Baking Lead-Free This Holiday Season! Top Tips: Clear Glass, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Natural Stone & Untreated Natural Wood

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POST UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
EXCUSE MY DUST!

Some of my readers told me the links on this post (originally written on December 19, 2016) were not working – so I have started revamping it and choosing new items to feature. I will change this note with a note stating it has been updated as soon as that is done! In the meantime please consider checking out my separate shopping site: www.ShopLeadSafeMama.com, which only has links to Lead-Free choices. You can also check out this post and video which is a tour of my kitchen followed by a linked list of everything in my kitchen!


Originally Published: December 19, 2016

Close friends of mine know I have always been very passionate about baking.  One of my very first business endeavors after graduating college was baking my famous biscotti (Auntie Tammy’s Biscotti) and selling it at local cafes in Marin County.

Fast forward 27 years and now many of my followers want to know what I use in my own kitchen, which items I am confident are lead-free and/or safe for my family.  I have tested all of my personal cooking implements with an XRF instrument and know for a fact that they are lead-free. For those who are interested in using things that are either the same or similar to what I use in my kitchen here’s a short list to start… I will add to it later. (Links and pictures are clickable to Amazon if you are interested in purchasing any of these things!)

With most of these items in my home I stick with the “simple is usually better” philosophy.  Instead of your home decoration coming from bright paints and glazes (often full of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic and other toxic stuff) the beauty in your home can come from the simplicity or your kitchen not from decorations on your cookware, with the color and excitement provided by the food not the dishes!  [Bonus! The simpler things are often less expensive too! So better for your health and your wallet!]

links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links it may result in a small commission for me without costing you extra.

Measuring Spoons & Cups
Also check out this page on ShopLeadSafeMama.com

measure

MUST HAVE!!!  Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons.


Whisks & Spatulas
Also check out this page on ShopLeadSafeMama.com

MUST HAVE!!! Simple Stainless Hand Whisks.


Mixing Bowls
Also check out this page on ShopLeadSafeMama.com

bowls

MUST HAVE!! Clear Glass Modern Pyrex Nesting Bowls


Scoops & Specialty Utensils
Also check out this page on ShopLeadSafeMama.com

scoops

MUST HAVE !!! Modern Stainless Ice Cream / Cookie Dough Scoops
(many older ones have lead).


Pie Plates
Also check out this page on ShopLeadSafeMama.com

MUST HAVE !!! Simple Clear Glass Pie Plates
(New Pyrex and Anchor Hocking are both good choices!)


Off-Brand KitchenAid Compatible Mixer Blades

beater

Beater Blade for your KitchenAid Mixer… many of the KitchenAid brand attachments have tested positive for lead with an XRF instrument.


Cookie Sheets & Muffin Trays
Also check out this page on ShopLeadSafeMama.com


Pots & Pans
Check out my overview post with guidelines for making safer choices for pots & pans.

castiron

MUST HAVE!!  Simple unadorned cast iron!
I have my grandmother’s and great-aunts… but if you don’t have heirloom cast iron you can always buy new!


EIGHT things I avoid when baking
(Unless I have already tested the exact item.)

  1. AVOID: Anything with any kind of painted decoration including clear glass with painted markings.
  2. AVOID: Anything vintage (especially vintage Pyrex, Fire King or Anchor Hocking mixing bowls and casseroles).
  3. AVOID: Any thing with a rubberized handle (Example: almost everything from OXO)
  4. AVOID: Anything made of gray pot metal (like you often see on ice cream scoops and garlic presses – click here for examples).
  5. AVOID: Any glazed ceramics – modern or vintage (Le Creuset, Emile Henry, etc.)
  6. AVOID: Most plastic (when possible.)
  7. AVOID: Cast iron with ANY coatings (colorants, enamel, non-stick, etc.)
  8. AVOID: On principle anything from the brands Le Creuset, All Clad, Kitchenaid, Williams Sonoma, Always Pan / Our Place, Caraway Home, Green Pan, Green Life, Green Sprouts, Pottery Barn, Sur La Table, Crate and Barrel, Mercola or Xtrema.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for reading and for sharing Lead Safe Mama posts and articles.

Tamara Rubin
Owner – Lead Safe Mama, LLC
#LeadSafeMama

Amazon links are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on a Lead Safe Mama affiliate link Lead Safe Mama, LLC may receive a small percentage of what you spend at no extra cost to you.
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121 Comments

  1. Hello Tamara,
    Thank you for this list; I find it not only helpful for myself but as I am becoming more aware of lead in my kitchen items, I share your information with friends and family. Have you had the opportunity to test Emile Henry bakeware and pie plates – specifically the glazed designs produced exclusively for Williams Sonoma (which differ from their main line)? Have you also had an opportunity to test Le Creuset cast iron pots? Le Creuset has that cream color enamel over the cast iron. Staub cast iron cookware is black but I’m unsure if they coat it and I was wondering if you might know. Thank you for your time and all of your efforts!

  2. Are these the ones in your home? Were you able to test this types/brands/variations specifically? I wanted to replace my metal measuring spoons bc I’m unsure of what metal they are. I know a solid piece of steel is what we want so there is in introduction of other metal combinations, I would think the above are but I could always check and return if not.

    1. I was surprised Mercola’s items were on this list. Have you contacted him? I would think he would take action.

      1. Thanks for commenting Penni!

        OMG – I am in the middle of revamping this post and forgot about it! Please pardon my “dust”!

        Tamara

          1. Hello! I was wondering with the oxo items, if it’s only older items that I should avoid?

            Thank you!

  3. I use most of what you have listed here. I have also changed some of my purchases due to this blog. Thank you. But I do like Le Creuset and am considering buying a Dutch oven. Have you specifically tested this brand? They claim to be lead free.

    1. I am working on a post about Le Creuset as well. I will make sure to get you a link when I have finished it. Thanks for following!

      1. Where can I find this link please Tamara. I’m currently ditching many of my beloved items and am wanting to know about this one also. What about the Chasseur brand? Thanks.

    2. Staub is a much better product. Also is made all in France unlike Le Creuset which some are glazed and now made in China. Which makes me even question their French made items. What other short cuts are they doing.

      The best is good ole fashioned cast iron. Cheap, safe, durable & will last generations. If seasoned properly will be non-stick. It’s my favorite but I do have some Staub cookware as well.

      1. LOVE cast iron. I have a cast iron dutch oven that belonged to my great grandmother. It’s like two pans in one. It WILL last for generations.

  4. Have you tested the whisk attachment for the Kitchenaid stand mixer? If it contains lead, have you found a lead-free alternative?

  5. Hi there, I noticed you listed the beater blade for a kitchenaid, which you said has lead,but you also listed it with the items you would suggest owning. I just want to make sure I understand, because I was just given a stand mixer, and I`m wondering about that blade….are you suggesting that it is not safe to use or that you would recommend it? Any more detail would be greatly appreciated!

      1. Is the issue with kitchenaid stand mixers just the attachments (whisk, dough hook, etc) or is it also something else? What about glass vs metal bowl?

    1. Thank you so much for all the work you have done. It has been an eye-opener for me. I know you cannot test every item people inquire about. But I am wondering if you can give any more details about older, clear glass from Anchor Hocking. I have some pieces called “Savannah” that I treasure as I inherited them from my mom who passed away. Casserole dishes as well as a few pieces of dinnerware. My guess is she bought them in the 90’s. I wrote to Anchor Hocking a couple of weeks ago to ask if their vintage clear glass products contained lead, cadmium or any other heavy metals. Their reply was “no”, that their glass products have never contained these heavy metals, either vintage or modern. When you tested vintage Anchor Hocking, was it the plain, clear glass? Or was it colored, painted or decorated pieces that were tested? Sorry if I missed a thread. I’m wondering whether I should continue to use my clear glass Savannah pieces. Thank you!

    1. I think they have markings on the bottom that have tested positive for lead in the thousands of parts per million and I would never buy or use them 🙂

  6. Hello Tamara,
    I hope this post finds you well. Have you had an opportunity to test the Emile Henry pie dishes and bakers exclusive to Williams Sonoma? I’m also looking forward to your post on Le Creuset and hope you will also test Staub. Thank you and happy holiday baking!

  7. So is all silicone bakeware contaminated? I just got a sweet blue heart cake pan at IKEA for baking cakes in. You said OKEA was usually very diligent with chemicals.

    1. Ikea is probably cadmium- free although I don’t know if I have tested any silicone stuff from Ikea… I will look through my archives.

      1. Hello Tamara, thanks for all your work and information. I am so glad I found your blog as we are going through difficult times like many people:( . Have you found anything in your archives about Ikea silicon bakeware?

  8. My son’s cadmium levels are through the roof. I’m starting the year with a kitchen clean-out. Are these silicone spatulas cadmium-free?

    1. How did you test your son for cadmium? I would like to know so I can hav emu childern test for cadmium, lead and etc.

    1. I think bamboo is generally a good choice. It’s not as sustainable as some people think (because it is usually shipped from pretty far away) – but we have a few bamboo pieces in our home. You have to make sure it is a good company that doesn’t use toxic glues and that sort of thing. There is a company that has organic bamboo products, that’s probably a good place to start.

      1. Neet
        4.2 out of 5 stars 619 Reviews
        Organic Bamboo Cooking Utensils Set, Unique Elevation Feature, 6 Piece Set, Wooden Spoons Spatula, Kitchen Utensil Set, High Heat Resistant, Wood Serving Spoon, Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Gift Idea
        I found these on Amazon

  9. My husband wants to buy the tefal cookware that is non stick but says PFOA-, Lead-, and Cadmium-free But I’m a little skeptical ….I was wondering if you knew this brand a bit more and if it’s a no-no despite the brand stating there free for all those things p.s. sorry to bug but I’m moving in to my house in a couple of days and I want to make I get the best for my little girl. If you can email me sandrahoang1994@gmail.com thank you

    1. I’m not comfortable with that brand (for me personally/ use in my house) – I have seen too much variation in the non-stick pans to have a recommendation.

  10. I am also interested in the results of your test of Le Creuset enameled cast iron as well as their ceramics. Also have you tested Emile Henry’s ceramics? Thank you.

    1. I have both Le Creuset and Emile Henry pieces posted here. You can use the search bar to check for any keywords.

  11. What cookware do you use in your home? My grandson is autistic and his aluminum levels are high. Trying to find cookware that would be better for him. Was leaning toward the Mercola or Xtrema brands. Now I read about the lead in the label. What to do???

    1. Shiela all vaccines are loaded with aluminum. If you vaccinate, please check out FB for vaccine information groups,they will provide the links into the CDC with the ingredients in the vaccines. Hope this will help.

  12. I am looking for a counter top mixer. I was seriously thinking about a KitchenAid Lift until I read about the lead content in the attachments.
    What brand would be a safe lead-free purchase?
    Should I buy the KitchenAid and then purchase lead free attachments, if they are available?

    1. Personally I love the appliance and am looking forward to buying (and testing) the new stainless attachments. If someone could buy them and send them to me I would test them for free and send them back to the purchaser (just so I could do a blog post.) I think they carry them on the Williams Sonoma website still for about $79.00 for the set of three (link in the post above should still be accurate.)

      1. Hi Tamara. I can send you the Kitchenaid Proline 7 quart SS attachments for testing. Do you still need them? Should I also send the SS bowl?

        1. Hi Darren!

          Yes – it is, I have had a lot of requests to test those and would love to create a post about them. Could you e-mail me a picture? Is the top nut on them gray? or shiny? Thank you!

          Tamara
          TamaraRubin@mac.com

    1. I was trying to find the dish ware on your site…. Specifically the Marin line from Crate and Barrel. I’m guessing you’ve tested it as it’s been in production for so long. Results?? Thank you!

      1. The pot is porcelain enamel. The web site says they are lead and cadmium safe. I was concerned that it didn’t say lead free. It is a purple blue color with stainless handles.

      2. Hi, I did a lead acid leach test and the pot showed no signs of lead. I did find a company close to my house that would test my cookware for lead using the same instrument that you are using. I was told that the enamel could contain lead but that the lead may be insoluble because of the glazing process and would not leach into food. I did find small amounts of lead on my Pyrex measuring cup but nothing else so far.

  13. Tamar please advise regarding safest stainless pots and pans to purchase at this time. many have aluminum core.

    1. I have the same question regarding safest stainless pots & pans to purchase. My concern is the aluminum core. I was looking at Ikea.

    1. I am looking for the same information on muffin pans. It’s so frustrating as most have some sort of aluminum coating etc which I understand to leach into food. One question I have to Tamara is if we use the natural liners in muffin pans, does that stop leaching into our food?

      1. I have some muffin pan choices listed on the shopping site: http://www.ShopLeadSafeMama.com – the paper liners should help to some degree. Some of the paper liners are impregnated with silicone (for the non-stick factor) and I have chosen to avoid those for my family.

        T

  14. Hi Tamara,

    Can you please advise which silicone spatulas you recommend as the product link you have provided is no longer available? Thanks in advance!

  15. Hi Tamara,
    Can you please advice on Pyrex clear glass oblong bakeware 9”x13”? I’m looking for a lead free and safe bakeware dish.
    The reviews on Pyrex state that they explode a lot.
    Any other type of safe non toxic baking dish ?

    Thanks

  16. Hi Tamra,
    Thank you for all of your great information. Was wondering what you think of these sets of cookware and whether these brands/ materials are lead free and toxin free?

    Luminarc Vitro Blooming Heat-resistant Glass Cooking Pot (5L)

    In Visions Vs-337 Pot Kitchen Cookware Saucepan Heat-resistant Glass Cooking Pot Cookpot Pasta Pots 6p Set Visions Vs-337 Pot Kitchen Cookware Saucepan Heat-resistant Glas…

    Hope to hear from you soon, as I will await your reply before purchasing any cookware.
    Thank you,
    Tara Learman

  17. Dear Tamara,

    Than you so much for all that useful information you share with us!
    I would like to ask you a question about cast iron. I am informing myself that cast iron and stainless steel can leach into the food (especially when cooking salty, tomatoes, lemon etc).
    We are currently using induction and I cannot use any glassware on the stove. I came to the conclusion that the only one material I can use is cast iron enamel cookware and as I read that you tested Staub Dutch oven and it looks quite good.
    Are you planning to do some more tests on that brand?

    Thank you a lot,
    Lina
    Italy

    1. Hi Lina – I don’t “plan” what I test :-). My readers who are subscribers to the testing program supply the items I test and report on (in most cases). In this way I test things I would never think of (especially because I don’t actually personally buy many things!) Here’s the link to that program: https://tamararubin.com/2017/07/subscribe-in-support-of-my-advocacy-work-you-can-become-eligible-to-send-in-a-box-of-your-things-for-testing/

      Since you are in Italy you could order something to be tested and have it sent to me and then I could return it to Amazon after testing it (to save you on shipping things from Italy!)

      Alternately – I have never in my life been to Italy and would LOVE to come for a month of home visits and outreach events (if we could coordinate with either individual or institutional sponsors to help cover my costs.) I am looking at traveling to other parts of the world and would either have to line up 12 or 15 home visits (paid in advance) OR collaborate with a local university or health department (or health-conscious company perhaps?) that would sponsor the costs of my trip. If I go to Italy I would need to bring my two younger sons with me (because I cannot be away that long) so would also need to coordinate childcare during the times I would be working… Just giving you all the considerations … in case!….

      Please let me know if you have questions.

      Tamara

  18. I am wondering if you are concerned about the vermiculite used in the making of lodge cast iron? Also wondering if you believe I could wash off the GMO oil they use to season their pans or if you thing there would be residual for the life of the pan? Thank for all of this wonderful information.

  19. Hi
    I’m not sure if you have already commented or not, but I was wondering about Corning ware. They make casseroles and smaller containers.
    Thank you so much!

  20. Dear Tamara, I am more than grateful for your work!
    I am trying but still confused, as the Pyrex glass mixing bowls shown to be tested lead safe actually have a blue tint when you click on your link.
    And horrified that the glass bake set,

    Libbey Baker’s Basics 5-Piece Glass Casserole Baking Dish Set with 1 Cover,

    Amazon’s Choice,

    is ever so slightly blue green tinted, made in Mexico, and I don’t know if I should keep it, it looked totally clear in the Amazon picture, and was Libby brand.

    But your recommended lead free Pyrex glass mixing bowl set looks blueish in the Amazon photo too.

    SOS

  21. Hi Tamara, invested in All-Clad, their d5 series fry pans (9″ and 11″) and 3 quart sauce pan w/lid. Like the d3 you tested, d5 has another layer of stainless steel and aluminum, so a little heavier pan. I also purchased All-Clads stacking mixing bowls, 18/10 stainless steel. Hoping the investment was a safe one. From what I’ve been able to locate on your site this brand name seems to stack up ok. Thoughts or updates?

      1. Hi,

        Can you please provide info on All Clad? I ordered based on your recommendations, but I do not see it anymore on your links and I’m wandering why.
        Thank you

  22. I am soo overwhelmed. I’ve stupidly never really thought about this stuff before. I’ve just been going through and trying to revamp my kitchenware by getting more glass and stainless steel and getting rid of most plastics. Now I feel like almost everything in my kitchen is toxic and I’m not sure where to start. How do you know what is safe? Is stainless steel the only metal? How do I know what materials things are? I’m wuestioning my cookie sheets (more like jelly roll pans), Kitchenaid stuff, metal utensils, mugs, etc. I don’t know what to do.

  23. Hi Tamara,
    First I would like to say, “Thank you for all your hard work of endless hours of research, testing, reading, responding, informing, suggesting & sharing all the info you have learned along the way. It is so appreciated by all who get to read everything you have posted. You truly are Amazing. As this is so much info to take in & can be a little confusing, it is certainly worth it. I am just now (little by little) replacing the whole “Kitchen” transformation to a “Lead-Free” way of life. I was wondering, (what others have probably asked a 1000 times & again), in looking for Stainless Steel, the internet says all kinds of mixed messages on what is really safe. Can you please advise for these items:
    ~ Flatware
    ~ Cooking Utensils (Spatula, Tongs, Knives, Ladel, Slotted Spoon)
    ~ Pots & Pans
    I was able to see everything else on your site, which was soooo helpful. Am I supposed to be looking for a certain “grade/#” for the Stainless Steel? If so, I can do an Amazon search with whatever you suggest. I am trying to replace everything in the Kitchen & just looking for the best prices across the board.
    Thank you so much for your time in advance & May God Bless You & Your Family, Today, Tomorrow & Always 🙂
    PinkyVirgo

  24. Hi Tamara, thank you for sharing all the info on your blog. I recently bought a Kitchen Aid mixer and saw the cancer
    warning and returned it. My daughter bakes and I really want to get a mixer that is lead free. Would you recommend a Kenwood Chef Mixer instead. Do you know if that is lead free?

  25. Hi I’m very interested in finding healthy pans! I was getting ready to order the mercola pants but then I read your article! Yuck. But on his website he says no stainless steel! I’m so confused. I’ve tried cooking on cast iron and I just can’t do it. And it ruins my cooktop. Any other recommendations besides that? With links! Thank you!

  26. Hi Tamara,

    Thank you so much for this resource! Under the muffin pan section I am not actually seeing any links for muffin pans… Perhaps this is a bug on my end, but would you mind sharing a link in the comments for a muffin pan you recommend?

  27. Hello..
    Have you done any testing on CorningWare French White collection from Corelle. It has a glaze over it.

  28. Looking for muffin pans not sure if you have one you use and trust, you dont have anything on your amazon store

  29. Hi
    Thank you for all your hard work. What pots and pans (links) do u you oh recommend besides cast iron? I have a glass top stove and can’t use cast iron. Thanks!

  30. Hi,

    I saw you recommended not using old Pyrex glassware. Does it apply for new products? In case Onhave a couple from 5 years till now are they safe?

    Thanks.

    1. New clear glass Pyrex items are a good choice Ivonne, especially if they do not have any decorative painted markings (or painted measurement markings.) If they have painted markings those markings may have high levels of Lead or Cadmium, depending on the age of the product. Here’s a post with some examples to check out: https://tamararubin.com/2020/04/this-post-is-linked-to-all-posts-i-have-written-about-glass-measuring-cups-including-anchor-hocking-pyrex-of-different-periods/

      Thanks for commenting.

      Tamara

  31. Hey Tamara
    I am curious what you think of older glass. I have a pic and will try to post it but if not can you contact me? Someone is giving away a nice dish set that is older glass for free but don’t want to invest any time into it if is a definite no no. Thanks for some quick help or thought….

  32. Thank you so much for all your useful information! I am going to go with the Lodge Cast Iron you have linked in your blog. I would love to get some stainless steel pots to cook with as well but I have a nickel allergy. Do you have any recommendations?

  33. Hi Tamara I was wondering if you have ever tested made in cookware. I have xtrema and was was upset once I read your post as I bought into their advertising aLong with blogger I follow and I am now diligently searching for something safer to replace it with and came across made in cookware and was wondering if you are familiar with the brand and it’s items (the stainless steel pots and pans). Also do you know anything about field cast iron? I’d like to replace the xtrema rather quickly if possible.

  34. You’re link above for Cast Iron directs to a pre-seasoned Lodge pan. My concern with that is they use GMO-soy oil to season their cast iron. Have you been able to find any unseasoned cast iron? I’ve been looking for a long time to no avail.

  35. Thank you for such great info! DO you have a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan you would recommend? I don’t see a link for any. I saw you linked the Fox Run steel measuring cups and they offer a jelly roll pan… thoughts?

  36. Hi,
    Are Telfon based cast iron cooking pots safe? I’m from the UK and looking to purchase new cookware. Do you have any recommendations for brands in the UK?
    Thanks.

  37. I remember a while back you linked directly to muffin pans to purchase. I regret not getting them! Now I can’t locate the link. Is it still available somewhere? Very much appreciate your work.

    1. Check out my new site; http;//www.shopleadsafemama.com – let me know if you don’t find what you are looking for there! Thank you! – Tamara

  38. Also the section on “cookie sheets and muffin pans” is not clickable. The picture shows 5 or 6 cast iron pans and when you click on those it takes you to an amazon post on cast iron pans. Nothing for bakeware.

  39. Hi, wow, I am learning so much on your website. It is overwhelming, but one thing at a time…I would like to ask, if I may, about the ”le Creuset”, I have one from KitchenAid. It is red. I don’t see it among the ones that you have tested, but maybe I missed it among so much information. Do you know if it contains toxic metals too? Thank you so much in advance for any info on this.

  40. Sorry – just wanted some clarification. We have a bunch of all-clad cookware including pots, pans, and cooking utensils that are fairly recent (purchased in the last 1-2 years). Is there a reason you no longer recommend these items? It’s a big purchase so I am hoping it is not because lead or cadmium is present. Thanks!

  41. I inherited my Granothers Jewel-tea bakeware. I have not used it, even serving bowls. I was going to sell the set, but myy Grandson wants it and if it is bad I will telCl him and we will not keep it.

  42. Thank you! I just got a set of these. They will also make nice serving bowls.

    Both my grandmother and mother had bad arthritis and hearing loss. I’m suspicious that it could have been from lead. Certainly all the dishes had lead that they ate from. I’ve been using white corelle for quite a while, and a few patterned dishes which are now replaced. Not sure if it will help me avoid the worst of what seemed to be genetic diseases, but can’t hurt.

    For sure, some people may have genes that make them more susceptible to these things. It’s a travesty that they have used these toxins for so many years, even when they knew the harms. Didn’t the Roman empire fall because they used lead goblets for wine? I always heard that, anyway. Yet here we are. . .

  43. Hi Tamara, regarding the replacement mixer attachment, it looks like it has rubber on it and so I am wondering if we are in danger for microplastics getting into our food.

  44. I see you recommend avoiding All Clad, but you have their tea kettle listed on your Amazon storefront. Is this supposed to be safe or should this be avoided? I would really like a stainless steel tea kettle but cannot find one on your website that is “safer.” Do you have any recommendations?

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