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7 reasons I'll never cook with anything but teak

I swapped every plastic spatula in my kitchen for solid teak. Here is why I'm never going back.

Jennifer M. By Jennifer M.Published on October 3, 2026
Teak utensil set in its teak holder on a limestone kitchen counter
Worn plastic spatula in a pan of eggs, with a microscope view of plastic particles in the food
1

I was feeding my family plastic three times a day

Every time my plastic spatula scraped a hot pan, a little of it wore off. Into the eggs, the sauce, the food I gave my kids.

A 2024 study found microplastics in the arteries of over half the patients tested, and they were 4.5 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. I can't control the air or the water pipes. But I can control what touches our food, and switching took one afternoon.

  • Zero plasticNothing to wear down into your family's food
  • Zero coatingNothing to chip, flake or leach in heat

Source: Marfella et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2024

A tall teak tree on Java with a close-up of teak grain
2

Teak doesn't break down. It was made to survive.

Java teak grows slowly through heavy rains and long dry seasons. To survive, the tree fills its wood with natural oils and silica.

That's why it's been used for ship decks for centuries. It doesn't crack, warp or rot, and mine look better than the day they arrived.

  • Doesn't crack or warpNatural oils keep water out
  • Lifetime warrantyIf one ever breaks, you get a new one
Scratched non-stick pan with a plastic spatula next to a smooth pan with a teak spatula
3

It's the only thing I let touch my pans now

Metal and hard plastic scratch non-stick coatings, and a single scratch can release around 9,100 plastic particles into your food.

Teak is softer than the coating, so it glides over non-stick, enamel, cast iron and steel without a mark. No coating in your food, and pans that last years longer.

  • No scratchesSafe on non-stick, enamel, cast iron and steel
  • No coating in your foodAnd your pans last years longer

Source: Flinders University, 2022

Worn plastic spoon with grime in its grooves next to a teak spoon with water beading on it
4

Naturally antibacterial, without a single chemical

I used to think wood held bacteria. It's the opposite. Plastic gets tiny cuts that stay wet, and in lab tests bacteria died off faster on wood than on plastic.

Teak's natural oils keep water out, so it dries fast and stays clean. No coatings, no chemicals.

  • Dries fastNatural oils keep moisture out
  • No groovesSmooth wood, no cuts for bacteria to hide in

Source: Ak, Cliver et al., Journal of Food Protection, 1994

Craftsman carving a teak spatula from one solid block
5

Carved from one solid block. No glue, no lacquer.

The "natural" sets I bought online were soft wood covered in varnish or bamboo strips glued together. Both fell apart within weeks.

Every Properware piece is carved from a single block of teak and finished with only plant oil and beeswax. No seams, no glue, nothing that ends up on your plate.

  • One piece of teakNo seams, no glue
  • Plant oil and beeswaxThe only finish, nothing synthetic
Teak utensil set and spoon rest beside a pot of oatmeal
6

So beautiful I keep them out on the counter

My old utensils lived in a drawer because they were ugly. These have a deep, warm golden grain, every piece is unique, and the color gets richer the more you use them.

They stand next to my stove now, and guests always ask about them.

  • One of a kindNo two pieces have the same grain
  • Gets better with ageA little oil now and then keeps the glow
Customer photos of the teak utensil set in their kitchens
7

Families everywhere are making the switch

I'm not the only one. Home cooks are swapping their plastic drawers for teak, and the reviews say the same thing I felt: why didn't I do this sooner?

They call it "so much nicer and more solid", say it "made the whole counter feel more put together", and most of all, they love not having to wonder what ends up in their food.

  • Nothing hiddenSolid teak, oil and beeswax, that's it
  • 30 day risk-free trialLove them or send them back

Teak vs. what is in your drawer

Properware teakPlastic & nylon
No plastic touching your food ✓ ✕
Won't melt in a hot pan ✓ ✕
No glue or lacquer ✓ ✕
Safe on non-stick pans ✓ ✓
Natural, renewable material ✓ ✕
Lifetime warranty ✓ ✕
Dishwasher safe ✕ ✓

Questions people ask

Can they go in the dishwasher?

No. Heat and long soaking make any wood crack. Wash by hand, dry them straight away and rub in a little food safe oil now and then.

Will they stain?

Wood can take on a little color from turmeric or tomato over time. That is normal and does not affect how they work.

What does the lifetime warranty cover?

If a spoon or spatula cracks, splits or breaks under normal use, we send you a new one for free. Damage from the dishwasher, soaking or an open flame is not covered.

What if they are not for me?

You get a 30 day risk-free trial. Get in touch through our contact page and we will sort it out.

Ready to cook without plastic?

This week only: up to 50% off and free gifts with your teak set.

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Jennifer's story reflects her own experience. Wooden utensils need hand washing and the occasional oiling. Sources are linked where we cite them.