I Broke Up with Nonstick—Le Creuset’s Stainless Steel Cookware Is a Smart Non-Toxic Alternative

I wanted safer cookware without sacrificing performance, and Le Creuset’s stainless steel cookware fits the bill.

There are a number of sound health reasons to use less traditional nonstick, which can leach forever chemicals into your food. Luckily, we know that stainless steel cookware is an expert-approved, non-toxic alternative. Stainless steel is non-porous, so it won’t react with your food or harbor pathogens, and it’s unlikely to flake or chip into your cooking. Even though Le Creuset is synonymous with premium enameled cast iron, including its iconic Dutch oventhe brand also makes gorgeous, high-quality stainless steel cookware — including our favorite splurge set we’ve tested. A few of its workhorse pieces are on sale in its Amazon storefrontincluding cooking accessoriesdo-it-all frying pans and even an oven-safe stockpot.

Best Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Deals at Amazon

• Daily Workhorse: Round Frying Pan$76 (was $95)
• Small but Mighty: Tri-Ply 2-Quart Saucepan$152 (was $190)
• Easy to Clean: 4.5-Quart Stir-Fry Pan$120 (was $149)
• Mess-Free Melting: 2.2-Quart Double Boiler Insert$52 (was $65)
• A Nostalgic Classic: Whistling Tea Kettle$125 (was $145)

8-Inch Round Frying Pan

$95 $76 at Amazon

A stainless steel skillet like this one is a classic piece of cooking equipment for a reason—it’s sturdy, non-reactive and compatible with almost every style of cooktop. Unlike flimsier versions, this one has an aluminum core clad in two layers of stainless steel for even heating, as well as a smooth, rolled lip for fewer drips when pouring.

Classic Stockpot

$228 $183 at Amazon

Generously sized for soups, stock, grains and more, a stockpot is a freezer-stocking hero. This one is fitted with sturdy handles so you can move it securely from stove to oven to table—it’s oven-safe up to 400°F.

Classic Wok with Glass Lid

$205 $164 at Amazon

This wok will sit securely on almost any type of burner, thanks to its flat base. We love its snug glass lid, which both locks in steam and lets us monitor what’s happening inside the pan while cooking.

2.2-Quart Double Boiler Insert

$65 $52 at Amazon

If I’m melting chocolate, making hollandaise or whisking lemon curd, I usually balance a heatproof bowl on top of a saucepan of simmering water to MacGyver a double boiler. But I fear the day that the whole teetering operation comes to a scorching end. This stainless steel double boiler nestles snugly into Le Creuset’s 2-quart or 3-quart saucepan for secure heating.

Whistling Tea Kettle

$145 $125 at Amazon

Le Creuset’s tea kettle is one of my favorite kitchen tools, both for its vintage charm and its impressive performance. It heats almost 2 quarts of water in under five minutes, and its pleasant whistle gives me joy with every trill. Use it to brew tea or give pasta water a head start.

4.5-Quart Stir-Fry Pan

$149 $120 at Amazon

Even though this is a “sauté” pan, it’s one of my favorite vessels for braising. The tight-fitting lid locks in flavor and moisture for juicy, flavorful meat and vegetables. And the brushed stainless steel cleans up easily in the dishwasher, even after browning meat or simmering sauces.

Tri-Ply 2-Quart Saucepan

$190 $152 at Amazon

This saucepan is part of the best splurge stainless steel cookware set we’ve tested. I use a petite saucepan for plenty of daily tasks, like melting butter, reheating dishes and simmering small quantities of liquid. This one has a stay-cool handle, which makes it easy to confidently pick up and pour.

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