Get Rid Of Your Plastic Spatula: The Best Non-Toxic Utensils
Cooking is a daily ritual for most of us. The tools we use—like spatulas, spoons, and pans—play a big role in how safe and healthy our meals are. Yet, one of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen safety lies in the materials of our utensils. If you're still using plastic spatulas or nylon utensils, it might be time to make a change. Change out your utensils for our thoughts on the best non toxic spatula for your kitchen!
Why the plastic spatulas, though? They are affordable, convenient, and almost universal across kitchens. Plastic utensils come into contact with our hot pans. A few recent reports have come out that suggest even products made with recycled plastics can cause chemical leach. The thought of toxic chemicals leaching into our food is a scary thought. That's why we're sharing the best non-toxic spatulas and cooking utensils so you can protect your health and improve your cooking experience. This will lead to more sustainable cooking practices too!
The Hidden Risks of Plastic Cooking Utensils
Plastic cooking utensils, like nylon spatulas and plastic chopping boards, may seem convenient and affordable, but they can pose serious health risks. When exposed to high temperatures (such as in a frying pan or saute pan), plastic tools can leach harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOAs) into your food. Studies have linked these substances to a variety of health issues, including hormone disruption and kidney damage (NIH, 2021).
Additionally, plastic spatulas and nylon utensils can release toxic fumes if accidentally left on a hot surface. Over time, these cooking tools degrade, increasing the risk of ingesting microplastics. Considering their direct contact with food, it’s clear why finding safer options is essential.
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The Best Non-Toxic Cooking Utensils: What to Look For
The good news is that the best way to avoid potential health risks is by swapping our your plastic spatula for a non-toxic version. Swapping out your kitchen tools for non-toxic cookware doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some great options that are safe, durable, and ideal for everyday use:
1. Silicone Spatulas
Modern silicone utensils are made from food-grade silicone, which is heat-resistant and free of toxic substances like BPA. Unlike plastic spatulas, silicone cooking utensils can withstand higher temperatures, making them perfect for use with nonstick pans and cast iron. Look for a silicone head attached to a sturdy wooden handle for added comfort and durability.
Why it’s a great material: Silicone’s heat resistance prevents it from melting or releasing harmful substances, even during high-heat cooking. Food-grade silicone spatulas tend to be heat-resistant up to 500°F, so they are ideal for use with nonstick pans.
Made to Sustain's Pick: The Silicone Kitchen – Wide array of silicone products in nice, neutral colors.
2. Metal Spatulas
Metal utensils are a good option for tasks requiring a sturdy tool, such as flipping pancakes or scraping a saute pan. A fish spatula or large spatula made from stainless steel is a durable choice – Especially for use with cast iron or carbon steel cookware. One of the best investments you can make for a non-toxic spatula is in a stainless steel set. Buy it once, new or used, and it will last you a lifetime!
However, avoid using metal spatulas on nonstick cookware to prevent damaging the nonstick coating. Metal Spatulas are best for cast iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel cookware, especially for high-heat tasks. Avoid these on non-stick pans like the always pan. One other drawback of metal spatulas is that they tend to conduct heat very well. So if you don't have a handle on it, it might get hot quickly.
Made to Sustain's Pick: Stainless Steel Spatula Set with Wooden Handles
3. Wooden Utensils
A non-toxic wood cooking utensil, such as a wooden spoon or bamboo utensils, is an excellent addition to any kitchen. These tools are made from natural materials like organic bamboo or a single piece of wood, ensuring there’s no risk of leaching chemicals.
Proper care is essential to keep wooden utensils in good condition. Regularly treat them with mineral oil to prevent cracking and ensure longevity. They’re particularly great for stirring acidic foods in a nonstick pot or stainless steel pot without scratching the surface.
Made to Sustain's Pick: Teak Set of Spatulas
4. Bamboo Products
Lightweight and eco-friendly, bamboo utensils are an excellent option for safe cookware. They’re resistant to warping, easy to clean, and don’t interact with food—even when used with high heat. From flipping eggs to mixing brownie batter, bamboo’s ease of use makes it a favorite among home cooks. One benefit of bamboo spatulas is that they are Lightweight, biodegradable, and perfect for scraping without damaging your pain. It's the easiest way to make tasks like cooking eggs or stirring soups simple.
Because bamboo grows incredibly fast, it's a very sustainable and affordable option as well. However, be sure to take care of it, because bamboo can warp and crack easily if not taken care of.
Made to Sustain's Pick: Affordable Bamboo Spatula
5. Silicone and Wooden Hybrid Utensils
A hybrid design for utentisl is also a great option if you want the benefits of a wooden handle and flexibility of a silicone spatula head. A silicone head and a wooden handle, combines the best of both worlds. This type of spatula is a great material for baking tasks like spreading batter or cooking eggs in a nonstick pan. Its heat-resistant properties make it a perfect spatula for high-heat applications.
Silicone-Head Spatulas with Wooden Handles are a durable and stylish choice for everyday use. Don't put them in the dishwasher though, because it will cause the wood to warp!
Made to Sustain's Pick: Farberware Professional Series Spatulas
Why the Right Spatula Matters
Your spatula might be one of the most frequently used kitchen tools, and choosing the best non-toxic spatula that fits your needs can make a big difference. A safe cooking utensil should handle higher temperatures without degrading, be easy to clean, and enhance your cooking experience. For example, the Le Creuset silicone utensils are among the top picks for their durability and ease of use.
Top Recommendations To Replace Other Kitchen Utensils
- Get Rid of your plastic containers for these eco-friendly meal prep containers
- Swap your plastic cutting board for a wooden one
- Make your own cleaners from upcycled ingredients
- Check out more posts from made to sustain and our youtube channel!
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Health
The utensils you use in your kitchen are just as important as the ingredients you cook with. Swapping out plastic cooking utensils for the safest type of cooking utensils, like silicone spatulas or bamboo utensils, is an important thing you can do for your health and the environment. Not only will you avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, but you’ll also enjoy the durability and functionality of safe cooking utensils designed for long-term use.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen tools? Check out our top picks for the best non-toxic spatula and start cooking safely today. Your health deserves it! And if you have one already, comment below which one is your favorite!
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