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Non Toxic Bakeware
Problem With Nonstick Bakeware
Nonstick bakeware is very convenient. Food doesn’t stick with very little oil and it is very easy to clean. However, despite this convenience, nonstick bakeware is not safe and hazardous to our health. Just like nonstick cookware, nonstick bakeware is also coated with a material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Teflon is the best known brand name of PTFE-based formulas for nonstick coating. PTFE nonstick coasting contains toxic chemicals such as Perfluorooctanioic acid (PFOA or C8) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Perfluorooctanioic acid (PFOA or C8) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been used as a surfactant when making PTFE. They are linked to cause harmful health effects such as decreased fertility, thyroid disorders, changes in growth, learning and behavior of the developing fetus and child, testicular cancer and kidney cancer. (PFOA/ PFOS Exposure And Health Effects)
When cooking above 500°F (260°C), PTFE nonstick coating starts to deteriorate and release toxic fumes and chemicals into the air or into the food. This also happens if an empty pan is left on a burner. These days, some manufacturers do not use PFOA or PFOS when making PTFE and these chemicals are replaced with chemicals such as GenX. However, replacement chemicals are supposed to be as toxic as PFOA or PFOS. Just because nonstick cookware or bakeware says, it is PFOA or PFOS free, it doesn’t mean it is safe from toxic chemicals. I would avoid all nonstick bakeware. (Teflon Replacement Chemical Likely Just As Toxic)
Alternatives To Nonstick Bakeware – Non Toxic Bakeware
There are several alternative options available for non-toxic bakeware. Safe materials for non-toxic bakeware includes stainless steel, glass, porcelain enamel, ceramic and cast iron.
Stainless Steel Non Toxic Bakeware
Stainless steel is generally a safe material for bakeware except when baking salty or acidic food especially for a long time. Stainless steel bakeware leaches iron, nickel and chromium into food within safe levels. However, it will leach higher amount of iron, nickel and chromium when cooking acidic food for a long duration. Iron or chromium is good for our health, however, too much can have negative health effects especially for people with iron or chromium issues. Too much iron can cause iron poisoning and too much chromium can damage the liver, kidneys and nerves. Nickel can cause allergic reactions to some people. Therefore, just avoid baking acidic food such as tomato sauce in stainless steel bakeware. Stainless Steel is great for baking sheets, muffin & cupcake pans, square or rectangular cake pans.
TeamFar
TeamFar makes great stainless steel baking sheets. They use 18/0 stainless steel, which contain 18% chromium and 0% nickel. That means their bakeware has no nickel and it won’t leach nickel even with acidic foods.
Fox Run
Fox Run makes awesome stainless steel muffin pans.
Norpro
Norpro makes stainless steel square cake pans like this.
All-Clad
All-Clad is known for their stainless steel cookware and they have bakeware as well. Check out their baking pan which you can make casseroles and more. They also make a stainless steel baking sheet.
Glass Non Toxic Bakeware
Glass is one of the most inert material for cookware and bakeware. One thing you have to watch out for glass is breakage. Glass can break if it experiences sudden changes in temperature from extreme hot to extreme cold temperature or vice versa. (thermal shock) It can also break if it is dropped and experiences a harsh impact.
There are two types of glass that bakeware can be made from. One is borosilicate glass and the other one is tempered soda lime glass. Borosilicate glass is more expensive to produce and it has high tolerance to heat and extreme resistance to severe temperature changes. Therefore, it is more thermal shock resistant than soda lime glass. It can handle sudden temperature changes from freezer to oven without cracking. However, when it breaks, it shatters into small jagged shards which can cause injury. Tempered soda lime glass, on the other hand, is stronger than the regular glass but it may break if it experiences sudden temperature changes. However, when it breaks, it breaks into small, circular pieces which is much safer than small sharp pieces. Also, it is more resistant to impact breakage.
Soda lime glass is cheaper to produce and it is the most common form of glass used in US bakeware. According to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data, consumers are far more likely get injured from glass impact breakage than breakage from thermal shock. Therefore, some people say soda lime glass is actually better in preventing injuries from breakage. However, there has been some report that glass bakeware such as Pyrex or Anchor Hocking glassware exploded in the oven or unexpectedly shattered due to thermal shock. It is scary to think baking dish can explode unexpectedly. (Exploding Pyrex Cookware Mystery Solved) (Kitchen calamity: Reports of shattering cookware on the rise)
While borosilicate glass or soda lime glass can both work well as a bakeware material, they are both glass after all. Therefore, breakage can happen. Even borosilicate glass can still crack in rare cases if it experiences extremely radical temperature fluctuations. Also, although soda lime glass is more resistant to impact breakage, it can also break if there is too much impact. While most glass bakeware is used safely, I would keep in mind to be careful not to provide sudden rapid temperature change or harsh impact to the glass bakeware.
While some people prefers borosilicate glass over soda lime glass or vice versa, it is up to you to choose which you feel more comfortable with. They both have been used as safe bakeware material for a long time used by many. Most glass bakeware including well known brand such as Pyrex or Anchor Hocking use soda lime glass. Pyrex used to use borosilicate glass in the past, however, it now uses soda lime glass. For those who prefers borosilicate glass, they find this change disappointing. However, there are companies that makes bakeware with borosilicate glass which I listed below. I personally chose glass bakeware with borosilicate glass since I feel more comfortable knowing it is safer from thermal shock breakage.
Borosilicate Glass Bakeware
Arcuisine
Arcuisine Glass Rectangular Roaster Pan is made in France. It is made with borosilicate glass. You can place this bakeware from freezer to oven to table to refrigerator safely. Arcuisine also has other bakeware such as casserole pan, oval roaster, pie dish pan.
OXO
Oxo is another company that makes bakeware with borosilicate glass.
Tempered Soda Lime Glass Bakeware
If you feel more comfortable with soda lime glass, there are two leading glassware companies.
Pyrex
Pyrex is the leading glassware company. Their products are made in USA and their products have been loved by many people.
Anchor Hocking
Anchor Hocking is another leading glassware company. Their products are made in USA.
Porcelain Enamel Non Toxic Bakeware
Porcelain Enamel is cast iron with an enamel coating. It is one of the non-reactive materials for cookware and bakeware just like glass. However, there are some concerns about lead and cadmium leaching into food with enamel bakeware since enamel is made of clay. Therefore, I would only purchase porcelain enamel bakeware from reputable, well established company and make sure there is no lead and cadmium in their bakeware.
Le Creuset
Le Creuset is French company who makes quality cookware. Their cookware quality is amazing and people keep Le Crueset pieces for generations. Their cookware is in compliance with rigid California Proposition 65 limits for accessible lead and cadmium. Their test results shows that no lead or cadmium has been found inside of their cookware and only a trace amount outside of their cookware. Cadmium is used for coloration purposes in achieving bright exterior colors such as red, oranges or yellow. Dune and Palm colors do not contain cadmium according to Le Creuset. Their enamelled cast iron dutch ovens, French ovens or round braisers are great for acidic dishes such as lasagna or meat roast.
Lodge
Lodge also makes porcelain enamel cookware and bakeware similar to Le Creuset. However, their bakeware is so much affordable than Le Creuset. Their products are also in compliance with strict California Proposition 65 limits for accessible lead and cadmium. I own both Le Creuset and Lodge porcelain enamel dutch oven. They both work very well and I love them.
100% Ceramic Non Toxic Bakeware
100% ceramic is non-reactive material for cookware and bakeware. Just like porcelain enamel cast iron or glass bakeware, ceramic bakeware doesn’t react with food. Therefore, it doesn’t leach toxic chemicals into food even when cooking acidic food or cooking for long duration. Therefore, ceramic bakeware is one of the safest and non-toxic bakeware available. However, since it is made of natural material, it can be contaminated with lead and cadmium. Also, some ceramic has a glaze that contain lead or cadmium. Therefore, check to make sure products have no lead and cadmium in them.
Xtrema
Xtrema is the only company who makes 100% ceramic cookware. Their bakeware is in compliance with stringent California Proposition 65 limits for accessible lead and cadmium. Their test result show that their products are safe from lead and cadmium. (view test result.)
Le Creuset
All of Le Creuset’s signature enamelled cast iron products are made in France. Their stoneware, on the other hand, is made in Thailand. However, all of their products are in compliance with rigid California Proposition 65 limits for accessible lead and cadmium. If you are not comfortable about their stoneware not being made in France, you can go for their cast iron enamelled dutch ovens for oven cookings. They also have oval casserole or au gratin dish in their bakeware.
Cast Iron Non Toxic Bakeware
Well-seasoned cast iron is truly nonstick without toxic nonstick coating such as PTFE nonstick coating. I love my cast iron skillet for cooking eggs, pan cakes and meats. They work great! Cast iron is also great for bakeware. However, cast iron can leach iron into food especially when cooking acidic dishes. Our body needs iron but too much iron can also cause negative health effects such as iron poisoning and problems for people with hereditary hemochromatosis. Therefore, I wouldn’t use cast iron bakeware for baking acidic dishes such as lasagna or chicken with lemon sauce.
Lodge
Lodge makes great cast iron skillets but they also make cast iron bakeware. Their cast iron products are made in USA. Their biscuit pans, muffin pans, loaf pans are all naturally nonstick if you season them well.
Final Thoughts
Glass, porcelain enamel, ceramic, stainless steel and cast iron are all non toxic bakeware options. Stainless steel and cast iron are reactive with acidic foods so I would avoid cooking dishes like spaghetti meatballs or salmon with lemon sauce. Instead, they will be good for baking sheets, muffin or loaf pans. Glass, porcelain enamel or ceramic are non reactive material, therefore, they are great for casseroles or pasta dishes. However, ensure ceramic and porcelain enamel bakeware has been tested for lead and cadmium. When getting a bakeware, get individual pieces that meets your non toxic cooking needs for different types of food. Happy cooking!
If you are interested in non toxic cookware, please read my previous post, ‘Non Toxic Cookware Guide – What Is The Healthiest And Safest Cookware?‘
If you are interested in pressure cooker, Instant Pot, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Pressure Cooker – Is Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Non Toxic?‘
If you are interested in non toxic rice cookers, please read my post ‘Non Toxic Rice Cookers – Rice Cookers With A Stainless Steel Inner Pot‘.
If you are interested in safe turkey bakeware, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Turkey Roasting Pans – Which Turkey Bakeware Is Safe?‘
Regards for sharing the information with us.
Thank you!
Thanks for compiling this research and sharing with us.
Thank you! 🙂
I like to cook chicken breasts, pork chops, etc in the oven. As a a guy I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to buying cookware! But I would like to try to avoid toxins! So, for oven baked chicken breasts and other meats. What do you suggest I buy?
Hi Mark,
Sorry I must have missed your message before. If you are still interested, I use glass bakeware for meats.
Here are some glass bakeware.
Arcuisine Glass Rectangular Roaster Pan
Oxo Good Grips Freezer To Oven Safe 3Qt Baking Dish With Lid
Pyrex Easy Grab 8 Piece Glass Bakeware and Food Storage Set
Anchor Hocking 2 Piece Bakeware Set
Hope this helps!
Thanks for this excellent and helpful information. I am looking to purchase a cheesecake-type pan (one that will specifically fit inside my 8 qt Instant Pot), and wonder if you’ve any suggestions for a safe pan that will work for cheesecake? I’d love any suggestions you have. Thanks.
Hi Ann,
Here are some cheesecake pans.
ekovana Stainless Steel Cheesecake Pan removable bottom (This one is compatible with 6qt and 8 qt Instant Pot)
EasyShopForEveryone Stainless Steel Lasagna, Pie, Quiche, Round Au Gratin Dish, Pudding, Tart, Casserole, Bakeware, Flan Mold, 7 Inch Cheesecake Pan (Fits 6qt and 8 qt Instant Pot)
Hope this helps!
Hi there. What about silicon for cake moulds and loaf tins?
Thanks, Susan
Hi Susan,
Silicon is supposedly inert. However, there is some controversy in silicon material. Some say low quality silicon may contain harmful fillers and some say silicon may leach chemicals at a very high temperatures. However, not adequate amounts of research or no long term studies have been done so far about silicon. Therefore, I don’t feel totally safe about the material. If I do use silicon, I would make sure the silicon is a good quality and avoid using it at high temperature. Hope this helps!
Hi there, What are your thoughts on silicon for cake moulds and loaf tins? Thanks, Susan
Hi Susan,
It seems that there are limited amount of research done on silicone. There are also some mixed views on silicone material as well.
Health Canada states there are no known health hazard associated with silicone cookware and it is safe. Some say there are potential for leaching at high temperatures. Some say some cheap silicone material may contain fillers and additives.
Currently, I don’t use any silicone bakeware since there are some uncertainties. However, this would be an individual choice.
Hi thanks for this! didnt see it. Helpful as I seem to be resisting it too
🙂
Hi Isabelle,
Do you have any info. on Duralast silicone infused coating? It is used on all of Wilton’s bakewares. I recently purchased their loaf pan and donut pan however after reading through your informative article I would like to replace these with safer bakerware options. Can you recommend any safe donut pans?
Thanks,
Helen
Hi Helen,
Although some researches say silicone is inert and safe, low quality silicone can contain fillers. I only use stainless steel, glass, or cast iron for baking since I am not sure if silicone is 100% safe for baking. I tried to look for donut pans but most donut pans seem to have non stick coating. If I come across one that I feel I can recommend, I will let you know.
Do you know if any stainless steel or glass 6 inch cake pans? I can’t seem to find any! Thanks for all the info!
Hi Janie,
Here is a stainless steel cake pan I have found. Hope this helps!
TeamFar 6 Inch Cake Pan
Thanks for the good post Isabelle! I’m currently researching materials to replace my current bakeware set. While I have glass pie plates and casserole dishes, I do have non-stick muffin pans and old sheet pans to replace. Your site is among the best for more informative sources, complete with references and background information supporting your recommendations. Curious to know your thoughts on stoneware for bakeware?
Hi Catherine,
Stoneware is made of natural clay so there is possibility that it could contain trace amounts of lead and cadmium. Also, if the stoneware is glazed, there is also possibility that glaze contains lead or cadmium. Stoneware may or may not contain lead or cadmium. However, we wouldn’t know until we test the stoneware so I usually stay away from it because I can’t be completely sure. Hope this helps!
Hi Isabelle! I want to say thank you for sharing this very important information. I read tons of books about foods, cookware, and bakeware. I am beyond shocked how lot of cookware and bakeware have toxic. I been search which safest cookware and bakeware and there you are! Big thanks to you for sharing. I m definitely going share to my friends / family and community. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Have you checked into the safety of using parchment paper? I’m wondering if the paper is coated with anything harmful. Thank you.
Hi Agatha,
The parchment paper can be coasted with Quilon or Silicone to make the paper non stick. Quilon is a chemical that contains the heavy metal Chromium which when incinerated becomes toxic. Silicone is supposedly inert. No safety problems have been reported with silicone so far except some silicone products can contain fillers that can have chemicals. However, some people don’t like silicone material in baking. I personally don’t use silicone in baking. I think glass or stainless steel bakeware is the best. However, I do feel silicone is better than conventional non stick coated baking sheets using perfluorochemical coating.
Some parchment paper is also bleached and contain clorine. You can avoid clorine by avoiding bleached paper and choose unbleached paper like this here.
I know broiling is not the safest method of cooking, but sometimes I like a few minutes of browning for appearance. Am I correct that the only material you have listed here that is safe for that high of temperature is stainless steel? And even that you don’t recommend. Is there an alternative? Thanks!
Hi Linda,
Stainless steel and glass are safe material for bakeware. For acidic food, I usually use glass bakeware. Porcelain enamel or ceramic can be safe as well. However, there is a possibility that porcelain or ceramic materials contain lead or cadmium. Therefore, if you are planning to buy bakeware that made from porcelain or ceramic, it would be good to buy from companies that have test results.
Hello Isabelle,
Tremendous thanks to you for all your research!
We have removed the unsafe dinnerware and bakeware from our kitchen.
I have several bakeware pieces that I have inherited and some that I bought from a thrift store. I don’t want to get rid of them unless I know for sure they are unsafe. I hope that you can help me.
Are you familiar with Corning ware? Some pieces are white with the blue corn flower and some are white with the colored vegetables.
Please help.
Hi Lynn,
Tamara Rubin tested some of Corningware and you can see the results here. I wouldn’t know if the particular pieces with white with the blue corn flower is chemical or heavy metal free unless they are tested. Hope this helps!
Hi! This is an incredibly helpful post – thank you! What would you recommend as the safest bakeware for lasagnas, enchiladas, etc given there is acidity from the sauce?
Hi Sami,
For lasagnas, enchiladas, etc, I use glass bakeware.
Here are some glass bakeware as I mentioned before.
Arcuisine Glass Rectangular Roaster Pan
Oxo Good Grips Freezer To Oven Safe 3Qt Baking Dish With Lid
Pyrex Easy Grab 8 Piece Glass Bakeware and Food Storage Set
Anchor Hocking 2 Piece Bakeware Set
Hope this helps!
Hi! What is the safest pan to bake bread in? Can you also suggest something safe to make jello molds in? Thank you.
Hi Rebecca,
I would use glass material for baking. Here are some suggestions.
Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan
Anchor Hocking Oven Basics Bake Set
OXO Good Grips Glass Loaf Pan with Lid
Libby Ring Pan Glass Baking Dish
Simax Clear Glass Shallow (4.75”) Bundt Pan
Hope this helps! I will get back to you regarding jello molds.
Hi Rebecca,
I couldn’t find any glass or stainless steel material molds that are just for jello. However, you can use the glass cake pan such as Simax Clear Glass Fluted Bundt Pan that I recommended earlier. It can be used as jello molds. Hope this helps!
Hi, thanks so much for the info. I found you while searching for a spring form stainless steel cake pan. My friend has one but bought it years ago and cant remember where. Do you have any clue’s? I am looking everywhere. I also wanted a muffin/cupcake tray and just bough the ‘team far’ one you have suggested so thanks for that!
Hi Miri,
Yes, you are right. It is hard to find stainless steel springform cake pans without non stick coating. Stainless steel springform cake pans mostly have non stick coating. Would these work instead?
Norpro 9-Inch Stainless Steel Cake Pan
Hi Isabelle, thank you for the post, do you have any recommendations for thermal pot for the use of storing hot water?
Hi Suzie,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Could you please clarify if you are looking for a thermal pot such as thermal coffee carafe or insulated hot water bottle?
I’m looking for an insulated hot water bottle, preferably in the kitchen for the whole family. Because I have older people in my house don’t drink cold water, and that need hot water for tea and stuff.
Hi Suzie,
Here are some options.
Rosewill Stainless Steel Electric Hot Water Boiler and Warmer
Chefman Electric Hot Water Pot
Secura Stainless Steel Water Boiler and Warmer w/Night light
Electric Kettle, Miroco 1.5L Double Wall 100% Stainless Steel
Hope this helps!
Amazing Amazing Amazing! Thank you Isabelle. BTW, I ordered the instant pot after reading your review. Can’t wait to start trying it out! Appreciate and much respect for what you do!
Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to research this. Great resource!
Thank you!
Suzie,
I have some Wexford drinking glasses and I was wondering if they are lead and cadmium free.
Hi Chris,
Lead crystal glasses will contain lead. However, it seems Anchor Hocking Wexford glassware is made of pressed glass, not lead crystal.
Anchor Hocking Wexford pressed glassware (1967–1998) is ‘almost always’ lead free according to Tamara Rubin. You can read the testing result here. Hope this helps!
You said this near the beginning of the post: “Stainless steel is generally a safe material for bakeware except when baking salty or acidic food especially for a long time.”
…and later recommended a stainless steel lasagna pan from All-Clad. Now I’m all confused.
Hi Alicia,
The lasagna pan can be used for many other dishes such as casseroles other than lasagna.
I wouldn’t personally cook lasagna in stainless steel, I use glass material for acidic dishes.
Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for sorting all this out. I start to buy something and time I’m done trying to figure it all out I get confused and give up!
I’m looking for a large baking sheet with an edge. Or jelly roll pan. I roast a lot if vegetables at once and like to spread it out in a single layer.
I can’t seem to find a large one with an edge.
Hi Marie,
Sorry for the late reply. If you are still looking for a large baking sheet with an edge, here are some suggestions.
Checkered Chef Stainless Steel Baking Sheets With Racks (13 x 18)
Checkered Chef Stainless Steel Baking Sheets
P&P CHEF Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet Baking Pan Tray (12 x 16)
They are all stainless steel with no coating. Checkered Chef brand offers warp-resistant stainless steel baking sheets.
Hope this helps!
This was the perfect post to read today as I went shopping for new pans! Thank you.
I am trying to replace my bundt cake pan. I can’t seem to find anything except “non-stick” and silicon option. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Brenda,
Sorry for the late reply.
There is glasss bundt cake pan as below.
Simax Glassware 5031 Sculptured Cake Form Bundt Pans
Now this one is at Amazon Canada but I didn’t see it at Amazon.com.
However, later I saw the same one at the Walmart. Hope this helps.
I am looking fir a non toxic tart pan, regular size (not mini), around 9 inches
Hi Mia,
It seems most tart pan has non stick coatings. Therefore, I thought glass pie pans may work instead.
Here are some non toxic 9 inch pie pan options.
OXO Good Grips Glass Pie Plate with Lid
Pyrex Easy Grab Glass 9.5 Inch Pie Plate (2-Pack)
Anchor Hocking Fire-King 9-Inch Pie Baking Dish
Kingrol 3 Pack Glass Pie Plates, 9 Inch Pie Baking Dishes with Handles
Hope this helps!
I stumbled across your article while researching non-toxic bakeware. I found your article very informative and appreciate the links to your research. Most of all, I am very impressed with the fact that you have taken the time to respond to all these inquiries in such detail. It says a lot about you. I have no questions just wanted to say thank you for how you care about your community.
Vernice
Thank you!
Ireplacing toxic items. Was going to replace my bakeware with pampered chef is it safe?
Also, I bake lots of bread and muffins. What is the best loaf pans to use? And mini loaf pans? And muffin pans?
2nd also, looking at a bread machine made by KBS that has a ceramic coated bread pan, is that safe to use?
Hi Barbara,
I am not familiar with Pampered Chef but if their bakeware has non stick coatings, I would’t buy it for myself or recommend it.
I stay away from any non stick coatings on bakeware including a ceramic non stick coating. You can read about a non stick ceramic coating in one of my previous post.
Here are some loaf pans and muffin pans. The materials of these items are cast iron, glass or stainless steel without any non stick coatings.
Loaf Pans
Lodge BW8LP 8.5 x 4.5 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Loaf Pan
OXO Good Grips Glass Loaf Pan With Lid
Superior Glass Loaf Pan With Cover
Anchor Hocking 1.5-Quart Premium Loaf Dish
Muffin Pans
Fox Run 12-Cup Muffin Stainless Steel Baking Pans
TeamFar Stainless Steel Muffin Pan
Fox Run Stainless Steel Muffin Pan
Hope this helps!
Curious why aluminum baking pans are not mentioned?
Hi Lee,
Personally, I do not like aluminum material as a cookware or bakeware. Aluminum is a reactive material and it can leach into food when cooking acidic food or cooking for long duration. (especially cookware or bakeware is worn out or damaged) Although the release of aluminum may be at a low amount, I would prefer to choose materials such as stainless steel or glass. There is also anodized aluminum bakeware/ cookware. However, it often has a nonstick coating which I also avoid. \
Hope this helps!