Is Teflon dangerous? It can be. Do all non-stick pans contain Teflon? No.
The tricky thing is knowing which non-stick pans are actually Teflon-free.
Many of today’s options are misleading. You’ll see items labeled “PFOA-free” and think you’re safe…
The bottom line is that PFOA-free does not mean PFAS-free, and PFAS is the main thing we want to avoid in “Teflon-free” pans.
There are only four types of “non-stick” cookware that are PFAS-free: ceramic-coated pans (the closest thing to Teflon) and three outliers that aren’t technically non-stick but capable of non-stick cooking: cast iron, carbon steel, and enameled cast iron.
In this post, we’ll quickly cover the risks of PFAS in Teflon and misleading “safe” options to avoid. Then, we’ll compare the pros and cons of the four safest alternatives and how to use them properly.
We’ll also review the top seven Teflon-free non-stick cookware options I’ve found after years of researching and testing cookware.
Let’s get started!
Why Are Teflon Non-Stick Pans Unsafe?
Teflon is a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly used as a non-stick coating for cookware.
PTFE coatings used to be made with PFOA, a PFAS chemical. This chemical was banned in the early 2010s due to its tendency to off-gas harmful fumes at high heat. Research showed that ingesting PFOA increases one’s chances of thyroid dysfunction and certain cancers.
So, Teflon pans made after 2015 are PFOA-free. However, this safety is misleading, as non-stick pans still use other PFAS chemicals like GenX.
PFAS, in general, is a highly polluting group of chemicals that can accumulate in your body and may lead to kidney cancer and delay childhood development.
- Learn more about PFOA-free cookware in our guide: What Does PFOA-Free Mean in Cookware? | Safety Guide
Here’s the bottom line: any pan claiming it’s “non-stick” is a PFAS (Teflon) coating unless it’s labeled “PFAS-free.”
Phrases that do not mean PFAS-free include:
- Non-stick
- Teflon
- PTFE
- Stone-derived coating
- Granite coating
- Titanium non-stick coating
- Stratinum
- PFOA-free
While it’s possible to use Teflon safely (tips covered later), it’s best to avoid PFAS entirely and choose one of the following:
4 Types of Non-Stick Pans with No Teflon: Overview
Here are the best materials for low to no-stick cooking, while steering clear of PFAS chemicals.
These materials are all relatively non-stick and perfectly safe, although each one has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Considerations for Choosing your Cookware & How We Chose our Picks
We used several metrics to select the best Teflon-free cookware brands to feature below. Here they are, along with some factors to consider, such as your budget.
- Material: Each option has a non-stick coating made from either non-toxic ceramic, cast iron, carbon steel, or enameled cast iron.
- Price: Luckily, cast iron and carbon steel are affordable. Enameled cast iron has a steep cost but well worth it. Ceramic coatings will eventually wear down, so don’t spend too much. Aim for somewhere in the middle, like the options below.
- How non-stick out of the box: Ceramic cookware is non-stick out of the box, while cast iron and carbon steel improve over time. Higher-end brands often offer better non-stick performance immediately. Check the product descriptions below to see how non-stick the cookware is right away.
- How fast it heats: The heating speed varies among different materials. Ceramic cookware heats quickly, whereas cast iron and carbon steel take longer but retain heat better. Check each description below for specific details on heating speed.
- Warranty: A strong warranty indicates a brand’s confidence in its product. Each pan below has solid coverage.
- Stovetop: If you have an induction cooktop, ensure your ceramic-coated pan is compatible (e.g., Caraway and GreenPan below). Cast iron, carbon steel, and enameled pans work well on any stovetop.
- Comfort: Look for pans with handles that stay cool. We avoided ceramic pans with handle issues. For cast iron, carbon steel, and enamel pans, use an oven mitt or silicone handle sleeve (many come with sleeves).
Finally, my picks are based on my experiences using the pans, consulting family and friends (plus many customer testimonials), and deep brand/ material research.
7 Best Teflon-Free Non-Stick Pans Reviewed
Click the brand name to jump down to its in-depth review.
Or, click the price to check its latest cost (prices noted here are from the time of publishing):
Now let’s dive into our in-depth reviews of the best Teflon and PFAS-free non-stick pans:
Best Ceramic Non-Stick
Ceramic-coated pans differ from Teflon by using a sand-based, eco-friendly coating on bare metal, creating a stick-resistant, safe surface for cooking delicate foods.
To make the most of ceramic pans, follow these guidelines:
- Before adding food, preheat the empty pan for 2-3 minutes over low-medium.
- Never go above medium heat. Ceramic pans heat efficiently, so any hotter can cause sticking and damage the coating.
- For sticky foods like eggs and fish, drop a small dab of high smoke point oil onto the pan once it’s hot before adding your food. (Much less oil than steel or cast iron, so it’s still low-calorie.)
- Let your food cook for 30-45 seconds before touching it.
- Use wooden or silicone utensils to protect the ceramic coating. Avoid scratchy metal utensils and plastic tools that may melt and leach chemicals.
- Avoid non-stick aerosol sprays – the propellants damage coatings.
- Avoid the dishwasher – it reduces non-stick performance.
- Avoid oven cooking.
Remember, it’s not Teflon. You need to use it a little differently.
#1 Caraway – Best Overall Ceramic Non-Stick
- Materials: Aluminum body, Ceramic non-stick coating
- How non-stick out of the box? 5/5
- Oven-safe temperature: 550ºF
- Dishwasher Safe? No
- Induction Compatible? Yes
- Price Tier: $$$ – Check latest price
- Top Pros: Great non-stick properties & even heat distribution.
- Top Cons: More expensive, loses non-stick properties over time.
- Made In: China & India
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Caraway is our top choice for the best overall ceramic option because of its high-quality ceramic coating, free of PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other toxins. The coating is exceptionally non-stick right out of the box, making cooking sticky, delicate foods a breeze. Cleaning is effortless.
Caraway’s heavy-gauge aluminum body and steel baseplate are surprisingly durable and offer quick, even heating on all cooktops – even induction stoves.
My only concern is that the non-stick performance can diminish, and the exterior paint can chip easily. This isn’t unique to Caraway, though – this is just how it goes with ceramic non-stick coatings. Just remember to avoid using abrasive scrubbers and high heat.
While more expensive than similar GreenPan options, Caraway offers more color options and a faster boiling speed. Caraway pans tend to gain and lose heat faster, and we found the non-stick coating tends to stay intact longer on Caraway cookware than most GreenPan options.
My favorite set is their 12-piece collection, featuring a 10.5″ frying pan, a 3 qt saucepan and a 6.5 qt Dutch oven – both with lids, a 4.5 qt covered sauté pan, magnetic storage racks, and a canvas lid holder with hooks.
You can find Caraway on Amazon or direct from the Caraway website.
#2 Tramontina – Best Budget Ceramic Non-stick
- Materials: Aluminum body, Porcelain enamel exterior, Ceramic non-stick coating
- How non-stick out of the box? 5/5
- Oven-safe temperature: Not oven-safe
- Dishwasher Safe? Yes, but we don’t recommend it
- Induction Compatible? No
- Price Tier: $ – Check latest price
- Top Pros: Budget-friendly & lightweight
- Top Cons: Not oven safe & lacks durability.
- Made In: Made in Italy, Assembled in USA
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Despite being a budget option, Tramontina cuts no corners. A rugged porcelain enamel coating wraps the outside of their cookware– resisting burns, chips, scratches, and discoloration.
Inside, a cream-colored, non-stick ceramic surface ensures food slides off easily with just a bit of oil and medium heat. Cleaning is a breeze, often requiring only a quick wipe with a paper towel, unless overheated.
I also love how the light-colored interior enhances contrast, helping to prevent burning in low-light kitchens.
Tramontina provides a range of options, and the 10″ fry pan is an excellent choice for its balanced size and depth. It’s large and deep enough for main entrees but not too bulky for smaller dishes, like eggs. Weighing only 1.5 lbs (about 1.6 soda cans) and equipped with a cool-touch steel handle, it’s easy to maneuver.
But what’s most impressive? Tramontina’s limited lifetime warranty on such an affordable pan, although it doesn’t cover normal wear and tear. Remember that this pan won’t last quite as long as the more expensive options.
Additional sizes include an 8″ pan for singles and an 11″ version for families. GreenPan’s Lima is another great budget-friendly option, priced the same as Tramontina’s.
- Made in Italy, assembled in the USA
- Affordable – under $30
- Lightweight
- Works on all stovetops except induction
- Light-colored, ceramic coating
- Metallic porcelain enamel exterior – stays looking new
- Soft-grip, stay-cool steel handle with hang hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Thinner and lighter than the others on this list – don’t expect it to last as long
- Not induction compatible
- Not oven, dishwasher, or metal utensils-safe (although they claim it is). Using these hurts non-stick performance
#3 GreenPan – Best Ceramic Non-stick Sets
- Materials: Hard-anodized aluminum, diamond-infused ceramic non-stick
- How non-stick out of the box? 5/5
- Oven-Safe Temperature: Depends on the collection. GP5 is oven-safe to 600˚F
- Dishwasher Safe? Yes, but we don’t recommend it.
- Induction Compatible? Depends on collection. GP5 and Valencia Pro are induction-ready.
- Price Tier: $ – Check latest price
- Top Pros: Durable pan body and good heat retention
- Top Cons: Coating prone to scratching
- Made In: South Korea
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
GreenPan has become a top choice for ceramic nonstick cookware sets, offering innovative solutions that combine non-stick ease with enhanced flavor and durability.
With seven standout collections, GreenPan addresses the need for safe, high-performance, non-stick cookware without compromising quality.
GreenPan’s coatings are crafted from Thermolon diamond-infused ceramic, providing a non-toxic and durable cooking surface. (Like other ceramic coatings, the GreenPan coatings start to degrade over time… you’ll have about 1-2 years with perfect non-stick use).
Two of my favorite GreenPan collections are the GP5 and Valencia Pro:
- GP5 Collection: Features a durable, warp-resistant 5mm hard-anodized aluminum body and an enhanced Infinite8 Ceramic Non-stick coating (lasts longer than Valencia Pro). With a Balance Pro Base for induction compatibility and oven-safe stainless steel lids (up to 600°F), it offers advanced functionality. But it comes at a higher cost than the Valencia Pro. Shop GP5
- Valencia Pro Collection: GreenPan’s best-seller, combining affordability and quality with a hard-anodized aluminum body and diamond-infused Thermolon™ Advanced ceramic coating for even heating. It features a scratch-resistant surface, glass lids, and a Magneto base for heat conduction on all stovetops, allowing for durable, low-oil cooking. The pans are oven-safe to 600˚F (425˚F for lids). Shop Valencia Pro
- Ceramic coatings that are non-stick and non-toxic
- Thick, sturdy bodies with excellent heat retention & warp protection
- Lightweight
- On four of seven collections, unique base works with all stovetops & boosts responsiveness
- Stay-cool stainless steel handle with hang hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
- A bit pricey
- It won’t last forever
- Not oven, dishwasher, or metal utensils-safe (although they claim it is). Using these hurts non-stick performance
Best Cast Iron, Carbon Steel, and Enamel Cast Iron
Cast iron and carbon steel cookware develop a natural non-stick surface over time through seasoning.
Proper care enhances this non-stick property, making these materials durable and long-lasting:
- Care tips: Hand wash with hot water and a brush. Scrub stubborn residue with salt. Dry thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil.
- Avoid: Dishwasher, soap, and degreasers, as they wreck the seasoning layer.
Enameled cast iron offers the benefits of regular cast iron without the need for seasoning upkeep. It’s easy to clean and resistant to rust.
Cast iron, carbon steel, and enamel cast iron work on all stovetops, including induction.
While these three materials are not technically non-stick pans, you can prevent sticking with each. Here’s how:
- Preheat the empty pan over medium heat until it’s hot. You’ll know it’s at the right temperature by doing the water drop test.
- Add oil to the empty, preheated pan and let it sit for 10-20 seconds or so.
- Then add your food.
Food sticking is often caused by:
- Cooking at too high a temperature
- Not preheating the pan
- Using insufficient fat
Check out our non-stick alternatives test, where I show you step-by-step how to prevent sticking with these materials.
#4 Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron – Best Budget Cast Iron
- Materials: Pre-seasoned cast iron
- How non-stick out of the box? 2/5, but gets more non-stick over time
- Oven-Safe Temperature: 500°F
- Dishwasher Safe? No
- Induction Compatible? Yes
- Price Tier: $ – Check latest price
- Top Pros: Inexpensive but lasts forever
- Top Cons: Heavy, requires reseasoning
- Made In: USA
- Warranty: Lifetime
If you’re frustrated by non-stick coatings’ limited lifespan and versatility, consider Lodge cast iron cookware, my absolute favorite.
While it may be less non-stick and have a rougher surface than pricier options like Finex, it’s affordable and effective. Lodge forms their cookware as one solid piece, including the handle, so you don’t have to worry about breakage or crusty rivets.
I own their medium-sized skillet, which is 12″ wide x 2.25″ deep and includes a silicone handle sleeve for comfort. It also has a convenient helper handle for added support when serving or removing it from the oven, making it easier to manage the 7.3 lbs weight—roughly eight soda cans.
Now, cast iron’s heavyweight may seem like a drawback, but it’s actually a feature. Lodge’s dense cast iron offers superior strength and heat retention for better searing, browning, and flavor. It also keeps the pan stable instead of sliding about while you stir fry.
Overall, Lodge cast iron is a workhorse. Cook eggs and pancakes, sear pork chops, saute veggies, and bake cakes in the oven—all without sticking.
Other sizes include 6.5-inch, 8-inch, 9- inch, 10-inch, 13.25-inch and 15-inch. Due to its heft, don’t buy larger than you need.
- Made in the USA
- Pre-seasoned
- A textured surface helps preserve the seasoning layer & improves browning
- Works on all cooktops; oven-safe; metal utensil-safe
- Inexpensive yet lasts forever
- Superb heat retention for top-notch browning & searing
- Helper handle & hang hole in the main handle
- Includes removable silicone handle sleeve
- Lifetime coverage
- Oven-safe up to 500°F
- Heavy
- Can rust – always wipe dry
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Heats slowly
- Reactive with acidic foods
Want to buy elsewhere? Head to Etsy to explore tons of Lodge cast iron cookware – both new and secondhand. You can even score vintage skillets from the 1940s!
#5 Finex Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron – Best Overall Cast Iron
- Materials: Pre-seasoned cast iron
- How non-stick out of the box? 3/5, but gets more non-stick over time
- Oven-Safe Temperature: 500°F
- Dishwasher Safe? No
- Induction Compatible? Yes
- Price Tier: $$$ – Check latest price
- Top Pros: Super durable, very non-stick right out of the box
- Top Cons: Heavy, requires reseasoning
- Made In: USA
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Finex reigns as the best in cast iron cookware, setting a high standard for quality and performance. Crafted with precision in the USA, their pre-seasoned pans offer ruggedness and impressive non-stick capabilities right from the start.
Finex and Lodge both offer durable cast iron cookware. Still, Finex sets itself apart with a smoother and more non-stick surface out of the box. While Lodge provides budget-friendly options, Finex commands a higher price for its premium quality, precision, and artisanal craftsmanship.
That said, many say that Lodge works just as well, and I have to agree. Consider Finex if you simply want the best money can buy. (I recommend waiting for a sale, though!)
Finex cookware distinguishes itself further with a user-friendly design. I love its coiled handles that are easier to grip and stay cool without needing an oven mitt! The clever addition of an octagonal outer edge enhances its aesthetics and makes it super easy to pour liquids – it’s not just a gimmick!
- Made in the USA
- Pre-seasoned for immediate use
- Exceptional durability and impressive non-stick properties from the start
- Smoother surface achieved through precision machining
- User-friendly design with comfortable handles
- Octagonal outer edge facilitates easy pouring
- Works on all cooktops
- Limited lifetime warranty for long-lasting performance
- Oven-safe up to 500°F
- Spiral handle design keeps them cool
- Heavy
- Can rust – always wipe dry
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Heats slowly
- Reactive with acidic foods
- Higher price point compared to budget-friendly alternatives like Lodge
#6 Lodge Carbon Steel Pan – Best Value Carbon Steel
- Materials: Pre-seasoned carbon steel
- How non-stick out of the box? 2/5, but gets more non-stick over time
- Oven-Safe Temperature: 500°F
- Dishwasher Safe? No
- Induction Compatible? Yes
- Price Tier: $ – Check latest price
- Top Pros: Lighter than cast iron, smooth surface
- Top Cons: Doesn’t sear as well as cast iron
- Made In: USA
- Warranty: Lifetime
Don’t want to deal with cast iron’s weight? Yet, you desire a non-stick pan that lasts forever? Then check out Lodge’s carbon steel cookware, perfected over 125 years.
You can almost pan-flip eggs with carbon steel as you would with aluminum. It heats faster and weighs less than iron, so it’s a better day-to-day pot or pan; it’s easier to manage.
Yet, you don’t sacrifice performance. Carbon steel retains heat better than non-stick and steel cookware despite being thinner than cast iron: Aka, better browning, searing, flavor, and cooking versatility. I’ve yet to find another pan that browns meat and transitions from stove to oven so smoothly for under 8 lbs.
I also noticed that my carbon steel Lodge releases food more easily than my cast iron skillet. This is likely due to the smoother surface.
I also like how they include a silicone handle sleeve with this pan too, which is essential for keeping your skin cool (carbon steel gets hot!). For oven use, you can simply remove the silicone sleeve and slide the pan in. This skillet’s shallow design also slides easily under your broiler, perfect for finishing a dish.
And, of course, Lodge backs you up for life if you notice any defect.
- Made in the USA
- Pre-seasoned
- A smoother surface helps to release food for easier cleanup
- Lighter weight & faster to heat than cast iron
- Works on all cooktops; oven-safe; metal utensil-safe
- Inexpensive yet lasts forever
- Superb heat retention for excellent browning (although a bit less than cast iron)
- Includes *removable silicone handle sleeve to prevent burns (*You must remove this handle before oven usage)
- Lifetime coverage
- While lighter than cast iron, it’s heavier than non-stick and stainless steel
- Can rust
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Doesn’t sear as well as cast iron
- Reactive with acidic foods
Want to buy elsewhere? Head over to Etsy to shop Lodge carbon steel, as well as other brands.
#7 Le Creuset – Best Enamel Cast Iron
- Materials: Cast iron with porcelain enamel coating
- How non-stick out of the box? 3/5
- Oven-Safe Temperature: 500°F
- Dishwasher Safe? Yes – only pans without wooden handles
- Induction Compatible? Yes
- Price Tier: $$$$ – Check latest price
- Top Pros: Lifetime purchase, low maintenance
- Top Cons: Expensive
- Made In: France
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
For the benefits of cast iron without the extra upkeep, try Le Creuset! Their pans are made from a single piece of warp-proof cast iron, then coated with smooth glass enamel.
This layer prevents rust, eliminates the need for seasoning, and makes the pan easy to clean. Unlike bare cast iron, you can use dish soap to cut grease!
Cooking with enameled cast iron is predictable because it doesn’t rely on non-stick coatings or seasoning upkeep. All you need is proper heat and a dab of oil to prevent sticking (but make sure to preheat the pan correctly!).
My favorite Le Creuset pan is their medium-sized skillet, which is 10.25″ wide x 1 ⅝” deep and weighs 6 lbs—or about 6.5 soda cans. Its thermal mass perfectly browns steaks, while its compact size is versatile enough for frying eggs without being cumbersome.
A helper handle makes the pan easy to maneuver, whether serving, handwashing, or sliding into the oven or dishwasher. Le Creuset also offers this skillet in nine vibrant colors and provides a lifetime warranty.
- Made in France for almost 100 years
- Glass enamel resists sticking, staining, & rust (rust-proof)
- Dishwasher-safe & dish soap-friendly
- Non-reactive with acidic foods – no metallic flavor
- Excellent heat retention for searing & browning
- Oven-mitt-friendly helper handle & two pour spouts to prevent mess when pouring liquids
- Beautiful color options – tested lead-free
- Works on all cooktops; oven-safe; metal utensil-safe
- Lifetime warranty
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Handles can get hot, so use gloves, mitts, or silicone sleeves
- The enamel can chip from drops, overheating, or going too rough with metal utensils
Want to buy elsewhere? Buy direct from Le Creuset here. Etsy also has tons of Le Creuset options, many priced lower than other stores.
Side Note: How to Use Teflon Safely (If It’s Your Only Choice)
While I recommend using PFAS-free cookware, sometimes money is tight, and you must make do. Also, some of the best-performing non-stick pans contain PFAS chemicals. Remember, ceramic-coated pans are close, but traditional Teflon works the best.
So, if for whatever reason you’re using Teflon, here’s how to use it safely:
- Ensure the pan is in good condition and not deeply scratched.
- Avoid using metal utensils that can scratch and chip the coating.
- Don’t subject non-stick pans to high heat (above 500℉). Overheating can damage the coating and potentially emit harmful fumes.
- Avoid preheating an empty pan (it heats fast).
- Replace your non-stick cookware every five years or when signs of wear appear. Examples include deep scratching with the aluminum base visible.
- Was your pan made before 2014? It might be time to replace it, as it could contain PFOA.
FAQ
Eggs will stick to your non-stick pan if: You didn’t fully preheat your pan, and it’s too cool. Or, the pan is too hot and fuses the egg to the surface. To check if your pan is at the right temperature, place it over medium heat and use the water drop test method:
Add a few drops of water to the pan – the water should ball up and roll around when the pan’s ready. Once it is, add oil (if desired), then your food.
No, olive oil will not ruin non-stick pans, nor will any cooking oil by itself. The problem stems from cooking at temperatures past olive oil’s smoke point. Going too hot can ruin the oil and create a sticky mess on your non-stick pan.
To prevent that, cook at low to medium temperatures or use a higher smoke point oil like vegetable or avocado oil.
Most non-stick pans use Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene unless they contain a ceramic-based coating. While toxic PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, was phased out of production in 2013, modern non-stick pans contain GenX or PFBS instead. Their safety is controversial.
Ceramic-coated non-stick pans do not contain Teflon. Instead, they have a natural silica-based sol-gel coating. Also, cast iron, carbon steel, and enameled cast iron can replace Teflon non-stick pans with a few easy steps…
Non-stick pans don’t last forever, although some longer than others. So throw away your non-stick pans after about 4-5 years. Or once they appear warped, badly discolored, or riddled with deep scratches where shiny aluminum peeks through the non-stick coating.
When your non-stick pans are scratched up, the exposed aluminum leaches into your food. If you suffer kidney problems, this isn’t safe. Also, the non-stick pan’s coating can flake off into your food. So, if your pan is all scratched up, throw it out.
Recap & Recommendation
While the pans above take a little more effort than Teflon, they’re safer and still produce remarkable flavor!
For the closest thing to Teflon, grab ceramic. It requires little to no oil, cleans in seconds, and helps lower calories. Caraway is our top ceramic pick.
Cast iron, carbon steel, and enamel all demand more work, but you’ll notice it gets easier each use. Plus, they’re more versatile and will last forever.
I recommend grabbing one of each – a ceramic-coated pan for the most delicate foods – and a cast iron or carbon steel for everything else.
So that’s a wrap! Now you have a deep understanding of non-stick pans without Teflon. Consider yourself freed from the Teflon burden!
Happy Cookin’
P.S. Ditching Teflon is the first step. But are your dinner plates safe?
Check out our post on the safest dinnerware to find out if your dishes leach lead. And of course, see our top brand picks for the safest dish sets.
Hi there! I'm Adam, author and founder of TGL. Since 2016, I've produced and sold non-toxic kitchenware throughout the US. Today, I'm using my passion and experience in sustainable product manufacturing to help families avoid unsafe reusable foodware. When I'm not writing, you'll find me hiking or camping throughout Appalachia!
Enjoyed this post? Share it with your friends!
Related Posts
