Healthy cooking starts with the pan: why more and more people are choosing PFAS-free

What you use in the kitchen really makes a difference for you and your guests

What exactly are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are chemical compounds that make materials grease- and water-resistant. In the kitchen, you find them mostly in traditional non-stick coatings of frying pans.

Convenient? Perhaps. But PFAS hardly break down in nature and accumulate in soil, water and even in food chains. Research shows that PFAS can be found in drinking water, in soil and even in eggs of animals in the environment.

Why is that a problem?

Long-term exposure to PFAS is associated with serious health problems. Think immune system disruption, liver damage and increased risk of certain cancers. Not something you want anywhere near your guests or your kitchen.

Hazardous fumes at excessive temperatures

In addition to long-term exposure, another risk arises when you cook with PFAS pans. If they get too hot, say above 260 degrees Celsius, they can give off toxic fumes. Those fumes are harmful to both humans and animals. There have even been cases of pets becoming seriously ill from inhaling fumes from overheated pans.

Fortunately, there is a healthy alternative

There are plenty of safe, natural and sustainable materials to cook with. Not only are they better for your gezondheid, but also for the planet. Consider, for example:

• Cast iron: robust, natural and suitable for all heat sources
• Stainless steel (SS): hard-wearing and easy to maintain
• Sheet steel: ideal for high temperatures and gets even better the more often you use it

These materials contain no harmful coatings and emit no fumes. They are durable, honest and will last for generations if used properly.

Cooking with a good feeling

Choosing PFAS-free pans means choosing gezondheid, sustainability and transparency. You know what you are using in your kitchen, you limit your ecological impact and you offer guests a stay that is right down to the last detail.

Whether for your own cooking pleasure or for the comfort of your guests, a good pan is the foundation. And it may be healthy, for everyone at the table.