Where to Find the Safest Bakeware: 6 Brands We Love
Potentially toxic chemicals probably aren’t on the list of ingredients you want to put into your body when you cook. Some bakeware can be risky, particularly older bakeware made with materials that leach toxins.
But fear not – there is bakeware out there that is made without any questionable components.
What is the “Safest Bakeware,” Exactly?
One of the biggest risks associated with traditional bakeware is exposure to Teflon. Commonly found in old nonstick baking sheets, Teflon is a material made with PFAS, a type of toxic substance that breaks down very slowly over time.
While ingesting trace amounts of Teflon is pretty harmless, heating it – say, in the oven – and then inhaling the fumes may cause adverse health effects like the so-called “Teflon flu.”
Another thing to watch for is uncoated aluminum, which can leach metal into your food at high temperatures. Likewise, older ceramic bakeware with colorful glazes may expose you to metals like lead and cadmium, neither of which you want leaching into your meals.
So, the safest bakeware is made without these materials. It’s also made without other toxins or harsh chemicals whenever possible.
What are the safest bakeware materials?
Luckily, much of the bakeware on the market today is made without these potentially harmful materials. That begs the question, though: what materials can manufacturers use instead?
Below is a list of some of the safest bakeware materials to use. Click the highlighted text to jump ahead to our brand and product picks for each.
Top 6 Safest Bakeware Brands: How We Chose
As we selected our favorite brands for the safest bakeware, we kept a few essential factors in mind:
- Materials – The most important thing on our minds was the materials themselves. We looked for brands that use non-toxic materials and manufacturing processes that minimize exposure to harsh chemicals.
- Brand Reputation – We wanted to choose brands that have established themselves as reliable and dedicated to quality over their years of work.
- Quality – Beyond being safe to use, the materials in bakeware also need to be durable, crafted with care, and – let’s face it – nice to look at. We chose brands that consistently produce high-quality items that perform well.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our favorite brands!
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Best for Coated Ceramic Bakeware: Caraway
| Price Range | $40 – $400 |
Caraway is on a mission to create the safest ceramic-coated bakeware on the market, and we’d argue that they’re succeeding! With everything from cake tins to casserole dishes, this brand has exactly what you need to get busy in the kitchen without exposing yourself to toxins.
Highlights
Chic and thoughtful design is one of Caraway’s strong points. This brand makes purchasing ethical kitchenware something fun and exciting! Plus, all Caraway orders are shipped in sustainable packaging made from recycled materials.
Things to Consider
While Caraway does ensure all of its factories adhere to strict ethical standards, the brand produces all of its bakeware in China. If you want something made in the US, this probably isn’t the brand for you.
2. Best for Pure Ceramic Bakeware: Xtrema
| Price Range | $52.99 – $469.99 |
Look no further than the family-owned company Xtrema for quality non-toxic ceramic bakeware that looks beautiful and performs just as impressively.
Highlights
With over 40 years of experience creating durable ceramic kitchenware, Xtrema knows what it’s doing. It’s one of the few companies that produces 100% pure ceramic-based cookware, all at a price point that’s hard to argue with.
Things to Consider
Xtrema offers a Forever Replacement Program unlike any we’ve seen elsewhere on the market. If your bakeware gets damaged or broken, simply contact customer support and submit a ticket to receive a free replacement.
3. Best for Silicone Bakeware: Trudeau
| Price Range | $7.99 – $34.99 |
Designing kitchenware that makes preparing and presenting food fun and sophisticated is Trudeau’s specialty. The brand also produces safe silicone bakeware for cupcakes, bread, cakes, and more.
Highlights
In addition to the brand’s quirky and creative designs, its structured and nearly solid silicone materials make its bakeware stand out. Most silicone bakeware is flimsy, so much so that you might need to use another cookie sheet or pan to support it as you move it around. But not so with Trudeau!
Things to Consider
You won’t be able to shop directly with Trudeau to purchase your bakeware – you’ll have to rely on a third-party marketplace like Amazon to access these products.
4. Best for Glass Bakeware: Anchor Hocking
| Price Range | $14.99 – $64.10 |
Anchor Hocking has long been a leader in non-toxic glass bakeware due to its timeless designs and commitment to quality.
Highlights
From custard cups to baking pans and sealable dishes, Anchor Hocking has something for everyone. Plus, it also produces some of the most affordable safe bakeware on the market.
Things to Consider
This is another brand that you’ll have to find at external retailers like Amazon. You can also find Anchor Hocking at many other stores throughout the US.
5. Best for Cast Iron Bakeware: Lodge Cast Iron
| Price Range | $24.95 – $119.95 |
Lodge Cast Iron, or “Lodge,” is the ruler of the cast iron game, and it’s not hard to see why. The brand’s cast iron baking sets are easy to use and clean – plus, they won’t break the bank.
Highlights
These cast iron bakeware sets bring you US-made quality and performance at a price that’s hard to beat. They’re plenty sturdy, so you can rest assured you won’t need to reinvest in new pieces anytime soon.
Things to Consider
One of the best parts of shopping with Lodge is the lifetime warranty that comes with its products. If your bakeware disappoints, make sure you reach out for a replacement or a refund.
6. Best for Stainless Steel Bakeware: All-Clad
| Price Range | $27.99 – $291.91 |
All-Clad is the obvious go-to for the safest nonstick bakeware. The brand is well known for its thick, sturdy, and high-quality stainless steel pans, pots, and baking sheets, which promise to last years or even decades.
Highlights
Steel is great at maintaining a consistent temperature, meaning that once your pan is hot, it stays hot. Baking with a stainless steel piece from All-Clad all but guarantees you an even cook!
Things to Consider
Good news for stainless steel lovers: All-Clad cookware and bakeware come with a limited lifetime warranty.
How to Choose the Safest Bakeware for Your Needs
As you compare the safest bakeware brands and their different product options, ask yourself questions like these to ensure you make the right choice:
- How will you care for your bakeware? Do you prefer to buy products that are dishwasher safe? Are you okay with cleaning your bakeware by hand?
- How often will you use your bakeware? Something that’s a bit more finicky, like cast iron, might not be your go-to for everyday cooking. Consider how and when you’ll use your bakeware to choose the best materials for your needs.
We hope these brand picks help you discover bakeware that will light up your kitchen, all while keeping you and your loved ones safe. Happy shopping!
Featured image via Caraway
