Understanding PFAS in Cookware
Author: Hamlet Fort | March 04, 2026 | Time to read: 7 min
If you’ve looked into nonstick cookware recently, you’ve probably come across the term PFAS. It’s often mentioned alongside phrases like “forever chemicals,” “PFOA-free,” or “PFAS-free,” which can make choosing a pan feel more complicated than it needs to be.
So what does PFAS in cookware actually mean? Do all nonstick pans contain PFAS?
The short answer: it depends on the material. Some traditional nonstick coatings fall within the broader PFAS chemical family. Many newer alternatives do not.
Understanding the difference helps you cook with confidence. That’s what we’re here for.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It’s a large group of human-made chemicals defined by carbon–fluorine bonds, which are extremely strong.
That strength is what makes PFAS resistant to heat, grease, and water. Because of that durability, they’ve been used in products like waterproof fabrics, food packaging, and historically, some nonstick cookware.
You may hear PFAS called “Forever Chemicals” because they break down slowly in the environment. But PFAS isn’t one single ingredient. It’s a broad category that includes thousands of different compounds.
PFAS in Cookware: How They Were Used
Traditional nonstick cookware has often relied on a material called PTFE, commonly associated with the brand name Teflon®.
PTFE is technically part of the broader PFAS family. It creates the smooth, easy-release surface many people associate with nonstick pans.
In the past, another compound called PFOA was used during the manufacturing of some PTFE coatings. Due to environmental and health concerns, PFOA was phased out of U.S. cookware production by 2015.
So when you see “PFOA-free,” it means that specific compound is no longer used. It does not automatically mean the pan is PFAS-free.
PFAS vs PFOA vs PTFE: A Quick Overview
Here’s the quick breakdown:
PFAS: The large chemical family
PFOA: A specific compound that has been phased out in the United States
PTFE: A fluoropolymer still used in some nonstick coatings and classified within the PFAS family
If you’re trying to avoid PFAS entirely, it’s important to look beyond a “PFOA-free” label.
How to Tell If Cookware Contains PFAS
If avoiding PFAS is important to you, read material descriptions carefully.
Cookware may contain PFAS if you see:
PTFE listed in the materials
“Fluoropolymer coating”
References to Teflon®
Descriptions like “advanced polymer nonstick surface” without material disclosure
Cookware may be PFAS-free if you see:
Clear “PFAS-free” labeling
“PTFE-free” labeling
Ceramic nonstick described as mineral-based or sol-gel
Transparent materials lists
You should feel comfortable knowing what you’re cooking on. Clear disclosure is a good sign of thoughtful design.
PFAS-Free Cookware Options
There are several cookware materials that do not rely on PFAS-based coatings.
Ceramic nonstick
Modern sol-gel ceramic coatings are typically silica-based and made without PFAS. Our Thermakind® ceramic nonstick coating, used on our Always Pan®, is made without PFAS, PTFE, or PFOA.
Stainless Steel
Uncoated and durable. Food release depends on proper heat and oil.
Cast Iron
Seasoned naturally with oil over time.
Carbon Steel
Similar to cast iron but lighter and more responsive.
Titanium (no coating)
Pressed titanium surfaces can create durability and food release without a synthetic coating.
Each material has its strengths. The right one depends on how you cook and what feels right in your kitchen.
Microplastics vs PFAS: What’s the Difference?
PFAS and microplastics are different concepts. PFAS are chemical compounds defined by carbon–fluorine bonds. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic materials.
As a fluoropolymer, PTFE's surface can be susceptible to wear; studies have found that if a traditional nonstick pan becomes significantly damaged or scratched, microscopic particles of the coating may potentially release. While the FDA authorizes PTFE for cookware based on data showing it is safe for typical use—and that any accidentally ingested particles pass through the body without being absorbed—many cooks prefer ceramic for its mineral-based, polymer-free surface.
Regulation and Ongoing Changes
In the United States, regulatory attention around PFAS has increased as scientific understanding of environmental persistence has evolved.
The FDA maintains a list of authorized uses of PFAS in food-contact applications and has worked with manufacturers to phase out certain long-chain PFAS compounds. Several U.S. states have moved ahead with their own restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in certain consumer products.
California
California has enacted legislation that requires clearer disclosure when PFAS are present in the handle or other product components. California has historically led environmental regulation efforts, and its policies often influence national manufacturing standards.
Colorado, Minnesota, and Others
Other states, including Colorado and Minnesota, have passed or proposed broader restrictions on intentionally added PFAS across multiple product categories, including cookware and food packaging. Some of these measures phase in over time, allowing manufacturers to adapt.
Choosing PFAS-Free Cookware for Everyday Cooking
If you prefer to use materials made without PFAS, prioritize:
Clear “PFAS-free” labeling
Transparent material disclosure
Moderate, appropriate heat use
Proper care and maintenance
Ceramic nonstick cookware offers one PFAS-free option that supports everyday cooking with easy release and simple cleanup.
Final Thoughts
PFAS in cookware can feel overwhelming at first, especially when technical terms and regulatory updates are involved.
But when you break it down, the picture becomes more manageable. PFAS is a broad chemical family. Some traditional nonstick coatings fall within it. Many newer materials do not. Regulations are evolving, and so is the cookware industry.
Our Place was founded on the idea that cooking is an act of care and connection. The tools you use should reflect that care. That’s why we prioritize material transparency and choose to develop products, like our Thermakind® ceramic nonstick coating and Titanium Pro cookware, without Forever Chemicals or microplastics.
We believe you should never have to worry about what you’re cooking with. When materials are explained plainly and choices are intentional, everyday cooking feels more grounded and more confident.
