According to a new report, certain nonstick cookware is releasing "forever chemicals" into the food we eat. Here's how to keep your family safe.
Are Nonstick Pans Safe to Cook With?
Updated on Aug. 16, 2024
Whether you need a 13×9 pan to bake your favorite casserole or a skillet to whip up an easy one-dish dinner, chances are you reach for what you thought was perfectly safe nonstick cookware. But according to a recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), those pots and pans could actually contain harmful chemicals.
Here’s everything you need to know (and why you should care) about if nonstick pans are safe. Plus, we offer tips for spotting the difference between safe nonstick cookware and toxic nonstick cookware.
What the Study Found About Nonstick Pans
Based on its findings, the FDA reported that PFAs (a group of 5,000 synthetic chemicals that are also known as “forever chemicals“) are present in about 98 percent of Americans’ bloodstreams. And one of the major sources? The food we eat, the Environmental Protection Agency claims, noting that the dangerous substances are absorbed into food from things like nonstick cookware.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Nonstick Pans
While the FDA says that the levels of PFAs are not yet high enough to be harmful to our health, that doesn’t mean that the recent results aren’t troubling. After all, PFAs (which can flake off into your food when you’re cooking over high heat) have been associated with serious health risks including cancer, infertility and kidney or liver damage—to name a few.
And even though scientists don’t know the exact effects of PFAs on our bodies, it’s always smart to avoid exposing yourself to toxic, manufactured substances when possible (like by buying the organic versions of these fruits and veggies).
How to Choose Safe Nonstick Pan
As a result of the study, many PFAs have been banned from being used to produce pots and pans moving forward. But if you’re in the market for a new set right now, stay away from aluminum and Teflon materials, which can contain high levels of PFAs and other chemicals. Instead, follow our guide to buying nonstick pan and look for other cookware products made with nontoxic materials like ceramic, stainless steel or tempered glass.
What Are the Best Nonstick Pans That Are Nontoxic?
Some of our go-to nontoxic pans are:
- All-Clad Nonstick PFOA-Free Pan, set of two, $60
- Calphalon Ceramic Nonstick Pan, $31
- OXO Good Grips Nonstick Pan, $40
And to make your safe nonstick cookware last longer (and prevent it from releasing any potentially harmful chemicals), make sure you clean it properly. Also, avoid chipping or scratching the pan surface with metal utensils or cooking over overly high heat, both of which can cause PFAs to enter your food or the air you’re breathing.
Want inspiration for what to cook in your new nonstick pan? Here are some of our top-rated skillet casseroles for busy weeknights.
Chicken CreoleChicken Creole is deeply flavorful and comforting, showcasing tomatoes, onion, celery, green bell pepper and warm spices.
Easy Italian Sausage and PeppersMy sister was hosting a birthday party and asked me to bring Italian sausage and peppers. I'd never made them before, so I altered a braised pepper recipe. Now family members request this dish often.—Jeanne Corsi, Arnold, Pennsylvania
Italian Turkey SkilletIt's a challenge to find imaginative ways to use leftovers. Here's a favorite of mine that you can easily make ahead for another dinner option. Prepare the recipe as directed, then transfer to a casserole dish and freeze up to three months. —Patricia Kile, Nokomis, Florida
Skillet TacosThis fast and healthy alternative to traditional tacos has a delicious southwestern flair. The fact that is comes together in just 30 minutes makes it even more irresistible. —Maria Gobel, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Shrimp Asparagus PastaShrimp and asparagus pasta sounds fancy and tastes incredible—but even home cooks who shy away from seafood can easily master it.
Sausage Potato SkilletGrowing up, I would eat this sausage and potato skillet recipe almost every day. I could never get enough of my favorite meal! —Amelia Bordas, Springfield, Virginia
Cashew Chicken with NoodlesI tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Beef with BroccoliDelicious beef, crisp yet tender broccoli and a simple sauce make this beef with broccoli recipe one you'll remember. It's a speedy recipe if you have little time to prepare dinner, and it's easy to double if needed.
Skillet Mac and CheeseThis skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but we promise the final result is worth it. A thick and creamy cheese sauce is stirred together with perfectly cooked pasta, then topped with whatever you like.
Pulled Pork PastaWhen you don't have hours to whip up a slow-cooked meal, this hearty pulled pork pasta recipe is a great shortcut. It tastes as if it cooked all day but can be ready in just 25 minutes.
Bacon Cheeseburger RiceMy husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
Ham PastaThis quick and easy ham pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, pasta with ham is a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge.
Sausage Pierogi SkilletI made this simple pierogies and sausage recipe one night when I hadn’t planned anything for dinner. It’s convenient because it uses items I usually have on hand. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup! —Susan Held, Cooksville, Maryland
Ravioli with Snap Peas & MushroomsTopped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Beef Skillet SupperSometimes I'll make extra of this comforting, noodle-y supper to guarantee leftovers. It's a great take-along dish for work or school. Trim calories from the entree by substituting ground turkey for the beef and low-fat cheese for the full-fat cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas
Gnocchi Chicken SkilletStovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ground Pork PastaReady in just 30 minutes, this flavorful ground pork pasta is a versatile dish that you can easily customize with your favorite pasta and seasonal vegetables.
Macaroni and BeefThis simple macaroni and beef recipe is hearty like a casserole, but it cooks in just 30 minutes on the stovetop. It's a perfect weeknight meal, for kids and adults alike.
Chicken and Rice DinnerThe chicken in this recipe bakes up to a beautiful golden brown while the moist rice is packed with flavor. The taste is simply unbeatable! —Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas
Skillet LasagnaSkillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required.
The Best Shepherd’s PieOur top-rated shepherd's pie recipe delivers a cozy, filling, homestyle dinner that never disappoints.
Sausage Veggie SkilletThis sausage veggie skillet recipe is a no-fuss, filling meal. Made with potatoes, onions, spinach and corn, this hearty dish is surprisingly quick to prepare and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Feta Shrimp SkilletThis Mediterranean-inspired feta shrimp skillet is the vacation meal you need after a busy workday. Shrimp, tomatoes, salty feta and herbs create a flavorful getaway—even for just a few minutes.
Blend of the BayouBlend of the bayou might be a regional dish, but the easy-to-find ingredients in this Louisiana casserole make it simple to prepare wherever you live.
Pierogi Beef SkilletHearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mexican Mac and CheeseThis Mexican macaroni and cheese is the ultimate quick-comfort recipe that will leave the entire family satisfied.
Eggs and PotatoesLoaded with tender potatoes, semi-runny eggs and gooey cheese, this skillet eggs and potatoes recipe captures the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe uses a single skillet to whip up a hearty meal in only 30 minutes.
Skillet Beef TamalesI found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Beef and ShellsFor this beef and shells recipe, pasta shells and ground beef are simmered with tomatoes, onion and garlic for a foolproof weeknight classic.
Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop CasseroleGather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah
Beef TortelliniThis quick and easy beef tortellini recipe combines ground beef, Montreal steak seasoning and a melty Italian cheese topping for a one-pot meal to please all palates.
Easy Chili MacThis easy chili mac combines tender pasta, savory beef and a cheesy chili sauce for a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.
Stuffed Pepper SkilletThis stuffed pepper skillet recipe reimagines the classic dish of bell peppers stuffed with tomatoey beef and rice as a hearty and satisfying skillet dinner that's packed with flavor and easy to make.
Taco SkilletBeefy, cheesy, saucy and oh, so delicious, this easy taco skillet recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is made with everyday pantry and kitchen staples.
Quinoa and Black BeansQuinoa and black beans is a tasty dish that's also a great source of protein. It's simple to make and perfect for meal prepping because it lasts for a few days in the fridge and freezes well.
Pinwheel Steak PotpieOn cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York
Ham and RiceThis one-pot ham and rice meal combines savory ham, earthy mushrooms and fluffy rice to create a crowd-pleasing dinner that's ready in just 25 minutes.
Spanish Noodles and Ground BeefBacon adds flavor to this comforting stovetop supper my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family. —Kelli Jones, Peris, California.
Shrimp & Feta SkilletMy friend’s feisty Italian grandmother, Gemma, makes a dish similar to my shrimp with tomatoes. When I make this recipe, I think of Gemma and smile while stirring. —Celeste Ehrenberg, Topeka, Kansas
Sausage and Vegetable SkilletThis hearty stovetop entree has been a family favorite for years. The variety of vegetables makes this dish attractive. Cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Beef and Spinach SkilletOver the years, I've tried to instill a love of cooking in our seven children. And we've enjoyed a variety of delicious recipes, including this one. - Nancy Robaidek, Krakow, Wisconsin
Spanish Rice with Ground BeefFor a fast and flavorful dinner, look no further than this Spanish rice with ground beef—it's the ultimate one-skillet dinner when you only have 20 minutes to cook.
Quick Italian Veggie SkilletWhen you don’t know what to serve, Italian flavors are a good starting point. We combine cannellini and garbanzo beans for this snappy rice dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Sausage, Rice and BroccoliA recipe folding in sausage, rice and broccoli is what everyone needs in their weeknight dinner rotation. If fresh zucchini or summer squash is available, add it to the mix!
Israeli Couscous & Chicken Sausage SkilletOur comfort food is a big plate of sausage with couscous. Add some onion, celery, a little heat and a sprinkle of feta. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Unstuffed PeppersThis unstuffed peppers recipe has all the flavor of stuffed peppers without the fuss. It's packed with ground beef, instant rice and, of course, green peppers for a quick meal you'll come back to again and again.
Farmhouse Pork and Apple PieI've always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a bit of preparation, but my family and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the effort. —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
