SISTAIN's Cookware Guide
Your go-to reference for safe, timeless, nontoxic cookware
Why Cookware Matters
At SISTAIN, we believe your home should be a sanctuary—and that includes your kitchen. Every pan, pot, and baking dish that touches your food should be free of toxic coatings, hidden chemicals, and greenwashed labels.
Choosing the right cookware means protecting your health, reducing environmental impact, and investing in products that truly last.
Why There’s No Such Thing as “Non-Toxic Nonstick”
Despite marketing claims like “PFOA-free” or “eco-ceramic,” SISTAIN holds a clear position:
If a pan relies on a chemical coating to be nonstick, it cannot be considered truly nontoxic.
Here’s why:
- Breakdown Under Heat: Most coatings degrade at temps above ~500°F—releasing fumes and micro-particles.
- Greenwashing with New Chemicals: Older toxins like PFOA have been replaced with less-tested chemicals like GenX, which may be just as harmful.
- Undisclosed Formulas: Many nonstick pans use proprietary blends with undisclosed ingredients.
- Microplastic Shedding: Over time, coatings chip or flake — polluting meals and waterways alike.
- Bottom line: All chemical nonstick is temporary and potentially toxic. SISTAIN never recommends it.
SISTAIN-Approved Cookware: Materials & Brands
We recommend only cookware that is inherently nontoxic, time-tested, and built to last—with no coatings, hidden chemicals, or compromise.
Material |
Brand |
Why SISTAIN Recommends It |
100% Ceramic |
Xtrema | Fully ceramic (not coated); no glazes, no metals; non-reactive and oven-safe. |
| Cast Iron | Lodge | Affordable, USA-made, naturally nonstick when seasoned, built to last. |
| Cast Iron | The Field Company | Lighter than traditional cast iron; ultra-smooth finish; easy to maintain. |
| Stainless Steel | 360 Cookware | Surgical-grade stainless; sustainable manufacturing in the U.S.; toxin-free design. |
| Stainless Steel | All-Clad | Pro-grade, bonded steel with consistent heat distribution; a trusted legacy brand. |
| Stainless Steel | Made In | High-performance stainless and carbon steel; used in restaurants; direct-to-consumer value. |
| Glass | Visions | Transparent, thermal-shock-resistant glass; non-reactive and safe for oven or stovetop. |
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Cookware
- Season cast iron regularly for a natural nonstick surface.
- Use soft utensils to protect stainless and ceramic finishes.
- Avoid high-heat shock (e.g., cold water on hot glass) to prevent cracking.
- Hand-wash to preserve surface integrity and prevent wear.
TAKEAWAY: If a pan relies on a chemical coating to be nonstick, it cannot be considered truly nontoxic.
The SISTAIN Philosophy
We believe in buying fewer, better things—and cookware is no exception. Every item we recommend is:
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Free from coatings and synthetic chemicals (we believe there is no such thing as nontoxic nonstick)
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Crafted to last for years (or decades)
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Made transparently and ethically
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Safe for you, your family, and the planet
Skip the shortcuts. Invest in cookware that respects your food, your health, and your values.
