10 Non-Toxic Kitchen Tools to Protect Gut Health

New and existing research has proven that we can’t completely eliminate harmful substances from our food and water systems. But don’t panic just yet: Research also demonstrates how a BPA-free water filter pitcher, plastic-free cutting board, flame-retardant-free air fryer, and other smart kitchen swaps can reduce the negative health effects of widely used agricultural and industrial chemicals.

A study, published in Nature Microbiology on November 26, 2025, tested healthy human gut bacteria against a collection of over 1,000 commonly used pesticides, fungicides, and industrial chemicals. The international team of researchers found hundreds of instances where forever chemicals, BPAs, flame retardants found in black plastic kitchen tools, synthetic pesticides, and more toxic compounds inhibited the growth of healthy gut bacteria in a lab environment. We already knew that the intake of these toxins can promote a litany of health complications over time, such as reproductive issues from hazardous pesticides or mental health complications from microplastics. This study explored how and why those complications occur and reinforces the mounting evidence against toxic materials used in our food, water supply, and cooking tools.

Luckily, studies like this are reaching many eyes and ears, and they’ve already driven top kitchen brands to make huge shifts towards healthier, non-toxic tools, cookware, and appliances. We research and test these products day in and day out, and the best swaps we’ve found include glass food storage containers over plastic, Lodge cast iron skillets over PTFE-coated cookware, and even natural brushes and salad spinners over hand-washing produce. Keep scrolling to snag more of our favorite non-toxic kitchen tools.

Best Gut-Healthy, Non-Toxic Kitchen Tools Overall

Culligan With ZeroWater Technology Water Filter Pitcher

This water filter pitcher comes editor-tested, writer-loved, and public health expert-approved. Its unique Zero Water system filters various contaminants, including pesticides, PFAS, and even arsenic. Grab it in several sizes, from a 7-cup BPA-free pitcher to a 40-cup glass dispenser, and use the included digital TDS meter to compare your hard tap water to the filtered product.

Material Kitchen The MK Free Board

When it comes to plastic cutting boards, you usually don’t have to wonder if microplastics are getting into your food because you can see exactly where sharp knives create chips on the board’s surface. Switch to a plant fiber-based option, like The MK Free Board, for a microplastic-free cutting board that also happens to be dishwasher-safe.

Lodge 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Through the simple act of seasoning the surface with cooking oil, cast iron cookware achieves nonstick properties on par with ceramic and traditional nonstick coatings. Except, with the right care, cast iron will never shed harmful chemicals into your food, and it will last generations. Lodge’s 8-inch frying pan is perfect for fried eggs, single-serve dinners, and more.

Homaxy 6-Pack 100% Cotton Waffle-Weave Dishcloths

Did you know that microfiber towels shed tiny plastic fibers? Using natural cotton or linen in their place is one of the top ways you can reduce your kitchen microplastic exposure. These Homaxy dishcloths are soft, absorbent, and made of 100% cotton, meaning friction on countertops and in the washing machine won’t shed microplastics. The 6-pack is also less than $2 apiece right now.

Homberking 24-Piece Borosilicate Glass Food Storage Container Set

It’s time you threw out the damaged plastic food storage containers you’ve been hoarding — and that includes takeout containers. They’re horribly heat-volatile and have been linked to issues with the heart, endocrine system, and more. Instead, invest in these non-reactive glass food storage containers you can microwave, bake, freeze, scrape, and throw in the dishwasher on repeat without a second thought.

Cuisinart Soho 1-Liter Double-Wall Electric Hot Water Kettle

Research shows that boiling water (and filtering it after) is a highly effective way to reduce microplastics in drinking water, and the most convenient method is using an electric kettle. Cuisinart’s efficient and relatively affordable Soho kettle aced our tests. It is compact, however, so households of three or more will benefit from one of the larger models we tested, like this OXO glass kettle.

OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket

Calling all regular tea drinkers: Some of those tea bags you’re using are releasing micro- and nanoplastics into your calming brew. We suggest keeping a keen eye out for plant-based tea bags, or a complete switch to loose-leaf teas steeped in reusable infusers and teapots. We love the OXO brew basket because of its high capacity and its compatibility with various teapots and mugs.

SveBake Stainless Steel Salad Spinner

It’s true that simply washing produce doesn’t remove all its contaminants; however, it significantly reduces dirt, bugs, harmful bacteria, and surface-level pesticides. Using this salad spinner, made of durable, food-safe ABS plastic, makes quick work of rinsing and drying berries, leafy greens, and more.

Greenth Pro Palm Pot Brush, Set of 3

Root vegetables and tubers are literally covered in dirt, and they usually need some TLC from a scrub brush to clear their skin of debris. Unlike polypropylene or nylon brushes, the friction applied during the washing process won’t cause the sturdy bamboo fibers on this brush to shed toxic microplastics onto your precious carrots, sweet potatoes, and other veggies.

Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer

Your unassuming countertop appliances might seem devoid of food safety hazards, but many air fryers, toaster ovens, and combo appliances are made with PTFE coatings and black plastic. The editor-loved Ninja Crispi, however, has glass cooking containers, ceramic-coated aluminum crisper plates, and BPA-free plastic and stainless steel components. Plus, it’s darn good at crisping food.