The Swiss turn away from the teflon, according to Galaxus (Migros)

Wouldn’t teflon stoves ultimately not be that nice? In any case, this is what more and more Swiss think.Image: Getty Images

An analysis of the Digitec-Galaxus site, owned by Migros, reveals the preferences of the Swiss in terms of frying stoves. The debate on the PFAS, sometimes present in the Teflon, seems to have led to awareness.

Benjamin Weinmann / CH Media

Swiss stoves have a name: Kuhn Rikon. For decades, this family business has produced kitchen utensils in the Töss valley, near Zurich, notably the famous Duromatic pressure pot.

A compound not as dangerous as imagined

Dorothee Auwärter embodies the fourth generation to lead the company as president of the board of directors.

Dorothee Auwärter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuhn Rikon. Image: Claudio Thoma / www.claudiothoma.com

Two years ago, she gave an interview to CH Mediaevoking the fears of many consumers who associate teflon stoves with a risk of cancer. She then said:

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) “Téflon” is only a brand name, and it is part of the alkylated polyfluored, or PFAS compounds. They are found not only in the coatings of frying stoves, but also in many other products, such as packaging paper, paintings, waterproof tent canvas or firefighters’ anti-fire foam.

A material simply unequaled

“In this PFAS family, some are indeed a danger to health,” said Dorothee Auwärter before adding:

According to her, there is no alternative to date offering comparable and lasting non -stick properties.

But a change of mentality takes place in Swiss kitchens. This is what a study of the Migros Digitec-Galaxus online store reveals that CH Media was able to consult. According to this document, the teflon pan has long been undisputed, enthroned at the top of the classification of the 100 best -selling models.

A change of course for consumers

But consumers seem to have carefully followed the debate on those who are nicknamed “eternal pollutants”. While the share of PTFE stoves sold at Digitec-Galaxus was still 57% in 2022, it was only 36% in the first half of 2025. A drop of more than a third in three and a half years.

The advantages of iron and stainless steel

For their part, the ceramic stoves recorded growing success. Their market share in the largest Swiss online store has multiplied by seven since 2022, from 3% to 21% last year. Iron frying or stainless steel stoves are placed in the first half of 2025, with 44% of the market.

The evolution of sales of stoves at Digitec-Galaxus.Image: Galaxus

According to Digitec-Galaxus, their advantages are as follows: absence of chemicals, sustainability and total recyclability. However, they are heavier than their teflon cousins.

According to the Kuhn Rikon brand, quality frying stoves with non -stick coating in PTFE can last three to five years. This is what Digitec-Galaxus indicates. Ceramic coating models will only hold one to three years. In the daily life of a family, teflon and ceramic stoves often have a shorter lifespan.

The non -stick coating is indeed removed when scratching or rackets with metal utensils. The ceramic coating loses its non -stick properties if you cook at too high temperature. On the other hand, iron and stainless steel stoves are considered practically indestructible.

Health considerations are obviously not the only ones to play a role during the purchase. Galaxus thus emphasizes that the ptfe and ceramic stoves remain generally cheaper. But that iron or stainless steel stoves can be used longer.

(French adaptation: Valentine Zenker)

The border crossings to the Schengen area will be recorded digitally this fall. The European Commission has set the launch date of the entry and release system on October 12. In Switzerland, this system will be implemented at airports.

The input/output system (Entry/Exit System ESS) must allow to digitally register travelers from third countries when entering, transit or outing Schengen space said the European Commission on Wednesday.