Is Thyme and Table Cookware Non Toxic?

What Is Thyme and Table Cookware?

Thyme and Table is Walmart’s private label cookware brand. The company launched this line in 2019. Walmart positions it as an affordable option for home cooks who want quality kitchen tools without premium pricing.

The brand offers several product lines:

• Non-stick aluminum cookware sets
• Stainless steel collections
• Cast iron skillets
• Ceramic-coated pans
• Bakeware and kitchen accessories

Thyme and Table products sell exclusively through Walmart stores and their online platform. The brand targets budget-conscious consumers who need functional cookware for everyday cooking tasks.

Understanding Cookware Toxicity Concerns

Toxic cookware releases harmful chemicals into food during cooking. These substances can accumulate in your body over time. Common concerns include:

• PFAS chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in non-stick coatings
• Lead and cadmium in ceramic glazes
• Aluminum leaching from uncoated aluminum pans
• Nickel release from low-quality stainless steel

The FDA regulates cookware materials, but gaps exist in testing and enforcement. Consumer advocacy groups continue to push for stricter standards.

Thyme and Table Non-Stick Cookware Safety

Thyme and Table uses PTFE-based non-stick coatings on most of their aluminum cookware. PTFE is polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known by the brand name Teflon.

The PTFE Debate

PTFE itself is considered inert and safe at normal cooking temperatures below 500°F. The concerns arise from:

1. Manufacturing chemicals: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) was previously used to make PTFE. This chemical is linked to health problems including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental issues.
2. High-heat breakdown: When PTFE cookware exceeds 500°F, the coating begins to degrade. This releases toxic fumes that cause polymer fume fever in humans and can kill pet birds.
3. Scratched surfaces: Damaged non-stick coatings may release particles into food.

Walmart states that Thyme and Table non-stick cookware is PFOA-free. The company claims their products meet FDA safety standards. However, they do not specify whether other PFAS chemicals are present in the coating formulation.

Testing and Certification

Thyme and Table does not display third-party safety certifications on their packaging. Independent lab testing data is not publicly available. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to verify the complete safety profile of their products.

Thyme and Table Stainless Steel Options

The Thyme and Table stainless steel line offers a safer alternative to non-stick cookware. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel.

Safety Profile

High-quality stainless steel cookware is generally safe:

• 18/10 stainless steel (18% chromium, 10% nickel) resists corrosion and leaching
• No toxic coatings to worry about
• Safe at all cooking temperatures
• Durable and long-lasting

The concern with stainless steel is nickel content. People with nickel allergies may experience reactions. Acidic foods can cause minimal nickel leaching, but this is typically insignificant for most users.

Thyme and Table Stainless Steel Quality

Walmart does not clearly specify the grade of stainless steel used in Thyme and Table products. Lower grades like 18/0 (no nickel) or 201 stainless steel (lower chromium) are cheaper but less durable and more prone to corrosion.

Consumer reviews suggest the Thyme and Table stainless steel cookware is thin gauge material. This indicates a budget-grade product that may not perform as well as premium brands.

Ceramic and Cast Iron Lines

Ceramic-Coated Cookware

Thyme and Table offers ceramic non-stick options. Ceramic coatings are made from silicon oxide derived from sand. Benefits include:

• PTFE-free and PFAS-free formulation
• Naturally non-stick surface
• Safe at high temperatures
• Free from synthetic chemicals

Drawbacks of ceramic cookware:

• Coating degrades faster than PTFE
• Less effective non-stick performance over time
• Potential for lead or cadmium in low-quality products

Thyme and Table does not provide detailed information about their ceramic coating composition or testing for heavy metals. Without this data, consumers cannot verify the complete safety of these products.

Cast Iron Skillets

Cast iron is pure iron formed into cookware shapes. Thyme and Table sells pre-seasoned cast iron skillets.

Cast iron safety factors:

• No toxic coatings or chemicals
• Iron leaching can benefit people with iron deficiency
• Requires proper seasoning to prevent rust
• Naturally non-stick when well-maintained

Cast iron is one of the safest cookware materials available. The Thyme and Table cast iron line appears to be standard quality similar to other budget brands.

Comparison: Thyme and Table vs. Other Cookware Brands

Feature	Thyme and Table	Premium Non-Toxic Brands	Budget Competitors
Price Range	$15-$80	$100-$400	$20-$100
PFOA-Free Claim	Yes	Yes	Most claim yes
Third-Party Testing	None disclosed	Common (NSF, FDA)	Rare
Material Transparency	Limited	Detailed specifications	Limited
Warranty	1 year limited	Lifetime to 10 years	1-2 years
Country of Origin	China (most items)	USA, Europe, or China	China

Premium non-toxic cookware brands like Carver Cookware, Le Creuset, and All-Clad provide detailed material specifications and independent testing results. Thyme and Table does not match this level of transparency.

Health Risks and Safe Cooking Practices

Potential Exposure Concerns

Using Thyme and Table non-stick cookware may expose you to:

• PFAS chemicals if present in the coating formulation
• Toxic fumes if cookware is overheated above 500°F
• Coating particles if the surface becomes scratched or damaged
• Unknown contaminants due to lack of third-party testing

Reducing Risk When Using Non-Stick Cookware

Follow these guidelines to minimize exposure:

1. Never preheat empty pans: This causes rapid temperature spikes
2. Use low to medium heat: Keep temperatures below 400°F
3. Avoid metal utensils: Use wood, silicone, or plastic tools
4. Replace damaged pans: Discard cookware with scratched or peeling coatings
5. Ventilate your kitchen: Use exhaust fans while cooking
6. Avoid cooking sprays: These can damage non-stick surfaces

Better Alternatives for Non-Toxic Cooking

If you prioritize health and safety, consider these options:

Premium Stainless Steel

Brands like All-Clad and Carver Cookware offer high-quality 18/10 stainless steel with thick, multi-layer construction. These products last decades and contain no questionable coatings.

Enameled Cast Iron

Le Creuset and Staub produce enameled cast iron cookware with lead-free glazes. The enamel coating prevents rust and provides a non-reactive cooking surface.

Carbon Steel

Similar to cast iron but lighter weight. Carbon steel develops a natural non-stick patina with proper seasoning. No synthetic coatings are needed.

100% Ceramic Cookware

Brands like Xtrema make pure ceramic cookware without any metal core. These products contain no PTFE, PFAS, lead, or cadmium.

What Walmart and Thyme and Table Don’t Tell You

Limited Product Information

Walmart provides minimal technical specifications for Thyme and Table cookware. Key missing information includes:

• Specific PFAS chemicals used in coatings
• Manufacturing facility locations and standards
• Heavy metal testing results for ceramic products
• Stainless steel grade specifications
• Aluminum alloy composition

No Independent Verification

Third-party testing organizations have not evaluated Thyme and Table products. Consumer Reports and other testing labs focus on major brands. This leaves budget products largely unexamined.

Customer Service Limitations

Warranty claims require proof of purchase and often result in store credit rather than replacements. The one-year warranty is shorter than industry standards for quality cookware.

Making an Informed Decision

When Thyme and Table Might Be Acceptable

Consider these products if:

• You need temporary cookware on a tight budget
• You plan to replace pans frequently
• You cook primarily low-temperature foods
• You understand and accept the potential risks

When to Invest in Better Options

Choose higher-quality cookware if:

• You cook daily for your family
• You have health concerns or sensitivities
• You want cookware that lasts 10+ years
• You prefer verified non-toxic materials

Proper Care and Maintenance

Extending Cookware Life

Follow these steps to maximize safety and durability:

For Non-Stick Pans:

• Hand wash with soft sponges only
• Dry immediately after washing
• Store with pan protectors between pieces
• Replace when coating shows wear

For Stainless Steel:

• Clean with baking soda for stuck-on food
• Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots
• Use adequate oil or butter for cooking
• Preheat properly before adding food

For Cast Iron:

• Wash with hot water only (no soap needed)
• Dry completely and apply thin oil layer
• Re-season periodically to maintain coating
• Store in dry locations to prevent rust

The Bottom Line on Thyme and Table Safety

Thyme and Table cookware is PFOA-free according to Walmart’s claims. The products likely meet minimum FDA safety standards. However, several concerns remain:

• Lack of third-party testing and certification
• Unknown PFAS chemical content in non-stick coatings
• Budget-grade materials and construction
• Limited transparency about manufacturing

For occasional use and tight budgets, Thyme and Table may be acceptable. The cast iron and stainless steel options present fewer concerns than the non-stick lines.

For families seeking truly non-toxic cookware, investing in premium brands with verified testing and transparent materials offers better long-term value. Companies like Carver Cookware provide detailed specifications and third-party certifications that Thyme and Table cannot match.

Your cookware choice affects your health every day. Consider your cooking habits, budget, and health priorities before making a decision. When in doubt, choose materials with proven safety records and companies that stand behind their products with comprehensive testing and strong warranties.