Is Hard Anodized Cookware Safe?

Yes. Hard anodized cookware is simply aluminum that is submerged in a sulfuric acid bath and subjected to an electric current running through the bath. This process creates a thick coating of aluminum oxide, which substantially hardens and strengthens the aluminum while retaining its ability to conduct heat. This coating also resists corrosion and abrasion.

While hard anodizing the aluminum produces an almost non-porous surface, meaning it's practically nonstick even unfinished, most hard anodized cookware, such as the T-Fal Signature Hard Anodized 12-piece cookware set, will have a nonstick coating added at least to the skillets.

Because the process of hard anodizing is often used for industrial and commercial uses, many people wonder if hard anodized aluminum is safe to cook food in. Hard anodizing was actually first developed for restaurant chefs because they needed durable pans that cooked fast but could withstand the use and abuse of a professional kitchen. If it's good enough for a gourmet chef, it's definitely safe to use at home.