Every January, I clean out my kitchen. Since a large part of my job is reviewing cooking gear, I accumulate an absurd number of pots, pans, and baking equipment that can’t all fit in my cabinets comfortably. It can become too much for such a small space, so it’s an important part of my yearly reset to determine what I need and give away the rest.
I’m guessing your kitchen could also do with a refresh for the New Year, so do yourself a favor and toss those scratched nonstick pans that are coated in harmful chemicals and that flimsy loaf pan that always results in an uneven bake. In place of this outdated, toxic gear, grab Misen’s editor-loved nonstick frying pan, Le Creuset’s extremely durable cast iron Dutch oven, and Staub’s gorgeous ceramic baking dishes, all available at Amazon. Starting at just $20, these tools will set you up for a healthier New Year.
Don’t Buy: Toxic Nonstick Frying Pans
Buy Instead: PFAS-Free Skillets
Misen
Nonstick pans are undoubtedly convenient. Not only do they need less oil to keep scrambled eggs from sticking, but they’re also extremely easy to wash by hand. That said, if you buy them from a less-than-reputable brand, it’s possible they’re made with Teflon, lead, or forever chemicals that you shouldn’t be exposed to. Luckily, there are plenty of thoughtfully made pans that are nonstick and free from those concerning materials, like the wildly popular Our Place Always Pan. I even added a few cast iron and stainless steel skillets from brands like Lodge and All-Clad to this list, which will last for decades in your kitchen.
Don’t Buy: Flimsy Pots
Buy Instead: Durable Dutch Ovens and Stockpots
Amazon
I crave soup constantly during the winter. (If I’m being totally honest, it’s also a summer staple in my home.) Given how often I make soup, risotto, and other saucy dishes, it makes sense that I have a healthy supply of stockpots and Dutch ovens in my cabinets. A few of my favorites are Made In’s stainless steel stockpot, Le Creuset’s cast iron Dutch oven, and Staub’s cast iron cocotte, but I also found a more affordable Lodge Dutch oven that has more than 32,000 5-star ratings at Amazon. No matter what you choose, just make sure it’s big enough for all of the recipes you have in mind.
- Le Creuset 7.25-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $402, originally $480
- Staub 4-Quart Cast Iron Cocotte, $195, originally $370
- Made In Cookware 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot, $299
- Caraway 6.5-Quart Nonstick Ceramic Dutch Oven, $185
- Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $88
- All-Clad 16-Quart Simply Strain Stainless Steel Stockpot, $200
- Caraway 8-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $295
- Hestan 5-Quart ProBond Forged Stainless Steel All-in-One Pan, $300
Don’t Buy: Bakeware With Lead and Teflon
Buy Instead: Non-Toxic Bakeware That Lasts
Caraway
Just like your cookware, it’s important to refresh your bakeware if you notice your loaf pans and muffin tins warping or getting scratched up. I found great non-toxic options, including Staub’s beautiful ceramic baking dishes, Nordic Ware’s trusted sheet pans, and Lodge’s $20 cast iron loaf pan. Pro tip: A cast iron loaf pan will yield deliciously caramelized crusts, but remember that it’s not dishwasher-safe.
