13 Outdated Cooking Tools You Need to Stop Using

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Not all of our trusty kitchen gadgets hold up to the test of time. Some tools that were once all the rage are now associated with very serious health problems. This is not about throwing everything old out, but being conscious of the tools that may be harming your health.

In case you’re still hanging on to some of these, let’s take a closer look at 13 outdated kitchen tools that are actually more dangerous than you realize.

Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick pans have long been a staple in kitchens everywhere because they are convenient. But these pans are often coated in a material called PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is marketed under the name Teflon. The real issue is that when the nonstick coating starts breaking down, usually after extended use or from being scratched, this lets toxic chemicals, that are associated not only with flu like symptoms but with long term health issues, seep into whatever you’re eating.

Old, Rusty Knives

While a dull knife is a pain to work with, a rusty knife is no fun and, more importantly, it’s a health hazard. Rust can build up on old, worn knives and when that happens, it’s not just a loss of sharpness. Blades that rust may be contaminated, and transfer bacteria or cause infection if used to cut raw meat or vegetables. Rust can also easily flake off and mix with food, which, while not immediately dangerous, could certainly make your meals less appetizing.

Old Aluminum Cookware

Aluminum cookware has been around forever, is lightweight, and conducts heat well, but it’s also been the subject of concern. Research has linked high levels of aluminum exposure to an increase in the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. We do know that cooking with damaged or scratched aluminum pans can cause the metal to leach into your food when you cook acidic dishes.

Old Cast Iron Pans

While cast iron pans are known for their durability, and for retaining heat, if you don’t take care of them, they can become a health risk. Bacteria can be a problem in rusted or improperly seasoned cast iron cookware when you’re cooking things at high temperatures. And when the seasoning wears off, the pan can react with acidic foods, such as tomatoes, and you may taste off flavors, and over time, absorption of too much iron can lead to iron toxicity.

Old Microwave Containers

Microwaving food in old plastic containers from takeout or leftovers may not be so safe after all. BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical that can leach into your food when heated, especially in a microwave, is in some older plastic containers. Hormone disrupting BPA has been linked to such problems as infertility and increased risk of certain cancers.

Outdated Meat Thermometers

A thermometer is an essential cooking meat safely tool. Most older meat thermometers, including many with mercury, are dangerous. Long term exposure to mercury can lead to neurological damage. But older thermometers can also become inaccurate over time, resulting in undercooking meat and increasing the risk of food borne illness like Salmonella or E. coli.

Copper Cookware

Although copper cookware has made a resurgence in recent years, you might not want to jump on the bandwagon. Copper leaches into foods that contain a high level of acid such as tomatoes and vinegar, if you’re using pure copper pots and pans. In high quantities, copper can cause copper toxicity, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and long term health problems.

Old Plastic Cutting Boards

Every kitchen needs cutting boards, but those old plastic ones are a breeding ground for bacteria. With use, plastic boards can develop cuts and grooves where food particles can gather, and if the bacteria on the board are not properly cleaned away, they can transfer to your food. Prepared this way, the risk of food borne illness is also higher, especially when preparing raw meats.

Outdated Nonstick Bakeware

Nonstick bakeware has its problems, too, just as its nonstick cookware counterpart does. While the nonstick coating will make food release easy, it can also be a health hazard if it starts to degrade. And as it wears away, it can release toxic chemicals — such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — that have been linked to increased risk of cancer and other developmental problems.

Worn-out Graters

While grated meal can add a bit of freshness to any dish, a worn out grater can be more harmful than you think. Old graters may develop sharp, jagged edges, or they may rust. These imperfections can rip up your food, and even cut your hands, opening you up to infection.

Old Frying Pans

If your frying pan is scratched, warped or has worn off its nonstick coating, it’s done. Nonstick pans can expose toxic chemicals if their surface is scratched and warped pans won’t heat evenly, leaving food undercooked or burnt. This can be harmful, either from eating contaminated food or from consuming potentially harmful chemicals.

Old Grilling Equipment

Cooking outdoors on a grill is a favorite pastime, but the equipment can wear out, creating any number of hazards. Burns and food contamination are possible because rusty grills and corroded grates can catch on fire and old grills produce dangerous flare ups.

Old Can Openers

You probably don’t think twice about the can opener, but if you have an old, rusted, or otherwise damaged can opener, you’re likely to have contamination. A dull blade can lead to jagged edges that can injure you while opening cans, and can be flaky and mix with your food. What’s worse, a broken opener can cause food spills or unhygienic conditions.

Outdated Juicers

If you want to increase the intake of fresh juice in your diet, juicers are the appliance you need. But, if you have an outdated juicer, especially manual juicers, they can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly. Also, older models may have cracked parts or corroded areas, which will affect the quality of your juice.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.