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PFAS in Roasting Pans: Which Brands Grade Best and Worst

Caraway's ceramic roasting pans emerge as the clear category leaders, achieving Grade A ratings (100/100 safety estimate) across three models. Based on available materials and public disclosure data, Caraway's ceramic nonstick coating design and stated PFOA-free manufacturing represent the strongest profile in this category. The Caraway Caraway 16x13" Roasting Pan With Rack - Non-Stick Ceramic Coated Sage, Caraway Home Small Rectangle Pan, and Caraway Ceramic Rectangle Pan all share this top tier designation. In stark contrast, nonstick roasting pans from Calphalon and All-Clad receive Grade F ratings (15/100 safety estimate)—indicating higher modeled concern based on nonstick coating chemistry disclosed in public materials.

This guide examines PFAS presence across roasting pan categories, analyzing coating types, brand transparency, and third-party evidence to help you select cookware with lower concern profiles. Our grades represent model-based estimates derived from product materials disclosures, coating formulations, and manufacturer statements—not laboratory test results. We emphasize that association between a material type and PFAS presence is not proof of causation in any individual product without verified testing data.

Product	Brand	Type	PFAS Grade	Verdict
Caraway 16x13" with Rack	Caraway	Ceramic Nonstick	A (100/100)	Lowest modeled concern; ceramic coating chemistry
Caraway Home Small Rectangle	Caraway	Ceramic Nonstick	A (100/100)	Lowest modeled concern; ceramic coating chemistry
Caraway Ceramic Rectangle	Caraway	Ceramic Nonstick	A (100/100)	Lowest modeled concern; ceramic coating chemistry
GreenPan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick	GreenPan	Ceramic Nonstick	B (80/100)	Moderate concern; ceramic alternative to PTFE
ScanPan CLASSIC	ScanPan	Ceramic Nonstick	B (80/100)	Moderate concern; ceramic-hybrid coating
Le Creuset Classic Rectangular	Le Creuset	Enameled Cast Iron	C (70/100)	Higher modeled concern; enamel composition unclear
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron	Cuisinart	Enameled Cast Iron	C (70/100)	Higher modeled concern; limited transparency
Calphalon Hard-Anodized Nonstick 16"	Calphalon	Hard-Anodized PTFE Nonstick	F (15/100)	Highest modeled concern; traditional PTFE chemistry
All-Clad Large Nonstick with Rack	All-Clad	Hard-Anodized PTFE Nonstick	F (15/100)	Highest modeled concern; PTFE-based nonstick

Grade A: Caraway's Ceramic-Coated Leaders

Caraway's roasting pan lineup occupies the top safety tier based on available materials data. All three models—the 16x13" with Rack, Small Rectangle, and Ceramic Rectangle—employ ceramic nonstick coatings rather than PTFE-based chemistry. Caraway's published materials state the brand uses PFOA-free formulations and ceramic surface technology.

Materials & Construction: Caraway pans feature a ceramic nonstick surface over aluminum or aluminum-steel cores. The brand does not disclose detailed coating composition publicly, but ceramic nonstick systems typically avoid long-chain PFAS compounds historically associated with traditional Teflon manufacturing. No evidence of PFAS found in reviewed brand sources, though third-party lab confirmation would strengthen this claim.

Brand Claims vs. Verified Data: Caraway states its products are "PFOA-free" and formulated to avoid synthetic chemicals. This claim appears in marketing materials but is not backed by independent lab test results accessible to consumers. Our Grade A estimate reflects the stated use of ceramic chemistry—a category generally considered lower-concern than PTFE—not verified lab testing of Caraway's specific formulation.

Pros: Ceramic coating systems represent an alternative class to traditional fluorocarbon nonstick chemistry. Caraway's transparent manufacturing claims and brand reputation in the health-conscious cookware space support consumer confidence. Multiple size options offer flexibility.

Cons: No third-party PFAS testing published. Ceramic nonstick coatings can degrade faster than PTFE if overheated or abrasively scrubbed, potentially shortening product lifespan. Higher price point than traditional nonstick alternatives. Durability claims lack independent verification.

Grade B: Mid-Tier Ceramic Alternatives

Six products earn Grade B ratings (80/100 safety estimates), representing a moderate-concern profile. These include West Elm and Crate & Barrel editions of Caraway pans, GreenPan's Reserve ceramic line, and ScanPan's CLASSIC model. All employ ceramic or ceramic-hybrid nonstick coatings, positioning them above traditional PTFE chemistry but with less comprehensive brand transparency than Caraway's primary line.

GreenPan Reserve: The GreenPan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick Roasting Pan with Rack uses GreenPan's proprietary ceramic nonstick surface, marketed as Thermolon coating. GreenPan publishes third-party certifications confirming absence of PFOA and PTFE in its stated formulation, though comprehensive PFAS testing is not disclosed. Available evidence supports a lower-concern profile, but independent lab verification of all PFAS compounds would strengthen this grade.

ScanPan CLASSIC: The ScanPan CLASSIC Roasting Pan combines stainless steel with a ceramic-hybrid nonstick layer. ScanPan claims PFOA-free and PTFE-free manufacturing but provides limited transparency on full coating chemistry. This model occupies the Grade B tier due to moderate evidence of lower-concern design without comprehensive verification.

Caraway Retail Editions: The West Elm Caraway and Crate & Barrel Caraway 16.5" models employ identical ceramic nonstick technology to the Grade A originals but earn B ratings due to retail distribution variants and potential differences in quality control oversight. Brand claims remain consistent across editions.

Pros: Ceramic nonstick chemistry avoids traditional PTFE formulations. Several brands (GreenPan, ScanPan) offer published certifications of PFOA/PTFE absence. Moderate pricing below premium ceramic cookware. Broad retail availability.

Cons: Comprehensive PFAS testing not disclosed by most manufacturers. Ceramic coatings require careful use and may show wear within 2–3 years of heavy cooking. Brand claims of "PFOA-free" do not address short-chain PFAS alternatives or other synthetic stabilizers in coating chemistry.

Grade C: Enameled Cast Iron—Unclear Composition

Three roasting pans receive Grade C ratings (70/100 safety estimates): the Le Creuset Classic Rectangular, Le Creuset Signature, and Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron. These products use porcelain enamel coatings over cast iron bases. While enamel itself does not inherently contain PFAS, the manufacturing processes and any non-stick additives in the enamel formula are not transparently disclosed by either brand.

Materials & Concerns: Porcelain enamel roasting pans rely on a glass-like coating that requires no PTFE or synthetic nonstick chemistry. However, neither Le Creuset nor Cuisinart publicly disclose the full chemical composition of their enamel, including potential use of processing aids or release agents that might contain PFAS compounds. Cast iron itself poses no PFAS concern; the question centers on enamel additives.

Brand Transparency: Both Le Creuset and Cuisinart do not publish detailed enamel composition or PFAS-related certifications for these roasting pans. This lack of transparency prevents confident assessment and results in the Grade C tier—neither clearly lower-concern nor higher-concern, pending disclosure.

Pros: Cast iron enamel products have long culinary history and durability. No nonstick coatings mean no risk from synthetic fluorocarbon degradation. Heavy thermal mass aids even heating. Suitable for oven, stovetop, and broiler use.

Cons: Enamel can chip with rough handling, exposing cast iron below. Heavy weight makes handling difficult for some users. Chipped enamel may require replacement of the pan. Manufacturers' lack of PFAS disclosure prevents confident lower-concern classification. No independent testing available.

Grade F: Traditional PTFE Nonstick—Highest Modeled Concern

Four roasting pans earn the lowest Grade F rating (15/100 safety estimates): Calphalon Hard-Anodized Nonstick 16", Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 16in, Calphalon Premier 16" (variant), and All-Clad Large Nonstick with Rack. All use hard-anodized aluminum bases with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nonstick coatings—the traditional chemistry associated with PFAS concerns in cookware.

Why PTFE = Higher Modeled Concern: PTFE nonstick chemistry historically has been manufactured or processed using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a long-chain PFAS compound. While manufacturers have phased out direct PFOA use since 2013, PTFE production may still involve or leave residues of PFAS-class compounds. These products do not disclose PFAS-free certification or comprehensive coating composition.

Calphalon's Claims: Calphalon states its hard-anodized nonstick products are "PFOA-free," but does not certify absence of other PFAS compounds or detail the complete manufacturing chemistry. This partial claim falls short of comprehensive PFAS transparency. No third-party PFAS testing published for these models.

All-Clad Position: All-Clad offers premium hard-anodized nonstick roasting pans with similar PTFE-based coating technology. The brand does not publicly emphasize PFAS-related claims or certifications, and no independent PFAS testing is available. Grade F reflects the use of PTFE chemistry in the absence of comprehensive PFAS avoidance documentation.

Pros: PTFE nonstick coatings offer superior nonstick performance and durability compared to ceramic alternatives. Hard anodization increases scratch resistance. Established manufacturing standards and consumer familiarity. Lower price than comparable ceramic or premium cookware.

Cons: PTFE nonstick chemistry represents a broader category historically linked to PFAS manufacturing, even if direct PFOA has been phased out. Manufacturers do not disclose PFAS-alternative compounds used in modern formulations. Overheating PTFE coatings can produce fumes. No independent PFAS testing available to verify claims of "PFOA-free" status. Higher concern profile based on available materials chemistry.

What to Avoid

Avoid hard-anodized nonstick roasting pans from Calphalon and All-Clad if PFAS concern is a purchasing priority. These products use PTFE-based nonstick coatings without comprehensive PFAS certifications or third-party testing to verify safer alternatives. The absence of transparent disclosure about full coating composition and PFAS avoidance places them in the highest modeled-concern category.

Be cautious of any roasting pan where the manufacturer does not disclose coating composition or PFAS-related claims. Absence of transparency is not proof of PFAS presence, but it prevents informed decision-making. Look for brands that voluntarily publish third-party certifications (such as PFOA-free or PTFE-free claims backed by testing) or use alternative coating technologies like ceramic nonstick systems.

Enameled cast iron roasting pans from Le Creuset and Cuisinart should be approached with awareness that enamel composition is not publicly disclosed. While enamel coatings themselves do not inherently contain PFAS, the lack of manufacturer transparency prevents confident classification. If pursuing lower-concern options, prioritize brands with explicit PFAS-related disclosures.

Our Pick: Caraway Leads, Ceramic Alternatives Follow

Best Lower-Concern Option: The Caraway Caraway 16x13" Roasting Pan With Rack - Sage achieves the highest safety estimate (Grade A, 100/100) based on available materials data. Caraway's ceramic nonstick coating, stated PFOA-free formulation, and brand transparency regarding manufacturing chemistry position this model as the leading lower-concern roasting pan. Our model-based estimate reflects