Non-Toxic Cooking Utensils: Wood & Stainless Steel
Plastic and nylon spatulas sit right in hot food, and old ones are often melted or chipped. Wood and stainless steel are simple, long-lasting swaps. Here are the ones we'd buy and what the research actually says.
Swapping cooking utensils is one of the cheapest low-tox changes. You only need a few: a spoon, a turner, tongs and a ladle cover most cooking.
What the research says
- Nylon (polyamide): Germany's BfR advises keeping nylon utensils' contact with hot food as brief as possible, because some released oligomers above about 70°C (158°F) in testing.
- Black plastic: a 2024 study found flame retardants in some black plastic kitchen items, but it was later corrected for a math error that lowered the estimated exposure. We consider it a reason to choose wood or steel when replacing tools, not a reason to panic.
- Wood and stainless steel have no coating and don't melt, and both last for years.
Wooden utensils
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Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Utensil Set
A beechwood spoon, slotted spoon and turner, the three utensils you'll reach for most.
Why we picked these
- OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Utensil Set Simple wooden basics A beechwood spoon, slotted spoon and turner, the three utensils you'll reach for most. A low-cost way to retire plastic spatulas. Worth knowing: Hand wash and dry.
- Mooues Teak Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set, 9 Pieces Swap plastic spatulas Teak spoons, spatulas and turners that won't melt against a hot pan the way old plastic spatulas can. They're gentle on any cookware. Worth knowing: Hand wash and dry, and oil occasionally like a cutting board.
- Riveira Teak Wooden Spoons, Set of 6 Teak spoons & spatulas Six teak spoons and spatulas, a dense wood that holds up well to heat and washing. A good alternative to the Mooues set. Worth knowing: Hand wash and oil occasionally.
- John Boos Board Cream with Beeswax Board care A beeswax and mineral oil cream that seals the surface after oiling. Also great on wooden spoons and kids' wooden plates.
Wood is the safe choice for enameled cast iron and ceramic nonstick pans. Pair it with a wooden board from our cutting board guide.
Stainless steel utensils
Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner
An all-stainless head for flipping burgers and pancakes on stainless or cast iron, with no nylon or silicone at the edge.
Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
OXO Steel 11-Inch Whisk
An all-stainless whisk head for eggs, batters and sauces, replacing plastic or silicone-coated whisks.
Why we picked these
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner Stainless turner An all-stainless head for flipping burgers and pancakes on stainless or cast iron, with no nylon or silicone at the edge. Worth knowing: Use wood instead on enameled or nonstick surfaces to avoid scratching.
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Flexible Turner, Medium Thin flexible turner A thin, springy steel blade that slides under fish and cookies on a sheet pan.
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle Stainless ladle A stainless ladle with a drip-free pour spout for soups and stocks. It's dishwasher safe, and there's no plastic in the bowl sitting in hot liquid.
- OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs All-steel tongs Stainless tongs without the silicone or nylon tips, for flipping and serving straight from a hot pan. Worth knowing: Use wooden tools instead on ceramic nonstick pans.
- OXO Steel 11-Inch Whisk Stainless whisk An all-stainless whisk head for eggs, batters and sauces, replacing plastic or silicone-coated whisks.
Steel tools work best with steel and cast iron. See our non-toxic cookware guide for pans to pair them with, or easy swaps under $50 for more small upgrades.
Care tips
- Hand wash wooden tools and let them dry fully before storing.
- Oil wood once a month or when it looks dry.
- Don't leave any utensil resting in a hot pan. Handles get hot, and wood can scorch.
FAQ
Are nylon cooking utensils safe?
Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) found that some nylon (polyamide) utensils can release small molecules called oligomers into food above about 70°C (158°F). It advises keeping contact with hot food as brief as possible. Wood or stainless steel avoids the question.
Should I throw out black plastic spatulas?
A 2024 study found flame retardants in some black plastic household items, including utensils. The authors later corrected a math error that put the estimated exposure well below the EPA reference dose. The findings are uncertain, but if you're replacing a worn black spatula anyway, wood or steel is an easy choice.
Will stainless utensils scratch my pans?
On stainless steel and cast iron, metal utensils are fine. On enameled cast iron and ceramic nonstick, use wood instead to protect the surface.
How do I care for wooden spoons?
Hand wash, dry them standing up, and rub them with food-grade mineral oil or board cream now and then. Replace any spoon that cracks deeply.
