Top 8+ kitchen tools we're replacing in 2026—and what we’re buying instead

Upgrade your kitchen with non-toxic tools and cookware from $12.

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

What You Need to Know

  • Get the KitchenAid’s Mini Oven Mitt Set to swap old oven mitts with non-toxic materials and prevent burns. 
  • Home Hero’s Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils are 40 percent off and can replace plastic utensils to keep every meal microplastic-free. 
  • Replace accessories like plastic wrap with options like the Basic Haus Reusable Silicone Stretch Lids and save 38 percent.

Your kitchen tools don’t have expiration dates like the food in your pantry, but you may be surprised to learn that just because they still work doesn’t mean they’re safe to cook with. Cooking with plastic tools can lead to microplastics in your food, and even your trusty old wooden utensils can harbor bacterial growth (especially if they have cracks or noticeable odors). With 2026 underway, we’re replacing our old kitchen tools with safer, non-toxic, and reusable options so we can dive into our favorite recipes.

If your utensils have worn out their welcome, swap them with these non-toxic tools to cook without worries. From silicone utensils to glass food storage containers, wooden cutting boards, stainless steel cookware, and more, these are the eight kitchen tools we’re saying goodbye to this year and the safer, plastic-free alternatives we’re replacing them with. You can even save on our favorite options with deals up to 40 percent off for a budget-friendly kitchen refresh. 

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026

  • Cook With Color 10-Piece Silicone Cooking Utensil Set, $29.99
  • Home Hero 32-Piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensil Set, $29.99 (orig. $49.99) 
  • Rubbermaid Set of 4 Brilliance Food Storage Containers, $34.95 (orig. $42.99) 
  • Royal Craft Organic Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove, $16.97 (orig. $19.97)
  • Cuisinart 7-Piece Stainless Steel Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Collection, $109.95 with coupon (orig. $149.95)
  • Basic Haus 7-Piece Reusable Silicone Stretch Lids, $14.95 (orig. $24.15) 
  • KitchenAid Beacon Two-Tone Non-Slip Mini Oven Mitt Set, $11.24
  • Stasher 3-Pack Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, $38.99 (orig. $51.99) 

Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils

What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

No matter what type of pan you’re using, plastic cooking tools can leach microplastics into your food as you cook, and old tools with melted or chipped areas are especially susceptible. Stainless steel utensils are a safer alternative to cast iron and stainless-steel cookware, but delicate surfaces require delicate tools—and silicone options like this utensil set by Cook With Color are the perfect swap to keep both your cookware and your utensils non-toxic. Along with using 100-percent FDA-approved silicone, they also have stainless steel handles, so they’re dishwasher-safe on the top rack and won’t develop bacteria like wooden handles can. 

Even if you use non-stick cookware that’s free from PFAS on the surface, scratches can compromise the coating, so it may not be safe to use once it’s damaged. We love this set of silicone tools for their soft surfaces that won’t scratch non-stick pans, and they’re safe to use with every type of cookware. 

Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils

What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

Wooden cooking utensils are safer than plastic, but in a busy kitchen, they can develop bacteria buildup if they’re not properly washed after every use. If your wooden utensils are starting to look worn, you can replace them with a stainless steel set for easier maintenance and sanitizing. This set by Home Hero comes with 32 pieces made of rust-resistant stainless steel and food-grade silicone. You’ll get solid and slotted spoons, tongs, measuring spoons, plus a solid spatula, whisk, pusher, pasta server, a silicone-tipped basting brush, 14 hooks for easy storage, and a holder to keep everything organized on your counters. 

Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers

What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

One thing we’re definitely replacing this year is our old plastic food storage containers. Even if you cook all of your meals with silicone utensils and non-toxic cookware, if you store them in the fridge in plastic, your food is still susceptible to microplastics. We love Rubbermaid’s Brilliance series for its BPA-free, leak-proof materials that are also easy to clean in the dishwasher, safe for the microwave, and safe for the freezer. This set comes with four containers to start your collection, and each has a 3.2-cup capacity for most food storage needs.

Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards

What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

Like plastic cooking utensils, plastic cutting boards can also lead to microplastics in your food. If your plastic cutting board has scratches from years of use, it’s time to replace it with a safer option. We recommend wooden cutting boards like this bamboo one from Royal Craft Wood. Made with 100-percent natural bamboo, it includes grooves to catch juices from meat to keep your counters clean while you prep. Since wood can develop bacteria buildup, simply wash your cutting boards after use with water and a gentle antibacterial soap, then add a fresh coat of food-safe oil every so often for a waterproof finish. 

Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware

What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

Some non-stick pots and pans may start out non-toxic, but with scratches or chips, they can leak chemicals into your food while you cook. If your non-stick cookware is damaged or worn, we recommend replacing it with a durable option like stainless steel that won’t become a health hazard after years of use. We tested stainless steel cookware, and we recommend this set by Cuisinart. We found it’s a great beginner set for those switching from non-stick or learning to cook with stainless steel for the first time. It comes with two saucepans in 1.5-quart and 3-quart sizes, an 8-quart stockpot, a 10-inch skillet, and lids for every piece. They’re also dishwasher-safe and made with Cuisinart’s Cool Grip Helper Handles to prevent burns while you’re cooking.

Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap

What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

Tired of endlessly searching through the cabinets to find the lids that match your plastic containers? These silicone lids from Basic Haus solve that problem by adapting perfectly to any shape. The leak-proof and reusable lids come in seven sizes that stretch over food and containers to create an airtight seal, essentially eliminating the need for plastic wrap. The BPA-free and dishwasher-safe lids are safe to use from the freezer to the oven, come in 10 colors to match your kitchen decor, and stack neatly in your cabinet when not in use.

Replace: Old Oven Mitts

What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

Even oven mitts can develop wear and tear over time. If your favorite mitts have developed rips or tears in the fabric, it’s best to replace them with a new set that’s heat-resistant to prevent burns when handling hot pots and pans. We tested a variety of oven mitts, and we recommend this mini set by KitchenAid, which is made with slip-resistant silicone pot holders for safety in the kitchen. It also uses heat-resistant cotton on the outer parts of each mitt, which is non-toxic and covers your hands to keep your skin safe when reaching into a hot oven.

Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags

What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

8 Kitchen Tools To Replace In 2026, Replace: Plastic Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Silicone Cooking Utensils, Replace: Wooden Cooking Utensils, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Containers, What to Use Instead: Glass Food Storage Containers, Replace: Plastic Cutting Boards, What to Use Instead: Wood Cutting Boards, Replace: Worn Non-Stick Cookware, What to Use Instead: Stainless Steel Cookware, Replace: Plastic Cling Wrap, What to Use Instead: Reusable Silicone Lids, Replace: Old Oven Mitts, What to Use Instead: Non-Slip, Non-Toxic Oven Mitts, Replace: Plastic Food Storage Bags, What to Use Instead: Silicone Food Storage Bags

Just like plastic wrap, we’re replacing our plastic sandwich bags with a safer option to keep our food microplastic-free. Stasher is the leading brand in silicone food storage bags, and while it’s an investment at first, these bags can be reused for years—and they’re even safe for the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer. Since premium brands are pricier, we recommend beginning your collection slowly, and this set of three is a great place to start. It includes 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup storage bags, and compared to other brands, we like that Stasher’s bags stand up on their own for easy meal prep throughout the week. 

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Post Related