You Should Be Swapping Out These 10 Toxic Kitchen Tools — Here’s What to Use Instead

Every day, it seems like there’s a new report detailing the hazards of ingesting microplastics. Whether it’s through our plastic cutting boards or our tea bags, research is telling us how terrifyingly easy it is to fill our bodies with toxic particles that have no right being anywhere near our precious internal organs.

While it’s likely not possible to completely eliminate your exposure to microplastics, there are concrete steps you can take in the kitchen to minimize it. We recommend replacing your black plastic kitchen utensils with wood, your plastic water bottles with insulated tumblers, and your flimsy nonstick skillets with food-safe, non-toxic ceramic pans. When you shop at Amazon, these swaps are easy to make and quick to arrive. Plus, they start at just $6. 

Popular Non-Toxic Kitchen Tools 

• Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 7, $43 
• Our Place Always Pan 2.0, $100, originally $125
• Snap Ball Tea Strainers, Set of 3, $6, originally $8 
• Stanley Quencher 40-Ounce H2.0 Tumbler, $45
• Caraway Wooden Utensils, Set of 5, $125 
• John Boos Maple Cutting Board, $125
• Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wraps, $18 

Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 7

Ditch your plastic food storage containers in favor of quality glass models you can trust. Pyrex is one of the best brands on the market, consistently combining affordability with durability. This set of seven containers is no different. It includes a range of sizes, all of which are dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe, with matching leakproof lids. The best part? They only cost about $6.15 apiece.     

Our Place Always Pan 2.0 

We don’t want Teflon flu, but that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate the ease of cooking with a nonstick pan. Luckily, one isn’t a prerequisite for the other now that Our Place exists. This non-toxic (and Teflon-free) ceramic skillet is versatile, nonstick, and gorgeous to boot. Score it in a range of colors and sizes while it’s on sale for a limited time.  

Snap Ball Tea Strainers, Set of 3

It’s easy to brew tea with a single-use bag, but it’s better to brew tea using loose leaves. This is more true now than ever before since recent research indicates that disposable bags can release “millions” of micro- and nanoplastic particles at a time. Join the thousands of Amazon shoppers who have already made the switch to Snap Ball’s 3-pack of stainless steel tea strainers. They’re on sale for $2 apiece right now.   

Stanley Quencher 40-Ounce H2.0 Tumbler 

Rather than potentially ingesting microplastics through disposable plastic water bottles, use a reusable tumbler. You can’t get much better than Stanley’s wildly famous Quencher, with its 47,000+ five-star ratings at Amazon. Shoppers (and our editors, when we tested tumblers) adore its large capacity, dishwasher-safe design, and unbeatable insulation.

Caraway Wooden Utensils, Set of 5 

Wooden utensils are free of microplastics and gentle on your cookware sets. Caraway’s bundle has everything you need to make a full meal: wooden tongs, a spatula, a spoon, a server, and a scraper. While none of the pieces are dishwasher-safe (wooden utensils should always be hand-washed), they’re easy to rinse clean. Caraway also makes one of our favorite non-toxic cookware sets.   

John Boos Maple Cutting Board 

Wooden cutting boards are not only better for your health, but they’re also better for your blades. While they cost more than their plastic counterparts, they last a lot longer and don’t flake tiny plastic particles into your food as you chop. This winning combination is further augmented by a gorgeous exterior that deserves a spot on your kitchen counter. John Boos cutting boards are approved by us and celebs like Ina Garten and Rachael Ray; wash this maple board by hand, dry it off thoroughly, oil it regularly, and you’ll be a convert for life. 

Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wraps 

Bee’s Wrap is an excellent, chef-approved alternative to single-use plastic wrap. This handy set includes one small, one medium, and one large wrap for everything from cheese to herbs. After use, simply rinse it under water with mild soap and let it air dry. You can repeat this process for up to a year before they need replacing.