Methodology
Every product runs through the same public rubric. We start at 0 and add or subtract points for the signals below to get a PFAS risk total, then flip it into a 0–100 safety score (100 minus risk) and an A-to-F grade. Higher score and higher grade both mean safer.
Two ratings on every product
PFAS grade: the A-to-F below, measuring forever-chemical risk only. It never mixes in anything else, so an A always means “lowest PFAS concern.”
Overall grade: the combined call. It starts from the PFAS safety score and subtracts a fixed penalty for every other hazard our deep analysis flags (heavy metals in glazes, coating breakdown fumes, BPA and plasticizers, dyes and preservatives): 4 points for a possible hazard, 10 for a reported one, 18 for a likely one. A product whose verdict is Skip can never score above 59 overall. Products still waiting on their deep analysis show the PFAS grade alone; the Overall appears automatically once their analysis lands.
The grade scale
A · Very low PFAS (90–100/100)
PFAS-free likely — a top-safe pick
B · Low PFAS (80–89/100)
Low concern, minor unknowns
C · Moderate (70–79/100)
Mixed — limited disclosure
D · Elevated (65–69/100)
Likely contains PFAS-related materials
F · High PFAS (0–64/100)
PFAS confirmed or highly likely — avoid
The scoring factors
| PTFE / Teflon confirmed | +50 |
| Fluoropolymer detected | +45 |
| Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed | +40 |
| Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment | +35 |
| Unknown / proprietary coating | +25 |
| Stain-resistant finish | +20 |
| Uncoated safe material (bare cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, glass) | −20 |
| Safe base material (ceramic, mineral, natural fiber) | −10 |
| Category baseline (cookware, clothing, etc.) | +0 to +30 |
| No PFAS disclosure from the brand | +15 |
| Vague safety claims only | +10 |
| Brand-stated PFAS-free | −10 |
| Third-party PFAS-free verification | −30 |
| PFAS detected in lab testing | +40 |
| No PFAS found in lab testing | −40 |
| Government recall or advisory | +25 |
Beyond PFAS: hazard flags and the Verdict
The A-to-F grade measures PFAS risk only, and it stays that way. Separately, every product gets a deep analysis covering the other established hazard classes for its category: heavy metals like lead and cadmium in ceramic glazes, PTFE fume risk, BPA and phthalates in plastics, formaldehyde and azo dyes in textiles, 1,4-dioxane and talc in personal care, flame retardants in furniture. Each is reported as a qualitative level, None known / Possible / Reported / Likely, never a letter grade, because public information about these hazards does not support that precision.
The Verdict (Buy / Buy with care / Skip) synthesizes the PFAS grade, the hazard flags, and the brand’s record into one recommendation, with two hard rules no analysis can override: a product graded D or F for PFAS is always Skip, and a Likely non-PFAS hazard caps an otherwise clean product at Buy with care. Buy links follow the Verdict.
Important
These scores are model-based estimates from product materials and publicly available information. They are not laboratory certifications. We phrase results as “likely contains PFAS-related materials” or “no evidence of PFAS found in reviewed sources.” For decisions that matter, confirm directly with the manufacturer or an accredited lab.
Now put it to work
Search anything you own and read its grade with this rubric in hand.