Non-toxic baking sheets are becoming more popular as people become aware of the potentially harmful chemicals that can be found in many common household items.
According to recent research, U.S. consumers are spending upwards of $26.5 billion per year on home baking products. That’s BILLION… with a B. And the same research found that 45% of people consider themselves “avid bakers.”
It goes without saying that we love cakes. And pies. And cookies and bread and strudels and muffins and biscuits and brownies and… I mean, the list goes on, (but I need to stop writing about them because my mouth is watering).
And when we’re trying to be “healthier,” we tend to talk a lot about what goes INTO our baked goods. We check the ingredients list and nutrition facts (if we’re getting something store-bought), or we might substitute some of the ingredients for more nutritious ones (if we’re baking it ourselves).
But something we don’t talk a lot about is what we’re baking things IN or ON. Because who would have thought baking sheets could be toxic?
Some Bakeware is Toxic
The truth of the matter is, much of the bakeware on the market is made with potentially toxic materials, including heavy metals and other chemicals that can leach into your baked goods and end up in your body, possibly contributing to a number of negative health effects for you and/or your family in the future.
When you find out that these harmful chemicals might be present in your bakeware, you might feel a sense of panic (and maybe confusion too). I know I did.
So what should you do? Well, you’ve already taken the first step by educating yourself about the safest bakeware materials on the market. (That’s why you’re here, right?)
But it can be SO overwhelming. When looking for any kind of non-toxic products, I’ve always found it difficult to trust companies with my money (and my family’s health!).
That’s why when I did the research for myself, I wanted to create this hopefully-not-as-overwhelming guide and help you find the best non-toxic bakeware for your own family.
If you stick around until the end of the article, you can learn a little bit more about what you should look for when trying to find the safest bakeware materials, the problem with non-stick coatings, and the toxic chemicals that you should look to avoid when searching for a baking sheet.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I could be compensated if you decide to make a purchase. You can read my full disclosure here.
The Best Non-Toxic Baking Sheets
Xtrema Baking Pans
Material: 100% ceramic (clay, water, natural minerals, and oxides)
Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Price: $$$$
Top Temperature: 500°F+
Other Notes: You can purchase various-sized baking pans, muffin pans, pie pans, loaf pans, and more. Unfortunately, there aren’t any cookie sheets.
You may have seen this brand on my list of non-toxic cookware, and I’m so glad they came out with a bakeware option.
Xtrema’s bakeware stands out in the market because it is 100% ceramic. There are absolutely no metals used, meaning you won’t find any aluminum (not even an aluminum core), stainless steel, or any other metals in its composition. These pieces are entirely dishwasher-safe and non-toxic, reflecting the company’s commitment to protecting global health and wellness. In fact, they are Prop 65 compliant, which is a fantastic bonus. The company does not use harmful substances like PFOAs, PTFEs, or heavy metals like lead and cadmium.
While these bakeware items might be on the pricier side, their durability and safety make them worth the investment. They are designed to last, with a 10-year warranty granted you adhere to the simple care and use instructions provided.
What’s more, they offer a 40-day trial period. So you can purchase them, try them out, and if you don’t love them, you can return them within 40 days.
These products are thermal shock resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. Unlike other bakeware, these pans are versatile enough to be used on grills, over campfires, in broilers, and even freezers. They retain heat well and ensure even cooking. Plus, they’re chip-resistant, stain-proof, and come in a beautiful dark color that’s achieved without any glue, dyes, or coatings.
However, to maintain the integrity of the ceramic, it’s suggested to avoid using metal utensils and opt for silicone or wooden ones instead.
Xtrema offers a variety of bakeware, including baking dishes, loaf pans, pie pans, muffin pans, and grill pans. You can choose individual items or go for bundles. For instance, the Baking Pan Bundle includes a 2-quart, 4-quart, and 6-quart baking pan, and the Baker’s Bundle features a six-spot muffin pan, a 2-quart loaf pan, and a 9-inch pie pan.
The only downside is the absence of large, flat baking sheets typically used for cookies. I use cookie sheets more than any other bakeware. However, I plan to reach out to the company to inquire about this and see if they have plans to introduce them in the future. I’ll update this post when I hear back from them.
360 Cookware
Material: Stainless Steel
Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Price: $$$
Top Temperature: 500°F
Other Notes: Professional grade; includes a lifetime warranty
360 baking sheets are an excellent investment if you have the budget for them. Crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel, these sheets are both durable and dishwasher-safe. While the price range is higher than most, their quality and features make them worth every penny, and you’ll have them forever, thanks to their lifetime warranty.
If your bakeware has a manufacturing defect, you can replace it at no additional cost. Even if you misuse and break it (which would likely be difficult), 360 offers a replacement at 50% of the retail price at the time of warranty submission.
The brand’s comprehensive care guide tells you how to maintain the baking sheets to keep the lifetime warranty intact, and it also provides general tips on using baking sheets and stainless steel products in general.
One of the things I love most about these sheets is their size. I often make batches of cookies for holidays, school gifts, or just as a treat for my kids, and 360 offers large flat cookie sheets, unlike Xtrema, which I talked about above.
In addition to their size, these sheets also boast even heat distribution, and they’re thicker than many other baking sheets on the market, making them more durable and enhancing their performance.
They’re oven- and broiler-safe up to 500°F and proudly made in the United States (Wisconsin, to be precise) without harsh chemicals.
360 exhibits an admirable commitment to its customers and provides outstanding customer service. You can purchase their products on Amazon for quick delivery or directly from the brand. They offer assorted bakeware options, including roasting pans, pizza pans, cake pans, and even cookie cutters.
TeamFar Baking Sheet
Material: Stainless Steel
Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Price: $
Top Temperature: 500°F
Other Notes: Comes in many sizes, including a large 16×12″ baking tray (which is great for big families)
When I first learned about how toxic my bakeware could be (especially those with non-stick coatings), I did some light research and ended up ordering this stainless steel baking pan from Amazon. It was inexpensive and made for an easy swap. Now I’ve had it for nearly two years and still use it multiple times per week. It’s pretty big compared to others I’ve had in the past (which I love for my big family), but the brand does offer a two-piece set with a smaller size if you’re cooking for fewer people.
I love that TeamFar’s commercial-grade stainless steel cookie sheets are made from stainless steel without any kind of toxic coating, so you can rest assured knowing that there won’t be any toxic substances seeping into your food (even at high temperatures). And did you see that price? It’s one of the lowest-priced baking sheets on my list, but I promise it’s still great quality.
Buy a set of three if you’re really big into baking.
Since it’s an inch deep, it holds quite a bit of food and keeps juices and oils from spilling out. You can even put a roasting rack over it and just use it to catch the liquids!
Since it’s made of stainless steel, it’s rust-resistant and heavy duty, which means it can withstand years of use without major damage.
It’s also very smooth, which prevents food from sticking to the surface, and you can spray a bit of oil on it to avoid any additional sticking. (Read on to learn more about why you should avoid baking sheets that are marketed as “non-stick”.)
It is dishwasher-safe though, so cleanup couldn’t be easier. That being said, it may be a bit too big for your dishwasher (it’s too big for mine!).
The only downside to these baking sheets is that they don’t have handles, which can make moving them tricky. You can use oven mitts as handles, which is what I do. Just be careful not to dip your mitt into the oils!
After about a year of use, ours have started warping slightly at extremely high temperatures (above 450-degrees Fahrenheit), but it hasn’t been enough to alter the food in any way. My cookies don’t slide around, juices don’t spill out, and everything still seems to cook evenly.
I’m also unsure of where these baking sheets are manufactured, but I’ve reached out to TeamFar, and I’ll update this post with their answer!
Wildone Baking Sheet with Silicone Mat Set
Material: Silicone & Stainless Steel
Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Price: $$
Top Temperature: 450°F
Other Notes: Comes in a set of two — with two cookie sheets and two baking mats that fit perfectly inside the baking sheets
Silicone baking mats are becoming more and more popular, and after using them you will understand why!
This set from Wildone includes 2 stainless steel baking sheets and 2 silicone baking mats. The silicone baking mats are a great alternative to non-stick baking sheets, which have been linked to hormone imbalances and weakened immune systems, and they can be used thousands of times.
The multi-use function makes them an inexpensive addition to your kitchen that’s safer and more sustainable than aluminum foil or parchment paper.
The silicone baking mats are made of 100% food-grade silicone and reinforced fiberglass, so they’re safe to use at temperatures up to 450 °F (and down to -40 °F too), which means that you can put them straight into the oven or freezer.
And you don’t need to add any cooking spray, grease, or oil to keep food from sticking.
The baking sheets are also stainless steel, which means no toxic chemicals will be leaching into your food when it comes in contact with the cooking surface.
The set is dishwasher safe for easier cleanup, and the silicone mats can be machine-washed as well.
I love that you can purchase 5 different sizes, including a GIANT 18×13″ stainless steel cookie sheet set, so you can choose the best size pan based on what you’re cooking.
Caraway Ceramic Baking Sheets
Material: Ceramic-coated aluminized steel with stainless steel handles
Care Instructions: Hand wash
Price: $$$$
Top Temperature: 550°F
Other Notes: I generally don’t recommend nonstick coatings, but if you feel like you’d be lost without your nonstick cookie sheet, I think this is the safest replacement.
Ceramic bakeware is becoming more and more popular due to its non-stick properties, and these baking sheets from Caraway are my favorite option.
As I mentioned above, I don’t generally recommend using any kind of cookware or bakeware that’s marketed as “non-stick,” but if you’re an avid baker and really feel like you need the nonstick surface, these are a much better option than what you’ll find elsewhere (or what you may already have in your cabinets).
You don’t have to use as much oil when cooking (or maybe none at all), and since they don’t contain PTFE, PFOA, lead, or cadmium, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals seeping into your food (even at high temperatures).
Ceramic is very durable and tends to not warp over time like some other materials (like the stainless steel baking sheets I’ve mentioned here), and I love that Caraway’s packaging is completely plastic-free!
Caraway’s non-toxic baking sheets are oven-safe up to 550 °F, so if you want to use them for high heat cooking, they’re a terrific choice. Depending on the dish you’re baking, your optimum temperature probably lies somewhere between 325 and 450 °F though.
Unlike the stainless steel baking sheets that I’ve recommended in this post, Caraway recommends that you hand-wash their products (instead of using the dishwasher) in order to extend the life of the non-stick ceramic coating.
Eventually, the non-stick properties will fade away with use, but if you care for these baking sheets properly, they’re designed to last for many years.
And if food does end up sticking, you can do a deep-clean with baking soda and vinegar before washing with mild non-toxic dish soap.
P.S. If you bake on a regular basis, you may be interested in Caraway’s full set of bakeware, which will give you everything you need, including multiple baking sheets, a muffin pan, a loaf pan, and circle pans for round cakes. You can get $150 off right now, and the company even gives you a handy organizer for easier storage.
Gotham Steel Ultra Durable Bakeware with Quick Release Ceramic Coating
Material: Titanium & ceramic-coated aluminum
Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Price: $$
Top Temperature: 500°F
Other Notes: These are nonstick, which I generally avoid, but they’re an ok choice for nonstick if you feel like you REALLY need it.
This is actually a full baking set versus one baking sheet, but Gotham’s bakeware set is free of PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS. (Do all these letters sound like nonsense to you? You’re not alone. Learn more about the potential dangers of these chemicals.)
Again, I’m not a huge fan of nonstick coatings, but if you feel like you NEED nonstick, and you’re not ready to splurge on the Caraway baking set above, Gotham is a pretty good choice for nonstick. The ceramic coating on these non-stick baking sheets provides superior durability and is designed to last for many years.
Gotham’s 5-piece baking set includes a 12″ by 17.7″ baking sheet in addition to a 9.5″ round cake pan, a 9.5″ square pan, a 9″ by 4″ loaf pan, and a 12-cup muffin pan. (But you can buy the baking sheet on its own if you prefer.)
All of the Gotham Steel bakeware pieces are oven safe up to 500 °F and are fully dishwasher safe too.
The non-stick ceramic coating works at all temperatures, so even if you need to pop your dishes in the freezer, you’ll be safe.
If you’re trying to avoid aluminum entirely though, these aren’t the right choice for you because they’re made of aluminum with a ceramic coating. That being said, the coating is very durable, and these pans are super affordable too!
Unicook Baking Stone
Material: Cordierite (a naturally-occurring mineral compound)
Care Instructions: Hand wash only
Price: $$
Top Temperature: 1,450°F
Other Notes: The material is porous, so you shouldn’t wash baking stones with soap — use baking soda
Stoneware isn’t just for making pizzas!
This baking stone from Unicook is a great non-toxic option for baking everything from cookies to flatbreads, and you can even use it on the grill!
I prefer to use stoneware like this that isn’t coated in any chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about leeching.
The stone will retain heat better than metal pans will, which means your food will cook more thoroughly and evenly.
The downside is that it’s completely flat, so it won’t hold oils or juices if you’re baking meet or vegetables, and since it doesn’t have handles, it’s a little more difficult to carry (it’s stone, so it’s pretty heavy!).
One major plus though is that the stone doesn’t have any grooves, so it’s super easy to clean (even though you can’t put it in the dishwasher).
For crispy baked goods preheat your stoneware first, then place your food on it before baking.
Pyrex Glass Bakeware
Material: Tempered soda-lime glass
Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
Price: $$
Top Temperature: 425°F
Other Notes: There have been some reports of Pyrex bakeware “exploding” or breaking unexpectedly because it’s no longer made with borosilicate glass. I have had Pyrex bakeware my entire life, and have never had one break. If you want to dig deeper into the information about Pyrex breakage, this article from the New York Times is a great resource.
While this non-toxic baking dish isn’t actually a sheet, I do love it because of the handles!
Pyrex’s glass baking dishes are oven-safe up to 425°F, and they work for lots of recipes, both sweet and savory. I use my Pyrex dishes nearly every day. (They make great food storage containers too.)
And since the edges are super deep, it makes for a great choice for lasagna or casseroles; just make sure to adjust your baking times since it’ll heat so much faster than metal.
The glass is non-toxic and won’t leech anything into your food, but the glass isn’t designed to handle sudden changes in temperature (so don’t pour cold liquids into a hot dish or vice versa).
You can put it right into a preheated oven, and you can use metal utensils on it without worrying about scraping any coating off (because it’s not coated).
It also comes with a lid for storing or carrying to a potluck. Although the lid is plastic (which is not exactly our favorite material), so you don’t have to use it.
Why You Should Use Non-Toxic Baking Sheets
Some baking sheets and other cookware can be harmful to our health, even if we’re cooking otherwise healthy food on them.
Lead and cadmium are both somewhat common in cooking products, including baking sheets, and some bakeware is coated with chemicals (like PTFE, PFOA, and others) to make them nonstick and more convenient to use and clean.
As convenient as it can be, unfortunately, these chemicals can leech into our food as we cook —with potentially severe health consequences, so it’s best to use non-toxic bakeware when possible.
What Makes A Baking Sheet Non-Toxic?
The materials and coating used to make bakeware are what determines if it’s non-toxic or not.
Most bakeware is primarily made of some sort of metal, like steel or aluminum, and while the metal itself isn’t inherently toxic, you can scratch off the coating when using certain utensils, and the coating can flake off into your food. That’s why you should dispose of nonstick baking products and other cookware if you begin to notice scratches or chips in the coating.
Some companies, like Pyrex, do offer fully non-toxic bakeware products that are made of glass or ceramic without any coating to enhance their performance.
So it’s best to do your research and find out exactly what material a baking sheet is made of before making a purchase.
What Types of Baking Sheets Should You Avoid?
If you’re in the market for new bakeware, there are some types that you should avoid. Specifically those with nonstick coatings and aluminum.
I generally avoid anything that’s marketed as “non-stick” (more on that below), but if your cookie sheets and cake pans are non-stick (and you’re not planning to replace them), don’t use metal utensils. This may scratch the coating and allow it to flake into your food.
So if you’re baking something in the oven at 450°F and you’re using something nonstick, it’s best to use wooden or silicone utensils.
Some people may also want to avoid aluminum baking sheets since aluminum has been linked to various health problems.
Are Non-Stick Baking Sheets Safe?
I do not recommend the use of non-stick baking sheets or other non-stick cookware, and there’s a lot of debate around whether non-stick baking sheets and the coatings they use are safe.
Non-stick coatings like PFOA and Teflon can leech into your food as you cook at high temperatures. And since the coating is not part of the metal, it can scratch off when you’re using your cookware and bakeware (especially if you use metal utensils) and little flakes can end up directly in your food.
Exposure to PFOA has been linked to cancer, thyroid disorders, low birth weights, kidney disease, and other health conditions. And they’ve been found in the blood of nearly every human being on earth.
In 2006, the United States EPA formed the PFOA Stewardship Program and asked companies to begin phasing out their usage of PFOA in certain products. By 2015, all of these companies reported that they stopped using PFOA in their materials.
Even newer non-stick bakeware may be cause for concern though. As mentioned in a 2017 study, “Due to toxicity concerns, PFOA has been replaced with other chemicals such as GenX, but these new alternatives are also suspected to have similar toxicity.”
And the EU is working to ban PFAS chemicals entirely.
So even though non-stick bakeware is technically “food-safe,” I recommend steering clear of non-stick baking sheets and sticking with stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, with a healthy amount of caution.
If you do choose to use non-stick baking sheets, be sure not to overheat them (since you shouldn’t heat non-stick cookware past 500°F).
You can read more about non-stick cookware and my family’s decision to switch to stainless steel and cast iron here.
(Have questions about enamel cookware? Find out if it’s a safe option.)
Are Aluminum Baking Sheets Safe?
This is a little more complicated than a yes or no answer, but aluminum baking sheets are generally safe to use.
It’s best to use silicone-covered utensils like tongs when flipping or stirring (in order to avoid scratching the aluminum). And you shouldn’t use abrasive brushes when cleaning as that could lead to scratches as well.
As long as you don’t scratch your aluminum baking sheet, which can release aluminum from the sheet and into your food, it’s safe to use.
You should also avoid purchasing aluminum baking pans from thrift stores, as these pans are older and may contain additional materials that you’re unaware of.
If you research aluminum a little further, you’ll find that aluminum can leach into food in small amounts, especially if the food is acidic (like tomato sauce or citruses). And aluminum ingestion has been associated with various health risks.
The small amount of aluminum that passes into the food, however, is likely not an issue for healthy adults, but it can pose a higher risk to people with a history of renal failure or to smaller children.
I recommend sticking with stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic bakeware if you have a choice. But using aluminum baking sheets can be fine so long as you take precautions when cleaning them, putting them in the oven, and storing them for later use.
Are Baking Sheet Liners Toxic?
Some people use baking sheet liners to decrease their clean up time or reduce their calorie intake, but it’s best not to.
Aluminum foil is probably the most commonly used liner, and there has been research to suggest that high usage of aluminum foil can lead to adverse health effects because it leaches into our food when heated.
Parchment paper is another popular liner, especially when making cookies and other sweet treats. Unfortunately, parchment paper’s non-stick properties are sometimes due to the use of PFAS (like Teflon), and bleached parchment paper may leach dioxins when heated.
(I talk more about dioxins in my article about non-toxic diapers.)
If you need to use parchment paper, however, I recommend this unbleached parchment paper from If You Care, which was independently tested and found to not contain PFAS.
What Kind of Baking Sheets are Safe?
As you can see in our product recommendations, there are a number of non-toxic baking pans you can get your hands on. But how do you know which baking sheet to choose if you’re in a store and buying directly off of the shelf?
The material your baking sheet is made of can make a big difference in its non-toxicity. The safest bakeware materials are stainless steel, ceramic, stone, glass, and silicone. Let’s dive deeper into each of those materials.
Stainless Steel Baking Sheets
Stainless steel is a great material for baking because it heats evenly, is rust-free & heavy-duty, lasts for a long time, and is usually quite affordable too.
It’s fairly easy to clean too — as long as you use a lubricant like cooking spray or oil on them before baking.
You’ll often see stainless steel baking sheets and other cooking products marked with numbers like “304,” “18/8,” etc. These numbers refer to the “grade” of the stainless steel and the amount of chromium and nickel in it.
Nickel is often added to stainless steel to keep it from rusting, so if you use stainless steel bakeware, make sure you don’t let super salty or acidic foods sit for long periods of time. If you do, it may release nickel into your food. Or you can purchase nickel-free stainless steel.
The baking sheets that I’ve recommended above are all made with high-quality 430 18/0 stainless steel without a chemical coating. This means they are stainless 18% chromium and contain less than 1% nickel (hence the 18/0).
Ceramic Baking Sheets
Another non-toxic baking sheet option is ceramic. Ceramic baking sheets are usually strong, durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
If you’re determined to use some sort of non-stick bakeware, ceramic is the way to go (and I really like the ones from Caraway).
Ceramic can usually tolerate high heats, which means you’ll be able to bake at higher temperatures with them than many other types of baking sheets, and ceramic is also chemically inert, so it’s great for cooking acidic foods.
That being said, some companies aren’t entirely open about the ingredients used in their non-stick coating, so I still advise you to use caution when cooking with ceramic, and you should always check the manufacturer’s website for specific care instructions to follow when using ceramic non-stick bakeware.
Stoneware Baking Sheets
Stoneware has amazing heat retention properties and is great for keeping food warm during meals and for getting foods crispy in the oven. It also draws moisture away from food and doesn’t retain any odors.
If you’re looking for stoneware bakeware, you’ll come across two main types: unglazed and glazed. Unglazed stoneware is porous and can absorb moisture, so it’s usually coated in a non-stick material to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
I recommend opting for unglazed stoneware when you can find it.
It’s a great choice for bakeware. Just remember you can’t use soap or detergent on it. Instead, you should clean it with baking soda and water.
Glass Bakeware
Glass is another option for non-toxic baking. Glass baking sheets are easy to use, they won’t warp in the dishwasher, and they’re usually clear, which makes it easier to check your food for doneness and monitor its progress during cooking.
That being said, glass cooks a bit faster than metal, so you’ll have to adjust your cooking times if you choose to use glass bakeware.
Glass bakeware is also easy to clean. You can simply handwash them in soapy water or most can be put in the dishwasher.
As noted above, I love using Pyrex baking dishes — you just have to be careful you don’t break them! Most glass baking sheets are tempered, which means they’re super strong and intended to withstand very high oven temperatures. And they’re freezer-safe too (but you shouldn’t take them directly from the freezer to the oven, or vice versa… You don’t want to be picking up teeny tiny pieces of your glass baking dish off the floor!)
You don’t have to worry about scraping any coatings off of it either or having it smell. Just spray it with oil or cooking spray before use, and you’re good to go.
Silicone Baking Mats
Silicone is another option for non-toxic baking. The surface of silicone baking mats is made from silica and can be used for a lot of different dishes. Silicone mats are easy to clean, and some are dishwasher-safe too!
Silicone is a popular choice for non-toxic baking sheets because it can handle high temperatures and is non-stick.
However, there are some cons to using silicone baking mats that you should know about. Silicone can melt if exposed to very high temperatures for a long period of time. So if you’re wanting something that will be safe to use in the broiler, I don’t recommend going with silicone. You may need to increase baking times a bit as well.
You can also find these in muffin tins, loaf pans, and cupcake holders! Learn more about cooking with silicone products!
How to Choose the Best Non-Toxic Bakeware for Your Family
Now that you have a good idea of what’s on the market, it’s time to choose a non-toxic baking dish that works for your family.
Obviously, one of the first things you’ll want to think about is your budget. Non-toxic bakeware tends to be on the more expensive side, so if you’re on a limited budget, make sure you take that into consideration.
You may also want to consider what types of dishes or foods you’ll be using your non-toxic baking sheets for. Glass is best for acidic foods, meats, and casseroles, and stainless steel tends to be good for baking breads, cookies, and other baked goods.
If you want the best of both worlds — non-stick, but not coated in chemicals or toxins — silicone or ceramic is a great option.
Overall, there isn’t a “best of the best” non-toxic baking sheet that I can recommend to everyone. You’ll have to find the one that’s best for your kitchen and what you want to use it for!
Since we’re talking kitchen products, you may be interested in our list of the best non-toxic food storage containers too. There are tons of great options, especially for storing leftovers and carrying your lunch!
