Using the proper baking pan can make or break the outcome of your baking endeavors. Forget to line or grease the wrong pan, and you'll be stuck (no pun intended) with something that looks dreadful but still tastes delicious. Not to mention a baked-on mess that's a pain to clean afterward.
But achieving the perfect results shouldn't come at the cost of your health. Though certainly convenient, conventional non-stick coatings can leach toxic chemicals into your food. But without painstakingly lining or greasing, uncoated stainless steel or glass can lead to less-than-ideal results.
What's the solution? The ten non-toxic baking pans and bakeware sets are listed below. Made without PFOA, PFAS, or heavy metals, they provide a safe, planet-friendly alternative to traditional Teflon baking pans. In addition, non-stick finishes also offer excellent heat retention, even heating, easy clean-up, and longer product life. You will want to stock these pans in your kitchen.
10 Best Non-Toxic Baking Pans
Non-toxic baking pans can be divided into three main categories: glass pans, ceramic pans, and metal pans with non-toxic ceramic coatings. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages; there isn't necessarily one that's the overall best. Which material you choose is entirely up to your personal preference and what you'll primarily be cooking. If you're unfamiliar with the world of bakeware, it's worth doing a bit of additional research before splurging for a new set of pans.
GreenPan GreenLife 12-Piece Ceramic Non-stick Bakeware Set
Best Overall
When it comes to baking pans, few products compare to the GreenLife Ceramic Non-Stick Bakeware from GreenPan. The eco-friendly cookware and bakeware brand revolutionized the industry with its non-toxic Thermolon finish, the first plastic-free non-stick coating made without PFAs, PFOA, lead, or cadmium.
This twelve-piece set includes a loaf pan, muffin pan, two round cake pans, two cookie sheets, and six helpful cooking tools. Made from heavy-duty steel with GreenPan's healthy ceramic non-stick coating, it's built to last through years of frequent use. Even sticky foods slide right off— no cooking spray, parchment paper, or pre-greasing required! Their bright-colored exteriors make for one 'Gram-worthy photo of your baking feats.
All-Clad Pro Release Nonstick Bakeware Set
Best for New Bakers
New to the world of baking? There's no need to shell out a fortune on fancy pans. Stick with a straightforward set like the Pro Release Nonstick Bakeware Set from All-Clad. The trusted brand has been crafting durable (and now non-toxic) cookware for over 50 years, and this comprehensive 10-piece set is no exception to its stellar reputation.
Each versatile piece is crafted from aluminized steel with a ceramic-reinforced non-stick finish that's scratch-resistant, PFOA-free, and oven-safe to 450 degrees F. Oversized handles offer bulky oven mitts a sturdy grip when maneuvering hot pans. The gift-ready bakeware set includes:
- A cookie sheet.
- Loaf pans.
- Two round cake pans.
- A muffin tin.
- Two sheet pans.
- Square and rectangular casserole pans.
- A convenient cooling rack.
Pyrex 5-Piece Glass Bakeware Set
Best Value
While there's a growing number of non-toxic brands on the market, it's still pretty challenging to find affordable non-toxic, non-stick baking pans that are actually built to last. So if you're shopping on a tight budget, stick with a classic set of glass baking pans. Though you'll need to line or grease before baking, the time-tested material is microwave-, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe.
You can't go wrong choosing this 5-Piece Bakeware Set from the Pyrex Easy-Grab collection. The versatile 5-piece set includes four essential baking pans— ranging from a standard loaf pan to a sizable rectangular baking dish— and a tight-fitting lid. With the lid cover, you can store away any leftovers at ease. Each piece is made using durable tempered glass that provides better heat retention and even browning than metal. Extra-large handles offer bakers a secure grip no matter the oven mitt.
Nordic Ware Nonstick Baking Sheets
Best Sheet Pan
Few baking pans are more versatile than a classic cookie sheet. Formally known as sheet pans, they can do everything from roasting vegetables and browning meats to baking cookies, bars, and other delicious desserts. Characterized by a large, flat bottom and short, straight sides, they offer even heating and enough surface area for contents to spread out during cooking.
These versatile Non-Stick Baking Sheets from Nordic Ware are a must-have for any avid baker or budding home chef. They're crafted in the USA from lightweight aluminum reinforced with a galvanized steel rim to prevent warping. A PFOA-free non-stick coating ensures even the stickiest baked goods slide right off the gold-colored surface. Shoppers can choose from an assortment of three sizes: a full-size 15 x 21-inch baking sheet, a 13 x 18-inch half sheet, or a 9.6 x 13-inch quarter sheet.
Caraway Bakeware Set
Worth the Splurge
If you're serious about baking, it's worth splurging on a set of high-end baking pans. Made from the finest non-toxic materials, this Caraway Bakeware Set will help you achieve perfect results every time. The best-selling pans use a proprietary mineral-based coating free from PTFE, PFOA, PFAs, and heavy metals. Crafted with an aluminized steel body and stainless steel handles, they're oven-safe up to 550 degrees.
Filled with an assortment of baking sheets, pans, and tins, the Caraway baking pan sets make an excellent gift. Stick to the standard five-piece set of essentials, or upgrade to the deluxe eleven-piece set if you're feeling ambitious in the kitchen. Both come complete with a handy storage organizer to keep your kitchen cabinets nice and tidy.
Lodge Bakeware Cast Iron Pie Pan
Best Pie Pan
Sick of dealing with soggy bottom crusts and sticky messes? Switch to this Cast Iron Pie Pan from Lodge Bakeware— America's oldest family-owned cookware foundry. The pie pan is forged from heavyweight cast iron pre seasoned and ready for use. It's naturally non-stick, the non-toxic surface will help you achieve that golden, flaky crust you're aiming for. Silicone grips on the handles allow for easy carrying and serving of hot pans and heavy loads. Use it for baking pies, crusts, tarts, cornbreads, quiches, and all sorts of delicious treats.
Silpat Silicone Muffin Pan
Best Muffin Tin
Baking a successful batch of cupcakes or muffins requires the right supplies. Without a non-stick cupcake tin or the proper liners, you'll need to do a lot of pre-greasing to get them out in one piece. But with the help of this Silpat Silicone Muffin Pan, you can take on any challenge in the kitchen!
The pliable baking pan is made in France from flexible fiberglass mesh with a food-safe silicone coating. Simply place the cupcake tin on a sheet pan, and it's ready for a trip to the oven. Even sticky baked goods slide right out, so there's no need for greasing, spraying, or wasteful paper liners. In addition to cupcakes and muffins, the silicone baking pan can be used to make quiche, brownies, lava cakes, popovers, and other delicious single-serve desserts.
Le Creuset Cerise 5-Piece Stoneware Set
Best Stoneware Baking Pans
The Cerise 5-Piece Stoneware Set from Le Creuset makes a practical (and stylish) addition to any kitchen. Crafted from enamel-glazed stoneware, they offer excellent thermal resistance and a nearly non-stick finish. The durable material is dishwasher-, microwave-, freezer-, and oven-safe up to 500 degrees F. Eye-catching and incredibly versatile, the five-piece set makes an excellent gift for a wedding, housewarming, birthday, or holiday. It includes a lidded casserole dish, loaf pan, pie dish, and square baking pan.
Nordic Ware Non-Stick Cake Pans
Best Round Cake Pans
Love baking cakes? Upgrade your current bakeware to these Non-Stick Cake Pans from Nordic Ware. The family-owned company has been making its best-selling kitchenware for over 75 years. Made in the USA from cast aluminum with a PFOA-free non-stick coating, they ensure all your baked goods cook evenly and come out cleanly. In addition to a classic 8-inch and 9-inch round cake pan, there's an assortment of other batter-friendly baking pans: a 9.6-inch square cake pan, 9 x 13-inch rectangle cake pan, and a 13 x 18-inch high-sided sheet cake pan. Designed specifically with cakes in mind, they'll help you achieve the best results possible with every bake. Your cakes will be a hit at every birthday party and holiday gathering!
Emile Henry Potter Collection Ceramic Loaf Pan
Best Loaf Pans
If you went through a sourdough phase during the peak of the pandemic, you're certainly not alone. But now that you've honed your skills, it's time to take your homemade bread to the next level with this Ceramic Loaf Pan from the Emile Henry Potter Collection. The beautiful baking pan is handcrafted in France from Burgundian clay with a durable, hand-applied glaze that won't chip, crack, or absorb odors and flavors. It offers even heat distribution for uniform baking and excellent heat retention to keep your food nice and warm until it reaches the table. Available in two color options, it makes a beautiful backdrop for all your impressive loaves of bread.
Toxins In Bakeware To Avoid
Non-stick coating "Teflon"– One of the main concerns when it comes to bakeware material is the non-stick coating (PFAS chemicals) – a group of chemical substances that helps release baked goods from the pan and makes cleaning up super easy. Still, there are health concerns associated with these chemicals that make them less ideal.
Aluminum– Aluminum is bioaccumulative, and research shows a relationship between aluminum accumulation in the brain and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's (1).
Cadmium– Cadmium is a heavy metal that may leach from certain glazes and coatings, including glass and ceramic. Cadmium is also known as a carcinogen and has been shown to be linked to prostate and renal cancer.
Safer Bakeware Materials
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is generally considered safe, but they release low nickel and chromium levels, especially when cooking acidic foods. However, the quality of the steel and type of food being cooked, baking time, and temperature can impact the risk of heavy metal leaching.
Glass
If the glass bakeware does not contain any coating or decorations, it is one of the safest bakeware materials you can choose. The downfall of glass is that it can break more easily than other types of materials.
Porcelain
Porcelain is like ceramic, it can contain a non-stick coating that can leach into your food. When seeking this material, it's best to look for non-coated porcelain or with a non-toxic coating.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is generally safe to cook and bake with as long as you rotate your cookware. Cast iron will leach iron, and too much intake can be bad for the body and cause health problems. But if you are someone who has iron deficiency, you may be able to benefit from using this material.
Ceramic
Ceramics are typically coated with non-stick coating, which can be hazardous. If you seek ceramic material bakeware, look for one that does not contain coating or use coating made without toxic chemicals.
