookware items, starting today.

More to Shop

These six picks have you covered, helping you to subtly decorate kitchen countertops with mood-boosting hues.

Prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Next, address the practical must-dos to prepare a kitchen for spring and set yourself up for hosting success.

The last place I would consider looking for new cookware is the thrift store – especially when curating a non-toxic cook space.

But one morning, it struck me: Much of today’s concern around cookware centers on PFAS-based non-stick finishes – forever chemicals that only became widespread in the mid-20th century. Would this mean that older pans actually make for some of the best non-toxic cookware?

I put the question to the experts, and it turns out I was onto something. Here’s why vintage cookware can be a surprisingly solid investment for a healthier kitchen, and the specific thrifting guidelines to follow to avoid any hidden hazards along the way.

Why Vintage Pans Can Be a Smart Choice For a Non-Toxic Home

When creating a non-toxic home, the kitchen is a smart place to start. While there are plenty of modern, non-toxic appliances and cookware, they can come with hefty price tags due to concerns about overproduction. Thrifting vintage pieces can help with both of these, while adding character to your kitchen. Plus, for many non-toxic pans, such as the best cast iron pans, with age comes better-tasting food and improved performance.

When choosing the best cookware, Robert Lu, co-founder of Magnifique, and a materials expert with over 30 years of experience in developing cookware and kitchen appliances, explains, 'I think an important question consumers need to ask themselves is “What was this made to do?” Vintage cookware was made in a time when things were built to last, and disposability wasn’t a part of the equation. Many pieces were made from single, natural materials that didn't rely on synthetic coatings to function.

'In modern times, with the introduction of non-stick technology for convenience, to make "cooking and cleaning easy," most coating materials are applied on cheaper materials, such as aluminum.

'Aluminum can transfer heat quickly, meaning it cooks your food quickly, but it's very hard for consumers to know how long the "non-stick" coating can last. When will the aluminum be exposed to the food after the "coating" material is vaporized under heat, or scratched from utensils? When these coatings scratch, degrade, or are overheated, performance and safety can change.'

Shopping vintage makes it easier to source cookware that is made from natural materials, too, Robert adds. 'Terms like “non-toxic” are often loosely defined and regulated, which can make it harder for consumers to know exactly what they’re buying,' he shares.

The other benefit to older, natural material cookware is that it can withstand more intensive cooking methods, and lasts longer despite the fact. According to Robert, the average modern non-stick pan is designed to last a year at most before it starts to degrade, creating unnecessary trash at home.

How to Pick Vintage Cookware

When swapping items in your home for thrifted pieces and selecting new cookware, there are a few rules you should follow to ensure you are not bringing other potential hazards into your home.

Robert advises, 'When picking vintage cookware with safety at the forefront, I recommend people focus on the material purity, being vigilant about unwanted contaminants, and its structural integrity or durability. I believe that cookware should be something that can last generations, rather than something that needs to be replaced often.'

To achieve this, he suggests looking for the following materials:

• Glass cookware: It's non-porous, chemically stable, and easy to clean, so it's a great option for families.
• Natural clay: This is where craftsmanship matters. Truly high-fired clay cookware, like that at Magnifique, is designed to be breathable and gentle in the way it cooks. Clay distributes heat softly and evenly, which improves flavor.
• Stainless steel: It's stable, non-reactive, and easy to maintain.
• Cast iron: Cast-iron pans are extremely durable and naturally non-stick once seasoned properly, but will need a little more maintenance and TLC to ensure they don't rust.

There are, however, some kitchen items you should never thrift, including any items with lots of burned debris on them, and copper pans.

Chris DeArmitt, PhD, president and founder at Plastics Research Council, shares, 'I was planning to buy some beautiful copper cookware until, as a PhD chemist, I checked the science and discovered that copper is toxic above one part per million concentration.' In particular, advises Chris, this toxicity is especially released by cookware when cooking acidic foods, like tomato sauce.

'I have personally read scores of studies on this matter to be sure of the findings,' he adds. 'There is solid evidence that copper water pipes and pans can poison us, especially with acidic foods like tomato, vinegar, or wine.'

It is, therefore, not worth the risk or monetary investment, unless you plan to source them as thrift-store buys to decorate a kitchen only.

What to Shop

Don't fancy sticking to just vintage? Or want to show off your vintage investments in between uses? We have you covered:

Meet the Experts

No matter what you choose to outfit your kitchen, it's essential to brush up on how to clean and care for every type of cookware to keep it in top condition.

A good spring clean and declutter is a must for every kitchen, but you shouldn't stop at your pantry.

One appliance expert is urging you to check for one potentially toxic addition in your kitchen, and replace it with a lower-toxicity item in 2026 – your coffee maker.

This is what you need to check for on this appliance, and the best non-toxic coffee makers to consider in its place for a healthier morning routine.

Why You Need To Swap Your Toxic Coffee Maker This Spring

When creating a non-toxic home, most of us consider the best non-toxic cookware and the best non-toxic air fryers first, leaving our old, reliable coffee makers out of the picture.

However, according to Amy Chernoff, appliance expert at AJ Madison, plastic-based coffee makers are silent health risks. 'These machines repeatedly heat water through plastic reservoirs and tubing, which can leach microplastics and chemical residues into a drink many people consume daily. Because of this constant exposure, even small amounts can add up over time.'

Studies support this, too. Snekkevik et al. wrote in one 2024 paper that, 'Mechanical, physical, and chemical processes are the predominant factors driving the generation of micro- and nanoplastics from plastic materials during food preparation,' including coffee makers, 'with extended use and wear increasing the likelihood of malformations, cracking, and oxidation of the plastic.'

As such, there has never been a better time to switch out your old appliances and those made with BPA plastics. You can check the composition of your existing appliance by looking up the make and model online.

We are not suggesting you ditch the best coffee makers entirely, however. They are, after all, one of the best ways to organize a morning routine for efficiency. Instead, Amy urges, 'In 2026, upgrading to stainless steel or glass-based brewers is one of the simplest ways to reduce everyday kitchen toxicity.'

When picking non-toxic appliances, such as a new coffee maker, you'll want to consider how you like to brew your coffee first. If you like an automatic machine that runs in the background while you get on with other tasks, our pick is the Aarke Drip Coffee Maker, available on Amazon.

While on the more 'investment' side of the price scale, its large capacity makes it ideal for bigger, busier households, while its premium design means it both looks good and is built to last.

If you don't mind a more hands-on approach to your coffee, or you need to keep kitchen counters clear, the Aeropress Premium, from Williams Sonoma, is made of high-quality borosilicate glass, with a stainless steel filter. It makes enough coffee for one each brew, too, making it perfect for smaller households.

What to Shop

We have tried and tested our fair share of glass and stainless steel coffee makers in the past. These six are some of our top favorites to help you enjoy your morning coffee from a non-toxic appliance.

It isn't just your appliances that need addressing when looking to curate a healthier kitchen. Consider these six simple kitchen switches to banish microplastics targeting your food storage and cleaning supplies, too.

Until I tested the Bialetti Venus coffee maker, I thought that café-quality espresso was unachievable in my tiny kitchen, as I have no space for a big fancy machine.

Previously, I made do with instant coffee for my partner and guests (a smell I truly despise), as I was too lazy to clean out a French press.

It was safe to say that, for my first experience with a Moka pot, testing the Bialetti Venus 6-Cup coffee maker, available at Amazon, I was expecting many of the same frustrations.

However, I was met with an almost meditative experience that I now genuinely look forward to. I have been converted to the slower way to brew seriously smooth java, and won't be looking back from this non-toxic coffee maker.

My Experience With the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

My First Impressions of the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

I am a sucker for well-designed packaging that limits waste and plastic, so I was thrilled when I opened the box to find that the Bialetti Venus coffee makercame wrapped only in branded tissue paper, and everything was 100% recyclable. The only thing in the way of plastic was the tape holding the box closed. This made disposal simple.

The coffee maker felt lighter than I anticipated, but not cheap. The 18/10 stainless steel body was beautifully polished, and the ergonomic heat-resistant plastic handle felt sturdy and easy to hold. The lid works on a hinge system, and the raised flap at the back was easy to keep in place while holding the handle securely for a controlled pour. It didn't feel awkward or like it would be easy to slip and spill coffee later.

The instruction pamphlet was tucked inside the pot, and I was impressed to see that it features 17 languages, as well as diagrams to illustrate key points, making it very easy to interpret. Although huge, the thinner paper made it easy to fold down to see what I needed, so it didn't take over the counter as I worked.

I tested the pure stainless steel six-cup model, and it was a nice size for my small kitchen. It is also available in four-cup and 10-cup sizes at Amazon, as well as in a copper-silver finish if you fancy something with a little bit of added flair to live on your countertop.

Specifications: Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

Performance: Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

This was my first experience with a Moka pot, so I followed the instructions to the letter. This included running three full brews and pouring them away before brewing up a batch that you can drink. These 'sacrificial' brews are to help remove any metallic flavor left from the manufacturing process for better-tasting coffee.

After unscrewing the base chamber from the top chamber and tipping out the funnel filter, I started by rinsing it out with plain warm water and drying it by hand using a soft kitchentowel. It is worth noting that both the edge of the lid and the funnel inside the top chamber are sharp at the edges, so care is needed when reaching inside to avoid nicking yourself. If you have larger hands, this might be tricky.

In accordance with the instructions, I then filled the lower chamber with cold water to the bottom of the pressure valve. The first diagram in the instructions took all guess work out of this for me, despite the lack of etched markings inside the unit.

The funnel filter then slotted perfectly on top and was filled with the ground coffee. There was no measurement for this in the manual, but a quick online search revealed around 30g was ideal for the six-cup coffee maker, and I ran with that, grinding them finely and tipping them in.

The instructions are very clear that you should not press these grinds down, which would be a mistake when making coffee in this pot, so I shook the base gently to even them out, wiped away any spills from the rim, and screwed the top chamber back on. This took me a few attempts to get the hang of at first, and I had to duck to eye-level to make sure it was not wonky, but this got easier the more I did it.

With the compartment screwed hand-tight, I put the Bialetti Venus on my electric stove top, positioned so that the handle was not over the heating element (the plastic handle is heat safe, but I wanted to make sure it stayed cool enough to touch), and turned it on to a low-medium heat. On my nine-setting electric stove, I chose setting four, and let it brew as I got on with making some lunch.

Having started with cold water as the instructions indicated, on every brew I ran on setting four, the top chamber of the Bialetti Venus started to fill at exactly 13 minutes into the process, demonstrating remarkable consistency. It then took around 20-22 minutes at this same heat to fill the top chamber, at which point I turned off the heat and poured out the coffee. This was indicated by a sudden spluttering sound from the otherwise silent pot.

This felt a little too long for me, so I did some research, with several experienced users on Reddit suggesting starting with hot water in the bottom chamber to speed up the brew. I used hot water from my faucet (not boiling, but the chamber felt warm to the touch when full) and ran the same process again. This time, it took only eight minutes to start filling, and 10 minutes total to fill. This is a far more efficient process that allows for a more flavorful brew and is the approach I will be taking in the future.

The handle was comfortable to hold, having not heated up at all, although the stainless steel was very hot, so due care is needed to avoid touching it. The flap on the lid, designed to hold it in place when pouring to avoid a deluge, was also not cool and comfortable to touch.

After the sacrificial brews, I finally brewed a pot to taste. The process and timings were the same once again, and it brewed a perfect, well-rounded espresso that can easily be used to make any drink style you prefer, be it straight, a shot mixed with steamed milk into a cappuccino, or, as my partner eagerly raced to create, added to quality vanilla ice cream for an affogato at home.

As the main coffee drinker in the household, he immediately declared it 'the best coffee [he's] ever had at home,' and is now very excited to show it off to guests.

Cleaning and Storing the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

Cleaning the Bialetti Venus coffee maker is very easy in principle, but it does require some care.

Removing the coffee grounds comes first. When the pot is completely cool, you unscrew the two chambers and remove the funnel filter (I did this by tipping the bottom chamber slightly so that it fell out into my hand). The coffee grounds will be compacted at this point, but the instructions state you should not tap or bang the funnel filter to prevent misshaping the stainless steel, so I opted to use a small metal teaspoon to dislodge them.

This was quick and easy, and I kept the coffee grounds to deodorize my fridge. You can also use coffee grounds to make fertilizer for houseplants, but watch out, as some garden plants hate it.

There was a small amount of water left in the bottom chamber, but the instructions assured me this was normal. The pot is designed this way to prevent it from boiling dry. This was emptied into the sink and amounted to around one teaspoon.

When washing the pot, you should not use soap, but plain warm water to rinse the components and, if needed, a soft, clean cloth or sponge to dry as needed, which is also recommended by Bialetti itself. I found this to be especially important for the silicone gasket on the underside of the upper chamber.

When wiping the interior of the upper chamber, be it when rinsing or hand drying, beware – I found the lid and the inner funnel top to be sharp, and did nick my thumb on the lid edge when towel drying, pictured above. Those with larger hands, such as my partner, might also struggle to reach into the chamber to wipe it out, too.

The instructions do mention that this pot is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to avoid detergents that can affect the taste of your coffee. This is not something I tested, as I do not own a dishwasher. Regardless, I see it as an unnecessary step for something so simple to clean under a running faucet.

Descaling also seems a simple enough process. I have not yet had to run this on my own Bialetti Venus, but I was very happy to see that the manual suggests descaling with white vinegar, keeping the process free from harsh chemicals.

To do this, you fill the water chamber as usual, but add two teaspoons of either distilled white vinegar, available at Walmart, or food-grade citric acid, available at Amazon, and run a brew without coffee grounds before disposing of the liquid.

Finally, the instructions suggest replacing the silicone gasket on the underside of the upper chamber once per year. You can find replacement gaskets from Bialetti at Amazon.

Storing is also simple. The pot is a convenient size and can fit easily into kitchen cabinets, even in my small kitchen. It's pretty enough when buffed to sit on the counter, too, but the stainless steel may show some smears or smudges.

There are many ways to buff these out and clean stainless steel without harsh chemicals.

What Shoppers Say About the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

To learn more about the general customer response, I looked through thousands of Amazon reviews left by verified shoppers, and was pleased to see that the Bialetti Venus coffee maker has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars across over 29,000 reviews.

One recent five-star review left by magheart praised the Bialetti Moka pot for being induction-stove friendly, adding, 'This is awesome!'. They remarked on the 6-cup version making 'perfect' coffee that takes them 'back to the time I lived in Italy.'

Another, Tomasz Kolanek, agreed that it brewed classic quality coffee, writing, 'It’s Bialetti, so everything is clear. Solid build quality, great design, and excellent coffee. Easy to use and delivers rich, authentic espresso every time. A classic moka pot that never disappoints. Highly recommended.'

Of the one-star reviews, one shopper pointed out discoloration at the base of her Bialetti Venus after several months of use. They claim to believe that this is a peeling coating; however, having spent several years as a cleaning editor, the photos look more like severe limescale buildup.