Frequently Asked Questions

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 15,000 man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in various products. They're often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment.

Learn more about PFAS →

Research has linked PFAS exposure to various health concerns, including increased cholesterol, liver changes, thyroid disruption, and certain cancers. While the research is ongoing, many consumers prefer to avoid these chemicals when possible.

Cookware is one of the most direct routes of exposure since PFAS-containing coatings come into direct contact with your food.

Teflon is a brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is one type of PFAS. So yes, traditional Teflon-coated cookware contains PFAS.

Note that "PTFE-free" cookware may still contain other PFAS compounds used in the manufacturing process. Look for "PFAS-free" instead.

We use a multi-step process that includes reviewing manufacturer documentation, lab reports, material specifications, and public statements. Based on the evidence available, we assign a verification tier from 1 (lowest confidence) to 4 (highest confidence).

See our full verification process →

Tier 4 (Monitored): Lab tested with ongoing monitoring and regular re-verification.

Tier 3 (Lab Tested): Independent lab testing confirms PFAS-free status.

Tier 2 (Policy Reviewed): Manufacturer documentation reviewed, but no independent testing.

Tier 1 (Brand Statement): Brand claims PFAS-free, but we haven't independently verified.

No. Our verification process is completely independent from any affiliate relationships or brand payments. Products are listed based on their PFAS-free claims, and tiers are assigned solely based on evidence quality. We do not accept payment for reviews or favorable ratings.

Tier 4 products are monitored on an ongoing basis (typically annually). For other tiers, we update our verification when we become aware of material changes, reformulations, or new evidence. Users can also report concerns about specific products, which we investigate.

No, we do not sell products. We provide research and verification information. When you're ready to buy, we link to retailers (like Amazon) where you can purchase the products. We may earn a commission from these links, which helps fund our research.

When you click a link to a retailer on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is how we fund our research and keep the site free.

Affiliate relationships never influence our verification ratings or which products we include.

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Prices change frequently and vary by retailer and location. Rather than show potentially outdated information, we encourage you to check current prices on the retailer's website. Our focus is on verification status, not price comparison.

There are two types of "ceramic" cookware:

• True ceramic (100% ceramic): Made entirely from clay and minerals. Always PFAS-free.
• Ceramic-coated: Metal pan with a ceramic-like coating. Usually PFAS-free, but verify with the manufacturer.

Learn more about ceramic coatings →

Important: "PFOA-free" does NOT mean "PFAS-free." PFOA is just one of over 15,000 PFAS chemicals. Many products labeled "PFOA-free" still contain other PFAS compounds like GenX.

Always look for products that specifically say "PFAS-free" or "free of all fluorinated compounds."

Pure stainless steel is inherently PFAS-free. However, some stainless steel cookware may have non-stick coatings or treatments on certain surfaces. Also check handles, lids, and other components. We verify all food-contact surfaces, not just the main cooking surface.

Traditional cast iron seasoned with oil is naturally PFAS-free. The iron itself contains no fluorinated compounds, and seasoning with vegetable oil creates a natural non-stick surface. Some pre-seasoned cast iron uses vegetable oil seasoning, which is also PFAS-free.