9 Chef-Recommended Non-Toxic Kitchen Tools Under $25

It’s hard to escape the news about microplastics in food, water, and kitchen utensils, whether an old plastic cutting board, black plastic kitchen utensil, or scratched Teflon cookware. However, you can minimize your exposure by ensuring that you’re cooking with non-toxic kitchen utensils and cookware. From glass to bamboo and cast iron, you don’t have to spend big to invest in non-toxic kitchen tools that will last.

I asked three professional chefs for their favorite non-toxic kitchen products, and they recommended some extremely affordable swaps for food storage, cooking, and cleanup, including a silicone spatula and biodegradable sponges. If you’re ready to invest in non-toxic kitchen tools, these nine chef-recommended alternatives start at just $7, and they’re all available on Amazon.

• Airnex Biodegradable Natural Kitchen Sponge, 10-Pack, $15, originally $16
• Hiware Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board, $15, originally $18
• Amazon Basics Glass Food Storage Containers, $25
• Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $20
• OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Flexible Turner, $14
• GIR Premium Silicone Spatula, $15
• Farberware Extra-Large Wood Cutting Board, $25, originally $27
• OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Steel Locking Tongs, $16
• KitchenAid Bamboo Basting Spoon, $7

Airnex Biodegradable Natural Kitchen Sponge, 10-Pack

If you want to avoid plastic, these sponges, made with natural fibers, are long-lasting and gentle enough for cleaning your nonstick cookware. “These sponges are not only non-toxic and plastic-free, but they’re also fully biodegradable and compostable, making them a smart and sustainable alternative to traditional sponges that shed microplastics,” says Miguel Guerra, chef and owner at MITA. “They hold up surprisingly well with daily use, don’t develop odor quickly, and work great for everything from scrubbing pans to wiping down counters.” And the 10-pack starts at just $13 on Amazon.

Hiware Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board

With the news that plastic cutting boards may release microplastics into food, wooden cutting boards offer a non-toxic alternative that won’t break the bank. “A great option under $25 is a bamboo cutting board with juice grooves,” says Shawna Clark, founder and chef at Healthy Foodie Girl. “I love that it’s sturdy, naturally antibacterial, and doesn’t slide around while chopping.” This cutting board from Hiware is made from 100% bamboo and comes in five sizes, so you can choose the best option for your space or build your own set. Just make sure you’re using proper wooden cutting board maintenance to make it last as long as possible.

Amazon Basics Glass Food Storage Containers

If you’re using flimsy, scratched, and pasta-sauce-stained plastic containers, it’s time to upgrade to a glass set. Not only are glass food storage containers non-toxic, but they’re also durable, easy to clean, and long-lasting. “I’ve also been using glass food storage containers for years,” Clark says. “They’re non-toxic, don’t stain or hold onto odors, and I love that many are safe for the oven and microwave. They’ve held up beautifully and make meal prep and storage feel cleaner, simpler, and safer.” 

This $25 Amazon Basics set includes seven nesting rectangular and circular containers, all with secure lids. They’re safe for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, whether you’re meal prepping or storing takeout leftovers.

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

While nonstick pans make cooking easy, some can chip or scratch easily, which could expose you to toxic chemicals. While you can also invest in Teflon-free nonstick cookware, Megan Keno, celebrity chef, participant in Fox’s Next Level Chef Season 4, and founder of the food blog Homemade Home, recommends a good, old-fashioned Lodge cast iron skillet. “Not only are these single metal pans, and made in the USA, they are uncoated, alleviating concerns about coatings that will chip or wear down with time,” Keno says. At just $20, this 10.25-inch skillet is well worth the investment for years of non-toxic cooking. 

OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Flexible Turner

Silicone kitchen tools are a safer alternative to regular old plastic ones, while still being gentle enough to use on nonstick cookware, unlike metal utensils. OXO’s Good Grips Silicone Turner is extra durable, thanks to its stainless steel handle. “I use this for turning roasted veggies, lifting delicate fish, or for skillet stovetop cooking,” Keno says. “It’s firm yet flexible, and the heat-resistant silicone means nothing gets left behind on the pan with its amazing flexibility to get into corners or edges.” 

GIR Premium Silicone Spatula

While we don’t need a professional chef to tell us to throw out our black plastic kitchen utensils, Keno recommends this sturdy GIR silicone spatula as an affordable swap. “With it being made out of silicone, it can be used in tons of cooking applications without fear of leaching toxic things into your food,” she says. “Plus, it’s dishwasher safe. Win for the busy cooks out there.” The heat-resistant silicone is safe to use at up to 550°F, whether stir-frying or mixing batter. You can also pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Farberware Extra-Large Wood Cutting Board

Wooden cutting boards aren’t just great for everyday use — they’re also a functional hosting tool, whether assembling a cheese board or crudites. “If you want to steer clear of plastics, a bamboo cutting board is a greener and non-toxic option,” Keno says. “It is highly sustainable, utilizing quick-growing bamboo, and great for kitchen work or entertaining.” This cutting board offers two sides and plenty of room for chopping or serving.

OXO Good Grips 12 Inch Steel Locking Tongs

If you have plastic tongs in your kitchen, Keno recommends swapping them for her go-to stainless steel tongs from OXO. “No black nylon tongs here!” Keno says. “These stainless steel tongs are easy to maneuver and use, have a solid grip for your hands, and equally solid grip for your food without being rough.” The tongs come in several sizes, from 7 to 16 inches long, and you don’t have to worry about them melting or leaching microplastics into your food.

KitchenAid Bamboo Basting Spoon

If you want less toxic kitchen tools in your kitchen, start with the utensils you use the most, like spoons. “I also suggest adding wood cooking utensils like spoons and spatulas,” Clark says. “They're perfect for both nonstick pans and regular cookware.” This wooden spoon from KitchenAid is made from bamboo, so it’s durable, eco-friendly, and won’t scratch your cookware. Plus, at just $7, it’s one of the most affordable non-toxic kitchen tool swaps you can make.