Non-Stick Pots & Pans - Do They Release Harmful Chemicals?

It seems like the "Green Movement" is building momentum. Green advocates tell us to try environmental friendly alternatives for the many things we do or use in our lives... Things like driving hybrid vehicles to using paper instead of plastic bags.

Non Stick Cookware

Now there are Green alternatives to the non-stick cooking pots and pans. Some believe the non-Green non-stick cookware releases harmful chemicals into the air if used with high temperature.

Non Stick Cookware

Consumer Union tested several brands of non-stick pots and pans and their testing equipment didn't detect any significant amount of toxic pollutants being given off.

Regardless, if you are still concern about the claims, there are Green non-stick pots and pans available that range from 0 to 0 for 10 piece sets. Consumer Union tested these for their non-stick performance and durability. Many performed well, but in one brand the handles fell off.

Just because we believe we should protect our environment doesn't mean we need to buy everything that is labeled "Green." Stainless steel pots and pans are alternatives to non-Green non-stick pots and pans. They aren't as easy to clean but they are environmental friendly.

Cast iron cookware is also another alternative to non-stick cookware. The disadvantage is that they are heavier than stainless steel. The bare cast iron pots and pans take a bit of effort to clean depending on what you cook.

However, some manufacturers have improved the cooking surfaces so that they are almost non-stick and clean fairly easily. Le Creuset is a brand that makes mostly cast-iron cookware and the interior is enamel coated making them non-stick.

So you see we don't have to toss everything out in our kitchen if it isn't labeled as "Green." Many things we use in our kitchen are already environmentally safe.

Copyright © Jon Chan

Non-Stick Pots & Pans - Do They Release Harmful Chemicals?
Non Stick Cookware