Written by Lara Yehia. Lara researches home and kitchen products for Cupindy.
Last reviewed: November 11, 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Illustration, not a product photo.
The short version: cookware labels such as PFAS-free, PTFE-free and PFOA-free describe different things. This guide explains what each term means, how to read a maker's California AB 1200 disclosure, how the common cookware materials compare, and which US states restrict PFAS in cookware.
Advertising disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cupindy may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
How this guide was made: Cupindy does not test products in a laboratory, and we did not cook in the pans shown here. We reviewed published specifications, product listings and the public sources listed at the end. Picks are our opinion, based on the criteria stated with each one. For the meaning of each label, see our explainer on what PFOA-free means.
Our quick pick: ceramic non-stick
Blue Diamond 10" Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Pan
A single 10-inch pan with a ceramic non-stick coating. Our pick for trying a PTFE-free non-stick pan without buying a full set.
Ceramic non-stick coatings can lose their release over time. Many makers advise low to medium heat and hand washing, so check the instructions that come with the pan. Prefer no coating at all? See the cast iron and stainless picks below.
Cookware Labels at a Glance
| Label | What it describes | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS-free | The maker states that no PFAS were intentionally added. | Whether the claim is backed by a published disclosure for the exact product line. |
| PTFE-free | The coating is not PTFE, the polymer used in many traditional non-stick pans. | What the coating is made of instead. |
| PFOA-free | PFOA, one specific PFAS chemical, was not used in manufacturing. | The term covers one chemical, not the whole PFAS group. A PFOA-free pan can still use other PFAS. |
| Non-toxic | A marketing term that makers use in different ways. | The specific statements and materials the maker publishes. |
What the FDA Says About Non-Stick Coatings
The FDA's PFAS questions and answers page, last updated June 18, 2026, states that some PFAS are approved for use in making non-stick cookware coatings. The same page says the coating contains a negligible amount of PFAS capable of migrating to food. Some shoppers choose to avoid PFAS cookware for other reasons, including state rules and environmental concerns. That is a personal choice, and this guide covers both coated and uncoated options.
How to Read a California AB 1200 Disclosure
California Health and Safety Code sections 109010 to 109014 (AB 1200) set disclosure rules for cookware sold in the state. In general terms, makers must list certain chemicals on a website, and a label requirement followed. The code also addresses "free of" claims. Section 109012 covers the website disclosure, which has applied since January 1, 2023, and section 109011 covers the label, which has applied since January 1, 2024. We read the statute on November 10 and 11, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice, and we do not apply it to any single brand.
- Search for the maker's name plus "AB 1200" or "ingredient disclosure".
- Find the product line or model number that matches what you plan to buy.
- Read which parts of the product (cooking surface, handle, base) each entry covers.
- Check the date on the page, since makers update these pages.
Cookware Materials Compared
These are general descriptions. Individual products differ, so follow the maker's care instructions.
- Cast iron: an uncoated metal pan that can be seasoned with oil. It is heavy and usually needs drying and light oiling after washing. See our cast iron guide.
- Carbon steel: lighter than cast iron and also seasoned with oil. See our carbon steel guide and our wok guide.
- Stainless steel: uncoated and usable with acidic ingredients. Food can stick until you learn to preheat and add fat. See the stainless steel grades explainer.
- Enameled cast iron: cast iron with a glass-based enamel layer, which means no seasoning is needed.
- Ceramic non-stick: a sol-gel style coating that is not PTFE. Release can fade with use. See ceramic vs stainless steel cookware.
- PTFE non-stick: the traditional non-stick coating. Makers generally advise low to medium heat and not using metal utensils.
- Titanium: see our titanium cookware explainer.
Our Picks, Based on Material and Specifications
Product names and sizes come from the Amazon listings as we read them on October 12, 2026. Check the current listing for price, size and details. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 inch
Check the Lodge skillet on Amazon
Our pick for: a single everyday pan with no coating, based on its material and its listing as a pre-seasoned skillet.
Care notes: cast iron is heavy and generally needs drying and a thin coat of oil after washing. Long simmers of acidic food can affect the seasoning.
2. Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 10 inch Open Skillet (722-24)
Check the Cuisinart skillet on Amazon
Our pick for: an uncoated stainless skillet, based on its stainless steel cooking surface and the listed model number (722-24) that you can look up in the maker's disclosure.
Care notes: food can stick until you preheat the pan and add fat. Follow the maker's stated oven limit on the listing.
3. GreenLife Ceramic Non-Stick Skillet Set, 8 inch and 10 inch
Check the GreenLife set on Amazon
Our pick for: trying a ceramic non-stick set with two common sizes, based on the listing. Read the maker's AB 1200 page for the exact line before buying.
Care notes: ceramic coatings can lose release with use. Low to medium heat and the maker's cleaning instructions can help.
4. Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6 Quart
Check the Lodge Dutch oven on Amazon
Our pick for: soups, braises and bread, based on its 6-quart size and enameled cast iron construction. Check the listing for the stated oven and lid temperature limits.
Care notes: enameled cast iron is heavy. Follow the maker's heat ratings and avoid sudden temperature changes.
5. Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12-Piece Set (MCPS-12N)
Check the Cuisinart set on Amazon
Our pick for: replacing a whole kitchen at once with uncoated tri-ply stainless, based on the listing. Model MCPS-12N can be looked up in the maker's disclosure.
Care notes: the piece count includes lids and accessories, so check the list of cooking vessels on the listing.
State PFAS Cookware Laws
Several US states restrict intentionally added PFAS in cookware. The dates below come from state statutes and legal summaries we read on November 11, 2026. Exemptions apply in several states, rules change, and this is general information, not legal advice. Check the state's own page before relying on a date.
| State | Reported cookware date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | January 1, 2025 | Reported in legal summaries. |
| Colorado | January 1, 2026 | Reported in legal summaries. |
| Maine | January 1, 2026 | Exemptions for unavoidable uses are reported. |
| Connecticut | Label rules from July 1, 2026; sales ban January 1, 2028 | Reported in legal summaries. |
| Rhode Island | January 1, 2027 | General PFAS prohibition in Section 23-18.18-4. Check the statute for cookware coverage. |
| New Mexico | January 1, 2027 | HB 212 lists cookware and contains an exemption for certain fluoropolymers. |
| Vermont | July 1, 2028 | Reported as delayed in legal summaries. |
In California, Governor Newsom vetoed SB 682 on October 13, 2025. That bill would have prohibited cookware with intentionally added PFAS starting in 2030. The AB 1200 disclosure rules described above remain in place.
How to Choose
- Decide whether you want a coating. Uncoated options are cast iron, carbon steel and stainless steel.
- If you choose a coated pan, read the maker's disclosure for that exact line and note its date.
- Match the pan to your stove (induction needs a magnetic base) and your oven.
- Buy one pan before a full set, so you learn the material first.
- For other kitchen items, see our guides to cooking utensils and food storage containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PFOA-free mean PFAS-free?
No. PFOA is one chemical in a large group. A PFOA-free label says nothing about other PFAS. See our PFOA-free explainer.
What does the FDA say about non-stick coatings?
As of its June 18, 2026 update, the FDA's PFAS page says some PFAS are approved for use in non-stick cookware coatings and that the coating contains a negligible amount capable of migrating to food.
Where can I find a maker's disclosure?
Search the maker's name plus "AB 1200". The page should list the product line and the materials covered. Check the date.
Do uncoated pans have a coating to wear off?
Cast iron and carbon steel are seasoned with oil, and stainless steel is uncoated. Enameled cast iron has a glass-based layer. Follow each maker's care instructions.
Does Cupindy test cookware?
No. We review published specifications and public sources. The picks above are our opinion based on the criteria stated.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Questions and Answers on PFAS in Food, last updated June 18, 2026.
- California Health and Safety Code, sections 109010 to 109014, read November 10 and 11, 2026.
- New Mexico Legislature, HB 212 (2025), read November 11, 2026.
- Rhode Island General Laws, Section 23-18.18-4, read November 11, 2026.
- California Governor's veto of SB 682, October 13, 2025, as reported by Exponent, October 21, 2025.
Cupindy does not test products in a laboratory. This article reports what manufacturers and retailers have published, as of the date shown. Brand names are used only to identify products. Cupindy is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand named. This is general information, not medical, legal or professional advice.
Brand right of reply. If you represent a brand named on this page and believe a statement is inaccurate, contact us with the page link and the exact statement. We review requests within 5 business days and correct errors we can verify.
Corrections. Information on this page is as of November 11, 2026. Brands change specifications, warranties and policies without notice. If you find an error, contact us with the page link and we will review it and correct verified errors promptly.
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