Calphalon · Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Calphalon Orbit Baking Mat, 16.5 X 11 Inch Silicone 16.5"l X 11"w,
Silicone mats pose lower PFAS risk; verify brand specifics.
Silicone baking mats are generally lower PFAS concern than Teflon-family coating nonstick coatings. Calphalon makes no public PFAS disclosure for this product, but silicone itself is not a PFAS material.
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Material
Silicone baking mat
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Marketed non-stick without stating the coating chemistry.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This mat is food-grade silicone, a synthetic rubber polymer that does not contain the ceramic, metal, or polymer coatings that pose leaching risks in traditional cookware. Silicone is chemically stable under normal baking temperatures (up to roughly 500F for most brands). Unlike Teflon-type coating-coated cookware, silicone mats do not release volatile fumes if overheated, making thermal degradation a lower concern.
The brand's record and disclosure
Calphalon has not published specific PFAS certifications or testing data for its silicone product line, which is typical for baking mat manufacturers. The brand has faced recalls for other cookware lines (primarily nonstick cookware with Teflon-type coating), but no widespread safety issues have been recorded for Calphalon silicone mats specifically. The company is part of the Groupe SEB portfolio and meets FDA food contact standards for silicone products.
How it compares in its category
Silicone baking mats occupy a lower-risk position compared to Teflon-type coating-coated mats and glass or ceramic alternatives with glazes that may contain lead or cadmium. Most major brands (Calphalon, OXO, Silpat) use comparable food-grade silicone formulations. Parchment paper is a single-use alternative with minimal chemical risk but generates waste.
If you buy it
Hand wash in lukewarm soapy water; avoid abrasive scrubbers and dishwashers, which can degrade the surface over time. Do not exceed 500F oven temperature. Replace if visible tears, permanent staining, or sticky residue develops, as coating integrity cannot be visually assured once compromised. Store flat or loosely rolled to prevent creasing that may cause premature wear.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Silicone degradation under heat or mechanical stress
If the mat is repeatedly exposed to temperatures above 500F or aggressively scrubbed, silicone can crack, tear, or leach small fragments into food. Calphalon does not specify maximum temperature; manufacturer guidance should be confirmed.
Contamination from poor manufacturing or recycled silicone
No recalls or documented contamination for Calphalon silicone mats. Food-grade silicone is regulated by FDA, but impurities depend on supplier and batch quality, which Calphalon does not publicly disclose.
Allergen or irritant residues from mold release or processing
Silicone mats may retain trace mold release agents or processing chemicals; thorough hand washing before first use is standard practice and mitigates this risk. No adverse event reports are documented for Calphalon's product.
Lead or cadmium in pigments (if colored)
This mat is typically uncolored or minimally pigmented silicone. Colored silicone baking mats carry theoretical risk of pigment contamination, but Calphalon's products have not been flagged for heavy metal content.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Cuisinart
13" Semi-Transparent Polymer Cutting Board
semi-transparent polymer (likely polyethylene or polypropylene)
Lower concern. Bare polymer cutting board unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Cuisinart
Silicone Cutting Board Mat, Non Slip Kitchen Counter Protector, For Secure Preparation And Easy Cleanup , Size: 5.10 cm
Silicone mat, non-slip surface
Low PFAS risk; silicone mats typically PFAS-free unless coated.
⚠Risky category by default
Cuisinart
Silicone Cutting Board Mat Nonslip Kitchen Counter Protectors For Secure Preparation And, Size: 5.10
silicone, nonslip base
Lower concern. Silicone mats rarely use PFAS, but verify product details.
⚠Risky category by default
More silicone cutting & prep boards grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.