The dangers of stainless steel pans...
Stainless steel pans have conquered many kitchens in recent years, and for good reason: they are robust, durable and healthy .
However, one question often comes up:
👉 “Do stainless steel pans pose a health risk?”
The answer is clear: no , provided you choose quality stainless steel and use it correctly.
In this article, we debunk common misconceptions about stainless steel and explain why it's a safe, eco-friendly, and responsible alternative to chemically coated pans. 🌿
Stainless steel frying pan: real danger or just a myth?
When discussing stainless steel, three main concerns often arise. Let's review them below 👇
1️⃣ Release of heavy metals
Some people worry that stainless steel may release nickel or chromium into food.
In reality, these transfers are minimal and harmless to the vast majority of consumers.
Only those allergic to nickel need to be cautious. In this case, it is advisable to opt for an 18/0 stainless steel pan (nickel-free) .
But for everyone else, 18/10 stainless steel, used by SAINE, is recognized as one of the safest materials in the world for cooking.
👉 To learn more: Nickel allergy: can you use a stainless steel pan without risk?
2️⃣ Overheating and toxicity
Unlike non-stick pans, stainless steel pans do not contain any chemical coating .
Therefore, they do not release any toxic compounds , even at high temperatures.
The only risk of overheating is material, not health-related :
Heating an empty pan for too long can dull its shine or slightly deform the base.
👉 Also read: Dangers of non-stick pans and PFAS .
Certified scientific tests confirm the safety of our pans.
SAINE pans have been tested by the independent laboratory SHENZHEN ZTS TESTING SERVICE CO., LTD. , in accordance with European standards LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) — the strictest German reference for food safety.
📄 Report no. ZTS22092113TRS , concerning a 22 cm pan.
Two types of analyses were carried out:
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Sensory test (smell and taste)
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Heavy metal migration test (ICP-MS analysis according to EN 13130-1:2004)
Sensory test results
| Setting | Result obtained | Maximum allowed limit | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smell | 1.4 / 5 | ≤ 2.5 | ✅ Compliant — no perceptible odor |
| Taste | 1.6 / 5 | ≤ 2.5 | ✅ Compliant — no alteration in taste |
👉 These results prove that the pan does not release any metallic taste or smell , even after heating.
Heavy metal migration test results
| Item tested | Result (mg/kg) | Permissible limit (mg/kg) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | ND (not detected) | 0.02 | ✅ Compliant |
| Chrome (Cr) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Lead (Pb) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Mercury (Hg) | ND | ND | ✅ Compliant |
| Iron (Fe) | ND | 48 | ✅ Compliant |
| Copper (Cu) | ND | 5 | ✅ Compliant |
| Zinc (Zn) | ND | 5 | ✅ Compliant |
💡 ND (Not Detected) means that the concentrations are below the laboratory's detection threshold , in other words:
no traces of heavy metal migrated into the simulated food (tested at 100°C for 30 minutes ).
👉 This official report therefore confirms that SAINE pans do not release any detectable metallic particles , including nickel, and are fully compliant with European LFGB requirements .
Why a stainless steel pan is a healthy and safe choice
Stainless steel is a neutral and non-reactive material . It does not release any toxic compounds, does not degrade over time, and guarantees even and healthy cooking.
The advantages of a HEALTHY stainless steel pan
✅ Zero PFAS, zero Teflon, zero toxins.
✅ Compatible with all hobs (induction, gas, ceramic glass).
✅ Dishwasher safe.
✅ Triple-layer base for perfect heat distribution.
✅ Lifetime guarantee.
👉 Read: Why a stainless steel pan is an eco-friendly and responsible choice .
Health comparison: stainless steel vs. coated pans
| Criteria | Non-stick frying pan | HEALTHY stainless steel pan |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical coating | Yes (PFAS, PTFE) | No |
| Heat emissions | Toxic | None |
| Average lifespan | 2-3 years | 25+ years |
| Recyclable | No | Yes |
| Health risk | Pupil | Null |
| Guarantee | Limited | For life |
👉 Also discover: Why choose Teflon-free and PFAS-free pans for healthy cooking .
In summary
The danger of stainless steel pans is a myth .
Certified scientific tests prove their total safety : no metal migration, no taste, no smell.
Choosing a HEALTHY pan means:
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cooking without chemicals
-
invest in a durable utensil,
-
Protect your health and the planet. 🌍✨
👉 Discover the complete collection of SAINE stainless steel pans .
FAQ.
Are stainless steel pans dangerous to health?
No. LFGB tests prove that they do not release any heavy metals or toxic substances, even at high temperatures.
Does stainless steel release nickel?
No. The analyses showed no detectable traces of nickel in the simulated food.
What is the difference between stainless steel and non-stick pans?
Non-stick pans often contain PFAS , toxic substances. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is 100% safe and free of chemical coatings .
How can I be sure that my stainless steel pan is safe?
Choose a pan that is LFGB certified and made of food-grade 18/10 stainless steel, like the SAINE pans.
Can stainless steel alter the taste of food?
No. Sensory tests show no metallic odor or taste , even after cooking.
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The dangers of stainless steel pans: Do they contain toxic substances? The truth about your health
Stainless steel allergy: Is it safe to use a stainless steel pan?