Is Thyme and Table Cookware Safe? | A Comprehensive Review

If you are looking for a new cookware set, you might have come across Thyme and Table, which offers colorful and stylish pots and pans. But are they safe to use? How do they perform in the kitchen? And are they worth your money?

This article will review Thyme and Table cookware and answer these questions. We will also look at the safety standards and certifications, the materials used, the performance, the health and environmental aspects, and the consumer feedback of this brand. By the end of this article, you will better understand whether Thyme and Table cookware are right for you.

Understanding Thyme and Table Cookware

Before we dive into the safety aspects of Thyme and Table cookware, let’s first get to know more about this brand and its products.

Brief History and Background of the Brand

Thyme and Table is a relatively new brand launched in 2018 by Walmart. It is part of Walmart’s strategy to offer customers more premium and trendy products. Thyme and Table aim to provide high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, affordable cookware.

Overview of Thyme and Table’s Product Line

Thyme and Table offer a variety of cookware products, including frying pans, saucepans, dutch ovens, grill pans, woks, bakeware, utensils, and accessories. Their products vary in dimensions, forms, hues, and patterns. Some of their best-selling items are:

• The 12-piece ceramic nonstick cookware set includes two frying pans, two saucepans with lids, a Dutch oven with a lid, a grill pan, a wok, a spatula, a spoon, and a slotted spoon. It comes in four colors: blue, green, copper, and gray.

• The 3-piece copper titanium frying pan set includes an 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch frying pan. It has a copper-colored exterior and a titanium-reinforced ceramic nonstick interior.

• The 6-quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven has a blue or green exterior and a cream-colored interior. Its knob and handles are made of stainless steel.

Key Features and Materials Used in Their Cookware

Thyme and Table cookware stand out for its:

Ceramic nonstick coating: Free of harmful chemicals, durable, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.

Aluminum or cast iron base: Lightweight or heavy-duty, heat-conductive or heat-retentive, versatile for different stovetops.

Stainless steel or silicone handles: Ergonomic, comfortable, oven-safe up to 500°F or 400°F.

Tempered glass lids: Transparent, shatter-resistant, oven-safe up to 350°F.

Vibrant colors and patterns: Stylish, colorful, and varied.

Evaluating Cookware Safety

Now that we have learned more about Thyme and Table cookware’s features and materials let’s evaluate how safe they are to use.

Safety Standards and Certifications

One way to assess the safety of cookware is to look at the safety standards and certifications they comply with. These are usually indicated on the product labels or packaging.

According to their website, Thyme and Table cookware meets or exceeds the following standards:

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards for food contact materials
• California Proposition 65 standards for chemical exposure
• LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) standards for food contact materials in Germany
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) standards for chemical substances in the European Union

These standards ensure that Thyme and Table cookware do not contain or release harmful substances that could affect your health or the environment.

Materials Used in Thyme and Table Cookware

Another way to evaluate the safety of cookware is to look at the materials used in their construction. As we have seen, Thyme and Table cookware use ceramic nonstick coating, aluminum or cast iron base, stainless steel or silicone handles, and tempered glass lids. How safe are these materials?

Ceramic Nonstick Coating

Ceramic nonstick coating is safer than PTFE and PFOA nonstick coatings, which can cause health problems and toxic fumes. It is made of natural minerals and does not contain or release harmful chemicals. It can handle high heat without breaking down or smoking. However, the ceramic nonstick coating can still leach some metals into food, which can build up in the body and cause health problems. Therefore, use ceramic nonstick cookware carefully. Here are some tips:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use metal utensils, abrasive cleaners, or harsh detergents. Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils. Wash with warm water and mild soap. Dry well.
• Do not overheat the cookware. Use low to medium heat. Avoid preheating on high heat or leaving empty.
• Replace the cookware when worn or damaged. The ceramic nonstick coating can lose its nonstick performance and leach more metals. Replace when sticky, discolored, warped, cracked, chipped, etc.

Aluminum or Cast Iron Base

Aluminum and cast iron are different metals for cookware bases. It is light, heat-conductive, and even-heating. But it can leach into food when cooking acidic foods. Aluminum can cause brain problems. Cast iron is heavy, heat-retentive, and high-temperature. But it can rust when wet or exposed to air. Cast iron can cause iron overload. Thyme and Table cookware have a ceramic nonstick coating over an aluminum or cast iron base. This stops the metal from leaching or rusting. But ceramic nonstick coating can still leach some metals into food. Therefore, use aluminum or cast iron cookware carefully. Here are some tips:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use metal utensils, abrasive cleaners, or harsh detergents. Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils. Wash with warm water and mild soap. Dry well.
• Avoid cooking acidic foods in aluminum or cast iron cookware. They can react with the metal and cause leaching or corrosion. Use stainless steel or glass cookware instead for acidic foods.
• Season cast iron cookware regularly. Seasoning is applying oil to the surface of cast iron cookware and heating it to form a protective coating. This prevents rusting and improves nonstick performance.
  • To season cast iron cookware, do this:
    • Wash the cookware with warm water and mild soap. Dry it thoroughly.
    • Rub a thin layer of oil all over the cookware, including the handle and the lid.
    • Place the cookware upside down on a baking sheet in an oven at 375°F for an hour. Switch off the oven and allow the cookware to cool down inside.
    • Do this thrice or until the cookware is dark and shiny.
    • Store the cookware in a dry place and avoid washing it with soap or detergent. If needed, rinse it with hot water and wipe it with a paper towel.

Stainless Steel or Silicone Handles

Stainless steel and silicone are both safe materials to use for cookware handles. They do not leach or release any harmful substances into food or air.

Stainless steel is a robust material that can endure high temperatures up to 500°F, making it oven-safe. However, stainless steel is also a heat-conductive material that can get hot when exposed to heat. Therefore, it is advisable to use oven mitts or pot holders when handling stainless steel cookware.

Silicone is a soft and heat-resistant material that can withstand temperatures up to 400°F. It is also non-slip and comfortable to hold. However, silicone is less durable than stainless steel and can degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, or chemicals. Therefore, it is advisable to replace silicone cookware when it shows wear and tear.

Tempered Glass Lids

Tempered glass is a safe material to use for cookware lids. It does not leach or release any harmful substances into food or air.

Tempered glass undergoes heat or chemical treatment to enhance its durability and resistance to breakage. It can withstand temperatures up to 350°F and sudden changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. However, tempered glass is not indestructible and can still break if dropped, scratched, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is advisable to handle tempered glass lids carefully and avoid using them on high heat or in the broiler.

Thyme and Table Cookware Performance

Besides safety, another critical aspect of cookware is performance. How well do Thyme and Table cookware perform in the kitchen? Here are some factors to consider:

Heat Distribution and Retention

Heat distribution and retention refer to how well the cookware transfers and maintains heat across its surface and body. Good heat distribution and retention ensure even cooking and prevent hot or cold spots from forming.

Thyme and Table cookware have good heat distribution and retention due to its aluminum or cast iron base. Aluminum conducts heat well and distributes it evenly across the surface. Cast iron retains heat well and keeps it for a long time. Both metals can reach high temperatures quickly and maintain them consistently.

However, Thyme and Table cookware have some heat distribution and retention drawbacks. Aluminum can lose heat quickly when removed from the heat source. Cast iron can take longer to heat or cool down than other metals. 

Both metals can react to temperature changes by warping or cracking, especially if not preheated properly or cooled gradually.

Therefore, using Thyme and Table cookware carefully regarding heat distribution and retention is advisable.

Here are some tips to optimize the performance of the cookware:

• Preheat the cookware before adding food. Preheating allows the cookware to reach the desired temperature evenly and prevents sticking or burning. To preheat the cookware, place it on low to medium heat for a few minutes until it feels warm. Do not preheat on high heat or leave it empty on the stovetop.

• Adjust the heat as needed during cooking. Depending on the type of food, cooking method, or recipe, you may need to adjust the heat during cooking to achieve the best results. For example, you may need to lower the heat after searing meat to avoid burning it or raise the heat after adding liquid to bring it to a boil faster.

• Allow the cookware to cool down gradually after cooking. Thermal shock can be caused by sudden changes in temperature, which can damage the cookware by warping or cracking it. To avoid this, let the cookware cool down gradually after cooking by removing it from the heat source and placing it on a trivet or a towel. Do not immerse hot cookware in cold water or place it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Durability and Longevity

Durability and longevity are how well the cookware resists damage over time and how long it lasts before needing replacement. Durable and long-lasting cookware can save you money and trouble later. Thyme and Table cookware have good durability and longevity because of their ceramic nonstick coating, aluminum or cast iron base, stainless steel or silicone handles, and tempered glass lids. 

Ceramic nonstick coating is more durable, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant than traditional nonstick coatings. The aluminum or cast iron base is strong, sturdy, and can handle high temperatures. Stainless steel or silicone handles are durable and oven-safe. Tempered glass lids are shatter-resistant and oven-safe. But Thyme and Table cookware also need some help with durability and longevity. The ceramic nonstick coating can lose its nonstick performance over time due to scratches, chips, cracks, etc. 

Aluminum or cast iron base can warp or crack from temperature changes. Silicone handles can degrade over time from sunlight, heat, or chemicals. Tempered glass lids can break if dropped, scratched, or exposed to extreme temperatures. So use Thyme and Table cookware carefully for durability and longevity.

Here are some tips to make the cookware last longer:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use metal utensils, abrasive cleaners, or harsh detergents. Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils. Wash with warm water and mild soap. Dry well.

• Store the cookware properly. Do not stack the cookware or put heavy objects on them. This can cause scratches, dents, or cracks on the surface of the coating. Use a rack, a shelf, or a drawer to store the cookware separately or with a protective layer between them.

• Replace the cookware when worn or damaged. Thyme and Table cookware can last years if used and cared for properly. But cookware only lasts for a while and needs to be replaced when it performs poorly or looks damaged. Replace the cookware when sticky, discolored, warped, cracked, chipped, etc.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Thyme and Table cookware are easy to use and clean because of their ceramic nonstick coating, aluminum or cast iron base, stainless steel or silicone handles, and tempered glass lids. However, it also needs careful handling and washing to avoid damage, warping, cracking, or breaking. To use and maintain Thyme and Table cookware well, follow these tips:

• Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils and mild soap on the cookware.
• Match the burner size to the cookware size and use moderate oil or fat for cooking.
• Clean the cookware as soon as possible after cooking with warm water and a soft sponge or cloth.
• Season cast iron cookware regularly by applying oil and heating it in the oven.
• Store the cookware in a dry place and avoid soap or detergent.

Health and Environmental Considerations

Besides safety and performance, another critical aspect of cookware is health and environmental considerations. How does Thyme and Table cookware affect your health and the environment?

Non-Toxic Cooking

Thyme and Table cookware is non-toxic because of its ceramic nonstick coating, aluminum or cast iron base, stainless steel or silicone handles, and tempered glass lids. These materials do not contain or release harmful chemicals or metals. However, they can still leach small amounts of metals when damaged or exposed to acidic foods. To cook non-toxically with Thyme and Table cookware, follow these tips:

• Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils and mild soap on the cookware.
• Avoid cooking acidic foods in the cookware. Opt for cookware made of stainless steel or glass instead.
• Replace the cookware when it is scratched, chipped, cracked, or sticky.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Thyme and Table cookware are sustainable and eco-friendly because of their ceramic nonstick coating, aluminum or cast iron base, stainless steel or silicone handles, and tempered glass lids. These materials save energy, water, materials, etc., and prevent pollution, waste, emissions, etc. But they also have some drawbacks. 

They consume energy, resources, and emissions for production and mining. They damage ecosystems and require synthetic materials. To use Thyme and Table cookware well for the environment, follow these tips:

• Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils and mild soap on the cookware.
• Match the burner size to the cookware size and use moderate oil or fat for cooking.
• Recycle or donate the cookware when it is worn out or damaged. Thyme and Table cookware saves energy, water, materials, etc., preventing pollution, waste, emissions, etc. But it is unsuitable for consuming energy, resources, and emissions for production and mining. For that, look for other brands or products.

Consumer Feedback and Reviews

Another way to evaluate Thyme and Table cookware is to look at consumer feedback and reviews. What do other people think about this brand and its products? How satisfied are they with their purchase?

According to online sources such as Amazon, Walmart, and YouTube, Thyme and Table Cookware has received mixed consumer feedback and reviews. Some consumers have praised Thyme and Table cookware for its:

• Attractive design and color
• Affordable price
• Nonstick performance
• Easy cleanup
• Lightweight feel

However, some consumers have criticized Thyme and Table cookware for its:

• Poor durability
• Warping or cracking
• Staining or discoloration
• Scratching or chipping
• Uneven heating

Conclusion

Thyme and Table cookware are colorful, stylish, safe, and affordable. It has a ceramic nonstick coating, aluminum or cast iron base, stainless steel or silicone handles, and tempered glass lids. But it also has some drawbacks. It needs careful handling and washing to avoid damage or leaching. Thyme and Table cookware needs preheating and cooling to avoid warping or cracking. It can get scratched, chipped, cracked, or sticky over time. To use Thyme and Table cookware well, follow these tips:

• Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils and mild soap on the cookware.
• Avoid cooking acidic foods in the cookware. Opt for cookware made of stainless steel or glass instead.
• Replace the cookware when it is worn out or damaged. Thyme and Table cookware are suitable for safe, stylish, affordable, nonstick, easy to clean, lightweight, durable, sustainable, eco-friendly, and well-reviewed cooking. But it is unsuitable for more durable, long-lasting, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, warp-resistant, crack-resistant, or evenly heated cooking. For that, look for other brands or products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)