Here’s Why That’s a Recipe for Trouble

Non-stick cookware has revolutionized kitchens worldwide, making cooking and cleaning a breeze. However, when it comes to traditional Teflon-based non-stick cookware, what lies beneath that smooth surface may not be as harmless as it seems.  

Teflon, a material used to coat cookware surfaces, provides the non-stick coating on most cookware. While it’s very effective in preventing food from sticking, the chemicals used in its production—particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—pose potential risks to your health and the environment.  

In fact, when exposed to high temperatures, Teflon coatings can break down into micro-particles, seep into the food and release toxic fumes. Over time, the coating can chip or scratch, leading to flakes of Teflon ending up in your food. Ingesting small amounts of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) might not harm you immediately, but the cumulative exposure to these chemicals raises concerns about long-term health effects.  

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are non-biodegradable and can linger in the environment for decades. Their presence in cookware contributes to environmental pollution, making Teflon non-stick a choice that not only affects you but also the planet.  All in all, not good for you, not good for the planet too.

Additionally, non-stick cookware—Teflon or otherwise—is not meant to last a lifetime. Even the best coatings should ideally lose their effectiveness. The longer a teflon non-stick lasts, the worse are the risks. Switching to safer alternatives, like ceramic or non-toxic, non-stick cookware, is a healthier choice for your family and the environment.  

This is where Ember cookware comes in, non-stick cookware that’s non-toxic. Choosing non-toxic cookware ensures that your meals remain free of harmful chemicals while still enjoying the convenience of non-stick surfaces. While Teflon might offer durability, it’s not worth prioritizing your health and the planet over the short-term benefits, because what’s in your cookware should never end up in your food.