Many nonstick cookware pieces contain toxic chemicals, like PTFE and PFOA, which can seep into foods and have been linked to health issues. But there are a few cookware companies that have developed safe and non-toxic options for your kitchen.
Green Pan made the first PTFE-free ceramic nonstick cookware in 2007. Their Thermolon coating uses a layer of silicon and oxygen rather than PFOA, PFBS, or PFOS. It withstands high temperatures, so you can sear sirloin or fry a burger. And it’s metal utensil-safe.
Another ‘green’ nonstick option is the newer NP2 (Natural Performance 2) coating from Belgian manufacturer Tramontina. This coating, used in their Eco-friendly cookware line, does not contain PTFE or PFOA and is derived from natural minerals such as boron and magnesium. However, there is not a lot of public information about its safety and effectiveness.
The Zwilling Madura Plus 8″ Nonstick Fry Pan from Germany also reportedly does not contain PTFE or PFOA, but independent research found that it does have some level of PFAS in it, so it’s best to avoid this set.
I’ve seen a few other manufacturers introduce newer ‘green’ nonstick coatings in recent years. The Cuisinart Ceramica line, for example, features a ceramic-based, PTFE-free nonstick coating called NP2 that was introduced in 2008. Currently, there is not a lot of public research on NP2’s safety and effectiveness, but it seems to be a safe alternative to traditional PTFE-based coatings.