The Best Swaps for a non toxic kitchen
I wanted a healthier home for my family, so I started with the kitchen. Here are the simple, non toxic swaps I made to reduce harmful chemicals and create a echo-friendly kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why I wanted a non toxic kitchen
After losing Justin to cancer, I became a little more cautious—maybe even paranoid—about the food we eat and the products we bring into our home. I know we can’t control everything, but I also believe there are things we can control, and I wanted to do what I could to create a healthier environment for me and the boys. Switching to a non-toxic kitchen didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a gradual process—one year I swapped out our pots and pans, and the next, I replaced our kids’ plates and cups with safer options. Small steps, but they’ve added up to a kitchen I feel better about.
The Power of small changes over time
There’s real power in making small changes over time. When I first started this journey, I simply swapped out our pans—that was it for the year. The next year, I spent time researching and found a non-toxic air fryer I felt good about using. After that, I focused on finding safer plates and cups for the kids. If you try to overhaul everything at once, it gets overwhelming fast, and honestly, you’re more likely to give up. Taking it one step at a time made it manageable and sustainable. The good news? I’ve already done all the research, and now I’m excited to share the swaps we use in our home.
What does non toxic mean?
When it comes to a non toxic kitchen, “non-toxic” means they’re made without harmful chemicals that can leach into your food—especially when heated. Non-toxic cookware avoids nonstick coatings like PFAS (sometimes labeled as Teflon), which have been linked to health issues and are often called “forever chemicals.” The safest options are materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel—basically anything without a synthetic coating. These types of cookware are durable, reliable, and free from hidden toxins, making them the best choice for a healthier kitchen.
My Favorite Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps
Pots and Pans
One of the first non toxic kitchen swaps I made was our pots and pans. Many traditional non-stick pans contain harmful chemicals like Teflon (PTFE) or PFOA, which can release toxic fumes when overheated. I wanted something safer and longer-lasting, so I looked into stainless steel. During my research, I found that All-Clad is considered one of the best stainless steel options—but it was a bit out of my price range. Instead, I got a set of stainless steel pans from Costco that are still high quality and should work just as well.
Stainless steel can be a little trickier to cook with since food sticks more easily, so I also keep a couple of non-toxic ceramic-coated Our Place pans on hand for things like eggs or more delicate meals. If you go with the Our Place Always Pan, just be sure to hand wash it and avoid using high heat. I keep mine at medium or below to make it last longer—and after over a year of regular use, it’s still working great!
Air Fryer
Air fryers are super popular, but what many people don’t realize is that most of them are made with non-stick coatings that can contain harmful chemicals like PFAS, which are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment—or your body. When I started looking for a safer option, I found that the best choice is a stainless steel air fryer.
I ended up getting the Wonder Oven, and it quickly became my most-used kitchen item. It’s a 4-in-1 appliance that can bake, toast, air fry, and broil. They offer both a small and large size—I recently upgraded to the large one and I’m so glad I did. It fits full meals easily, works better for my family, and it’s so simple that even my boys use it. Plus, it comes in the cutest colors, so I love keeping it out on the counter. It’s hands down my favorite kitchen appliance!
Glass Cups
Food Storage
This post does contain affiliate links in which I will be compensated a small amount if you purchase through the link at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Coco’s Caravan
Kid Friendly Non Toxic Kitchen Swaps
It’s especially important to make non toxic kitchen swaps for kids’ products in the kitchen because their growing bodies are more vulnerable to harmful chemicals found in plastics and low-quality materials. Items like cups, plates, and utensils often come in fun colors but may contain BPA, phthalates, or other toxins that can disrupt hormones or affect development over time. By choosing safer options like stainless steel or silicone, you’re not only reducing their exposure to harmful substances but also creating healthier habits for them to carry into the future. It’s a simple switch that brings a lot of peace of mind.
Pin this to Pinterest to find later
