Welcome to Plastic-Free Kitchen Week on the Strategist, where we’ve been obsessively researching and testing plastic alternatives — for everything from appliances to cleaning supplies to cookware. For more, head to our Plastic-Free Kitchen Week hub.
We’ve spent this week sharing all the research we’ve done on how to swap out plastic products in your kitchen. Here, I’ve created what is essentially a giant checklist of plastic-free appliances, cookware, tools, utensils, gadgets, organizers, and cleaning supplies. There are more than 50 items, many of which we recommended in deeper dives over the last several days, plus quite a few bonuses that didn’t find a place elsewhere.
It’s set up so that you can easily see alternatives for particular things, whether you’re deeply attached to your deli containers and can’t fathom storing food in anything else (I promise, it’s possible) or the inside pot of your rice cooker is looking a little worse for wear. Hopefully, it will help you think through what makes sense to replace in the context of your own life and your own routine. There’s no need to be overwhelmed — just start somewhere.
If you use PTFE-coated nonstick skillets …
Switch to ceramic nonstick.
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Or turn to a good carbon-steel pan.
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Read more: I’ve Finally Found an Alternative to Nonstick Pans
If you use other nonstick cookware and bakeware …
Those can be found with ceramic nonstick coatings, too.
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If you use an electric coffee maker …
This new-on-the-market model is as close to a plastic-free version as we’ve found.
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Unfortunately, all electric drip-coffee machines have plastic parts. But my colleague, senior writer Michael Zhao, found the best brewing alternatives for those whose primary concern is eliminating the material. (In this machine, the only plastic component that touches water or coffee is the water tank. Overall, pretty good.)
Or consider a different style of coffee maker.
![Fellow Stagg [XF] Pour-Over Set](https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/6bc/b9d/7314af770b8af1729cb2657b1e48438ad4-Fellow-Stagg-pour-over-kit.2x.rsquare.w600.png)
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Read more: Are There Any Ways to Make Coffee That Don’t Involve Plastic?
If you use a plastic coffee grinder …
Consider one made of steel or aluminum.
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If you use a rice cooker with a nonstick insert …
Get one with an alternative insert.
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Senior writer Liza Corsillo had already been feeling iffy about her nonstick rice cooker when she stumbled on the Magnifique about four months ago. And Aroma makes options with a stainless-steel interior and a nonstick interior.
Read more: The Clay Multicooker That Replaced My Zojirushi
Or opt for a stovetop vessel.
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If your kitchen appliance has a nonstick coating …
Get a replacement with ceramic or a natural nonstick surface.
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Certain small appliances like blenders and food processors are especially tough to replace. But with others, it’s possible.
Read more: Very Pleased With My Teflon-Free Ceramic Waffle Maker
Read more: The Ninja Crispi Is a Plastic-Free Super-Cooker
If you use plastic food-storage containers …
Use these lightweight, microwaveable stainless-steel containers instead.
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Freeze soups, stews, and beans in easy-to-store portions.
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Senior editor Winnie Yang uses Souper Cubes, which are made from silicone and offer portion sizes in half a cup, one cup, and two cups. The frozen cubes are easy to stack and keep organized in the freezer. The trays nest when not in use, and the lids (which, yes, are made from plastic, but don’t touch your food) make them stackable when they’re filled.
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And don’t forget about your pantry.
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Read more: How Do I Build a Plastic-Free Pantry?
If you use plastic wrap …
Try a fabric, beeswax, parchment, or silicone alternative.
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Read more: How Chef Edward Lee Built a Fully Plastic-Free Restaurant
Read more: How I Finally Gave Up Plastic Wrap
Read more: Very Pleased With My Teflon-Free Ceramic Waffle Maker
Read more: The Ninja Crispi Is a Plastic-Free Super-Cooker
If you use plastic cutting boards …
This plant-based alternative has a very similar texture.
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Read more: My Thoughts on Material Kitchen’s New Plastic-Free Cutting Board
Or just get a wood one.
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If you use plastic cooking utensils …
Try the silicone, wood, and stainless-steel options that work better and last longer.
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Read more: Still Looking to Ditch that Plastic Spatula? We Have Plenty of Alternatives.
If you use a plastic salad spinner …
Consider one where your lettuce only touches stainless steel.
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Alternatively, wash your greens in a big bowl and lay them out to dry on a kitchen towel (this method takes time, but just make it your first to-do as you start cooking). Or tightly pinch the corners of that towel together, head outside, and spin it around and around.
If you use a plastic water-filter pitcher …
You could try this version instead.
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Read more: Turns Out You Actually Want Some Plastic in Your Water-Filter Pitcher
If you use plastic cleaning supplies …
There are plenty of options that contain little to no plastic.
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Read more: I’ve Gotten Rid of All the Plastic Scrubbers, Sponges, and Brushes in My Kitchen
More From This Series
- Ask the Strategist: Your Most Ultraspecific Plastic-Free-Kitchen Queries
- Welcome to Plastic-Free Kitchen Week
- Very Pleased With My Teflon-Free Ceramic Waffle-Maker
- All the Best Non-Plastic Tableware and Utensils for Kids
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
