I watched a movie called Dark waters starring Mark Ruffalo as Robert Bilott and it was based on a true story. It was about a lawyer who exposes a powerful corporation that poisoned a town with chemical waste called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
It was found the chemical plant in question created this chemical for the non-still coating of Teflon pans. Exposure to this chemical caused serious health effects that included cancer among other ailments.
Even though this lawyer went on to win his cases against the chemical giant as well as get hefty settlements for his plaintiffs, the fact remained that the damage had been done as PFOA does not break down.
Thankfully, Teflon has been made without PFOA since 2013 however, many remain skeptical and wary of using Teflon as is expected, depicting the saying to be true that ‘once bitten twice shy’.
So, I have conducted my own research and present the list below of the best alternatives to Teflon frying pans.
Table of Contents
1. Cast iron pans
This is one of the best alternative teflon pans. It is believed that it adds iron into your diet, which may help with anaemia and even prevent heart disease.
Also, iron pans are said to be more non-stick than Teflon as a thin layer of oil is enough to make food slide off.
2. Stainless steel pans
Another great alternative is the stainless-steel pan as they are easy to clean and maintain as well as being durable and sturdy.
In fact, unlike Teflon pans which you cannot put in the dishwasher, stainless steel pans can go in both dishwashers and be washed by hand.
3. Copper pans
If the price is not a problem, then copper cookware is also one of the best alternative pans. They heat up quickly and evenly and most importantly they last for a long time.
Moreover, it is also safe with various types of utensils even metal ones.
4. Ceramic coated pans
Ceramic pans are another good alternative to Teflon pans as they are non-stick and easy to maintain just like Teflon pans.
Yet, ceramic coatings are better than Teflon coatings as they are durable and more scratch-resistant.
5. Glass coated pans
This is another great alternative as glass coatings provide a cooking surface that is non-stick while being more durable and scratch resistant compared to Teflon pans.
In addition, they are easy to maintain and do not release any toxic fumes when heated even at high temperatures.
6. Food-grade silicone pans
Food-grade silicone pans are not only eco-friendly but are also durable however these are mostly used for baking. They are safe to use with metal utensils and can even be washed in a dishwasher or hand-washed.
It is also able to withstand high temperatures without emitting any toxic fumes, while still remaining non-stick.
7. Aluminum pans
Aluminium pans are very cheap and also available in various types and shapes making them a good choice for beginners who do not want to spend much money on high-end pans.
Final thoughts
Knowing the alternatives to Teflon frying pans is important as changes in the modern kitchenware industry have caused some controversy especially on the safety of using non-stick alternatives like aluminum, stainless steel, etc.
I hope this list will help you find the best alternative pans. Pick one that suits your budget as well as your needs. Do not worry about being stuck with it forever but take note of its pros and cons so you can be more aware if any changes are necessary.
Thank you for reading!