Everyone has seen videos of fried eggs sliding effortlessly off of some fancy, expensive pan advertised by an influencer. Of course, a nice non-stick surface makes this easy, until it is damaged.
But now there’s an even more important reason to try and avoid non-stick pans: the threat from PFAS. Researchers are increasingly linking PFAS to a whole range of nasty health conditions including cancer, immunosuppression, and impotence. So, what are the top 5 non-stick alternatives for a PFAS-free kitchen?
Ceramic
Ceramic pans first hit the market about 20 years ago. They were marketed as the “toxin free” alternative to non-stick. Of course, we now know this means PFAS-free.
What is a ceramic coating?
Rather than a PFAS coating, ceramic pans have 1 or more thin layers of silica-based material chemically bonded to the pan. This provides a durable surface that looks like a ceramic, despite not being fired at high temperatures. (In fact, these surfaces will start to break down if they are exposed to too high a temperature.)
What are they good for?
Ceramic pans are exceptionally non-stick. Eggs will just slide straight off. Modern versions are also quite durable, as long as you avoid using metal utensils vigorously.
What else should I know?
The downside is that many of these pans are based on an aluminum base and so won’t work on induction hobs. But there are alternatives that are designed for induction, such as the Greenpan Valencia Pro series.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a great all-rounder for pans. It looks stunning, and is extremely durable.
What are stainless steel pans?
Stainless steel refers to a group of steel alloys that contain high levels of chrome and other metals that make them rust-free and easy to polish. They have been used to make saucepans for many years, both with and without PFAS-containing non-stick surfaces on the inside.
What are they good for?
These pans are not non-stick, so you need to be careful when using them. This is especially true when using metal cooking utensils as they will scratch the surface. That will make it more likely that your food will stick. They are good for all types of hob (although gas hobs may cause the outside surface to lose its shiny perfection).
What else should you know?
The usual advice when frying is to ensure the oil is really hot before adding your food. That way the surface of the food will be sealed before it sticks. The best pans will have a copper core inside the base to help ensure even heat distribution.
Cast iron
Cast iron skillets are having a bit of a thing recently. This form of pan has really stood the test of time, having been used for hundreds of years.
What is cast iron?
As the name suggests, cast iron pans are made by “casting” molten iron in a mold. Cast iron is incredibly robust and durable, but it is also quite brittle. This means it can crack if it’s subjected to extreme changes of heat or hit hard.
What are they good for?
Cast iron is HEAVY. Like really heavy. So these pans definitely aren’t suitable for older people or those with dexterity issues. Cast iron pans will work on any type of hob and provide astonishingly even heat. Their weight also means they retain heat amazingly well, so they are great for long slow cooking.
What else should you know?
Before you use a new cast iron pan you need to go through a process called seasoning. This is what gives them their distinctive black finish on the inside and will ensure they are pretty much as non-stick as the best PFAS-coated pans. Some pans will be “pre-seasoned” for you.
Carbon steel
Carbon steel is the traditional material used to make woks and similar cooking pans.
What is carbon steel?
Carbon steel can be thought of as a more modern version of cast iron. It refers to any steel with a relatively high carbon content and which hasn’t been treated to make it stainless.
What is it good for?
Carbon steel pans tend to be thinner and thus lighter than cast iron. They are also more robust to changes in temperature. These pans work on any hob and provide quite good even heat.
What else should you know?
Carbon steel is much less brittle than cast iron. However, if you drop a steel pan there is a chance that it might deform slightly. Like cast iron, you need to season the pan properly before using it. You also need to avoid the use of abrasive or acidic cleaning agents. These will make the pan rust more quickly.
Enameled cast iron
These often expensive items of cookware definitely look the part. Instagram is full of people using their expensive Le Creuset enamelled cast iron pans (other brands are available!).
What is enamelled cast iron?
Enamelled cast iron combines a heavy cast iron pan with a layer of extremely tough vitreous enamel (basically a type of glass). This provides a very durable and beautiful finish which can last years when looked after.
What is it good for?
Enamelled cast iron is best used for stews, pot roasts, and other long-slow cooking. The enamelled coating inside provides a non-stick surface unless it gets scratched or damaged. They are very efficient because their weight allows you to achieve the same results at a lower cooking temperature.
What else should you know?
Enamelled pans are beautiful, but, because the enamel isn’t chemically bonded to the metal underneath, you must be really careful not to subject them to heat stress. If you put an empty pan on the heat, or pour freezing water into an already hot pan, the surface can crack off. Note that some premium versions have a matt surface on the inside. These should be treated more like traditional cast iron and just wiped and rinsed after use.
Final words
PFAS is getting more and more coverage in the news and online. As a result, people are looking for ways to remove PFAS from their lives. One of the easiest and most effective ways to go PFAS-free is to replace your non-stick cookware. Almost any pan, used right, can fry eggs without sticking, boil rice without a sticky mess, or cook the perfect steak without leaving a mess your dishwasher can’t tackle. This is definitely true for most of the pans we list above. Hopefully, our list will make it easier for you to choose the alternative that’s best for you.
