Ninja pans have become extremely popular in recent years for their durability and nonstick cooking surface. However, there have been some concerns raised about whether Ninja pans contain harmful chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that are used to make products resistant to heat, stains, grease and water. However, PFAS have been linked to various health problems, so there is increasing concern over their use in cookware and other products. In this article, we will look at whether Ninja pans contain PFAS and if they are safe to use.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that contain fluorine atoms bonded to carbon atoms. The carbon-fluorine bonds are incredibly strong, which gives PFAS useful properties such as being resistant to heat, stains, grease and water.
Some of the most well known PFAS chemicals include:
– PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
– PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) – used to make Teflon nonstick coatings
– PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)
PFAS have been used since the 1940s in a range of products, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, stain repellants, cosmetics, firefighting foams and more. The compounds can migrate out of these products and persist in the environment and our bodies.
Health Concerns with PFAS
PFAS have been associated with a number of health problems in human and animal studies, including:
– Effects on the immune system – PFAS may weaken the immune system and reduce vaccine efficacy.
– Cancer – PFOA and PFOS have been linked with increased risk of certain cancers like testicular, kidney and thyroid.
– Reproductive and developmental issues – Exposure to PFAS may impact fertility, pregnancy and newborn health.
– Interference with natural hormones – PFAS can interfere with important hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
– Increased cholesterol levels – Some PFAS like PFOS and PFOA have been linked with increased cholesterol.
– Thyroid disease – High exposure to some PFAS may impact thyroid hormone levels.
Due to these health concerns, many PFAS including PFOA and PFOS have been phased out of production in the US. However, exposure remains an issue due to their persistence in the environment.
Do Ninja Pans Contain PFAS?
So do Ninja pans contain any of these potentially harmful PFAS chemicals?
According to Ninja, their current cookware products do not contain PFAS, PFOA or PTFE. Here is an official statement from Ninja on their cookware and PFAS:
“PFAS, PFOA and PTFE are not used in NinjaTM cookware. The proprietary, ceramic-titanium coating system contains no PFAS, PFOA or PTFE. The coating system allows low-fat cooking and easy cleanup.”
Ninja states that their pots and pans use a ceramic-titanium nonstick coating that does not contain any PFAS chemicals.
They have transitioned away from using PTFE (the chemical used to make Teflon) and say none of their current cookware contains this chemical.
Older models of Ninja cookware did apparently use PTFE in their nonstick coatings previously. However, current models no longer contain PTFE, PFOA or other PFAS.
Types of Ninja Pans
Ninja offers several collections of pots and pans, including:
– Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware
– Ninja Foodi NeverStick 2-Piece Fry Pan Set
– Ninja Foodi NeverStick Pros Cookware Set
– Ninja Foodi 14-Piece Cookware Set
– Ninja Foodi 10-Piece Cookware Set
– Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Cook & Crisp XL Air Fryer Oven
According to Ninja, none of their current cookware collections contain PFAS, PFOA or PTFE. They state that all their pots and pans now use a ceramic-titanium coating called Durable Nonstick.
Is the Ceramic-Titanium Coating Safe?
Ninja says their proprietary ceramic-titanium coating system called Durable Nonstick is free of PFAS and PFOA. But is this coating still safe to use?
The ceramic-titanium coating used by Ninja is made from titanium which is strengthened with a ceramic material. Titanium itself is a safe, inert metal that doesn’t react with food. Ceramic coatings are also considered to be generally safe and inert.
When titanium and ceramic are combined, it creates a surface that is very smooth, strong and durable. This means the pans can resist scratches and metal utensils, while still providing nonstick properties.
Experts consider ceramic-titanium coatings to be among the safest options for nonstick cookware. The materials do not contain toxic chemicals and do not leach into food.
Compared to PTFE nonstick, ceramic-titanium coatings may be more durable over time. The surface holds up better to metal utensils, abrasive scouring and dishwasher cleaning.
One downside is that food may stick slightly more than 100% PTFE nonstick. But the difference is small and can be reduced by properly pre-heating pans and using oils or butter.
Overall, the consensus is that ceramic-titanium provides a good nontoxic alternative to PTFE-based nonstick coatings.
Other Safety Considerations
Aside from the nonstick coating, there are a few other safety considerations to keep in mind with Ninja cookware:
1. Aluminum Construction
Most Ninja pans feature aluminum construction. Aluminum is a reactive metal, meaning it can potentially leach into acidic or salty foods during the cooking process.
However, Ninja states that their aluminum cookware undergoes an anodization process. This hardens and seals the surface of the aluminum, preventing leaching and reactivity.
Anodized aluminum is considered safe by health agencies and is one of the most durable materials for cookware.
2. Safe Cooking Temperatures
Ceramic-titanium coatings typically start to break down above 600°F. For optimal durability, Ninja recommends staying below 500°F when cooking.
Exceeding these temperatures could cause the nonstick coating to degrade faster. Pans may also release fumes or odors if overheated.
As long as you keep cooking temperatures under 500°F, Ninja’s ceramic-titanium coating should remain stable and inert. Avoid broiling, searing or other extremely high heat cooking.
3. Quality Control
There have been some complaints about quality control and manufacturing defects with Ninja cookware sets. This includes things like lids not fitting properly or handles falling off.
While occasional defects can occur with any product, Ninja does provide a 60-day money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied. They state their cookware should last years with proper care.
Conclusion
Based on Ninja’s statements and independent research on the materials used, Ninja pans do not contain PFAS, PFOA or PTFE in their current ceramic-titanium nonstick coating.
While older models may have used PTFE, newer Ninja pans now use a ceramic-titanium formula in their Durable Nonstick coating instead.
This type of coating is considered safe, durable and non-toxic when used as directed. The underlying aluminum construction is also safe as long as pans are properly anodized.
There are no guarantees that PFAS may never be used in Ninja cookware again in the future. However, current Ninja pots and pans appear to be a safe option for nonstick cooking with no trace of these potentially harmful “forever chemicals.”
As with any nonstick pan, proper usage and care will help maximize durability and minimize any potential risks. But overall, Ninja cookware is regarded as a good choice for healthy, convenient cooking.