The Popular Type Of Cookware You Should Avoid Using (& A Better Alternative To Try)
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You've probably heard that non-stick cookware is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. But is it really so bad that you should throw out that new Teflon cookware set you just spent hundreds of dollars on? Well, yes and no. While you don't have to ditch it immediately, there's a growing consensus among health experts and seasoned home cooks that it's probably a good idea to swap it out for something safer – like cast iron, which offers a natural, non-toxic alternative that only gets better with age.
Most non-stick pans are coated with a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), better known as Teflon. This is what is known as a forever chemical. While this coating makes cooking and cleaning up easy, it can break down and flake off your pans after repeated use of high heat, being scratched by utensils, or due to general wear and tear. Once this happens, it can get into your food and then get ingested.
Although it has been suggested that proper care and use of Teflon pans — like avoiding metal utensils, keeping them off high heat for long durations, and storing them properly — can reduce most issues, it's still worth thinking twice. This popular cookware shouldn't be stored in your oven drawer, as stacking or exposure to residual heat can cause the nonstick coating to degrade even faster. All things considered, you should still think seriously about trading them in for a safer option.
A safer alternative to non-stick pans
If you're serious about trading in your Teflon-coated pans for something safer and more durable, look no further than the trusty cast iron pan. Unlike PTFE-coated cookware, cast iron is free of synthetic chemicals and can even add dietary-recommended iron into your diet. Cast iron pans also become as non-stick as most Teflon pans thanks to the natural seasoning (lubricated residue) layer that builds up over repeated use. It's no surprise that it's a favorite alternative to traditional non-stick pans among cooks and home chefs alike. This Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet comes ready to use.
Learning how to care for your cast iron pan is key to keeping it non-stick and in great shape. And it's not as hard as most people make it out to be. You should avoid using soap, thoroughly dry after washing, and season with a light coat of oil after washing. When cleaning, avoid harsh cleansers or scrubbers; instead, you can opt for Martha Stewart's favorite cast iron cleaning hack: using salt and a soft cloth.
Besides being safer and longer-lasting, cast iron is extremely versatile and can go from stovetop to oven, cooking everything from cornbread to steak, and last for generations. If you're looking to avoid the risks of non-stick while investing in something that truly holds up over time, cast iron is the way to go.