Affiliate Disclosure:

In order to support the maintenance and growth of our blog, we may include affiliate links within our content. This means that when you click on a link to purchase a product we recommend, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

These affiliate links are carefully chosen based on the quality and relevance of the products we believe will benefit our readers. Our primary goal is to provide valuable information and recommendations to help you make informed decisions about cookware and related products.

It’s important to note that our editorial content is not influenced by the presence of affiliate links. We strive to maintain transparency and objectivity in our reviews, and our recommendations are based on thorough research and our own experiences.

Your support through clicking on these affiliate links is greatly appreciated and allows us to continue creating high-quality content for our audience. If you have any questions or concerns about our affiliate relationships, feel free to contact us. Thank you for your trust and support!

Best Non-toxic Cookware

If you’re on a homesteading and self-sufficiency journey, my guess is that like me, you’re fed up with the toxic side effects of not only food preservatives in your food but also chemicals in our everyday products as well.

I have searched high and low and researched the very best cookware to make sure that my homegrown produce and farmers market hauls are not cooking on materials that are going to negate their health benefits.

Here’s my collection of cookware that has come to fully replace my toxic non-stick cookware. You’ll be surprised to see (or maybe not so surprised!) that these 3 pieces can replace most of your everyday cookware.

Cast iron seems to intimidate people, and it somehow also carries the myth that they are hard to clean, but that’s simply not true. They just require a different approach to cleaning. Such as, without soap! Crazy, I know!

But the truth is, cast iron pans go the distance and can handle A TON. And as someone who cares about durability, longevity, and not just looking pretty (but that too), these pans can do it all. Literally, we even take ours camping and put it directly over the fire.

Cast Iron Skillet

This pan is a WORKHORSE and does most of my cooking. I have the Calphalon 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet and this is my pan that’s seen it all.

I use this pan almost every day, whether it’s for sauteeing or roasting vegetables, searing chicken breasts, preparing beef for tacos, or cooking over an open campfire.

Cost: $50

Cast Iron Square Griddle Pan

This is one of the newer additions to my collection, but the Lodge Cast Iron Square Griddle Pan is becoming one of my favorites!

If you’re yearning for more surface area and easier flip-ability, this is your new go-to. This pan replaced a non-stick griddle that was time to go, and it has been absolutely perfect.

This pan is best for when you need more movement for flipping, and aren’t too worried about juices from whatever you’re cooking.

I use this pan primarily for fried eggs, bacon, burgers, and pancakes, where you can easily flip whatever you’ve got going on. It does have a nice lip on the edge which keeps in any run-off, but if you’re going to be getting saucy, I’d stick to your skillet.

Cost: $33

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Excellent for making homemade sourdough. I’ve been using the Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven for a few years now, and you just can’t go wrong for the value you get here.

What’s unique about this dutch oven is that the lid actually doubles as a skillet! This is perfect for making sourdough bread in this particular dutch oven because flipping it upside down allows for beautiful steam and airflow while cooking with the base over top, and also creates better air circulation when I continue to cook uncovered.

And if sourdough isn’t your jam, This double-duty pan is perfect for searing and sauteeing proteins or produce before tossing it into the base for soups and stews.

Nothing beats FEWER dishes to clean up!

Cost: $76

Why Not Enameled Cast Iron?

I may get some hate for this, but I just can’t get on board with the enameled cast iron pans.

Yes, they are absolutely gorgeous! And they look so pretty in pictures.

However, after doing some research, browning on the enamel is expected, and chipping is a serious possibility. For me, I opt for durability, and honestly, I think the classic look of a well-loved cast iron pan is just as gorgeous.

Plus, you can get way more value in your cookware for going with the traditional cast iron vs. the enameled. The enameled cast iron pans can run upwards of hundreds of dollars. And if they are just going to be susceptible to chipping and discoloration, to me, it’s just not worth the price.

I can fully use and abuse my cast iron pans without worry, and they are so strong and built for anything that I know I will have a pan that will stand the test of time.