Stainless Steel vs Plastic in Your Kitchen

I give you the information and a solution. As always you should do your own research as well. Stay informed of what is going into yours and your family’s bodies. Plastic has been proven to leach toxic chemicals like BPA or phthalates when heated, which is why it should never be used for hot foods or drinks. Let’s dive in and find out more information.

Hormone Disrupter?

BPA is known to disrupt the endocrine system in the body. It mimics the effects of estrogen and disrupts normal hormone function.  Now, I am definitely not an expert but us women ALREADY have enough hormonal stuff going on in our bodies.

What are BPA and phthalates (THAL-ates)?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in some hard, clear plastics such as water bottles and baby bottles and in the lining of food cans. Phthalates are used to make soft, flexible plastics such as PVC (“vinyl”) products and food packaging.

It is believed that both BPA and phthalates can leach from plastic into food, liquid, and directly into the mouths of children while sucking on pacifiers or teethers. Wow, that’s some scary stuff right there.

Research suggests that all plastics may leach chemicals if they’re scratched or heated. Research also strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in these products, such as bisphenol A (BPA), may cause cancer in people. That’s enough for me to change over.

Metal/Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Are Metal Mixing Bowls Safe? Stainless steel bowls are safe and stainless steel does not corrode. You can use a stainless steel bowl to mix anything except acidic foods. It is a great tool in the kitchen, as a food prep vessel, from coating meat with flour to making dough.

Do stainless steel bowls have lead?

Stainless steel does not contain lead. Stainless steel by itself is safe for your food, but your food could actually damage the cookware. Do not put acidic foods in your stainless steel containers. Best to mix those up in glass bowls.

Stainless Steel in the Fridge

As a general rule, it’s safest to store food in glass or plastic containers. If you’re in a hurry or if a big holiday meal has used up your usual storage containers, you can store your food in a stainless steel pot. I have stored food in my Instant Pot in my refrigerator for 2-3 days. The stainless steel used in the Instant Pot pressure cooker is 18/8 gauge. 18/8 stainless steel means that it consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which is “food grade” stainless steel. That being said no food should be kept longer than that in the “fridge”. In my opinion. If so, you might want to consider freezing for later use.

So now here is what I have chosen to do in my kitchen. I cook mostly in and with cast iron but not always. I try to steer clear of teflon because I know the dangers of it as well (that’s another blog). I am transitioning over to all glass and stainless steel where I can. My mixing utensils are mostly silicone and stainless steel. I use rubber/silicone and some plastic lids on my bowls when storing short term in the fridge. Making sure that everything is at least room temp before storing.

My bowls & Storage containers

Here are my bowls and storage containers that I have been using in my kitchen and I am very pleased with them. Each item has the link to purchase if you’d like to try them as well.