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Home cooks understand that the flavors and textures of a dish largely depend on the quality of its ingredients. However, the materials used for kitchen tools and cookware also play a critical role in food safety and overall culinary experience. Recent findings have highlighted potential hazards associated with certain kitchen items, such as black plastic utensils which may harbor harmful chemicals and microplastics that can taint your meals.
There’s no need to worry, though—many non-toxic alternatives are available. To assist you in upgrading your kitchen gear, we consulted professional chefs who revealed their favorite non-toxic cooking tools. Featured below are chef-approved items, ranging from wooden cutting boards to stainless steel cookware, all designed with health and safety in mind. These items are not just functional but also come highly recommended by culinary experts.
Chef-Recommended Non-Toxic Kitchen Tools
Tovolo Wooden Spoonula Cooking Utensil – $9 (Original Price: $11)
Pyrex Freshlock Mixed Size Glass Food Storage Container Set, 4-Pack – $34
Breville Bamboo Cutting Board – $45
Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps – $18
GIR Ultimate Silicone Spatula – $13
Staub Ceramic 4-Piece Mixed Baking Dish Set – $150 (Original Price: $220)
Benriner No. 64 Japanese Mandoline Ivory Vegetable Slicer – $29 (Original Price: $35)
Microplane Premium Classic Series Rasp Zester Grater – $18
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set with Lids – $267 (Original Price: $283)
Staub 7-Quart Round Cocotte – $242
Wüsthof Pull-Apart Shears – $25
JB Prince Straight Tip Tweezer, 10-Inch – $21
Tovolo Wooden Spoonula Cooking Utensil
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Ed Cotton, chef-partner at Leonetta and Jack & Charlie’s in New York, appreciates the beauty and functionality of olivewood utensils. He uses Tovolo’s spoonula for a variety of dishes, particularly risotto. Its design makes it ideal for scooping sauces and is safe for delicate cookware, while being tough enough for everyday use and dishwasher-friendly.
Pyrex Freshlock Mixed Size Glass Food Storage Container Set, 4-Pack
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Chef Jay Kumar, from Brooklyn’s LORE, emphasizes the advantages of glass storage containers, such as Pyrex’s Freshlock. They keep food fresh with secure lids and eliminate the risk of microplastics leaching into food. Additionally, these containers are versatile, oven and dishwasher safe, making them a smart choice for meal prep.
Breville Bamboo Cutting Board
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Jay Kumar also prefers bamboo cutting boards like those from Breville, citing their eco-friendliness and the absence of plastics. This specific board is known for its sturdy design, which includes non-slip feet for stability and is safe for use with various kitchen appliances.
Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
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The Bee’s Wrap is a sustainable choice for food storage. Made from organic cotton and coated with beeswax and jojoba oil, it offers an effective alternative to plastic wrap. Jonathan Davis from La Brea Bakery appreciates its natural properties which help keep bread and baked goods fresher for longer. Reusable and compostable, it fits into a sustainable kitchen strategy.
GIR Ultimate Silicone Spatula
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Culinary innovator Jonathan Davis finds GIR’s Ultimate Spatula to be a versatile kitchen tool. Made from medical-grade silicone, it withstands high temperatures and is dishwasher-safe. Its design prevents bacteria build-up, making it a favorite among chefs for mixing, folding, and scraping.
Staub Ceramic 4-Piece Mixed Baking Dish Set
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Chef Riley Huddleston, from Lido House, cherishes her Staub dishes for their durability and aesthetic appeal. This set serves a range of cooking needs—from casseroles to baking—and functions beautifully as table centerpieces.
Benriner No. 64 Japanese Mandoline Ivory Vegetable Slicer
Amazon
Known for precision, Benriner’s mandoline is a preferred tool for chefs like Emily Yuen from Lingo. Its adjustable blade and ergonomic design facilitate easy, consistent slicing and dicing.
Microplane Premium Classic Series Rasp Zester Grater
Amazon
These graters are staples in kitchens, praised for their efficiency. Chef Brandon Boudet from Little Dom’s highlights their versatility, from zesting to grating, making them essential tools for both novice and experienced cooks.
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set with Lids
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Leah Delyte Di Bernardo of EAT Marketplace favors high-quality stainless steel for its durability and non-reactive properties. This Tramontina set is versatile and designed for a range of cooking techniques, promising easy maintenance and consistent performance.
Staub 7-Quart Round Cocotte
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Another favorite of Leah Delyte Di Bernardo, the Staub cocotte is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship. With an enameled surface that enhances its functionality over time, it stands as a long-term investment in kitchenware.
Wüsthof Come-Apart Shears
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These durable kitchen shears, beloved by chef Suzanne Cupps from Lola’s, prove invaluable for various tasks, from trimming herbs to opening packages. The ability to disassemble makes cleaning straightforward, promoting food safety.
JB Prince Straight Tip Tweezer, 10-Inch
Amazon
Finally, chef Suzanne Cupps emphasizes the practicality of kitchen tweezers. Their precision is beneficial beyond garnishing, aiding in delicate tasks such as turning food in hot oil. This tool provides control and finesse, especially when handling delicate ingredients.
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www.foodandwine.com