A Public Health Pro’s 8 PFAS-Free Cookware Picks Under $100

This year, I’m breaking up with PFAS (a common form of forever chemicals) for good. Why, you ask? Because they’re making us sick. This group of forever chemicals is referred to as such because they don’t break down quickly, so once they’re in our soil, air, water, and bodies, they’re there for the long haul. The fact that plenty of everyday items, including lots of high-use kitchen tools, are made with them certainly isn’t helping. (Take my word for it — I have a Masters degree in Public Health Nutrition, and I studied diet- and environment-related health risks.)

Nonstick pans made with Teflon are a particularly common source of forever chemicals in the kitchen. So, I rounded up eight pieces of PFAS-free cookware, including a GreenPan saucepan set and an OXO non-toxic, nonstick skillet, that I feel good about using when cooking for myself, my friends, and my family. Best of all: They’re all under $100.

Editor-Loved PFAS-Free Cookware Under $100

Sensarte 14-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set

To overhaul an entire cookware set in a single, efficient step, this 14-piece set from Sensarte is a one-stop shop that features frying pans, saucepans, and more. The set is finished with a ceramic, nonstick surface made without forever chemicals and other common offenders, like lead and cadmium. The slick, nonstick surface easily releases food with minimal oil needed, so it cleans up quickly after cooking, too. 

OXO 12-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet

This skillet’s ceramic, nonstick coating is diamond-reinforced for extra durability. Under the OXO’s easy-release surface lies a hard-anodized body, which helps your food heat evenly — so you can get a really hard sear on steaks and scallops — and keeps your pan from scratching for longer. Plus, it’s oven-safe up ot 600°F for a little extra versatility.

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 10-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

One of the easiest ways to find PFAS-free cookware is by looking for pure or clad stainless steel. This classic version from Cuisinart has a sleek, mirrored finish that looks utterly professional when I’m trying to impress guests. And its tapered rim makes pouring surprisingly drip-free, which helps keep messes at bay.

Blue Diamond Ceramic Frying Pan Set

Our editors love this set from Blue Diamond, and thousands of Amazon shoppers agree — it’s been purchased over 1,000 times in the past month. One shopper said that not only does food slide out of the pan, but cleanup is a breeze: “Because nothing sticks to the surface, I no longer have to spend time scrubbing or soaking pans in the sink. A quick wipe with a soapy sponge and they look brand-new again.” And all of this without forever chemicals.

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 5.5-Quart Sauté Pan

Mid-sized sauté pans have become a go-to for me — they’re the perfect size for finishing pasta in sauce, or simmering brothy beans without hauling out a full Dutch oven. This one in particular comes with a handy lid, which, combined with its high sides and roomy, flat base, gives me plenty of space for taller proteins without crowding them.

Carote 14-Piece Cookware Set

If I had to pick a PFAS-free cookware set for meal prep, I’d start here. Carote’s affordable, 14-piece set covers all the bases, including pots, pans, and lids for simmering, frying, sautéing, and more. Everything goes into the dishwasher after use — no endless scrubbing needed. 

Cuisinart FusionPlus Stainless Steel 2-Piece Cookware Set

There are few things I love more than a stay-cool handle. Cuisinart made a handle that completely fits the bill: It’s designed to dissipate heat, so if I’m picking up a pan to toss green beans or tip an omelet onto a plate, I don’t have to scald myself. And, the skillet’s unique interior design isn’t just decorative — it has hundreds of tiny stainless steel “peaks” around the ceramic surface, which help resist scratches and make it metal-utensil-safe, so I can finally use my favorite fish spatula in there.

GreenPan Prime Chatham Saucepan Pot Set

GreenPan used its tough-as-nails, diamond-reinforced nonstick coating for this saucepan set, which is made without PFAS, lead, and cadmium. Featuring 1-quart and 2-quart saucepans, this set solves an age-old problem of sauce-making: Here, it’s easier to whisk or emulsify sauces with metal utensils, with less worry about scratching or chipping a nonstick coating. 

Shop More PFAS-Free Cookware at Amazon

GreenPan Treviso Skillet Set

Martha Stewart Badgley Hybrid 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan With Lid

Carote 26-Piece Cookware Set

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Mini Frying Pan

Carote Nonstick Granite Frying Pan

Made In 8-Inch Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan