Non-toxic cookware (choose safer pots and pans)

Our Place ceramic pots and pans

Non-toxic cookware simply means choosing pots and pans that are made without harmful chemicals. Some brands release ‘forever chemicals’ that can make their way into our rivers and oceans when rinsed away. And can affect immune systems and cause liver damage, some cancers and fertility problems.

Choosing safer brands protects your health, home and the planet.

Many non-stick pans also have coatings that scratch and chip easily, and you can end up with microplastics in food (or aluminium, if the pan does not have a thick enough coating to cope with daily cooking). Heating such pans can also cause flu-like symptoms like headaches, chills and fever.

Cooking fumes are unsafe near birds

All cooking fumes (not just from non-stick pans,  though those ones with the red dot are top culprits) are unsafe near pets, especially birds. Our feathered friends have extra-sensitive respiratory systems, and exposure can make them ill very quickly.

Ignore cookware that says their ‘green brands’ are safe. No cookware is safe near birds, so keep them away from kitchens and cooking areas.

Caged birds are likely happier living with other birds in aviaries.

How to reduce risks when cooking

A few simple habits can make your kitchen safer:

• Replace damaged/scratched pans.
• Avoid overheating non-stick cookware.
• Never leave empty non-stick pans heating on the hob.
• Avoid using very high temperatures unless necessary.
• Turn pan handles towards the back of the cooker.
• Tie back long hair and avoid loose sleeves near flames.

Stop kitchen waste from harming wildlife

Good kitchen habits help protect the environment.

• Rinse and remove can lids (or pop ring-pulls back over holes) before recycling. Then step on upper cans to pinch rims together, to prevent wildlife getting trapped.
• Unless you have a food waste bin, just bin pepper and allium scraps (onion, garlic, shallots, leeks, chives) and tomato/rhubarb/citrus scraps, as acids could harm compost creatures. Also bin tea/coffee grounds, due to caffeine (use a Sink Shield to prevent clogged sinks).

You don’t need to buy the whole collection, just two or three will do for most households. Spend a little more for quality for pans that last years:

• Ceramic pans are good for everyday cooking.
• Stainless steel pans don’t react with food, but look for ones with heat-resistant handles.
• Cast iron and carbon steel become non-stick when seasoned, excellent for cooking.
• Aluminium is fine if good-quality with a protective layer that won’t flake off. It heats quickly, it’s cheap pans that are the issue.

Our Place ceramic cookware

Our Place makes ceramic pots and pans that are oven-safe and suitable for induction hobs. Their non-stick coating is designed without forever chemicals.

ProCook (affordable stainless steel pans)

ProCook offers more affordable stainless steel cookware, with long guarantees. With induction hobs, reduce the heat once your pan reaches the required temperature. Avoid using high settings.

Joseph Joseph (space-saving pots and pans)

Joseph Joseph Cookware makes practical cookware designed for smaller spaces, like nesting designs and folding handles. Not for grills or hobs, and hand-wash only, following safety instructions.

The range includes:

• Roasting trays for vegetable roasts
• Saucepans with glass lids and storage trays
• Woks for vegetable stir-fries
• Stock pots for soups and stews

Silicone air fryer baskets

New air-fryers (with safety cut-offs) let you cook with little or no oil. You can use them to make say chips, but also to head up ready-meals or bake.

All stores have to legally take back electrical goods (even if you don’t buy anything). So use the time to take back a dusty fat-fryer, and replace it with something better.

These silicone air fryer baskets (also in rectangular shape) are in various sizes (measure before ordering). The slotted holes and air-flow keeps them clean, and liners capture oil and large food bits.

Silicone is a food-safe alternative to plastic that can withstand high temperatures and is easily recycled, after years of use.  Use with silicone oven mitts, that protect fingers up to 220°C.

Choose quality kitchen tools

A few reliable tools make cooking a pleasure, rather than a chore. For instance, good peelers and graters take less time, and are quick to use. Joseph Joseph makes good kitchen tools including:

• Collapsible can openers that save drawer space
• Potato mashers with non-slip grips
• Vegetable peelers with safer storage features
• Graters & Zesters for vegetables, citrus fruits, and spices
• Amazing knife sets with safety blocks

Read food safety for people and pets (many foods including onion family, citrus and nutmeg  spices are not safe near animal friends.