Many years ago, I had a rather unfortunate encounter with my food processor. No, I (thankfully) didn’t slice my finger or anything like that — but I did spot what looked to be mold growing inside of the bowl’s translucent handle. For whatever reason, this handle was made of two pieces of plastic that were screwed together, and the only way to clean the space inside was to unscrew them. “Who wants to keep doing that?” I thought to myself.
Quick Overview
After that incident, I started thinking about other places mold might be growing in my kitchen gear. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), mold likes to grow in warm and humid conditions, meaning it’s wise to dry cookware and the like as soon as possible post-washing. That said, it’s sometimes tough to get a dishrag into little nooks and crannies, making those areas ideal for harboring bacteria. To that end, my cookware and knives that weren’t a single piece — where the handles weren’t fused with the rest — were almost impossible to keep clean because of the tiny gaps. And anything with detailed etching seemed to trap suspicious-looking residue as well.
As a professional baker, I like the food I prepare to be as sanitary as possible — and that means preventing mold exposure. According to the USDA, some molds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems and even produce mycotoxins — poisonous substances that can make you sick. No thanks. In short, you don’t want mold growing on your cooking tools, just as you wouldn’t want it growing directly on those raspberries in your fridge.
Advertisement
Advertisement
So, how do I avoid this? By investing in kitchenware that’s less prone to getting grimy. From knives and utensils made of one piece to cutting boards and mixing bowls with smooth surfaces, these items are a breeze to keep clean. Mold? I don’t know her.
Amazon
Amazon
Plus, it’s just as lightweight as plastic — if not more so — but I don’t have to worry about “forever chemicals” getting into my food. Bonus: It’s so attractive that I use it as a cheese board too.
Related: I, a pro baker, am ditching plastic kitchen gear for these 13 nontoxic alternatives
Amazon
Amazon
Check out my full GIR Spoonula review for more.
Amazon
Amazon
I’ve made just about everything in this thing — from pasta dishes and stews to fried doughnuts — and it’s all turned out exceptionally well. Its 6-quart capacity means I’m able to prepare enough to feed about six hungry people (more if it’s a side dish), and since it’s heat-safe up to 500°F, I never have to worry when placing it in the oven. Its slick enamel coating makes cleanup a cinch — never more than a rinse with soap and water, followed by a quick wipe.
At just under $100 (hundreds less than a certain French brand), it may have you asking: “Le who?”
Check out my full Lodge Dutch oven review for more.
Amazon
Amazon
In addition, the ornate patterns on the sides of the Mason Cash bowls, while attractive, take more effort to clean. Metal bowls, on the other hand, usually have smooth surfaces that make it difficult for grime to hide on.
Amazon
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
