Teflon - How dangerous is it really?
Teflon is a brand known for its non-stick properties and ability to withstand high heat. It's the most commonly used non-stick coating on kitchen utensils and is primarily composed of various combinations of high-fluorinated substances within the PFAS family. During cooking with a Teflon pan, these toxic PFAS substances, in the form of microplastics, can be released into the food - which you then consume - and have been shown to be both carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting. Claims of a product being free from "PFOA" or "PTFE" are merely misleading marketing tactics for consumers to perceive pans as toxin-free, as anything not entirely PFAS-free releases these concerning microplastics with the slightest scratch or temperatures above 260 degrees.
Cast Iron - From Grandma's Kitchen
Cast iron will always be the best choice for the environment due to its material lasting for generations. It provides even heat distribution and is ideal for slow cooking such as stews and other long-cooked dishes. Maybe you have a cast iron pan at home that was your grandmother's favorite? Despite its monopoly in longevity, cast iron still has its difficulties and weaknesses. It is the heaviest pan on the market, requires a lot of maintenance and plenty of fat to avoid sticking, cannot be put in the dishwasher, and tends to react poorly when cooking acidic sauces.
Carbon Steel - Versatile for those who provide love and maintenance
Carbon steel has become a favorite in many kitchens with its high heat conductivity, good price, and versatility - but just like with cast iron, it comes with proper handling. These pans cannot be washed just any way, and liquid cannot be added to braise or make a sauce due to their sensitivity to corrosion. To maintain non-stick properties, carbon steel requires seasoning and regular cleaning.
Stainless Steel - Durable and loves fat
Stainless steel has become increasingly popular in the market as it is easy to clean, has good heat conductivity, can withstand all utensils, and can be cleaned in any way. This pan also lasts forever if the quality is good. However, it is difficult to fry in as it lacks non-stick properties unlike carbon steel, Teflon, and ceramic, thus requiring a lot of fat, oil, knowledge, and willingness to fry at high temperatures.
Ceramic Coating - Non-stick without toxins
Ceramic frying pans are known for their strong non-stick properties, making cooking and cleaning incredibly easy. They are versatile and suitable for all cooking methods, including frying, simmering, and sautéing. Because the coating consists of a mixture of minerals and metals, there are also no scary microplastics from the PFAS family to worry about. However, ceramic coatings have limited durability as the non-stick coating gradually loses its full effect over time, just like Teflon.
OnePan - The world's first circular frying pan
OnePan is made of 100% recycled aluminum with a ceramic coating containing silicon - meaning it's completely free from toxic PFAS and can be used with all utensils. Just like cast iron, OnePan has even heat distribution and maintains the temperature in a way that fries the food instead of boiling it. Like other non-stick frying pans, OnePan requires no maintenance, is lighter in weight, dishwasher safe, easy to clean, and can be used for cooking difficult dishes without much expertise. What makes OnePan unique compared to all other frying pans is its circular business model. The frying pan is designed to be restored to its original condition, over and over again, and used for a lifetime, benefiting both the environment and the wallet.