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Looking for the best non-toxic slow cookers in 2024? We did all the research for you!
Whether you’re craving comforting classics like beef stew and chicken noodle soup or experimenting with new flavors and cuisines, the safest slow cookers in the market can help you create healthy, delicious meals for the entire family.
However, it’s well-known that the lack of thorough regulation allows many brands to use potentially harmful chemicals or materials without proper testing or safety precautions. For instance, some glazes applied to ceramic cookware may contain lead, a toxic heavy metal that can seep into food, posing health risks.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common chemicals found in slow cookers, the health risks associated with them, and the safest materials to look for when choosing a safe slow cooker.
Top Non-Toxic Slow Cooker Picks in a Nutshell…
- Best overall non-toxic slow cooker: 360 cookware
- SKL-community favorite slow cooker: Green Pan
- Most aesthetically pleasing slow cooker: Our Place
- Most affordable non-toxic slow cooker: Hawkins
From hearty stews and tender roasts to flavorful soups and casseroles, slow cookers make it easy to create home-cooked meals with minimal effort. With just a few minutes of preparation in the morning, you can toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, set the desired temperature and cooking time, and go about your day.
Whether you’re heading off to work, running errands, or simply relaxing at home, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to return to a piping hot, ready-to-eat meal at the end of the day. Plus, these appliances are incredibly versatile and can used to prepare a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts, casseroles, and even desserts.
What’s more, by cooking food at low temperatures over an extended period, slow cookers preserve the natural goodness of ingredients and allow flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in very nutritious (and delicious) meals.
However, not all slow cookers are created equal, and the materials used in their construction can vary widely. Many kitchen appliances – including food steamers and air fryers– and cookware have coatings or finishes applied to their surfaces to improve performance, durability, or non-stick properties.
However, some of these coatings may contain harmful chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). When they degrade or come into contact with high heat, they can release toxic fumes or leach into food.
So, choosing non-toxic slow cookers and safe kitchen products in general made from safer materials and avoiding products with questionable coatings or finishes can help reduce the risk of harmful chemical exposure in the kitchen.
In this guide, we researched and ranked the least toxic slow cooker options in 2024. These lead-free slow cookers will help you create delicious, restaurant-quality meals without the hassle.
The Most Toxic Chemicals in Slow Cookers
When it comes to slow cookers, not all materials are created equal. Some slow cookers may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food during the cooking process.
Lead
Like in most cooking appliances, one of the most common chemicals in slow cookers is lead. Lead is found in the ceramic glazes used to coat the inner pots of some slow cookers. While ceramic is generally a safe and durable material, the glaze can sometimes contain lead, which can be released into your food, especially when cooking acidic dishes over long periods. Lead poisoning is a severe condition that can occur even at low levels of exposure.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, headaches, and memory problems, and in severe cases, it can affect nearly every organ system in the body. For children, lead exposure is particularly dangerous, potentially leading to developmental delays and learning difficulties.
BPA (Bisphenol A)
Another chemical to be wary of is BPA (Bisphenol A), commonly found in plastic components of many kitchen appliances. BPA is known to leach into food and beverages from containers made with this chemical, particularly when they are heated. This makes it a significant concern in the context of slow cookers, which operate at higher temperatures for extended periods.
BPA exposure can lead to a host of health issues, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. That’s because BPA mimics estrogen in the body, which can interfere with normal hormone levels and signaling.
PTFE and PFOA in non-stick coatings
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) are synthetic chemicals often used in non-stick coatings. While these coatings can make cleaning up a breeze, they come with their own set of risks. When heated to high temperatures, these chemicals can break down and release toxic fumes that can be harmful when inhaled. PTFE and PFOA have been linked to various health problems, including thyroid disease, chronic kidney disease, and testicular cancer.
The potential for cancer from exposure to these substances is a significant concern, especially with long-term use of products containing these chemicals.
Heavy Metals
Finally, heavy metals like cadmium can sometimes be found in the materials used to manufacture slow cookers. Cadmium accumulates in the body over time, leading to chronic toxicity even at low levels of exposure. This makes it essential to avoid kitchen appliances that may contain cadmium and opt for safer alternatives.
What Is the Healthiest Materials for a Slow Cooker?
Stainless steel
Stainless Steel is one of the top choices for non-toxic slow cookers. This material is non-reactive, which means it doesn’t interact with food or alter its taste, even when cooking acidic dishes like tomato sauce. Stainless steel is also incredibly durable, making it resistant to scratches, dents, and corrosion. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and it does not leach harmful chemicals into your food, making it a safe and reliable option for everyday cooking.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a naturally non-toxic material that retains heat well, ensuring even cooking. It’s particularly valued for its ability to maintain a consistent temperature, which is ideal for slow cooking. However, it’s important to ensure that the ceramic glaze used in the slow cooker is free of harmful substances. Opt for brands that explicitly state their products are lead and cadmium-free, ensuring you get the full benefits of this safe material.
Glass
Glass is transparent, allowing you to easily monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid and releasing heat. Additionally, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t retain odors or stains from previous meals. Glass is a fantastic material for slow cooker inserts because it is completely inert, meaning it does not react with food or leach any chemicals. While glass can be more fragile than stainless steel or ceramic, its safety and non-toxic properties make it an excellent choice.
The Safest Non-Toxic Slow Cookers in 2024
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In addition to the amazing stainless steel cookware sets, the premium brand 360 Cookware offers a fantastic non-toxic slow cooker made in the USA from metal with a 110 gauge T-316 surgical grade stainless steel.
Oven-safe capability up to 500 degrees and perfectly sized for sauces and dips, this kitchen appliance is ideal whether you’re entertaining a crowd or preparing an intimate dinner for two.
With this lead-free slow cooker, you can take advantage of the benefits of our Vapor® Cooking Method, which creates healthier, more flavorful dishes without the need for unhealthy fats or oils.
Plus, you can easily move it onto the slow cooker base to turn it into a convenient countertop slow cooker and warmer.
The set comes complete with a 2.3 Quart casserole pan with a cover, a slow cooker base, a use and care guide, and a certificate of authenticity.
Price
From $380+
Notable features
Lifetime warranty, 2.3, 4 & 6 Quart
Materials
T-316 surgical-grade stainless steel
From fish pans to tea kettles and, of course, display-worthy, nonstick ceramic slow cookers, Our Place is the mecca of healthy kitchen essentials.
The Dream Cooker® is basically a multicooker that allows you to make fork-tender meats, fluffy whole grains, and flavor-rich broths, all in record time thanks to its ultra-efficient, pressurized power.
This all-in-one lead-free slow cooker can save you up to 80% of your cooking time compared to traditional slow cooking methods.
Its 6-quart inner pot, which can hold up to 9 cups of rice, features a toxin-free ceramic nonstick coating, combining the powers of pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more.
You can set it and forget it with hands-free steam release, automatic keep warm, and nine advanced safety features, including pressure cook, slow cook, sauté/sear, and keep warm.
Price
$175
notable features
1-year warranty, 6 Quart
Materials
Stainless steel, aluminum with toxin-free ceramic non-stick coating
We’ve raved about Green Pan’s non-toxic loaf pans quite a few times in the past. However, this time we’ll focus on another super handy kitchen appliance: the PFAS-free slow cooker.
The premium cookware company offers not one, not two but 10+ models, all packed with different features.
The Healthy Duo Slow Cooker has a multipurpose design and features a convenient nonstick pot that you can easily remove for quick searing and sautéing on the stovetop, then return to the base for slow cooking.
This process infuses your meals with mouth-watering flavors while making the cooking process more efficient. Of course, the ceramic coating is free from harmful chemicals such as PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
What’s more, the lightweight and removable 6-quart pot is versatile enough for both stovetop and oven use. The slow cooker offers three cooking modes—low, medium, and high—to suit various recipes.
Additionally, it features a delay start timer that can be set from 30 minutes to 20 hours. Once cooking is complete, the slow cooker keeps your food warm for up to 4 hours.
The Elite Reserve 6-Quart Slow Cooker is a premium version that features a diamond-infused ceramic nonstick that doesn’t break down like traditional coatings. No matter your preference, keep in mind that both the lid and pot are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Price
From $85.99+
notable features
Limited warranty, 4 & 6 Quart
Materials
Stainless steel, toxin-free ceramic non-stick
Next up is another one of the best affordable non-toxic slow cookers that can sear/sauté, slow cook/roast, steam, warm, and more.
The Instant Pot Superior Cooker Chef Series Slow Cooker with its 4-in-1 functionality, replaces eight different cooking appliances and tools, including a slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, saucier, warmer, roaster, braiser, and non-stick pot.
The 7.5-quart non-stick ceramic-coated aluminum cooking pot offers a deep skillet with more cooking area than a 12″ skillet, easily accommodating 5 pounds of chicken or 3 racks of ribs, perfect for family-sized meals up to 7 servings.
What’s more, it’s versatile enough to go from cooker to oven (safe up to 350° F) to the table, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Another fantastic addition is the glass lid which is equipped with a stay-cool knob and handles for easy handling and carrying.
Price
$59
notable features
1-Year limited warranty, 7.5 Quart
Materials
Non-stick ceramic-coated aluminum
Compared to other cooking methods, the T-FAL Clipso stainless steel slow cooker reduces cook times by up to 70%, delivering faster results while retaining valuable nutrients and flavor.
Its 6.3-quart capacity is perfect for creating large batches, whether you’re preparing make-ahead meals for the week or cooking for a crowd during the holidays.
It has an encapsulated base that distributes heat evenly and is compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
Another feature we love is the one-hand system for easy and risk-free opening and closing. It’s basically a mechanism that prevents opening while under pressure, complete with a variable steam-release valve for added control, and side handles for secure carrying.
Last, but not least, T-FAL’s least toxic slow cooker is dishwasher safe (with the gasket and pressure valve removed) and includes a steam basket and stand for multi-level cooking.
As a bonus, you’ll get a recipe book featuring more than 60 recipes, so that you’ll never run out of new dishes to try.
Price
From $99.99+
notable features
1-year warranty, 6, 6.3 & 22 Quart
Materials
Stainless steel
It’s not just the sleek and stylish design that made us fall in love with Zojirushi’s safest slow cooker with a stainless steel insert.
This model is packed with 9 convenient menu settings, including sauté/sear, simmer, low/slow cook, steam, white rice, brown rice, quinoa, yogurt, and keep warm.
That’s on top of the four temperature settings from 140°F to 200°F! Its heavy-duty 6-quart capacity tri-ply 18/8 stainless steel cooking pot, complete with resin handles, resists corrosion and rusting, and its 10″ diameter accommodates large cuts of meat.
Additionally, it has a removable power cord that detaches easily if snagged, preventing the hot pot from falling off the counter, and an overflow guard directs spills for effortless cleanup.
Accessories include a stainless steel steaming basket, rice measuring cup, and a full-color recipe book to inspire your culinary creations. Of course, all surfaces that come into contact with food or beverages are BPA-free.
Price
$277
notable features
Limited warranty, 6-quart
Materials
18/8 stainless steel
While most of the best non-toxic slow cookers on the list are available in one size only, Zavor decided to expand their collection to include more options.
The stainless steel slow cooker comes with an array of interesting features. The automatic locking handle securely locks the lid into place when closed, preventing accidental openings under pressure.
What’s more, the pressure regulator knob is user-friendly, offering four positions: “High” (15psi) for intense cooking, “Low” (10psi) for gentler cooking, “Release” for safely venting steam after cooking, and “Clean” for easy maintenance.
No worries, a yellow indicator rises when the cooker reaches the desired pressure and lowers once the pressure is safely released. Plus, open ordering, you’ll also get a digital cookbook with over 50 recipes.
Price
From $119.95+
notable features
10-year warranty, 4.2, 6.3, 8.4, 10 Quart
Materials
Stainless steel
VitaClay’s least toxic slow cooker doubles as a yogurt maker and a baby food maker which is amazing!
This model aims to simplify mealtime by helping you prepare mini stews, pot roasts, pot pies, dips, sauces, desserts, overnight oatmeal, porridge, herbal tonic soups or teas, vegetable or meat broths, and homemade baby food, all with minimal effort.
On top of that, the removable 2-quart organic unglazed clay insert with a glass lid is perfect for smaller meals or batches of yogurt.
It has 3 temperature settings – off, high, and low, yogurt to help preserve beneficial nutrients, live cultures, and enzymes!
Lastly, because it’s so light and portable, you can take it everywhere with you.
Price
From 99.95+
notable features
Limited 1-year warranty, 2,3,4 & 6 Quart
Materials
Stainless steel
Hawkins’s lineup of the safest non-toxic slow cookers comes in multiple sizes and is suitable to use on induction stoves as well as on domestic gas, electric, halogen, ceramic, and kerosene stoves.
The body and lid are 100% stainless steel to make sure that you’ll get to enjoy uniform heating every single time. As for the bottom, it has a core of 4.06 mm thick aluminum sandwiched between two sheets of stainless steel that do not pit or corrode.
In addition to the fantastic choice of healthy materials, what makes Hawkins’ lead-free slow cookers really amazing is the Miss Mary pressure regulation system and automatic Safety Valve. It helps cook fast, saves fuel, and is easy to insert and remove.
Price
From $31.40+
notable features
1.5-8.5 Liter
Materials
Stainless steel
Did you know that Presto, founded back in 1905, created the first saucepan-style pressure cooker in 1939? Since then, they’ve introduced many more innovative models, including multiple sizes of the top-selling stainless steel slow cooker.
This durable cooker features strong heavy-gauge aluminum construction for quick and even heating, making it suitable for both regular and smooth-top ranges. According to dozens of online reviews, it not only preserves flavors and nutrients but also tenderizes lean cuts of meat effectively.
The cover lock indicator shows when pressure is inside the cooker and prevents opening until pressure is safely reduced. As a bonus, you’ll get a special rack for cooking multiple foods simultaneously without flavors mixing.
Plus, Presto’s safest slow cookers are fully immersible and dishwasher safe.
Price
From $57.49+
notable features
1-year warranty, 4, 6, 8, 16, 23 Quart
Materials
Stainless steel
What Slow Cookers to Avoid at All Costs
Brands That Don’t Properly Disclose All Materials
If a manufacturer does not clearly state what materials are used in the construction of their slow cooker, it’s best to steer clear. When material information is vague or missing, there’s a higher risk that the cooker may contain unsafe substances.
Uncertified Slow Cookers
Certifications from reputable organizations such as the FDA or NSF indicate that the product has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it is safe for use. Without these certifications, there’s no guarantee that the slow cooker meets essential safety standards.
Models With Plastic Parts in Cooking Areas
Plastics can leach harmful chemicals, especially when exposed to high temperatures over extended periods. Chemicals like BPA and phthalates can migrate from plastic into food, posing health risks.
Non-Stick Coatings Without Clear Labeling of PTFE/PFOA-Free
Non-stick coatings can make cleanup easier, but they also raise potential health concerns if they contain chemicals like PTFE or PFOA. These substances can break down at high temperatures, releasing toxic fumes and leaching into food.
How We Researched and Rated the Best Non-toxic Slow Cookers on the Market
1. Safety of Materials Used
Our main criteria for selecting a non-toxic slow cooker is the safety of the materials used in its construction. This involves transparent information about the inner pot, lid, and any parts that come into contact with food.
2. Certifications and Third-Party Testing
Certifications and third-party testing are important indicators of a product’s safety and quality. Slow cookers that have been certified by reputable organizations such as the FDA, NSF International, or other recognized bodies are prioritized.
3. Consumer Reviews and Brand Reputation
The safest slow cookers that consistently receive positive reviews for their safety, durability, and functionality are given preference. Products from brands with a history of recalls or safety issues were, as always, excluded from consideration.
4. Functionality and Ease of Use
While safety is the absolute most important thing on our list, we also want to suggest models that are factual and very easy to use. The selected least toxic slow cookers are evaluated for their ability to perform essential cooking tasks effectively.
Non-toxic slow cookers offer a safer cooking alternative for health-conscious folks, as they are made from safe materials that minimize the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into food.
Stainless steel, ceramic, and glass are among the options on the eco market. Stainless steel is non-reactive and durable. Ceramic, if certified lead and cadmium-free, is a naturally non-toxic option, perfect for slow cooking without compromising safety.
Lastly, when selecting the safest non-toxic slow cooker models, make sure that the product is compliant with stringent safety standards of organizations such as the FDA or NSF.
Let us know your top pick for the best non-toxic slow cookers below!
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