Is Stainless Steel Safe for Everyday Cooking? Here's What Experts Say

So you’ve tossed your Teflon, expelled your black plastics, and replaced your cracked wood spoons. Is your kitchen safe yet?! New research on microplastics, PFAS, and other potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in home cookware has made us perhaps more aware than ever of the products in our kitchen and around our food.

If you’re erring on the side of safety, picking better options can feel overwhelming. Is breakable glass better than melamine? Can silicone bakeware withstand the heat of your oven? Is stainless steel safe to cook? Well, when it comes to choosing or replacing your cookware, it turns out that stainless steel can be one of the safest options.

Below, experts weigh in on the safety of this everyday cookware staple.

Is Stainless Steel Safe to Cook With? 

Before you sear, sauté, or simmer—is stainless steel as safe as it is durable? “Yes, high-quality stainless steel is generally very safe to cook with and typically is my recommended type of cookware to buy,” shares Dr. Simran Malhotra, MD. It is durable and does not have nonstick coatings, "which makes it one of the safest choices for cookware."

Stainless steel may seem trickier to cook on if you’re new to the material, but its pros are worth the switch. Besides its durability, it's also naturally nonstick. To activate these properties (science!), you’ll want to pre-heat your skillet. You’ll know it’s warm enough when drops of water form into balls that roll off. Then, add a small amount of oil. Spread it around to heat, add your food, and it should release easily. Eggs can slide off stainless steel as easily as they do on coated nonstick pans. Unlike some nonstick cookware, stainless steel cookware "does not contain chemicals like PFAS, which have been linked to several health concerns," Dr. Malhotra explains.

Stainless Steel Cookware Concerns 

However, just like any piece of kitchen equipment, stainless steel raises some suspicions about its safety and potential flaws. "With stainless steel, there is concern that small amounts of nickel or chromium can leach into food, particularly when cooking acidic foods using very high heat or damaged pots," notes Dr. Malhotra.

Fortunately, this shouldn't be too serious a concern in most cases. "Studies suggest it is minimal exposure and safe for most people, but people with nickel or chromium sensitivities should be more careful," Dr. Malhotra says. "Best practices include avoiding high-heat cooking and keeping your cookware in good condition by using gentle utensils and cleaning products."

If you’re not cooking acidic foods, like citrus or tomato sauce, at high temperatures for long periods of time, you’re totally safe with stainless steel cookware. 

Choosing Safe Cookware

Stocking your kitchen with safe cookware, including stainless steel, is just as important as prioritizing nutritious ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry. “Glass and stainless steel cookware are preferred over Teflon or ceramic-based cookware because they are safer, more durable, and great for long-term use,” Dr. Malhotra explains. 

When purchasing stainless steel, go for high-quality brands like Cuisinart, All-Clad, MadeIn, or other reputable manufacturers. These cookware pieces can last a lifetime (or longer!), so the investment is worthwhile. “Consider using wooden or silicone cooking utensils to prevent scratching your pots and pans,” Dr. Malhotra adds. This also helps avoid microplastics and chemicals from plastic utensils from leaching into your food. “These simple tips, when incorporated into your kitchen and lifestyle, can go a long way in reducing your risk of concerning exposures, while providing you sustainable options for practical cookware,” she says.