Bahasa Indonesia
Sometimes, we already put a lot of thought into cooking at home. Fresh vegetables, natural seasonings, carefully selected cooking oil. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked: the cookware we use every day.
In fact, cookware also plays a role in determining whether the food we prepare is truly safe to consume.
Cookware Can Be a Hidden Risk Without Us Realizing It
Some cookware, especially non-stick types, is made using certain chemical materials. When exposed to high heat, these coatings can react and release substances that may end up in food or be inhaled along with the air.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), an environmental organization based in the United States, reports that chemical non-stick coatings can reach extremely high temperatures within just a few minutes. Under these conditions, gases and potentially harmful substances may be released, which are not ideal if exposure happens repeatedly.
That’s why it’s not only ingredients that matter—cookware deserves attention too.
Get to Know Common Non-Stick Coatings in the Kitchen
To make wiser choices, it helps to understand the differences between commonly used non-stick coatings.
Teflon
This coating is well known for its convenience because food doesn’t stick easily. However, Teflon can release harmful fumes when heated at very high temperatures or when the coating starts to wear off.
If you are still using Teflon-coated cookware, it’s best to:
- Use low to medium heat
- Avoid cookware with peeling or damaged surfaces
- Choose wooden or silicone spatulas to prevent scratches
Ceramic
Ceramic coatings tend to be considered safer because they are generally free from substances such as lead, cadmium, PFOA, and PTFE. They are made from natural mineral-based materials, making them more suitable for everyday home cooking.
That said, ceramic cookware should still be used over low to medium heat to keep the non-stick layer durable.
Tips for Safer Cooking at Home
In addition to choosing the right cookware, daily cooking habits also matter:
- Avoid heating empty pans for too long
- Don’t use excessively high heat
- Replace cookware once the surface is damaged
- Clean gently using soft sponges to prevent quick wear
Small habits like these can help maintain cookware quality and keep food safer.
Cooking at home isn’t just about being full—it’s also about peace of mind and caring for the people we love. By being more mindful of the cookware we use, we can feel more confident serving everyday meals.
