This central content hub features our most helpful free guides across all blog categories, sorted by topic.
Whether you’re trying to ditch Teflon products for healthier kitchen utensils, compare non-toxic cookware materials, or reduce your plastic exposure, this page will get you there fast.
To skip the reading and browse our pre-vetted, most-recommended, non-toxic kitchenware products – head to our TGL No-Tox Shop!
For all content, jump over to our main blog.
Reader Favorites
Healthy Kitchenware Swaps
From pots, pans, and dishware to cooking utensils and cutting boards, few are 100% free from harmful substances like PFAS, lead, melamine, and BPA. Despite current regulations, these chemicals still make their way into many kitchenware items.
Plus, misleading statements give consumers a false sense of safety. “PFOA-free” and “BPA-free” are two frequent offenders. Below, you’ll find our most in-depth guides that cover non-toxic cookware, dinnerware, and other general kitchenware swaps you can make today.
Avoiding Teflon
Teflon is tricky stuff. Marketing departments work overtime to make non-stick pans seem “non-toxic.” From nonstick-coated cookware to air fryers and waffle makers, you’ll notice phrases like “PFOA-free” or “Made without harmful chemicals.” This sounds like the item is Teflon-free, but that is not true.
Below, you’ll find our most Teflon-specific guides. They cover Teflon alternatives plus everything you need to know to identify truly Teflon-free pans, appliances, and more.
Finding Safe Dinnerware
You’d be surprised how many dinnerware items contain lead, cadmium, melamine, PVC, and other harmful substances. Even renowned brands like Corelle may contain toxins (depending on the production date). Finding non-toxic dinnerware boils down to being aware of the wording used in a product’s description, among other small details.
Knowing what to look for when browsing dinnerware will ensure you never make an unsafe purchase, whether scouting for brand-new lead-free dishes or shopping secondhand at a thrift. Here are our most in-depth guides on finding the safest dinnerware for adults and children.
Cookware Materials & Brands – Compared
The healthiest cookware and dinnerware must meet specific criteria for safety. This narrows our options to just a few non-toxic materials (stainless steel and cast iron are two).
However, shoppers often ask which material is best for specific cooking tasks before purchasing. Some prioritize ease of cooking and cleaning, while others value exceptional searing performance, even if it means more scrubbing.
Below, you’ll find all our comparison guides. Here, we compare healthy cookware materials in terms of durability, value/lifespan, ease of maintenance, stovetop compatibility, best uses for each pan type, and more.
Avoiding Plastic
In today’s culture of convenience, plastic exposure is unavoidable— from food containers and utensils to coffee makers and other appliances.
But, you can easily limit your exposure to the most hazardous plastics by learning to identify them. For example, the label “BPA-free” is deceptive since the plastic may contain other bisphenols, like BPS or BPF.
Below, you’ll find our best guides on how to avoid unsafe plastics, including tips on identifying risky plastics and examples of them. We also explore the best non-plastic food storage options, non-toxic appliances, biodegradable cutlery solutions, and more.
Can I Microwave It?
We know that metal should never go in the microwave. But are silicone kids’ plates microwave-safe? Or parchment paper – bleached and unbleached? What about Melamine? (Note: Most bamboo dinnerware contains melamine).
Can these items go in the microwave – safely? Or will they emit toxic fumes and leach into food? Here are our microwave-specific guides, explaining everything you need to know about safely microwaving these questionable items.
Reducing Pollution
There are many ways to reduce pollution and save some cash in the process. Simple actions like replacing bottled water with a faucet filter can save thousands of dollars annually while keeping thousands of bottles from landfills.
Less-known acts can further prevent contamination and pollution of land and waterways. Choosing zero-waste dish soap and proper disposal of electrical appliances are two such deeds. Below, you’ll find actionable guides focused on reducing waste and living sustainably.
Adam - the author and TGL founder - has a background in product research and design. For years, he's successfully created, produced, and sold eco-friendly, sustainable kitchenware in all fifty states. When he's not reading, cooking, or lifting, he's helping families level up their kitchen and dining gear with relevant blog posts.