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Nickel-free and aluminium-free cookware - what should an allergy sufferer choose?

Nickel-free and aluminium-free cookware - what should an allergy sufferer choose?

Author

Joel Campbell

08/28/2023

Sensitisation to metals, such as nickel or chromium, requires limiting contact with the sensitising agent. However, not everyone knows that these elements are even found in the pots and pans used every day. Allergy sufferers should therefore pay particular attention to the materials used when buying kitchen accessories. So which pots and pans should you use if you are allergic to nickel or aluminium? Here we suggest...

What's the deal with aluminium...

Pots, pans or cake tins made of aluminium are widely available on the market. This is due to their numerous advantages - they are lightweight, handy, aluminium heats up quickly and distributes heat quickly, which allows you to prepare meals efficiently and save energy. In addition, such pots are durable, have a high resistance to damage and an affordable price. Many modern pots are made of anodised aluminium (i.e. coated with aluminium oxide), which is corrosion-resistant, more durable and the aluminium does not penetrate the food.
In addition, many aluminium cookware comes with a Teflon or ceramic coating for extra protection. However, it is not advisable to use very old and worn-out pots, which may have their protective layer stripped off under use and washing. The cheapest variants may also not be adequately protected against harmful influences on the food.

Allergy to aluminium?

 


If, however, you are allergic and your body reacts badly to contact with aluminium, it is worth looking for an alternative - but there is currently no shortage of such alternatives on the market, hence the idea of a magazine that will guide you through the process easily and painlessly!

Nickel, aluminium and other allergenic substances - which pots are they in?

If you are allergic to nickel or aluminium, you should always consider the material they are made of when choosing pots for your kitchen. The former element is mainly found in many models made of stainless steel, especially of poorer quality. If the coating is damaged or if it is exposed to high temperatures, it can penetrate into the body, causing an allergic reaction. Chromium, which is also an allergenic element, can also be found in cookware made from this material. People who are allergic to aluminium should, on the other hand, avoid the cheapest aluminium cooking utensils without certificates in favour of those made of anodised aluminium. These are coated with a layer of aluminium oxide, which prevents the penetration of harmful aluminium into the food being cooked. Other coatings, such as ceramic or stone, also prevent direct contact between aluminium and food.

enamel
bookcase
enamel
bookcase

Enamelware - ideal for allergy sufferers

Among other things, enamelled pots are a safe choice for people who are allergic to nickel. They are usually made of sheet metal coated with enamel, which is powdered glass with a special pigment. This is a hypoallergenic solution that does not release any harmful substances into the food - even at very high temperatures. As well as being suitable for allergy sufferers, enamelled pots are also extremely durable and resistant to damage. Their eye-catching design is undoubtedly another advantage. What's more, they are extremely versatile - you can not only cook in them, but also stew, fry and grill! When looking for the perfect enamelled pot for your kitchen, it is worthwhile to look among others at the suggestions of brands such as Staub or Le Creuset. Dozens of pots and pans from these manufacturers are waiting for you in the FormAdore range, available in the most diverse sizes and shapes. They are enamelled cast iron cookware with a wide range of uses, completely safe for allergy sufferers - and extremely stylish at the same time! Also noteworthy are the cast-iron pots by Ballarini in the Bellamonte series - each with an enamelled coating.

dish
foam
dish
foam

Ceramic-coated cookware - an equally safe option

In addition to enamelled pots, ceramic-coated models, which are made of minerals and clay, are also a good option for allergy sufferers. When heated, they do not react with food and do not release any harmful substances. This makes it a completely safe option for people who are allergic to nickel or other elements, as well as for the youngest. In FormAdore, you will find ceramic-coated pots from the Eva Solo brand, among others. Although they are made of stainless steel, they are a safe choice for allergy sufferers precisely because of the special coating, which guarantees that nickel does not penetrate into the food being prepared.

lecreuset red
cast iron set
lecreuset red
cast iron set
-36%
Eva Solo Cooking pot low with ceramic coating

$125.29$195.77

Eva Solo Cooking pot low with ceramic coating

Eva Solo

Dispatch within 2 working days

Zwilling Plus Wok 32 cm with ceramic coating

$269.59

Zwilling Plus Wok 32 cm with ceramic coating

Zwilling

Dispatch within 3 working days

-61%
Eva Trio Pan 20 cm with ceramic coating

$49.08$125.85

Eva Trio Pan 20 cm with ceramic coating

Eva Solo

3 variants

-33%
Eva Solo Cooking pot 3,6 l with ceramic coating

$112.43$167.80

Eva Solo Cooking pot 3,6 l with ceramic coating

Eva Solo

3 variants

Marble or titanium-coated cookware - free of nickel and other heavy metals

Titanium-coated cookware is another solution that allows allergy sufferers to prepare meals without worrying about discomfort. They are completely free of nickel, PFOA and other harmful elements and are also extremely scratch-resistant. You can confidently prepare dishes in them with alkaline and acidic products, which should not be placed in pots without a protective layer. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that a damaged titanium coating may no longer protect against contact with harmful aluminium, making the cookware unsuitable for allergy sufferers. However, destroying the titanium coating is not such a simple matter - these types of cookware serve in the kitchen for many years. In addition to the titanium-coated version, models with a marble coating, which is resistant to rust and damage, are also suitable for allergy sufferers.

steel set
hanging pots
steel set
hanging pots

How about... pots made of glass?

Pots made of heat-resistant glass are also a safe option for allergy sufferers. They are not yet as popular as pots made of steel or their enamelled versions - and should definitely be appreciated more. Glass is free not only from nickel, but also from other harmful heavy metals - such as cadmium or chromium, which often cause allergies. A major advantage of glass pots is also that they do not absorb odours or grease and are extremely easy to keep clean. However, it is worth bearing in mind that they are much less durable than other types of cookware - sometimes all it takes is one wrong move for the cookware to break into tiny pieces. By handling them gently, however, you can enjoy healthy meals for years to come.

Very often, we don't even think about what the cookware in which we prepare our favourite dishes every day is made of. However, it may turn out that they are damaging our health and further aggravating allergy-related complaints. So if you know that you are allergic to aluminium, nickel or other heavy metals, take a look through your collection of pots and check whether they are suitable for your health. Thanks to FormAdore's extensive range, you can easily fill in any gaps and be assured that your new pots are completely safe for you!

dish
meal
dish
meal
Joel Campbell
J
Joel Campbell
a globetrotter, coffee addict and wine lover. His interest is mainly set in between cultural and culinary habits. He writes about all aspects related to food and drinks esthetics.