Stop using these worn-out tools.
Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps
- Toss Your Worn Plastic Cutting Board: John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board$87
- Skip the Coated Air Fryer: Ninja Flip Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven$180 (was $250)
- No More Plastic Containers: Bentgo Signature Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids$40
- If Your Nonstick Pan Is Flaking Away: Calphalon Brushed 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set$120
Many home cooks, including those of us who test kitchen gear here at EatingWellare looking for tools that perform exceptionally well without common materials like plastic or forever chemicals such as PFAS. The rise of non-toxic gear is one we don’t see falling any time soon. To help you weed out the good from the bad, we’ve rounded up four common products folks are looking to swap. Whether you want to get rid of those stained plastic containers or finally toss your worn nonstick pan, we found options for you like glass containers, wooden cutting boards, stainless steel pans and more.
Skip: Scratched Up Plastic Cutting Boards
Grab: Microplastic-Free Cutting Boards
Chances are, your plastic cutting board has quite a few visible slice marks on the surface. While that’s not unusual for a board that regularly handles knife cuts, those grooves could increase microplastic exposure because cutting can release tiny plastic particles that end up going into your food. If microplastics are a concern for you, like they are for many of us, opt for wooden cutting boards to reduce your risk. We have recommendations for any budget, including the Totally Bamboo Cutting Board Set for only $20, which performed incredibly well in our tests. We also recommend the John Boos Chop-N-Slice cutting board and the Caraway maple wood set.
- Totally Bamboo Cutting Board Set$20
- Caraway Double-Sided Wood Cutting Board Set$195 (was $225)
- John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board$87
- John Boos R-Board Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board$122
- Kikcoin Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Boards$55 (was $100)
Skip: Flaking Nonstick Air Fryers
Grab: Stainless Steel or Glass Air Fryers
Unfortunately, many air fryers have nonstick coatings that may contain PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. One way to reduce the risks is to use a glass or stainless steel air fryer. Luckily, there are some fantastic options available. Ninja has pioneered the glass air fryer game with its Crispy Ninja, and we’re big fans of the high-capacity Instant Pot Omni Plus if you want a toaster oven air fryer. Other great options include the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro and the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
- Instant Pot Omni Plus 19-Quart Toaster Oven Air Fryer$225 with coupon (was $250)
- Ninja Crispy Glass Air Fryer$159 (was $180)
- Our Place Large Wonder Oven$245
- Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer$300
- Our Place Wonder Oven Pro$325
- Ninja Flip Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven$180 (was $250)
- Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven$300
Skip: Old Plastic Containers
Grab: Glass Food Storage Containers
The quality of plastic containers degrades over time, so any you have on hand that have seen better days are worth swapping out. Glass containers are having a moment, and for a good reason: They’re durable, versatile and long-lasting. Bentgo’s glass containers are some of my favorites. The base is made of glass, and the lid is made from glass and silicone—no plastic lids in sight here. Urban Green makes a slightly more affordable version of those. You also can’t go wrong with Ball Wide Mouth Glass Mason Jars or tall ComSaf Large Square Glass Jars for the pantry. And the Anyday 4-Cup Glass Microwave Steamer and Food Storage is designed to cook food in the microwave without any fuss or worry, then be used as a container for storing.
- Bentgo Signature Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids$40
- Urban Green Glass Food Container Set with Glass Lids$43 (was $50)
- ComSaf Large Square Glass Jars with Airtight Lids$30
- Ball Wide Mouth Glass Mason Jars with Lids$18 (was $19)
- Weck Tulip Jar$16
- Anyday 4-Cup Glass Microwave Steamer and Food Storage$32
Skip: PFA Nonstick Pans
Grab: Stainless Steel and Cast-Iron Cookware
Many nonstick pans are designed for a good time, not a long time. They’re nice, slick and easy to use until their coatings start chipping into your food. Investing in pieces made of cast-iron and stainless steel is ideal for cooks who use their cookware often. These materials last for decades and don’t chip over time. We’re huge fans of the Calphalon stainless steel line, which you can buy as a 2-piece pot and pan seta single skillet or a 10-piece seteach at great prices. Lodge is just about the best choice for anything cast-iron. The classic 10.25-inch skillet is great, and if you want something more lightweight, snag the Blacklock Triple-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet.
- Calphalon Brushed 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set$120
- Made In Cookware 3.5-Quart Stainless Steel Saute Pan$199
- Calphalon Brushed 3-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Inch Fry Pan$50
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet$25
- All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Frying Pans Set$250
- Lodge Blacklock Triple-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet$60
- Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set$200
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.