The FDA Issued a Recall on Lead-Leaching Cookware

Well, it’s official: Outside of PFAS, such as PTFE (aka Teflon) and PFOA, and microplastic particles, we now have to contend with the fact that lead may be hiding in some pots and pans. Just a few weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning stating that some imported cookware — from brands like Kadai/Karahi, Silver Horse, and JK Vallabhdas — “may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food.” While the recall is primarily concerned with the brands and stores mentioned in the article, lead and other harmful substances can cause serious health problems, so it’s always a good idea to prioritize using non-toxic cookware. 

Fortunately, we found lead-free cookware at Amazon. From Lodge cast iron skillets to All-Clad stainless steel cookware sets, these non-toxic pieces will last for years without endangering your health. Read on to shop more of our favorites, starting at just $30.  

Lead-Free Cookware 

• All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Cookware, Set of 6, $800 
• Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel 5-Quart All-in-One Pan, $300
• Made In Cookware 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan, $139  
• Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $30
• Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle, $40
• Caraway Nonstick Frying Pans, Set of 3, $399, originally $445
• Our Place Always Pan 2.0, $135 

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Cookware, Set of 6

The easiest way to avoid ingesting potentially harmful substances is to use stainless steel. All-Clad’s non-toxic cookware set is the reigning champion of the product category, thanks to its superior performance, long-lasting design, and excellent heat conduction. For all of these reasons and more, we think it’s worth its high price.    

Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel 5-Quart All-in-One Pan

Hestan is another brand with a hefty price tag and a stellar reputation. It’s our favorite professional-grade stainless steel cookware because of its even heat distribution and ability to quickly respond to temperature changes. While the ProBond collection also features skillets and pots, we’re fond of the brand’s All-in-One Pan, which is shaped to accommodate searing, sautéing, simmering, and more.  

Made In Cookware 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan

An excellent choice that costs less than the two aforementioned brands is Made In’s stainless steel skillet. We even named it our favorite all-metal frying pan, a title earned after rounds of testing and months of hard cooking. Given its price, shape, and quality, we reported that it’s “a great investment for experienced cooks as well as those looking to purchase their first stainless skillet.” 

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet 

Like stainless steel, Lodge’s cast iron skillet is non-toxic and free of lead. Unlike stainless steel, however, it costs a lot less. Plus, the more you use it, the more nonstick it becomes, meaning you can buy this pan today, use it daily for decades, and it will have only gotten easier to cook with. It’s not surprising that more than 10,800 Amazon shoppers swear by this pan, with one calling it “indestructible” and “an incredible value.”   

Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle 

This Lodge grill also doubles as a griddle. It has one ridged side for cheeseburgers, chicken, and the like, and a flat side for pancakes, French toast, and more. With so much functionality built into one tool, it makes sense that over 5,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased it in the past 30 days.  

Caraway Nonstick Frying Pans, Set of 3 

If you prefer nonstick cookware, Caraway is a trusted brand at Food & Wine. We appreciate its ceramic coating, which is “nonstick without using any heavy metals or ‘forever chemicals.’” Since this set contains everything we need to make a full meal, including one each of a frying pan, saucepan, sauté pan, and Dutch oven, it’s a great investment. Of course, no nonstick coating will last forever, but if you use either wood or silicone utensils, and keep to medium or low heat, you’ll be able to use this set for a long time.    

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

Our Place is another of our favorite nonstick, non-toxic brands. We love how versatile its Always Pan is, especially now that it has updated its original design to be more durable and oven-safe. With its range of accessories, this one pan can be used to braise, sear, steam, strain, sauté, fry, boil, bake, and more.