Bake your worries away with these excellent sustainable and nontoxic bakeware essentials.
From fresh fruit pies to frittatas, bake up a storm, just make sure it’s with nontoxic and sustainable bakeware.
Baking brings the deliciousness of every season into our kitchens — scents of vanilla and spice all tickling our senses. So crack open your favorite plant-based cookbooks, and let’s get baking.
Why nontoxic bakeware is important
Just like chemicals in cookware are linked to a host of health issues from metabolic disorders to reproductive issues and even some types of cancer, bakeware is equally at risk of containing these chemicals.
“Companies often tell us certain chemicals are not in a product,” says Melissa Cooper Sargent, Ecology Center environmental health advocate. “But when they don’t tell us what is in the product, we cannot easily make an informed choice.” The Ecology Center says PFAS–also known as “forever chemicals” — are still in a range of products such as PTFE-based pan coatings. High-temperature cooking, such as baking, releases these chemicals. They’ve been linked to liver disease, increased cholesterol, impaired response to vaccines, thyroid disease, asthma, lowered fertility, high blood pressure in pregnant women, and cancer. As persistent pollutants, they also threaten waterways and biodiversity.
The Ecology Center also found bisphenol A (BPA)-based epoxy coating on two tested baking pans and one of the cooking pans. BPA is a chemical often used on plastic, inside of canned goods, and on register receipts to make them softer. Research has found that low-dose exposure to BPA can cause a host of health issues similar to those caused by PFAS.
The best nontoxic bakeware
From mixers to pans and baking mats, there is a range of nontoxic bakeware essentials that work as well, if not better, than the conventional, chemical-coated alternatives. We’ve picked the best bakeware tools for a novice baker or a seasoned pro. Need a delicious, sustainable, plant-based recipe to whip up? Try these vegan whole wheat chocolate chip muffins or this sweet potato cottage pie.
1. Wolf Gourmet Stand-Up Mixer
Bring style, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship into your kitchen with the Wolf Gourmet mixer. This stellar tool is a must for the avid baker. No more hand mixers or cheap standups. The Wolf Gourmet will be the last — and best! — mixer you purchase. Whip up cake and cookie batter, bread dough, and so much more.
You’ll feel extra inspired by the purchase, too. Wolf Gourmet has strong sustainability commitments from manufacturing to shipping. More than 75 percent of the company’s stainless steel comes from recycled metal, and its manufacturing is low on wastewater and harmful solvents. The Energy Star-rated appliances come in recyclable or returnable packaging.
2. Roul ’Pat Silicone Pastry Mat
How did we ever bake without silicone mats? Made from sustainable, food-grade, non-stick silicone, the Roul ‘Pat Silicone Pastry Mat reduces the need for parchment or cooking sprays. And it also makes clean-up a breeze. You’ll want to bake just to use these!
Made in France, these durable, waterproof, nonstick mats are perfect to also roll out dough, make candy, or line your bakeware.
3. Emile Henry Rectangular Baking Dish
This French family-owned cookware brand uses clay as the base of its collections. This new baking dish is part of the brand’s first new designs in more than two decades. The company doesn’t use harmful solvents or chemicals in its heat-resistant bakeware—and everything is hand-finished.
Its versatile nature means you can use it for everything from casseroles to cakes. Emile Henry offers unmatched heating and it’s safe for broilers and microwaves. You can even take it from the freezer to the oven without the risk of thermal shock. This is a must for any home chef.
4. Made In Bakeware Set
Need it all? If you’re refreshing your bakeware collection, do it the nontoxic way. Conventional cookware and bakeware can be coated in Teflon and other chemicals that are harmful to you and the planet. Made In uses centuries of craftsmanship in its French Porcelain bakeware, made the old-fashioned way—as in, safer, stronger, and more effective.
Safe for temperatures up to 650°F, the thermal shock-resistant collection is versatile, sturdy, and non-porous. It cleans up easily and looks gorgeous on any holiday table, too.
5. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
From fruity galettes to roasted potatoes there are very few things you cannot cook, bake, roast in one of these bad boys. You can also bring it out onto the grill or open fire. You’ll love Lodge because the products are built to last.
This skillet is practically indestructible — and if you take care of it well, it will live on longer than you. All of the brand’s pans are made with the highest quality and are packaged and shipped in recycled and biodegradable materials. Additionally, the company tracks all its energy conservation and recycling programs to ensure they are doing them to the full extent.
6. Great Jones Mixing Bowl Set
No kitchen is complete without a good set of mixing bowls. And why not make them cute and nontoxic while you are at it? Whether using every counter surface area for holiday prep or for everyday use, a set of mixing bowls is essential.
Great Jones was founded by best friends who shared a passion for food and supporting female chefs. All of the products are made with nontoxic materials such as stainless steel. The brand also provides resources for customers who wish to recycle their old cookware.
7. Caraway Linens Set
Any other messy chefs among us? It’s hard to keep sugar, flour, and other baking powders from flying all over the kitchen — so good linens are a must.
Launched in 2019, Caraway is known for its nontoxic and nonstick cookware but the brand also has clean linens. From aprons and towels to the necessary oven mitts this set from Caraway has all you need to stay, somewhat, clean in the kitchen.
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