4 Healthy Cookwares to Keep in Your Kitchen

May 13

When buying pots, pans, and baking sheets for your kitchen, have you ever thought to yourself how they affect your health? If you are worried about chemicals entering your body it is important to know what cookware is the healthiest to cook with. Here is my list of 4 heathy cookwares to keep in your kitchen.

Why it's important to know what you're buying

It is always the healthiest option to cook at home, that way you always know what ingredients are going into your body and what quality of cookware is used. When choosing cookware we are spoiled with how many options there are. Unfortunately a lot of cookware nowadays have certain materials that may not be great for you or the environment. The most concerning cookware out there is non stick pans. The nonstick surface is made from chemicals that leach into our food and the environment each time they are used. I tend to avoid nonstick pans at all costs.

How to create a nonstick surface without a nonstick pan

Begin by heating your pan over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes. Once the pan has become warmed you can add your oil or whatever fat you prefer. Let your oil start to warm over medium high heat, once hot you may add your ingredients. Following these steps will prevent your ingredients from sticking and keep you from absorbing the chemicals form a nonstick pan. But don't let this scare you out of cooking! I've made it easy for you by listing pros and cons of each type of cookware below, and sharing some of my favorites.

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Stainless steel cookware

Pots and pans made from stainless steel have been around for decades. This is by far one of the most popular types of cookware out there.

Pros

Stainless steel pans last a LONG time, they are very durable. Most of them are dishwasher safe which helps for an easy clean up. I prefer to wash mine by hand though. High quality ones clean easy by hand! High quality stainless steel are not coating with any chemicals

Cons

It is not the cheapest cookware out there. You can find affordable stainless steel, but remember the quality is very important. I like to say the bigger the investment the longer they last.

My recommended brand All-clad stainless steel!

Ceramic Cookware

This is beautiful clay cookware that has a neutral non-stick surface.

Pros

100% ceramic cookware is non toxic! It does not leach any toxins into your food and has a natural nonstick surface. It is completely eco-friendly and one of the healthiest types of cookware there is, when buying high quality.

Cons

Although I do say it has a natural non-stick surface, you can cook without oil completely, you'll need a little bit to help ingredients from sticking. You have to pay attention to the label and make sure you do not buy the ceramic coated cookware. You want to look for 100% ceramic. These can be hard to find and tend to run a little high in price.

Cast Iron Cookware

Who doesn't love cooking in a cast iron pan! Cast iron has been around for centuries. This cookware needs to be seasoned before use through a process of oiling and heating.

Pros

Cast irons are fantastic heat conductors and are oven safe! They work great when cooking proteins when you want a hard sear and then you can finish them off in the oven for a nice each cook. Your protein will turn out very crispy on the outside. They are very durable.

Cons

They require maintenance after each use. You have to make sure they are seasoned and stored properly after each use. There are multiple ingredients that do not cook well in cast iron, such as delicate fish.

913SweefWXL._AC_SL1500_.jpg — My recommended brand Le Creuset

Copper Cookware

My absolute favorite type of cookware! Copper has been around longer than cast irons! It is by far the most beautiful cookware to have in your kitchen. It is free of harmful chemicals!

Pros

It is a great conductor of heat. It heats up quickly and also loses heat quickly which is preferred for a chef. It is lined with tin creating a great, almost nonstick surface.

Cons

Copper unfortunately is not affordable. It is a big investment, but worth it in my opinion.
Because it does lose heat quickly you have to pay attention to only remove from heat when ready to serve. They typically are lined on the inside, so make sure you pay attention to what they are lined with. Stainless steel is a good lining option.