We replaced our plastic kitchen tools — here’s what we’re using instead

Pros

Surface is gentle on knives
Silicone feet prevent slipping
Made from sustainably harvested maple
Hand-finished

Cons

Quite heavy
Wood needs periodic treatment to keep in good shape

Key Specs

Material:Maple (also comes in walnut or cherry)
Nonstick safe:N/A
Dishwasher safe:No
Heat resistance:Heat not recommended; can scorch

I have unimpressive laminate countertops, and Ive always viewed friends beautiful butcher blocks with no small amount of envy. The 12-inch by 18-inch cutting board from Boardsmith gives me much the same effect, minus a remodel. This is a splurge, but for your money, you get an American-made cutting board made from high-quality hardwood that come from FSC-certified mills. Besides the obvious craftsmanship, the maple surface (these come in walnutorcherry woodas well) is sturdy and easier on the edges of your knives. It also has some distinct advantages over plastic cutting boards: It wont shed microplastics into your food, and recent studies have found that hardwood is even more bacteria-resistant than plastic.

Dont get me wrong, this board is big and heavy (its 2 inches thick and weighs about 10.5 pounds), and you have to hand-wash it, dry it promptly, and oil it regularly (or applyBoard Butter). Its a beast to store. But its also like a (very useful) piece of art, and with proper care, it will last you for decades.

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Quince also makes a stunning End Grain Butcher Block, but its walnut, slightly bigger, and less thick. It has carved in handles on the sides like the Boardsmith pick, theres just no option for a juice groove or feet.

Best Splurge Utensils Set

Hestan Ultimate Chefs Tools, 8-Piece Set

Buy Now at Hestan

Pros

Stainless steel is durable and dishwasher safe
Included tools are useful basics most cooks will appreciate
Comes with a ceramic crock for storage

Cons

Could scratch nonstick cookware
Many of the tools (like the ladles) are heavy

Key Specs

Material:18/10 stainless steel
Nonstick safe:No
Dishwasher safe:Yes
Heat resistance:Not specified, but stainless steel can handle high temps

Stainless steel is one of the most stable nonplastic materials you can find in cookware. Its attractive, typically dishwasher safe, and unless you have an industrial forge, youre unlikely to damage it when cooking at a high temperature. This set from Hestan is particularly beautiful, with a mirror-like finish and a ceramic crock to provide storage you wont mind leaving out on your countertop.

Of course, the trade-off here is that youll want to keep the stainless steel well away from your nonstick cookware, since it could easily scratch the surface (which you definitely want to avoid). And while we chose it as a splurge for a reason, its worth repeating that this set is quite expensive. But its also dishwasher safe, and it comes with tools I love, like a fish spatula (seriously, you probably need one).

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All Clads Professional Stainless Steel Utensil Set (8-piece) has a lifetime warranty and is made from polished stainless steel that will not bend or dent. We love that it comes in a matching metal crock and that its less expensive than the Hestan option, but since the metal is prone to stains, it may not be the best to store near where you cook.

Best Splurge Wooden Utensils

Caraway Wooden Cooking Utensils, 5-Piece Set

Buy Now at Caraway

Buy Now at Walmart

Pros

Made from FSC-certified wood
Gentle enough for all kinds of cookware
Classic design

Cons

Doesnt come with storage
Hand-wash only

Key Specs

Material:Birchwood
Nonstick safe:Yes
Dishwasher safe:No
Heat resistance:High (wood)

If you like a clean, minimalist aesthetic, this wooden utensil set from Caraway might be just what youre looking for. The pieces are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)certified birchwood, which means theyre sustainable, and theyre gentle on nonstick and other delicate cookware finishes. The natural wood gives them a warm, classic look that will fit seamlessly into most kitchens, and the handles feel comfortable in hand, whether youre stirring sauces or folding batter.

However, because these are wooden tools, they need a little extra TLC: Hand-washing and thorough drying are key to keeping them in good shape, and occasional oiling helps prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. But if you want to avoid synthetic materials entirely, this set is durable and classic.

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Crate & Barrels Acacia Utensil Set of Five is also made from stunning wood (acacia in this case), and includes five useful utensils any chef would love to have next to their stovetop. Some reviewers have noted that the wood can look dry and worn out after just a few uses, though. We also wish the set came with tongs.

Best Kitchen Gadgets

Caraway Kitchen Gadgets, 5-Piece Set

Buy Now at Caraway

Pros

Durable stainless steel construction
Comes with storage
Useful selection of common kitchen gadgets

Cons

Hand-wash only

Key Specs

Material:Stainless steel
Nonstick safe:No
Dishwasher safe:No
Heat resistance:High (stainless steel)

The drawer where I keep most of my kitchen gadgets is, admittedly, a bit of a disaster. Its one thing when your spoons and ladles can be contained in one vessel, but what do you do with the kitchen gadgets that seem to defy any attempts at organization? Caraway, per usual, has the answer, with a selection of five commonly used (and commonly misplaced) kitchen gadgets a can opener, a peeler, an ice cream scoop, a garlic press, and a pizza cutter that come with their own birchwood storage tray. All are made from a hefty-feeling stainless steel, with a rounded, retro design.

Theres a lot of love about this set: For one, its beautiful, says Scully. All five tools are made of stainless steel and are completely plastic-free. They also come in a birchwood organizer, which has been carved to perfectly fit each item, allowing for functional (and gorgeous) storage. This wooden organizer also fits perfectly in most kitchen drawers, though its pretty enough to be left out somewhere if you want to.

One caveat: These gadgets cant go in the dishwasher. However, Scully observes, Each item is fairly easy to clean by hand (and the brand recommends using white vinegar, lemon juice, or a stainless steel cleaner if they start to lose their shine).

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Heres a more budget-friendly option: Calphalon Edge 6-Piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Tool & Gadget Set. It has the same tools (plus a wisk and tongs), and we think the taupe silicone handles are elegant and may help you hold onto them. They just dont come nestled in a nice wooden storage tray.

Best Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, 4-Piece Set

Buy Now at OXO

Pros

Magnetic handles nest together for easy storage
Dishwasher safe
Silicone-coated handles for comfortable handling

Cons

Measurement markings can rub off over time

Key Specs

Material:Stainless steel
Nonstick safe:N/A
Dishwasher safe:Yes
Heat resistance:Not heat rated

When it comes to utensils, it pays to invest in the basics, and this stainless steel measuring cup set from OXO has everything youre looking for in dry measure cups. These are dishwasher safe, made from stainless steel, and, in what I find to be a particularly clever touch, have magnets embedded in the handles to help keep them nested neatly together when stored.

This set has the essentials most home cooks are looking for, with quarter-cup, third-cup, half-cup, and 1-cup measurements. Some reviews have indicated that the numbers can wear off over time, though it should be noted that I have not personally experienced this with my set, and they see quite a bit of use (and trips through the dishwasher).

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Cuisinarts Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set boasts similar durability and performance to OXOs set; theyre dishwasher safe, and connect to each other, but via a ring, not a magnet, which is somewhat less convenient. They also dont have as ergonomic handles.

Best Budget Utensils Set

Larder & Vine Kitchen Utensils With Ceramic Crock, 12-Piece Set

Pros

Food-grade silicone wont scratch delicate cookware
Heat-resistant up to 500 degrees F
Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
Comes with a ceramic crock for storage
PFAS-free and BPA-free

Cons

Popular colors often sell out

Key Specs

Material:Food-grade silicone, stainless steel handles
Nonstick safe:Yes
Dishwasher safe:Yes, but hand-washing crock is recommended
Heat resistance:Up to 500 degrees F

For a more wallet-friendly option that gives you a very comprehensive utensils set in a wide range of attractive colors, Larder & Vine offers a great alternative. This set includes items you wont always find in a ready-made set, such as a silicone brush (an excellent tool for basting) and a skimmer (which is handy for straining and skimming the fat off of soups and stocks).

This set comes with pretty much everything you need: 11 metal-handle and silicone utensils that are very pretty to look at inside a crock, says editorial directorSimone Scully, who tested this set. I received the white one, which wouldnt have been my first choice I like the vibrant colors they offer but the utensils are still very pretty. Scully also appreciated the way this set could handle the wear and tear of an average kitchen. They have nice metal handles that look durable, and the silicone can withstand temps up to 500 degrees. Its also easy enough to clean, she adds.

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Another wallet-friendly silicone utensil set is the Astercook 39 PCS Kitchen Utensils Set, Silicone Cooking Utensil Set. You get a whopping 39 pieces with this set, and the brand claims the silicone is food grade and heat resistant up to 446 F. However, the handles are wood, so theyre less durable than Lader & Vines set.

Best Budget Wooden Utensils

Woodenhouse Wooden Spoons, 6-Piece Set

Pros

Simple, plastic-free design
Wont scratch delicate cookware
Comfortable handles and a classic look

Cons

Must be hand-washed and dried thoroughly
Wood requires oiling to keep in top shape

Key Specs

Material:Teak wood
Nonstick safe:Yes
Dishwasher safe:No
Heat resistance:Not listed, but wood has a high heat resistance

If you prefer to avoid synthetic materials but want to protect your more delicate cookware, wood is often a good compromise. This six-piece set from Woodenhouse is made from teak wood, which gives the utensils a warm, rustic feel, and the salad fork and stirring spoon can double as serveware.

I was not expecting to like these wooden utensils so much, admits editorOlivia Campbell, who tested this set. I am all about ridding my kitchen of plastic, and these utensils can help [with] that switch. Plus, there are times when you cant use stainless steel utensils, like on nonstick pans, which wooden utensils are perfect for. She found this set surprisingly useful, and says, I used these utensils to bake, make stir-fries, and other things, and they worked really well.

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This six-piece wooden spoon set from Zulay is very similar looking to the Woodhouse set. It also seems to perform just as well the brand claims the spoons wont warp or stain, and that theyre built to last. However, some reviewers dont agree with that last claim.

Best for Mixing and Meal Prep

Viking Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls With Lids, 10-Piece Set

Buy Now at Wayfair

Great Jones Beyond Measure Duo in Blue

Pros

Dishwasher safe
Good range of sizes
Silicone bottoms prevent slipping
Bowls nest for easy storage

Cons

Heat-conductive, so they can get hot to the touch
Lids are plastic, but BPA-free

Key Specs

Material:Stainless steel, silicone, BPA-free plastic
Nonstick safe:N/A
Dishwasher safe:Yes, but hand-washing lids is recommended
Heat resistance:High (stainless steel)

Remember, plastic kitchenware isnt just spatulas and spoons. Prep work matters too, and stainless steel bowls are a relatively painless way to upgrade. This 10-piece set includes nesting bowls with matching lids (which are plastic, but BPA-free), so theyre equally good for mixing batters or storing leftovers in the fridge. I like the variety of sizes in this set, and the silicone bottoms mean they wont go sliding across my countertop at inconvenient times. Theyre dishwasher safe, nest for easy storage, and will last you pretty much forever.

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E-Fars 10-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set with Lids offers practically the same features as the Viking option; the bowls nest, the lids are airtight, and all the pieces are dishwasher safe. The sets a lot less expensive, too. However, some reviews pointed out that the lids tend to warp, so they no longer fit the bowls.

Comparison Table

Best

Material

Nonstick Safe

Dishwasher Safe

Heat Resistance

Best Glass Measuring Cup

Borosilicate glass

N/A

Yes

Microwave safe and heat tolerant

Boardsmith Maple End-Grain Cutting Board

Best Cutting Board

Maple (also walnut or cherry)

N/A

Heat not recommended

Hestan Ultimate Chefs Tools, 8-Piece Set

Best Stainless Steel Utensil Set

18/10 stainless steel

Yes

Not specified

Caraway Wooden Cooking Utensils, 5-Piece Set

Best splurge wooden utensils

Birchwood (FSC-certified)

Yes

High

Caraway Kitchen Gadgets, 5-Piece Set

Best Kitchen Gadgets

Stainless steel

High

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, 4-Piece Set

Best Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

Stainless steel

N/A

Yes

Not heat rated

Larder & Vine Kitchen Utensils With Ceramic Crock, 12-Piece Set

Best Budget Utensil Set

Food-grade silicone and stainless steel handles

Yes

Yes, but hand-washing crock is recommended

Up to 500 degrees F

Woodenhouse Wooden Spoons, 6-Piece Set

Best Budget Wooden Utensils

Teak wood

Yes

Not listed

Viking Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls With Lids, 10-Piece Set

Best for Mixing and Meal Prep

Stainless steel, silicone, BPA-free plastic lids

N/A

Yes

High (minus lids)

See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network

How We Tested the Best Nonplastic Cooking Utensils

To compile this list, I turned to my favorite laboratory: my kitchen. I also checked in with my fellow editors and writers to find out what nonplastic items they enjoy using in their own kitchens. I also interviewed two experts in microplastics and food safety:Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, a food scientist and founder and CEO at Mendocino Food Consulting, andDavid Nadler, PhD, a professor at New York Institute of Technology and program coordinator for occupational health and safety in the universitys College of Engineering and Computing Sciences.

What to Look for When Buying Nonplastic Cooking Utensils

When youre shopping for nonplastic kitchen utensils and tools, there are a few things to keep in mind:

MaterialsThe materials you choose will largely depend on how you cook and what you cook with. Stainless steel is nonporous, can take the heat, and is typically dishwasher safe, but it can also scratch more delicate cookware. Wood and bamboo are lightweight and gentler on cookware, but they cannot go in the dishwasher and can harbor bacteria and odors if not properly maintained. Silicone is heat resistant and flexible, making it gentle on nonstick and ceramic coatings, but its still a synthetic polymer.
ConstructionOne-piece designs will probably be easier to clean, and riveted or welded pieces are more reliable than something thats glued on.
Use Most home cooks will want the basics: a spatula, a whisk, a scraper, a ladle, and tongs. Before you buy, make sure the set has items youll actually use. It seems like a small thing, but when space is at a premium, you dont want a specialty tool that languishes in a drawer.
StorageSo, you have that new set now what? If organization is your love language, look for utensils that come with storage options. Whether thats a tray, a crock, or a stand, having somewhere to put everything can save you time and frustration.

Does It Really Matter if I Use Plastic Kitchen Utensils?

Recent studies have shown plastics being measurable in human brains and that is, no pun intended, unnerving, says Dr. Nadler. We also have seen correlations between microplastic exposure and inflammation, heart disease, and cancer. Studies in animals have shown that microplastics may affect development of the fetus as well. While more research is needed, initial findings like these have led more folks to question their reliance on plastic in the kitchen.

Unfortunately, microplastics are almost impossible to avoid, but if you want to limit your exposure, replacing the tools that touch hot food every day is one of the easiest places to start. Plastic utensils like spatulas, cutting boards, and nonstick cookware are the most likely to release microplastics, Nadler explains. Older plastic utensils tend to shed more microplastics due to wear and tear, scratches, and degradation over time.

Factors such as high heat, contact with acidic foods, and everyday wear and tear can also accelerate plastic degradation in common kitchen tools. Microplastics are slowly released under all conditions, but heat significantly increases their release, says Dr. Le. Acidic foods can react with plastic, and hot foods can increase shedding because it temporarily weakens the plastics structure, and both cases can cause particles to release into the food. Fatty foods are less of a concern, but can cause weaker, softer plastics to break down and enter the food.

Which Materials Are the Safest Alternatives to Plastic?

When it comes to plastic-free cooking utensils, the material you choose really depends on the type of cooking you do (and what kind of cookware you prefer to use). Materials like stainless steel, wood, bamboo and silicone that is food-grade are better, says Nadler. They tend to be more durable and are not as likely to release particles into the food that we prepare.

Stainless steel is one of the most stable options available, as its nonporous and can withstand years of heat and general abuse. You dont have to worry about them melting (unless youre sticking them into an industrial furnace, which I wouldnt recommend, anyway), and some tools, like my favorite fish spatula, are thin yet sturdy enough for flipping and moving food around.

However, stainless steel is basically the mortal enemy of nonstick cookware; it can scratch delicate coatings, which weve established you do not want to do if you want to limit your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. The handles of stainless steel utensils can also get hot during cooking, so youll want to be mindful of this aspect, as well.

Wood and bamboo utensils are gentler on your ceramic or nonstick cookware. Many of them, especially those made from bamboo, are made from renewable materials. Theyre also naturally lightweight and durable. However, the downside is that theyre also porous, so they can absorb moisture, odors, and food residue if not properly cared for. Wood and bamboo utensils should never go in the dishwasher, as the high heat can dry them out, causing cracks that can harbor bacteria. They also benefit from occasional oiling to keep them looking their best and limit their porosity.

Food-grade silicone is another common option. Its heat-resistant and flexible, making it a good material for spatulas and turners. However, silicone is still a synthetic polymer, which some folks prefer to avoid entirely.

How Do I Make My Nonplastic Kitchen Utensils Last Longer?

They dont have to be high-maintenance, but nonplastic cooking tools and utensils may benefit from a little extra care. Wooden and bamboo tools should be hand-washed and dried promptly to prevent cracking. They also need periodic oiling with food-safe mineral oil to keep them from drying out and taking on odors. Stainless steel tools are typically dishwasher safe, but they may benefit from hand-washing if they have an exceptionally shiny surface (the food particles in a dishwasher can dull the finish over time).

Silicone utensils are pretty easy to clean, but they can absorb strong food smells over time or stain, especially when youre dealing with tomato-based sauces or things like curries. A soak in a baking soda bath can help refresh them if theyre looking or smelling a bit funky.

What Are Some Other Ways I Can Avoid Microplastics Exposure?

While swapping out your kitchen utensils and tools is a good first step, there are a few more things you can do to limit your exposure to microplastics. Food and water are two other potential points of exposure, so food storage and drinking habits can be especially important. Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones for leftovers or packed lunches can help limit how much plastic comes into contact with your food. Filtering your tap water is another small change you can make, and many filtered water pitchers can help reduce what ends up in your glass. Beyond your kitchen, choosing natural-fiber sponges and dishcloths, ventilating your home while cooking, and avoiding microwaving food in plastic can help you reduce everyday exposure.

FAQ

What are the best materials for nonplastic cooking utensils?

If youre trying to avoid plastic, the safest bets are stainless steel, wood, bamboo, and food-grade silicone. Each has its strengths. Stainless steel is extremely durable and doesnt break down with heat, while wood and bamboo are gentle on cookware and naturally lightweight. Silicone is popular for spatulas and turners because it can handle high temperatures without scratching nonstick pans. Most kitchens end up using a mix rather than relying on a single material.

Are silicone utensils safe for cooking?

Yes; high-quality, food-grade silicone is nontoxic and safe at high temperatures (often up to 400 to 600 degrees F). Its flexible, nonstick-friendly, and easy to clean, but its still a synthetic material, so be sure the tools are made of food-grade silicone.

Can wooden or bamboo utensils go in the dishwasher?

Nope, bad idea. Most wooden or bamboo utensils should be hand-washed to prevent cracking, warping, or splintering. Always dry them thoroughly after washing, and give them a coating of food-safe mineral oil when they start to look dry, to keep them looking and performing their best.

Will metal utensils damage my nonstick cookware?

Yes, they definitely can. Stainless steel and other metal utensils are great for stainless steel or cast-iron cookware, but they can scratch or chip nonstick surfaces. Stick to silicone or wood for your nonstick cookware.

Are bamboo utensils better than wood?

Not necessarily. Bamboo may be a more sustainable choice, since it grows quickly, as opposed to hardwood trees. But bamboo may also be less durable though with proper care, bamboo utensils can still last for years (and theyre less likely to scratch nonstick cookware).

How long do wooden or silicone utensils last?

Wooden utensils can last for years, but proper care is an essential component. Youll want to hand-wash them, dry them well, and oil them occasionally. Running them through a dishwasher will significantly shorten their lifespan. Silicone utensils can hold up for years, even with daily use and trips through the dishwasher, but they can absorb odors over time. They should be replaced if they become warped or feel sticky.

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Meet Our Team

Katie Tuttle

Author

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She h...

Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York Citybased dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...

Ray Finch

Fact-Checker

Ray Finch is a content specialist with expertise in fact-checking, copy-editing, sensitivity reading, and content management, and has worked with publishers including Health.com, P...

Nicole Bonaccorso

Editor

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNe...

Olivia Campbell

Tester

Olivia Campbell is the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women P...

Simone Scully

Tester

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science ...